Yea, your gonna need a preamp with that (V4BH)

[Deacon_blue]

I just got a used Ampeg V4BH and I like it except for the available clean power. When you push the gain beyond the 5 to 6 setting it starts to break up. This is unfortunate since I really don

[der oxenrig]

Boosting the input will just get you more overdrive.

 

 

 

Sounds like you need more clean headroom, even though overdriven bass sounds kick ass and are alot of fun, you should be embracing the overdrive.

[mike fitzwell]

I hate to say it, but IME to get more clean volume out of it you'll need to add more speakers. I don't have firsthand experience with the V4BH, but do have a '73 V-4. I get plenty of clean volume out of my Ampeg 8x10 or through 2 homebuilt 2x15s loaded with BWs. That's not the case through my Avatar 2x12.

[Deacon_blue]

 

Originally posted by mike fitzwell I hate to say it, but IME to get more clean volume out of it you'll need to add more speakers. I don't have firsthand experience with the V4BH, but do have a '73 V-4. I get plenty of clean volume out of my Ampeg 8x10 or through 2 homebuilt 2x15s loaded with BWs. That's not the case through my Avatar 2x12.

 

 

Umm. I don't know. The '73 vintage amps have more available power than the newer stuff, even in the CL's. It seems like Ampeg has buggered with the preamps. The power is sitting there, but shows up as distortion.

Like I said, the Twin Reverb could be offensivley loud even with the one 2X10 cabinet so I don't think more speakers would help much.

[der oxenrig]

Or you could just ditch the V4BH, and get a vintage V4(B). The modern stuff isn't to my taste either, but the older stuff seems to be much nicer.

[rikshaw]

yea!

 

haha

[mike fitzwell]

Yeah from what I've read they are two totally different beasts. The main difference is that the V4BH has a gain/master scheme, whereas the earlier V-4(B) has a single volume control for each channel. (The channels are identical though.) I'm sure that makes a world of difference right there.

[der oxenrig]

 

Originally posted by mike fitzwell Yeah from what I've read they are two totally different beasts. The main difference is that the V4BH has a gain/master scheme, whereas the earlier V-4(B) has a single volume control for each channel. (The channels are identical though.) I'm sure that makes a world of difference right there.

 

 

You can also bridge the channels on the vintage models, for more volume & overdrive if you want it.

[Deacon_blue]

Problem solved.

 

I did as Ox suggested and dimmed the gain control and ran the master volume at 3.

It seems a little counterintuitive but the result is waaay more volume - and smooth/creamy, rather than raspy overdrive. I can live with it, especially playing live.

OK, I

[der oxenrig]

 

Originally posted by Deacon_blue Problem solved.   I did as Ox suggested and dimmed the gain control and ran the master volume at 3. It seems a little counterintuitive but the result is waaay more volume - and smooth/creamy, rather than raspy overdrive. I can live with it, especially playing live. OK, I

[Deacon_blue]

All I can say is, it works for this head...and I do mean 3 not 3 o'clock.

My bass sounds like it has Barts in it

 

...and may I add, Yorkville cabinets are the bomb.

Why pay too much for a cabinet?

[der oxenrig]

Yorkvilles kick for the money, and they look cool to boot. (the XC series).

 

I still want Schroeders though.

[NeonVomit]

Meh be happy with the massive ones u have.

 

I'm happy with the little Ashdowns I have Especially that little ABM... one sweet, sweet cab.