Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I'm looking to replace my Peavey T-Max / Sansamp RBI combination for a all tube head.
Two options I have are the Ampeg V4BH or the Traynor YBA200.
Have you guys have any experience with them?
I use a Aguilar GS212 as cab.

Thanks

Ampeg, w/Tung-Sol reissues.

I have used an Ampeg V-4BH as my stage amp since I bought it new in 1996 (the first year of the reissued V-4BH). I am 100% happy with it and have not even looked at other amps.

There was a thread on V-4BHs here a couple of months ago... a search might find it.

I don't have any experience with Traynors.

Tube amps require a trip to the shop for a new set of tubes every now and then, depending on your playing frequency, but they have a certain sweetness on stage that is irreplaceable.

Good luck!

Thanks Jared and Dean!
I will have a search on V-4BHs.

I have tried neither although I use old SVT's and usually recommend Ampegs over anything else so the only thing I could say is that the Traynor is a 200 watt amp and would probably be louder and more solid at high volumes that the V4BH which is only 100, 100 watts is not a lot for a bass amp, not a lot of headroom. I used to use an old V4B which if anything was more powerful than the new ones and it never really had enough oomph for me although it had great tone. The Traynor has also gotten good reviews here.

Bob is right about the wattage issue. My V-4BH has always been enough juice for me - the few times we are playing big venues and need more volume, we'll use the XLR out on the back of the amp to send a direct line to the PA and use the PA's power to kick it up a notch. For tone, though, you can get tube overdrive warmth at lower volumes with the V-4BH. I like having just a touch of that in my tone. Sounds like you're choosing between 2 good, but different amps.

I'm only able to try the V-44BH in a local store. The YBA200 is only available in a onlineshop.
I think I'm leaning towards the Ampeg. This because I hardly have gigs with my band and I play mostly in my room. And I like the sound of Geddy Lee and I know he used Ampeg.
But my cab is rated 600 Watts at 8Ohm, so I'm a little afraid of the headroom..

A cabinet rating is just the amount of power it can handle. Unless it is a really inefficitent cab, it will do fine with the 100W of the Ampeg. You should always try before you buy.

The Aguilar cab is really efficitent, but I can't give the Traynor a testdrive. I will try the Ampeg.

The Traynor is an impressive little amp for a good price. I very much preferred it to the V4bh I tried.

However, if it is mostly for home use... get the 100W ampeg. 200W would be a waste. Check talkbass.com for reviews of the YBA200. It is very popular over there.