Ampeg Tube Amps for Guitar

[kiramdear]

Thanks, Colin,

yeah man, that's the stuff. And what a good price too, for $525

Can't beat used Ampeg for value.

[collin]

Thanks, Colin,

yeah man, that's the stuff. And what a good price too, for $525

Can't beat used Ampeg for value.

haha, yep.

I was the high bidder, actually. The same friend wanted to pick up a second amp (backup or to run stereo), so I was helping him get it.

I agree, it's a GREAT value, especially for a vintage all-tube 4x10. These were made like battletanks too, totally giggable.

[kiramdear]

cool, Colin, congrats and enjoy it. I know you will.

My partner ( the one with all the gear) isn't sure about where his work will take him this year, so I may indeed be looking for such a bargain myself shortly. You know how it is.

I've always loved the Ampeg sound. When I find the right one it's going to be great.

[woodyng]

hi kira,i purchased a 60's ampeg sb-12 combo last year for bass use. i have not had a chance to hear an electric guitar played through this,but i would bet it sounds great. as it's in oregon,and i am in memphis,i also have not yet heard my rick basses through it,either! (my jazz bass sounds real nice with it,tho) i am hoping 2009 brings some synchronicity to my life!

[chuck_king]

Ampeg nomenclature for the big tube guitar amps is a little confusing. The V2 is a 50 watt head; the V4 is a 100 watt head. Conventional wisdom is that they are louder than those ratings would suggest; maybe they are conservative. I have a V2 but have never side-by-sided it with, say, a 50 watt Marshall.

But where it gets confusing is with the combos. The VT-22 is the combo version of the V4, and the V T-40 is the combo version of the V2. One is 2x12 and one is 4x10 but I can never keep them straight.

The V4 speaker cabinet is a more-or-less traditional-shaped 4x12. The V2 cabinet was also a 4x12 but a bigger box, ported IIRC.

I don't think those speaker cabinets get enough credit. I have a V4 cabinet and it is far and away one of the best-sounding cabinets I've ever heard. And it's very efficient---just the thing you need with an amp famous for being one of the loudest around! Or maybe one has something to do with the other.

My first real guitar amp was a Gemini I. Man, I wish I still had it!

[kiramdear]

That's great! So much love for Ampeg. I knew I wasn't alone in my appreciation for these old tanks.

That V4 head is calling my name clear across town.

[CrestingWave]

That's great! So much love for Ampeg. I knew I wasn't alone in my appreciation for these old tanks.

That V4 head is calling my name clear across town.

Well, Kira... I know of a good tube amp tech not too far from you... With your continued access to those classic amps coming into question, perhaps now might not be a bad time to move on the Ampeg.

JR