Should I trade my Sunn Beta lead for an Ampeg V4b?

[Piecutter]

I have a Sunn Beta lead head and matching cab. I have a guy that has an old 70’s Ampeg V4b that has new tunes and was just serviced that wants to trade his head for my head and cab. He said he would throw in a Pharoah pedal to sweeten the deal. My thing is this, I’m looking for something I can sell and make money in the future. Plus I’ve always wanted a V4. What are you guys opinions? I’ve seen some on reverb and eBay going for around 1400-1500.... it would be easier for me to sell the Ampeg head than it would be the Sunn head and cab. Plus the pharoah is not a cheap pedal.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

[$harkToootth]

Someone should correct me but I think the SUNN 'Collector Prices' are going to be on their way out soon. I would make the same argument for amps in general. There will always be collectors and traders but I'm speculating, what with amp/cab sim pedals getting more and more popular and a lot of people going 'amp less', or gravitating toward power amps... these days or 'making money' are numbered. This is an anecdotal/speculation.

Point being, I'm agreeing with you. I think it's going to be easier to sell the Ampeg than the Sunn. Not to mention people are making clones of the pre-amp and full amp now. I'd probably take the deal.

[D.o.S.]

I think it's a lateral move but if you're looking to sell and make money in the future it's easier to sell a head than a head and a matching cab.

[jirodreamsofdank]

Old Ampegs aren't worth that much - $500-700 is more likely plus a little for the recent service if you want to count it.

They're badass. I had a VT40 (4x10 combo that weighed an absolute ton) and now I have a V2 (50-60W version of V4). It's grumpy as hell because I haven't had it serviced - one channel has some weird noises in some rocker positions - but it can cover so much ground and it has one of the best edge of breakup sounds I've ever heard.

[Piecutter]

Yeah I have seen some going for like 800 on craigslisst in other places and on reverb they are like around 1400! I’m not sure how to gage it compared to the beta lead. I was trying to get like 1k for my sunn amp and cab but I’m not having any luck. I’m just afraid if I trade it I’ll be losing out on cash if trade and end up getting rid of it for like 600 or something. He sweetened up the deal by throwing in the Pharoah so that’s something.

I have to figure it out by tonight and let him know. He’s in town for some shows and is leaving Sunday...

I wish I wasn’t so damn indecisive!!!

[jirodreamsofdank]

Sort on Reverb by sold listings and most recent, that's the best way to get going rates. I'd guess V4bs and Beta Leads are both selling in the same ballpark, sans cab... but cabs aren't worth much in general because they're so hard to ship.

[Piecutter]

Sort on Reverb by sold listings and most recent, that's the best way to get going rates. I'd guess V4bs and Beta Leads are both selling in the same ballpark, sans cab... but cabs aren't worth much in general because they're so hard to ship.

Thanks man. That’s a tremendous amount of help. I think I’m gonna skip on the trade. I have reservations... I think I’m gonna hold off

[$harkToootth]

Yo...
Ampeg V4b

SUNN BETA LEAD -> Couldn't find the same chart but on average, they sell at a similar price point (in comparing just the heads, I would argue the Ampeg sells for a higher price... not high enough to warrant the cab though). Both have some peaks. Again, I'm of the opinion if you are going to 'make money' on a SUNN head, the time to sell would be now. Seems you could make more on the ampeg though as their 'spikes' (the outliers at high prices) are higher.

Not trying to sway you one way or the other. Beta Lead is super cool... but there are enough clones out there now if you want 'that sound'. Take what I say with a grain of salt, I'm really not an 'amp guy'. I just like comparison shopping.

[$harkToootth]

So what happened?

[Piecutter]

Oh hey! I forgot to do a follow up. Well I ended up making the trade. My head and cab for the v4B. It’s not the more sought out silver face but it’s probably like a 76 or 78...
Every once in a while I miss my beta lead but I usually get over it quickly.

I have someone that wants to trade me for an Orange Terror Bass 500 and I’m considering it. Anyone have experience playing one? If I would trade I would need to get a bass because I play the ampeg with a guitar setup. I don’t think it would be wise to play guitar out of the terror bass...

One big difference between them both is the weight. The V4B weighs a ton! The orange is one of those lunchbox amps. Lightweight with a gig bag...

[oscillofuzz]

Definitely don't trade vintage all-tube for modern hybrid (12ax7 slapped in front of a class d poweramp). I highly doubt the 2nd hand pricepoint of an Orange Terror Bass is more than 400. And build quality of modern Orange is debatable so I've heard. Not that it sounds bad though, that's not the point.

[Piecutter]

Definitely don't trade vintage all-tube for modern hybrid (12ax7 slapped in front of a class d poweramp). I highly doubt the 2nd hand pricepoint of an Orange Terror Bass is more than 400. And build quality of modern Orange is debatable so I've heard. Not that it sounds bad though, that's not the point.

Hell ya man! I completely agree. I had more of a gut feeling to keep the Ampeg. I was only thinking about it because of the weight but I just keep telling myself that I’ll live. Thanks man. That was extremely helpful!

[crochambeau]

I don’t think it would be wise to play guitar out of the terror bass...

No harm will ever come from playing a guitar into a bass amp.

Bass guitar into guitar amp may stress speakers however, I play tuned down and have hammered a few speakers into submission.

If your concern was based on tone ignore me.

I'd slate the V4B as a forever amp.