AMPEG SVT BASS HEAD! WHAT IS TODAYS VERSION?

Konan888 · #1 12-15-2010, 08:03 AM

Most bassists would agree that the old Ampeg SVT bass head is a one and only! Serious respect! I wanted to start this forum where we could all discuss what would be considered todays equivalent? Lets talk about this and see what we come up with. Cheers!!

Here are some to consider:
EDEN E300T
MARKBASS CLASSIC 300
Are there others I have not listed?

NKUSigEp · #2 12-15-2010, 08:08 AM

Today's equivalent of an SVT? An SVT.

Of what you have listed, only the Eden and Markbass are "newcomers" to the bunch. The other heads have been around for decades already in one form or another.

AwkwardLoudness · #3 12-15-2010, 09:22 AM

The Ampeg Heritage Series SVT-CL is today's version of the old SVT.

I've played the Hiwatts, AD200, and YBA-200 amps, and they are very different from SVTs in terms of circuit and tone characteristics. Stay away from the new amps labeled 'Hiwatt'....choose with Reeves or vintage Hiwatt if you go that route.

jackcheez · #4 12-15-2010, 09:31 AM

The Fender Bassman 300 was designed (I believe originally Sunn) with the SVT in mind. 6 X 6550. Direct competition in the same price range. It's been cross branded Fender/Sunn, but it's the same amp. I've heard them sound SVT like. A stout sounding amp.

JimmyM · #5 12-15-2010, 09:33 AM

ya, they're all good amps, but if you want something that sounds like the svt, ampeg is still the place to get it.

fu22ba55 · #6 12-15-2010, 09:44 AM

If you're talking about market penetration... ubiquitousness... reliability...

If the SVT was THEE workhorse in the 70's- early 80's.

I'd have to say the GK800RB was almost as much of a staple in the late 80's - 90's. They were everywhere.

(Then everyone went back to SVTs when they realized how great they still sounded.)

I don't know which of todays amps have logged as many hours as SVTs or GK800RBs did back in their day.

jackcheez · #7 12-15-2010, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fu22ba55

I don't know which of todays amps have logged as many hours as SVTs or GK800RBs did back in their day.

I still have and love both.

TheDialog · #8 12-15-2010, 09:46 AM

Jaguar 200.

Tim1 · #9 12-15-2010, 11:28 AM

The SVT-VR is the closest production model you will get to the original SVT.

Konan888 · #10 12-15-2010, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NKUSigEp

Today's equivalent of an SVT? An SVT.

Of what you have listed, only the Eden and Markbass are "newcomers" to the bunch. The other heads have been around for decades already in one form or another.

My understanding is todays versions SVT is no comparison. I have had some people say the SVT heritage series is a good one but most people say they are not the same. Next.....

Konan888 · #11 12-15-2010, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NKUSigEp

Today's equivalent of an SVT? An SVT.

Of what you have listed, only the Eden and Markbass are "newcomers" to the bunch. The other heads have been around for decades already in one form or another.

I know they are the new comers. What do you think? I am trying to obtain a consensus which all tube head today would supplant the original SVT?

Konan888 · #12 12-15-2010, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AwkwardLoudness

The Ampeg Heritage Series SVT-CL is today's version of the old SVT.

I've played the Hiwatts, AD200, and YBA-200 amps, and they are very different from SVTs in terms of circuit and tone characteristics. Stay away from the new amps labeled 'Hiwatt'....choose with Reeves or vintage Hiwatt if you go that route.

Yes I am aware they are the new version today. So in comparison to the original and considering other tube heads out there how does it stand up? Is there another product out there that we are all not taking seriously?

christw · #13 12-15-2010, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NKUSigEp

Today's equivalent of an SVT? An SVT.

That.

I agree the ultralight heads that are creating their own market niche might be the new big thing, although an SVT is still an icon in bass amplification.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Konan888

I know they are the new comers. What do you think? I am trying to obtain a consensus which all tube head today would supplant the original SVT?

None of them except for the current production SVT's if you want to get literal.

Alex1984 · #14 12-15-2010, 05:44 PM

SVT-VR. Quite a few guys on here vouch for them. Both the VR and my II non-pro sounded closer to vintage than a 3 Pros and CLs that I've tried.

Konan888 · #15 12-15-2010, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackcheez

The Fender Bassman 300 was designed (I believe originally Sunn) with the SVT in mind. 6 X 6550. Direct competition in the same price range. It's been cross branded Fender/Sunn, but it's the same amp. I've heard them sound SVT like. A stout sounding amp.

I posted this in a rush this morning. I am aware that many of the heads I listed are old. Please accept my humble apologies.
I am trying to make an effort to determine which manufacturers today are producing a all tube head that is a serious contender today. Any idea's?

By the way, I added a Sunn to my collection today!!!!

coreyfyfe · #16 12-15-2010, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Konan888

I am trying to obtain a consensus which all tube head today would supplant the original SVT?

And impossible task from two perspectives. 1 - You'll never get a consensus. 2 - Nothing can supplant the SVT. Take your pick.

My opinion, if you want an amp that sounds like a vintage SVT, get an SVT-VR. Some would say the components aren't as "high quality" as the originals, however the sound is there, and the majority of people don't have any issue playing them.

Konan888 · #17 12-15-2010, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

ya, they're all good amps, but if you want something that sounds like the svt, ampeg is still the place to get it.

I appreciate your input, truly......BUT!!

I have has so many people today tell me that the new Ampeg SVT is not the same. Mainly because of where it is made. Is this really the fact. I mean, come on guys lets talk about it. I heard the Heritage series is top notch but...... the same old question..... Vietnam.

Konan888 · #18 12-15-2010, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fu22ba55

If you're talking about market penetration... ubiquitousness... reliability...

If the SVT was THEE workhorse in the 70's- early 80's.

I'd have to say the GK800RB was almost as much of a staple in the late 80's - 90's. They were everywhere.

(Then everyone went back to SVTs when they realized how great they still sounded.)

I don't know which of todays amps have logged as many hours as SVTs or GK800RBs did back in their day.

Hey! Aprreciate your comment. I have a GK800RB and totally love it!! I will keep it and place it in my tomb when I die.
This is a bit off track though. The GK800RB is solid state. I am trying to push a discussion to make an effort to determine who today is manufacturing a all tube bass head that can compete or supplant the old Ampeg SVT.

Cheers.

Konan888 · #19 12-15-2010, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDialog

Jaguar 200.

OK. Lets talk today. New stuff.

christw · #20 12-15-2010, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Konan888

I appreciate your input, truly......BUT!!

I have has so many people today tell me that the new Ampeg SVT is not the same. Mainly because of where it is made. Is this really the fact. I mean, come on guys lets talk about it. I heard the Heritage series is top notch but...... the same old question..... Vietnam.

So? A good amp is a good amp no matter where it's made. If everyone who outsourced lost market shares they wouldn't be outsourcing! I think it's still the same contender as it was. Where it's made isn't enough to put off many people.