Ampeg V3 For Bass? Is it designed around the B25B amp?

Nighttrain1127 · September 08, 2015, 03:56:19 PM

I have a line on an Ampeg V-3 and want to know if it is voiced right for Bass and if it is worth picking up?

Dave W · September 08, 2015, 07:18:26 PM

The EQ is voiced for guitar. It's based on the B25, not the B25B. If it's a head, it would still be useable for bass. If it's one of the open-back combos, IMHO you'd be wasting your money, no matter how little it costs.

Alanko · September 09, 2015, 04:22:14 AM

Geddy used smaller Ampeg combos for backstage warm-up. You will find that the V3 will carry almost no fundamental, but may have a pleasingly warm, mids-friendly tone that works well for quiet practice?

Where is that 3001 now? Maybe that was the bass on Tom Sawyer.

wellREDman · September 09, 2015, 01:59:40 PM

what is that thing next to the twin ?

66Atlas · September 09, 2015, 05:40:58 PM

Thats what remains of a Fender P bass. Some might say the "before" was better looking but Im no so sure

66Atlas · September 09, 2015, 05:50:46 PM

Ive got a V3 and have played around with it on bass. It breaks up pretty quick and the distortion it gives isn't terribly pleasing to my ears. Its just ends up over-distorted and broken sounding if that makes any sense.

Nighttrain1127 · September 09, 2015, 06:28:14 PM

It is the head itself and the guy that has it says he used it for bass in a band with a Hartke 210 and 115. So I am guessing For the 600 he wants I would be better off with a B25B and original 215 Cab.

Dave W · September 09, 2015, 06:50:37 PM

$600 is insane. $300 would be a stretch.

Alanko · September 10, 2015, 03:18:41 AM

Quote from: wellREDman on September 09, 2015, 01:59:40 PM
what is that thing next to the twin ?

As 66Atlas asserts, it is Geddy's original Precision bass. He used that bass on their debut album, which also happens to be my favourite Geddy tone. Originally sunburst, Geddy chopped it down into a teardrop shape, installed a jazz pickup snug with the bridge and gave it a weird blue-thru-white burst finish. He also reshaped the headstock into a 3+1 configuration (did Leo Fender see this prior to designing the Stingray?). I think it was wired for stereo. He uses it on the encore of that fairly recently uncovered black and white concert footage from NJ when they were supporting Kiss. I guess it is also on that first live album as well. It sounds like a Rick, but then again I think there is a chicken/egg thing with Geddy Lee and perceived Rickenbacker tone as people swear there was a 4001 on their debut album and there certainly wasn't.

Happy Face · September 10, 2015, 07:05:56 AM

Quote from: 66Atlas on September 09, 2015, 05:50:46 PM
Ive got a V3 and have played around with it on bass. It breaks up pretty quick and the distortion it gives isn't terribly pleasing to my ears. Its just ends up over-distorted and broken sounding if that makes any sense.

I had the same experience. It wasn't a good sounding breakup.

Nighttrain1127 · September 10, 2015, 11:31:18 AM

Thanks People I think I have my answer. The B25B it is.

godofthunder · December 06, 2015, 08:02:51 AM

I have a B25B, great little amp, good for small gigs, rehearsing and recording. It breaks up nicely.