Early 70's Ampeg V4 vs. V4b

[stingray666]

I know the v4 is a guitar head but I also have heard that the v4 and the v4b are identical but the v4 has the reverb removed. Any truth to that? Anyone using the V4 for bass? Please answer....looking to buy!

[jay42]

The gain structure and switches are different. For instance, it's easier to drive the V4 into distortion than the V4-B (I owned on for several years). For bass, I don't think the V4 would be inferior. They weigh a ton of course.

[stingray666]

I want that OD sound, maybe the v4 may be the better choice for me.

[Spentmusic]

I used both a V4 and a V4B for many years with my rick. Either amp works great for bass and for most clubs all you need. The majority of the amp is a mirror of one another and you could not go wrong with either one!!!

[joe_jr]

V4s are good for bass. My first bass rig (http://home.comcast.net/~webposter/guitar/bassrig2.jpg) consisted of a VT-22 (combo version of the V4) and a 1x15" Fender cab. Odd-looking, but it got the job done.

I recently acquired a '71 V4 head as part of a trade. I'm going to have my amp tech convert it to 6550s (still has some old 7027As in it), and use it as a general backup amp for bass, guitar, or monitors. Very versatile amp!

[Red Planet]

I have used several V4 for Bass Heads with great results.

The last one I had I used with an Eden 4X10 XLT and it sounded great.

I stripped the tolex off the head, stained a burgandy stain, painted the front of the Chassis a fake Granite Paint, hand painted the words for the controls, had a guy engrave a plate with V-4 on it and glued it to the front and put Black Metal knobs on it. Man did it look and sound sweet.

I ended up selling it to a Studio that made me an offer I couldnt refuse. :AOK