Ampeg V4.com

fernieite · 2014-04-16 10:09:35

Hi all,

I'm looking to buy my first Ampeg amp. I'm kinda looking for a lower wattage 1970's style combo that can give me the Rolling Stones Ampeg sound. (Studio, not live) I know they used the VT-22 in the studio and perhaps the VT-40. GU-12 and others.

What amps would you recommend to check out? Searching on this site and others I've narrowed it down to three models: The GV-22, G-12, and the GU-12; but open to any suggestions.

Thanks.

ROBO · 2014-04-16 15:48:35

the V-series amps are awesome. I'v never play a G series but I hear good things about them, they seem to be harder to come by but I never troll for them on Ebay either...

I had a fuse blow on my V4B a few weeks ago durring the first song at a show and a very nice young lady offered up her VT-40 for me to play though and it was killer.

It was a stock late 70's model, It was the first time I had the chance to play with one of the V-series combo amps and I was very impressed. I hooked it up to my 2 4x10's and it definitely got the job done and sounded really good with a sansamp in front of it.

The only bad part is that the price of the V4/VT-40/VT22's has started to go up from what I have notice in the past few years.

You used to be able to get one for about 400-500 in working order, but now it seems like everyone is wanting 600-900 depending on condition. The broad span of Ebay seems to drive the price up on a lot of things, everyone wants top dollar these days...

either way you wont be disappointed, any old Ampeg in good working condition will put a smile on your face.

Last edited by ROBO (2014-04-16 15:50:13)

hangman · 2014-04-16 19:11:52

I think the G12 is pretty hard to beat. especially if you can find one of the later black tolex ones that look like the gv-22 or vt-22.

if you dont need the volume of the V series, its a great amp.

the GV-22 is a nice in between too. and it has a killer tremolo/vibrato section.

alternately the super jupiter (b-42x) is basically the gv-22 with the power section of the V2. they made this in a vertical 2x12 combo form too (b-22x).

fernieite · 2014-04-17 05:32:07

Thanks guys!

Yeah, I'm leaning towards the later G-12 as you said or a GU-12 (There's some great clips on Youtube of Gu-12's doing the Exile or Sticky Fingers studio sound!)

I think the GV-22 and the B-42 or 22X will be too loud for my needs. These are all about what - 45 watts?

Anyone here have a later G-12 or GU-12 to compare? I think 20 or 22 watts is as loud as I want to get.

Last edited by fernieite (2014-04-17 05:36:11)

hangman · 2014-04-17 07:50:15

I have both the GU-12 and G-12. They are both great amps... but the gu-12 seems lacking.

basiclly the circuits are VERY similar between the Gu-12 and the G-12 but the g12 has an additional gain stage, and uses a 7199 for the phase inverter instead of the 12dw7 that the gu-12 uses.

I like the gu-12 a lot, but you really have to crank it to get it to breakup nicely, where as the g-12 will start breaking up beautifully at 10-11 o'clock.

I have tried everything to make the Gu-12 feel more alive like the g12, but ultimately I've decided that its the additional gain stage and 7199 phase inverter. I am totally biased... but the G12 will not disappoint you.
I don't think the GV-22 is outrageous. its certainly louder than the two Geminis but i wouldn't put it in the B42/v2 club. the gv-22 is probably 40 watts, while the v2 and b42 are more like 60 watts.
The Gv-22 has its magic, and well worth looking into.

fernieite · 2014-04-17 20:19:31

Thanks a lot man. I really appreciate your input!

Leaning towards a G-12 Gemini 12 now.

However, looking through the 71 Ampeg catalog I see a Rocket II GS-12R - any thoughts about these?

EDIT - Sorry, I see you answered this question in one of Smokeydusty's threads. I seem to be going down the same road as him

Last edited by fernieite (2014-04-18 06:05:47)

smokeydusky · 2015-02-25 18:44:44

Did you ever find what you were looking for?

fernieite · 2018-09-04 00:53:55

Wow - Just noticed your post. I guess there's no notification process here?!

Anyway - No, but I haven't pursued it much. I am thinking about a Reverbojet as another option.

Ampeg V4.com

forum

#1 2014-04-16 10:09:35

70's combos

#2 2014-04-16 15:48:35

Re: 70's combos

#3 2014-04-16 19:11:52

Re: 70's combos

#4 2014-04-17 05:32:07

Re: 70's combos

#5 2014-04-17 07:50:15

Re: 70's combos

#6 2014-04-17 20:19:31

Re: 70's combos

#7 2015-02-25 18:44:44

Re: 70's combos

#8 2018-09-04 00:53:55

Re: 70's combos

Board footer