Ampeg SVT '76

KLEIN · #1 06-29-2010, 09:24 PM

I recently saw an old SVT at guitar center for sale. I have been told by everyone on this forum that it is one of the best heads ampeg ever made. Much better than the SVT CL. I personally own an older CL SVT and absolutely love the way it sounds. Anyway the sticker price was set at $1999 and I was about to purchase it right then and there........Until I plugged into it. Even before I turned the volume up, the amp had major feedback! I tapped on the control panel and I could tell that one or more of the tubes had been microphonic. I asked if they would exept a grand for it due to it needing a lot of repair work. He said that I could just replace the tubes with any 12AX7 and I should be good. And since it is considerd a "vintage" amp that it was still worth two grand! I didnt even argue with him on his statement. So my question is, should I just have bought it and sold my CL for the repair bill? Is this relic really, truley worth it?

coreyfyfe · #2 06-29-2010, 09:33 PM

For that price you could probably find one in better condition. Never attempt to buy anything that could be considered "vintage" from a GC, it will be at least 20-50% over priced.

That aside, yes that amp is the tits, the bee's knees, the top-o-the line, top notch, top shelf, whatever you want to call the darn thing. But, if you are happy with your SVT-CL, then don't let GAS get in your way.

**B-string** · #3 06-29-2010, 09:39 PM

Chances are it has a 6C4 and that's where the trouble was/is. Other components can also cause this. but 1G was seriously low balling. JIMHO they are worth their weight. Try 1500-1700 with them not knowing if a recap will also be needed.

JimmyM · #4 06-29-2010, 10:30 PM

haha! what a dunce! most of the pre tubes in a 76 svt are 12dw7's. there's exactly one 12ax7 in the entire amp.

while the 6c4 is often a microphony culprit, i've found that it really doesn't affect the amp sound unless it's really out to lunch. pretty much every 6c4 i've ever used has a little bit of microphony, so i think the problem goes deeper than that personally. my guess is there must have been a couple microphonic tubes in it. probably not a tough fix, but it should be good for at least a hundy off.

anyway, a 76 is probably worth about as much as a new svt-cl, which is $1500-1600. so unless it was super duper clean and working perfectly, you did the right thing. go back in 3 weeks and offer them $1200 if it's still there.

coreyfyfe · #5 06-30-2010, 04:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

haha! what a dunce! most of the pre tubes in a 76 svt are 12dw7's. there's exactly one 12ax7 in the entire amp.

Unless someone followed the technical bulletin to change it over to 12AX7s after 12DW7s were discontinued like mine was

.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

anyway, a 76 is probably worth about as much as a new svt-cl, which is $1500-1600. so unless it was super duper clean and working perfectly, you did the right thing. go back in 3 weeks and offer them $1200 if it's still there.

It will be. It's been there for at least a few months already, I remember searching the GC used listings for vintage SVTs early this year and seeing a later 70s model for $2000. Probably this amp.

Hoss · #6 06-30-2010, 05:48 AM

Putting a high priced tubeamp up for sale AND let customers try it out and not even checking it for microphonic tubes?

Not very smart I think...

Maybe 5 minutes of work, 3 JJ 12DW7, one 12AX7 and a not-so microphonic 6C4 would have made an amp that floored you and you instantly bought it for that price.

My believe - this GC Dudes have no idea of nothing.

In that case - really good for you. Talk them down in SHOWING THEM that its not working properly. Tell them it needs expensive overhauling. I like Jimmys idea in offering them something like 1200.

Then you MAY consider: Recap, new cathode resistors, maybe some new pots or switches, some new tubes, maybe a new fan and youre good to go for another 30 years with an amp thats a piece of rock history and IMHO outperforms every CL or VR - But thats a matter of personal taste.

coreyfyfe · #7 06-30-2010, 06:04 AM

That's the problem with GC. When it comes to anything they tag as vintage, the approval has to be routed through their hollywood chain (at least that's what they say) before they can discount, and their only concern is get every cent they can. They will hold out until some sucker comes along and buys it for full price before haggling with you. I've seen it before. I tried talking them down on a few 70s basses (one that had a headstock repair and was way overpriced and another that was very badly refinished and was also way overpriced) and they wouldn't budge. Eventually someone bought both basses, probably for or close to the sticker price.

**Staccato** · #8 06-30-2010, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoss

Putting a high priced tubeamp up for sale AND let customers try it out and not even checking it for microphonic tubes?

Not very smart I think...

Or worse yet, maybe GC management plugged it in-winced, then rolled it onto the sales floor.

KLEIN · #9 07-01-2010, 12:02 AM

Well I will still keep my eye open for one in better condition. I have checked ebay, but I dont trust anything that I cant see or play through in person. Plus the shipping for one would be astronomicle! My CL has been very good to me, and like I said I really like its sound. Especialy when I push it with a tube screamer. So does anybody on TB have one or know of anyone trust worthy that I could buy from?