Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Speaking of Ampegs, I'd like to know if anyone has played thru one of those V-4BH reissues, a smaller version of the SVT. It has the same preamp as the new SVT Classic, and I think it would be just about ideal for me, but I never have found one in any music store. Anybody tried one out?

Speaking of Ampeg, I just saw that Gene Simmons has an Ampeg Signature Model called the "Punisher". I wonder if he knows what it sounds like?

Gene-

Got a newer V-4BH and while it is a nice sounding amp-it differs from the 'ole SVTs. The pre amp uses the 12AX7s and a 12AU7 (?) vs the 12DW7 and 6K11 of the older models, 6L6s vs 6550s or even 6146s

The 'thump' just ain't what I remember, but then this thing weights in at about half an SVT. The reissue SVTs are suppossed to be more reliable, but the tone is decidedly-different.

I can't say how it really stands out vs other 12AX7/12AU7/6L6GC amps out there.

But I still won't sell it...

IMHO

You can grab an old V4B from Ebay for about $300.00 and they are still very reliable, I had one years ago and liked it, it was like a baby SVT. Ampegs are bulit like tanks. I have a friend who has both and says his old one sounds better, has more punch (he did the 6550 conversion on it which gives it 30 more watts, up to 130 watts) the preamp in the old ones is similar to an old SVT, there are some different tubes though.

The old Traynor bass heads are good, about 75 watts, and the really old ones have a choke in the power supply. Probably more guitarists use them these days (the guys who use distortion boxes and just need a power amp for power), but they would be nice for a small club or practice. As I mentioned before, the original SVT was based on them. I see them regularly on eBay, and they are getting a reputation again and rising in price.

I wonder if he knows what it sounds like?

Doubtful...

Jared,
I've played thru a couple of new SVTs, and while they don't really sound that close to the old ones, I like the tone a lot, and I believe the V4BH has the same preamp. I'm just not sure I really need an SVT in the small clubs and little places I usually play in, and I worry that I'd never be able to drive an SVT enough to get it to the "sweet spot". Thus my thoughts of the V4.... Do you find the five position mid selector to be useful in shaping your sound?

Gene-

yeah ya know that 5 band thang works ok, but I'm not a gig'er. I am not up to that level where I can sound better than the amp.

The sweet-spot will sound a tad different by virtue of the output section. ME, I prefer 6550s and KT88's. Some guys like RCA 6L6GCs or KT66s.

Don't get me wrong, this is a wonderful amp, maybe if I used some VA KT66s.

My favorites are my Marshall 1967 Superbass w/KT88s, JTM45 revoiced w/KT66s and Ampeg SB-12.

That's OK with me if the sweet spot sounds a little different, what I am looking for is a vintage sound, and enough power to cut thru the mix of a fairly low powered band. My last band I played with a guy who owned a hot-rodded blackface Twin Reverb, which would REALLY roar, but he rarely brought that thing up loud enough to where I couldn't play with him and the rest of the band using a B2R or a Fender BXR 100 amp(for practice). My main concern is if I will have enough headroom with a V4BH, a 410 SVT HE cab, and a 1x15 extension cab for the really big gigs!
What do you think Jared? If you like, email me, address is in my profile...
Thanx

It'll do just fine!