Which Ampeg?

Undrtkr_00 · #1 09-16-2010, 03:11 PM

I have been longing for a tube amp for some time, and am starting to get close to enough cash together, finally. I am pretty well sold on the Ampeg heads, but am really not sure which one to get. I am not clear on the differences between some of the modern models (SVT-CL, SVT-VR, and Heritage SVT-CL) or how they are likely to compare with the vintage SVT's. Can you all give me some insights?

I play a variety of music, but most often lately in a large Americana group - don't need huge volume/power. I'm more focused on tone/sound. I don't know of any places where I can side-by side test the different options. One guy told me he thinks all the modern ones suck compared to the vintage versions, but didn't say why - could be just one die-hard vintage guy.

I'm most interested in that warm, buttery low end I have heard. Can I get that from any of these amps?

Sartori · #2 09-16-2010, 03:42 PM

SVT-VR is basically a modern reproduction of the 70's model. Two channels, four inputs (making it possible to play through both channels), all that.

SVT-CL is a single channel variation of the SVT, made from the 90's onward. The main differences are the aforementioned fact that it is single instead of dual channel, and that it has a master volume knob and a gain knob instead of the old single volume knob per channel arrangement. It also has a five position midrange frequency selector knob instead of the old three position rocker switch.

The Heritage SVT-CL is basically the same as the regular SVT-CL, but made in the US with nicer parts and premium tubes. Not sure if that's worth the extra price or not.

jackcheez · #3 09-16-2010, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Undrtkr_00

I have been longing for a tube amp for some time, and am starting to get close to enough cash together, finally. I am pretty well sold on the Ampeg heads, but am really not sure which one to get. I am not clear on the differences between some of the modern models (SVT-CL, SVT-VR, and Heritage SVT-CL) or how they are likely to compare with the vintage SVT's. Can you all give me some insights?

I play a variety of music, but most often lately in a large Americana group - don't need huge volume/power. I'm more focused on tone/sound. I don't know of any places where I can side-by side test the different options. One guy told me he thinks all the modern ones suck compared to the vintage versions, but didn't say why - could be just one die-hard vintage guy.

I'm most interested in that warm, buttery low end I have heard. Can I get that from any of these amps?

Those kind of people tend to be a little overstated.

I've owned a mid 70's SVT, still have a '80 SVT and a 2005 SVT-CL. They're all nice, sure there's nothing like the old ones, but that doesn't mean the newer ones suck.

Right now, my favorite amp is an old V4-B. If you want a nice warm buttery low end, look for one. Plenty loud too.

Srsly.

Classickbass · #4 09-16-2010, 04:12 PM

Good time to buy old Ampeg gear for cheap....

http://cgi.ebay.com/Mid-70s-AMPEG-SV...item4aa4b285ac

derridiandrift · #5 09-16-2010, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackcheez

sure there's nothing like the old ones, but that doesn't mean the newer ones suck.

Right now, my favorite amp is an old V4-B. If you want a nice warm buttery low end, look for one. Plenty loud too.

+1

Doesn't really matter that much which SVT you buy, they all sound very similar. The SVT-CL is a bit woolier in the bass than all of the others.

V4B is probably perfect in terms of tone and volume for what you're doing, plus they're a bit more than half the price of an SVT, so they're a great bargain on the used market.

DanNowhere · #6 09-16-2010, 04:17 PM

I just picked up a V4BH from a TB seller not long ago. Tonally and cosmetically similar to the SVT CL. 100 watts instead of 300, and cost about half of what a used SVT CL would have run me. There were a couple on ebay last time I checked too.

Andy Pourke · #7 09-16-2010, 05:23 PM

The SVT 2 is all I need. Awesome tone and power and really versatile. It can go from clean to really dirty (using the drive and gain controls) and has a full eq. I find that I can get any sound out of it that I want, and they're all awesome. Many will say that it's not as warm as an SVT VR or Classic but although those amps are great, I find them a one trick pony to a certain extent. Good luck anyway.

morganmcd · #8 09-16-2010, 05:35 PM

I love my VR, had the chance to pick up a CL at the same time a bit cheaper and still went with the vintage.

Play them all!

Undrtkr_00 · #9 09-16-2010, 06:29 PM

Thanks for the feedback, guys.

Yeah, either the VR or vintage amp seems attractive for the 2nd channel. I'm thinking my wife's Nord electro might sound sweet through that... Anyone with experience using both channels simultaneously? Also - I assume the vintage ones don't have a direct out, right?

Thanks for the tips on the V4B, as well. I did find one new on e-bay, but it looks like Ampeg is calling this a "discontinued" item. How recently did they stop making them?

jastacey · #10 09-16-2010, 06:35 PM

they stopped making the V4-B in 1979

Classickbass · #11 09-16-2010, 06:40 PM

They discontinued the V-4B? When did this happen? I didn't get the memo. I guess this means I can call mine vintage now? Wait. We are talking about the red and blue logo version, correct?

countrybassist · #12 09-16-2010, 06:42 PM

I own both a 1973 SVT and a 2004 SVT-CL. They both sound amazing, but I dig the tone of the '73 SVT better. If you can't find a good '69 to '79 SVT, I'd go with the VR

countrybassist · #13 09-16-2010, 06:46 PM

[quote=Undrtkr_00;9718338]Thanks for the feedback, guys.

Anyone with experience using both channels simultaneously? Also - I assume the vintage ones don't have a direct out, right?

QUOTE]

Yep! I use my Sadowsky thru ch.1 and an EUB thru ch. 2 on the '73. I have no DI on either head. I use a Countryman 85 speaker out for that.