Bass Gear Review

Reviewer	Robert
Experience	24
Review date	August 14 2002
Manufacturer	Ampeg
Model	V-4B (mid-1970's)
Price	$300
Item owned for	1-6 months

Dimensions	26 1/2" W x 10" H x 11" D
Weight	61 lbs
Power	100 W RMS
EQ	Bass, Mid, Treble, Ultra Hi/Low, Mid Select
Other	Chassis is shock-mounted.

The Ampeg V-4B amp from the 70's is an affordable "little brother" to the mighty SVT that we all know and love. The controls are just as straight-forward, the construction is top-notch, and most importantly-- the Ampeg all- tube tone is there. Although this amp is rated at 100 Watts RMS into 8, 4, or 2 Ohms, I measured 130 W RMS at the onset of clipping (using 7027A output tubes). While the V-4B has less power and headroom than the SVT, it is still plenty for most club gigs with a good cabinet (I suggest a 2x15, 4x10, or 8x10 to get your bell bottoms really flappin').

Even though the uncommon tubes used in the V-4B (6K11, 7027A quartet) aren't cheap, you can still find the "good stuff" (USA and European New Old Stock) at several tube places on the Web.

I would recommend that you snap one of the old V-4B's up when you can (factor in the cost of a spare set of tubes, though). It's a great amp for the "meat & potatoes" bassists (like me) who dig the fat tube sound.

Construction	98%
(Built Ampeg tough!)
Clarity	95%
(Solid, tube tone)
Versatility	95%
(Simple, no-frills controls -- plug and play)
Volume	90%
(Great for all types of gigs)
Value	95%
(Great tone for not much bones ($$))
Overall	95%
(A keeper!)