Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $1,097
High-end/Boutique
$200
$801+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Ampeg Venture V12 1,200-watt Bass Head". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Dive into the heart of your bass tone with the Ampeg Venture V12, a powerhouse of sound designed for the modern bassist. This 1,200-watt bass head, the jewel of the Venture Series, effortlessly combines portability with punchy, robust tones that push the boundaries of music. Whether you're rehearsing, recording, or rocking out on stage, the Venture V12 stands out with its Super Grit Technology (SGT) Overdrive, bringing you the iconic voicings of the legendary SVT and the warm, vintage tones of the B15. Easy to transport, yet uncompromising in power, this bass head ensures you’re always ready to deliver your best performance. From its intuitive control layout and extensive tone-shaping capabilities to its versatile connectivity options, the Venture V12 is your ticket to achieving the perfect bass sound, no matter where your music takes you.
Key Features:
- Super Grit Technology (SGT) Overdrive circuit, providing the classic sounds of SVT and B15 amps
- Class-D power section delivering a massive 1,200 watts, suitable for driving any cabinet
- Legacy preamp and 3-band EQ with sweepable mids for comprehensive tone shaping
- Ultra Hi and 3-way Ultra Lo switches, offering extended tonal versatility
- Highly musical variable compressor for dynamic control
- Effects loop with Mix control, XLR direct output for studio or stage use, Aux input, and Phones output for silent practice
- Dual Neutrik speakON outputs for reliable, high-quality connectivity
- Compact design that fits into a gig bag, perfect for the traveling musician
Product specs
| Type | Solid State |
| Number of Channels | 1-channel |
| Output Power | 1200W |
| Effects | Overdrive |
| Compression | Yes |
| EQ | 3-band EQ, Mid frequeny, Ultra Low Switch, Ultra Hi Switch |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4", 1 x 1/8" (aux in), 1 x 1/4" (power amp in) |
| Outputs | 2 x SpeakON NL2 (4 ohm minimum), 1 x XLR (DI out), 1 x 1/4" (preamp out) |
| Headphones | 1 x 1/4" |
| Effects Loop | Yes, Wet/Dry mix |
| Footswitch I/O | 1 x 1/4" TRS (overdrive, mute) |
| Footswitch Included | No |
| Power Source | Standard IEC AC cable |
| Height | 3.1" |
| Width | 14.6" |
| Depth | 10.8" |
| Weight | 8.3 lbs. |
FAQs
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Is the Ampeg Venture V12 1,200-watt Bass Head suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Ampeg Venture V12's 1,200-watt power output makes it suitable for live performances, providing ample volume and headroom for larger venues.
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What type of EQ controls does the Ampeg Venture V12 offer?
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The Ampeg Venture V12 features a 3-band EQ with adjustable mid frequency, along with Ultra Low and Ultra Hi switches for enhanced tonal shaping.
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Does the Ampeg Venture V12 Bass Head include built-in effects?
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Yes, the Ampeg Venture V12 includes built-in overdrive and compression, allowing for versatile sound shaping directly from the amp head.
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Can I use headphones with the Ampeg Venture V12 Bass Head?
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Yes, the Ampeg Venture V12 is equipped with a 1/4" headphone output, enabling silent practice sessions.
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What are the connectivity options available on the Ampeg Venture V12?
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The Ampeg Venture V12 offers multiple connectivity options, including 1/4" and 1/8" inputs, SpeakON NL2 outputs, an XLR DI out, and an effects loop with wet/dry mix.
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Does the Ampeg Venture V12 come with a footswitch?
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No, the Ampeg Venture V12 does not include a footswitch, but it has a 1/4" TRS footswitch jack for controlling overdrive and mute functions.
Videos
Ampeg
Ampeg | Janek Gwizdala | Venture Series | Performance
Reviews
PROS
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Lightweight and easily portable
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Unmistakable Ampeg sound quality
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On-board distortion offers versatility without extra gear
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High power output for its size
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SVT circuit enhances sound dramatically
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Compatible with various cabinets for flexible setups
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Offers both SVT and B15 tonal options for variety
CONS
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Some units may have quality control issues
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Lacks clean volume; struggles at higher settings
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Report of malfunctioning knobs on initial purchase
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Missing tuner output, a notable omission for some users
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Durability concerns due to lightweight construction
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ampeg Venture V12 1,200-watt Bass Head.
Features and functionality
Comparisons
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Venture series cabinets are modular, allowing combinations like 410 with 210, which is suggested over mixing Portaflex 410 with 115 for uniform tone.
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Compared to the Portaflex model, the Venture V12 is seen as a "Portaflex on steroids" due to its lightweight design and built-in overdrive circuit.
Source
Use cases and applications
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A single Venture 410 cabinet is recommended initially for significant volume, with the option to add a 210 later for versatility.
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User experience
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It's noted that pairing a 410 with a 115 is not ideal due to different power handling, potentially endangering the 115 with mismatched output distribution.
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After further consideration, the lightweight design is likened to a "fancy DI," requiring careful transport, highlighting the practicality of its gig bag.
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Build quality
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The plastic nuts on the jacks are notched and located outside, making them more susceptible to damage; users suggest carrying replacements.
Source
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
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Nate Newton switched his amps to Ampeg Venture V12 1,200-watt Bass Head, stating:
A Venture V12 head with 2 4x10 Venture cabinets and it CRUSHES. I can't believe these cabs that weigh 40 pounds each are so damn loud. It's amazing. The head is impressive as well, 1200 Watts solid-state and tons of headroom. Tons of bottom-end and mid-range bite and a little onboard dirt in the SGT circuit to give it a bit of a warm tube amp sound to take away the hard-edged 'plink' that solid-state bass amps can be known for. The onboard compressor is actually helpful too which is something I never thought I'd say. LET'S MAKE NOISES!
Nate further elaborate this on comment section from a post on Punk Rock Bass Players Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/share/p/G9Z8nhKuTzxkf5Yb/):
Fairly recently I was invited onboard with Ampeg. I've been using the Venture series amps and I absolutely love them! Ampeg generously offered me these and I say this with complete honesty...they're great. I should say that this is the first Ampeg head i've ever liked. I was an Orange guy for years
In this Instagram video, Vincen García can be seen using the Ampeg Venture V12. He mentions the model in the caption.
In the video titled "LA LOM Rig Rundown: Zac Sokolow & Jake Faulkner Guitar & Bass Gear Tour," Jake Faulkner can be seen using the Ampeg Venture V12 1,200-watt Bass Head at the 12:00 mark, which he discusses further later in the video.
To announce her inclusion in the 2026 Bass in the Grass lineup, Maple played the bassline of her first single "Lego" with a Fender Hello Kitty instrument cable, Ampeg Venture V12 bass amp head, and a Sterling StingRay sub series 4-string bass in vintage cream.
Seen here: https://www.instagram.com/maplespetdinosaur/reel/DQsLHE_k76P/
Album Usage
The Ampeg Venture V12 1,200-watt Bass Head has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ampeg Venture V12 1,200-watt Bass Head, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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