Ampeg SVT Skunk Works?

[chechunka]

I think I've tracked down an old SVT Skunk works head. It has the black grill, 4 inputs, and the white horrizontal switches on the top just like the SW heads, however the serial number is HD1010. I've never heard of a serial number like this, and it doesn't have the __ of 500 badge. Any suggestions as to what I'm looking at and what it might be worth?

[coreyfyfe]

The number plate may have just been removed, I believe they were only attached to the back screen with a few screws. Not sure about the serial number, the few pics I can dig up showing the serial number spot on the back of an SVT-HD don't actually have a serial number listed.

[chechunka]

How much do you think missing the number plate will effect the value?

[chechunka]

here's a pic:

https://picasaweb.google.com/chetkue...85896417576546

[Calaverasgrande]

Value-shmalue, how much will it affect the tone?

[coreyfyfe]

Originally Posted by chechunka

here's a pic:

https://picasaweb.google.com/chetkue...85896417576546

That's an MTI-era, not an SVT-HD. You can tell by the head casing where it's flat with a cutout at the top instead of slanted. The HD's were built by the SLM team using left-over MTI parts after buying the ampeg brand, so in essence it's the same amp just without being part of the limited edition run.

[chechunka]

I really appreciate the help. What is an fair offer on something like this price wise?

[coreyfyfe]

Per forum rules I can't say an exact price but it really depends on condition, location, if it needs tubes or a cap job, etc etc. They're probably in the same price range as most modern SVTs though. The 70s amps command more because they're vintage as do the HD just for the fact that they are limited edition, but the MTI really are the same thing (usually at a cheaper price) since they're a little less sought after and were made in Japan.

[timv]

Yeah, that's an MTI... Value wise, they usually sell for quite a bit cheaper than the USA made ones but, they are honestly "built" somewhat better in my opinion. The ones I have seen, which have been a few, had the wiring layed out better and I like the filter cap layout better. They do use some lower quality parts and I have had to fix the toggle switch wiring on two of the three I have worked on because they were wired wrong.

Ones I have watched on ebay usually sold for less than 1K.....

[Jerrold Tiers]

Originally Posted by coreyfyfe

That's an MTI-era, not an SVT-HD. You can tell by the head casing where it's flat with a cutout at the top instead of slanted. The HD's were built by the SLM team using left-over MTI parts after buying the ampeg brand, so in essence it's the same amp just without being part of the limited edition run.

NO.

NOT TRUE.

The HD was made like the USA SVT, by tracking down Ampeg US vendors such as Lightning metals (faceplates), that were listed in Ampeg files we got.

It was a deliberate repro of the US-made SVT, with minimal changes due to then-unavailable parts.

All parts were new sourced, you are thinking of the SVT-100 (I think that is the right name) of which there were not very many.

I was there, I saw it. it was right next door to my office.

[coreyfyfe]

Originally Posted by Jerrold Tiers

All parts were new sourced, you are thinking of the SVT-100 (I think that is the right name) of which there were not very many.

I stand corrected.