The newer version of a V-4B is a very good modern interpretation of this model. It’s 100 watts of all-tube goodness, but has nice newer features like integrated DI, among other things.
Looks-wise, the modern V-4B totally nails it. But how does it sound? See (and hear) the video below and decide for yourself.



I call bullshit. People didn’t play plinky plink 5 string basses though V4b’s. Where is the vintage V4B for comparison?
At one time, I played a Zon Sonus 5 string through a vintage V-4B and an SVT 2 x 15 cab. Sounded pretty good.
I tried it at a local Guitar Center while demo-ing a Fender American Deluxe Jazz V, and holy crap did it boom! The amp sounded incredible, and I wish I could get sounds like that out of my rig…
Sounds good in a sound proof room for this video but get it on stage with a full band & see how it cuts through. I had an original V4B back in the mid 80’s w/610 cab & was constantly battling with the guitarist & his 50w Marshall half stack. SVT w/810 or go home.
I recognized thatV-4B sound instantly.Even with the pick the headroom clip ratio was there.If you have ever owned one you would know.Yes side by side is the true test.Experience that Ampeg thing .
100 watts is what is promised and that’s what you get.I too switched to SVT and two 15′ EVLB’s.Never cranke up past #5.
I have played my Musicman Sterling Bass through the SVT Classic along with a 8X10 Cab and I would settle for nothing less in the Studio and on Stage this Amp Shines!
Wow am I starting to feel old! I have t been bassist for about 40+years. I almost always have used a Fender P. Years ago, I actually was using two 200 watt tube heads, a Marshall and a Sound City with 2 Marshall 4 X 12 cabs and 2 Sound City 4 x 12 cabs. Switched to Acoustic 360s (4 heads, 4 cabs) and then after playing lead guitar for a while went back to bass and chose Ampegs. Loved the SVTs! I am not that active after getting a Ph.D. but I don’t like the sound of these these Ampegs and why is slap so damn important? Just give me bass, treble and scooped mids on the P I use with a pick and SD Basslines and a Badass bridge and Rotosound Swingbass through a midsize Ibanez combo with a an extension 4 X 10 cab, and a PhatHed stomp box and it sounds better than the Ampeg.
Why always slap bass?? Its about 5% of bass playing in the real world.
I agree, hate when some one slaps on a demo… Don’t slappa da bass!!!
Amen to this!!
Vintage Acoustic 360 BLOW away anything out there.;.;
Acoustic 360 BLOW away anything out there.;.;
Sounds like he should have bought a Mesa
Have had both the Acoustic 360 and an SVT. Sorry an SVT will BLOW AWAY a 360 every time. Go to a Festival this summer see what’s in the back line
Had a 60’s V4B they are awesome would love a new one!
Why slap on the demo? Because, if I am Ampeg, I want show how the amp performs whether the player is using a pick , his fingers or slapping. The listener may employ those techniques when they perform. I recently saw Incognito. The bass player slapped, played fingerstyle and everything in between. He was playing through a Ampeg SVT rig. Don’t hate on any technique. If a bassist expresses himself slapping, so be it. You can learn from it all if you keep an open mind.