The Ampeg V-4B 100w Bass Head is an Ampeg amplifier, currently around $1899.99. Close alternatives include the Ampeg Rocket Watts and the Ampeg V-4. It pairs well with the EarthQuaker Devices Arrows and the Catalinbread Galileo.
Ampeg V-4B 100w Bass Head
Ampeg · amplifier
The Ampeg V-4B is a 100-watt all-tube bass amplifier head, a reissue of the beloved 1971 original that earned a devoted following for delivering classic SVT-style tube warmth at lower wattages. Running four power tubes with a tube preamp section, it produces anything from clean, beefy tones to gritty saturated tube overdrive at volumes achievable in smaller venues and studios. Unlike the 300-watt SVT, the V-4B reaches its power amp sweet spot at moderate stage levels, making cranked all-tube sound more accessible. Modern updates include a post-master DI output, a -15dB input pad for active basses, and clearly labeled speaker outputs, while the core tube character remains faithful to the vintage circuit. It pairs particularly well with Ampeg SVT-series cabinets, notably the 212AV.
- tube
- gritty
- overdrive
- bass
- live
- recording
- warm
- modern
Good for
- Live
- Studio
- Silent Recording
Price updated Aug 27, 2026
Genres the Ampeg V-4B 100w Bass Head is commonly used in
- Grunge
- Rock
- Classic Rock
- Alternative
cited
Inferred from shared tonal signals, not a stated genre tag. - Blues
cited
Inferred from shared tonal signals, not a stated genre tag. - Blues Rock
cited
Inferred from shared tonal signals, not a stated genre tag.
Pedals that stack with the Ampeg V-4B 100w Bass Head
EarthQuaker Devices Arrows
EarthQuaker Devices
24% matchThe Arrows' subtle treble boost pushes the V-4B's gritty, overdriven tube voice into real presence.
Catalinbread Galileo
Catalinbread
21% matchThe Galileo's bright, pickup-voiced boost pushes the V-4B's gritty, overdriven tube voice into real presence.
Way Huge Pork Loin
Way Huge
21% matchWay Huge Pork Loin's own transparent character is the real reason this is worth trying
IdiotBox Effects End of Line
Idiotbox Effects
17% matchRun End of Line's experimental, noisy pulse after the V-4B's own gritty overdrive settles, so the modulation moves a defined tone.
Analog Man Comprossor
Analog Man
13% matchAnalog Man Comprossor leans toward bright, and that's a real, usable character to pair with
Boss RV-3 Digital Reverb/Delay
Boss
9% matchBoss RV-3 Digital Reverb/Delay's pristine voice goes in Ampeg V-4B 100w Bass Head's effects loop — it's not there to compete with Ampeg V-4B 100w Bass Head's own gritty character — goes in the amp's FX loop (or last, into a clean amp)
Catalinbread Csidman Ghost
Catalinbread
9% matchPut the Csidman Ghost's glitchy, experimental digital delay in the V-4B's loop, past the amp's own gritty, overdriven tube voice. — goes in the amp's FX loop (or last, into a clean amp)
Boss EQ 200 Graphic Equalizer
Boss
tonal matchWhere this leans warm, Boss EQ 200 Graphic Equalizer answers back bright
Cheaper alternatives
Boutique & premium upgrades
Similar charactersee all similar tone character →
See all alternatives to the Ampeg V-4B 100w Bass Head (cheaper + boutique) →
Questions people ask
What are good alternatives to the Ampeg V-4B 100w Bass Head?+
The closest matches in character are the Ampeg Rocket Watts, the Ampeg V-4, the Ampeg All-tube SVT. Budget picks: Ampeg V-4. Boutique upgrades: Ampeg All-tube SVT.
What pairs well with the Ampeg V-4B 100w Bass Head?+
Strong matches from rig and tone-complementarity evidence: EarthQuaker Devices Arrows, Catalinbread Galileo, Way Huge Pork Loin — The Arrows' subtle treble boost pushes the V-4B's gritty, overdriven tube voice into real presence..
How much does the Ampeg V-4B 100w Bass Head cost?+
Around $1899.99 (live listing price, updated Aug 27, 2026).