Ampeg SVT

Gregmak · #1 07-18-2011, 04:12 AM

Hi guys,

Im in the market to buy an ampeg SVT. Looking at all the information on the different heads im a lil confused.

I want an Ampeg with all-tube, no solid state drives, so I can get that sound like Kyuss, Fu Manchu, Graveyard etc etc.
Is it the Ampeg classic from the 70s that I need?

Im looking at the new SVT's and they seem to have only a preamp tube. Im confused!

Any help greatly appreciated?

P.S. WOuld it be possible to drive an all-tube ampeg with 4x10? Will it handle the low end?

rodl2005 · #2 07-18-2011, 04:17 AM

The modern SVT-CL is all tube. The SVT-VR is a 're-issue' of a '70's blue line SVT' again, all tube. I had a '92 SVTII -not the 'pro' model- & it is a fantastic beast, capable of the sounds you seem to be after, but so will the other 2 models I mention above.

Gregmak · #3 07-18-2011, 04:30 AM

Hi man, ok thanks a lot! I will check into those.

A friend of mine told me this is what I need: 6146B
But then again dunno how to find one and then all the problems of shipping to cyprus.

rodl2005 · #4 07-18-2011, 05:40 AM

That is the type of power tube the original SVT's used afaik-I'm no expert on this. Just make sure if u are buying Ampeg, & you want an all tube head, you make sure it isn't a s.s.power & tube pre amp. Tho some of their latest hybrid efforts are pretty darn good too

waleross · #5 07-18-2011, 05:57 AM

I have the all tube SVT-CL (not the Heritage one) that I bought brand new with the warranty(3 yrs,I think). Yes it is all that and matched up with the 810-E cab, there are no complaints. I bought and sent back the others mentioned but for me the CL is a keeper. You can't listen to here-say talk. In the end you are the one plucking down the $1600 or $2000 for these heads. Whatever you get you should buy brand spanking new, not B stock(I made that error with the VR) and not a floor demo model. There is nothing sweeter than being the first to open up the box and remove the original packing material. Take your time do your homework and good luck ..........................

nysbob · #6 07-18-2011, 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gregmak

Hi man, ok thanks a lot! I will check into those.

A friend of mine told me this is what I need: 6146B

Your friend is misinformed.

Gregmak · #7 07-18-2011, 10:43 AM

Ok guys thanks a lot!! I will continue my homework on these, hopefully by December I can get one. I'm so sick of lame harsh sounding pedals!

JimmyM · #8 07-18-2011, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gregmak

Hi man, ok thanks a lot! I will check into those.

A friend of mine told me this is what I need: 6146B
But then again dunno how to find one and then all the problems of shipping to cyprus.

That could be a problem if you have your heart set on an SVT with 6146B's. Hell, just finding one in America isn't easy since most that came with 6146b's have been changed over to 6550's. Mine hasn't, though

The only advantages 6146b's have over 6550's is you will get a little extra clean power before distortion, and you can find them cheaper. But it's only like 20-40w extra, and in a gigging situation, I don't think it adds up to a hill of beans. All the tube SVT's sound excellent, and there isn't a single one that I wouldn't play through proudly. I slightly favor the VR, but the CL is great, too, albeit a little more "polite" than the VR.

beans-on-toast · #9 07-18-2011, 11:33 AM

There are a lot of TB threads that you can search through that discuss the various SVT versions.

Here is one that discusses the earliest models:
Ampeg SVT Blueline Club, 68 to early 70's..

The amps initially had 6146B power tubes but the design soon switch to 6550 tubes. They are slightly different in terms of power output but one isn't better than the other. The design stayed pretty much the same through the 1970's. The earlier models had an engraved front panel with blue graphics (blueline models), the later models had black painted graphics (blackline). Anything of this era is generally considered an original SVT.

If you want a new current production amp, consider the blueline based SVT-VR. If you want a similar design but with a master volume, consider the SVT-CL or newer Heritage SVT-CL. All these amps have updated features such as speakon speaker cabinet connectors, a DI output, and LED's for setting the power tube bias. Ampeg has all the specs for these models, as well as others such as the SVT2-PRO, on their web site.

If you want an original, be prepared to invest the extra money needed to have a tech clean it and bring all the components up to original spec. Too many people buy old amps without realizing that they will require some work to make them perform as they should, and be safe, and reliable in the long term.

Fair Warning · #10 07-18-2011, 04:13 PM

SVT-II
SVT-II Pro
SVT-Classic (CL)
SVT-VR (Vintage Reissue)
SVT Blueline (60s -71)
SVT Blackline (72-?79?)

All the SVT tube amps. THere may be a few outlyers. There are also some smaller V-4 models that are 100 watts, and others of smaller wattage.

Gregmak · #11 07-18-2011, 04:25 PM

Ok the other thing is. Obviously you have to turn the amp real loud to get that warm overdrive sound right? And since Cyprus is all indoors clubs, and mostly small, its better to get a smaller head and turn it up then get a big head and not be able to turn it up right?

shtik · #12 07-18-2011, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Ok the other thing is. Obviously you have to turn the amp real loud to get that warm overdrive sound right? And since Cyprus is all indoors clubs, and mostly small, its better to get a smaller head and turn it up then get a big head and not be able to turn it up right?

Basically you're right, but I love the tone of the SVT2Pro and SVT-CL at any volume. Not a big fan of the VR's though, but that's just my taste.

dukeisdog · #13 07-18-2011, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shtik

Basically you're right, but I love the tone of the SVT2Pro and SVT-CL at any volume. Not a big fan of the VR's though, but that's just my taste.

Couldnt you just crank the gain (on the CL as the VR doesn't have a gain knob)?

JimmyM · #14 07-18-2011, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dukeisdog

Couldnt you just crank the gain (on the CL as the VR doesn't have a gain knob)?

Yeah, but that's preamp distortion as opposed to power tube distortion. Different kind of distortion...most prefer power amp distortion, but it's all good.

arthur31686 · #15 07-18-2011, 07:00 PM

Ah man finally being able to get a (preferably new) SVT-VR with a proper 810 is my current dream. I currently have a V4B (main amp) and sort of share a B25b with my roommate....well ok its his.

Its just a dream now though. Let us know what amp you decide on!

Gregmak · #16 07-18-2011, 10:51 PM

Well it seems I will either be choosing between a STV-CL, STV2Pro, or something smaller!

JimmyM · #17 07-18-2011, 11:18 PM

If you're looking for amp distortion at reasonable volumes, that's what I would go for. And in your case, I'd probably get the 2 Pro since it has a drive control separate from the gain. You might enjoy that.

Gregmak · #18 07-18-2011, 11:27 PM

Alright, thanks Jimmy! Now all I need is to save up the money, the easy part (not)

rodl2005 · #19 07-19-2011, 01:12 AM

I've wondered re that ' drive ' control on the SVT II PRO. What does it drive? Surely gain would drive-or overdrive the pre-amp??
Does this overdrive a particular part ?? Anyone know?

beans-on-toast · #20 07-19-2011, 05:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rodl2005

I've wondered re that ' drive ' control on the SVT II PRO. What does it drive? Surely gain would drive-or overdrive the pre-amp??
Does this overdrive a particular part ?? Anyone know?

You use the pad switches and the gain to set the input signal level. Adjust it by watching the clip LED and then your ears to get the input level.

The drive is the overall pre-amp volume. Cranking it will drive the pre-amp into distortion. If you overdrive with the gain pot you don't get a nice distortion like you do with the drive pot.