Ampeg SVT 3 Pro vs. Ampeg B4R

[Insouciance]

Hey Hey Hey TalkBass,

I am torn between these two heads, and was wondering if any TB'ers could throw in their two cents...

I have done my research on both of them and fully understand the differences between the two, but was hoping some have had experiences with one or both and were willing to share. Because right now, I feel I could make either one work for me.

Here are some things that go through my mind concerning having an amp...

1. Reliability. My previous, and only, experience with a hybrid head was a Sunn 1200s. I used it at about ten practices (sounded beefy!), but when I was on stage about to do soundcheck...it didn't work. I have had an entry level Ampeg solid state head that hasn't failed me in 5 years. I play a lot, shows and practicing, just making noise. It needs to turn on every time.

B. I don't know if it really matters between the two, but I use a lot of effects. Dirt, modulation, pitch shifting, loops of feedback, all that over the top stuff. I would really like an articulate, defined sound. No matter who is playing it, it should sound good.

For what it is worth, my cab is a 2x15 Mesa, and I am going for an almost hairy, really plump, sound.

Thanks for the help TalkBass,
Insouciance.

[DanNowhere]

I've not used either, but I believe the concensus here is the 3 Pro is a much better head.

[audiomitch]

I love my SVT-3 Pro, haven't had any issues. There's some threads here that will help you get the most out of it.

I haven't used a B4R so I can't comment on how they compare, but there was one on my local Craigslist for $200 the other day. I almost pulled the trigger on it.

[waleross]

I owned the B4R and got rid of it and bought a SVT-CL. that being said it had a loud fan ( mine was a B-Stock) . the SvT3-Pro is newer and lighter, not as powerful but it should have less issues in the long run....Its your call.............................

[steveinohio]

I had a B4R and it was great. Had a few stance hiccups here and there but I beat the crap out of it. It had to go to the shop twice in the five years I had it. I would take it all day over the SVT3.

[Insouciance]

I appreciate everyone's thoughts!

[Gearhead17]

The 3 PRO has decent tube growl and works best with a 4 ohm cab. The B4R has much more headroom, no tube growl and has a Tube Emulation knob on it. The Tube Emulation knob makes the B4R sound much warmer - quite similar to the 4 PRO.

It's your choice.