Ampeg SVT210AV - grill removal

Slowgypsy · #1 01-16-2012, 02:48 PM

I know this has been discussed before... just couldn't find the thread with the info.

How do I safely remove the grill on this cab? There's the 2 black tabs on the bottom... just pull really hard until it releases? Or is there a better way to get the grill off? What's holding the grill on anyway... snap tab or velcro?

Thanks....

Selta · #2 01-16-2012, 03:48 PM

Just pull on them. They're tight... I know some people have used screw drivers to pry up while pulling out - luckily mine don't seem tight enough to do that. Maybe use pliers if it's hard to grip while pulling.

Slowgypsy · #3 01-16-2012, 06:20 PM

Well, okay... I'll tug a little harder on it. Usually when I have to tug that hard on something, I back off 'cause I'm sure there's supposed to be another way to do this and I'm about to break something. But I'll tug harder, if that's what the consensus here suggests.

will33 · #4 01-16-2012, 08:08 PM

Pull harder.

On some cabs, you may have to remove the corner hardware so the corners of the grill frame will clear it and come out all the way. Some I've seen used snaps, the vast majority use velcro. It pulls off either way, assuming the cab doesn't have a removable back.

JimmyM · #5 01-16-2012, 11:44 PM

The velcro tabs on the Micro VR are a pain, but I remember the days when grills would just fall off in the middle of a gig, and this is a much better alternative. I take a fairly hefty screwdriver and stick it in the tab and leverage it against the lip of the cab till it pops off. NOTE: Lay a thick towel across the lip so you don't dent the wood.

Slackerprince · #6 01-17-2012, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slowgypsy

Well, okay... I'll tug a little harder on it. Usually when I have to tug that hard on something, I back off 'cause I'm sure there's supposed to be another way to do this and I'm about to break something. But I'll tug harder, if that's what the consensus here suggests.

Just curious- why do you want the grills off?

S

Slowgypsy · #7 01-17-2012, 04:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

The velcro tabs on the Micro VR are a pain, but I remember the days when grills would just fall off in the middle of a gig, and this is a much better alternative. I take a fairly hefty screwdriver and stick it in the tab and leverage it against the lip of the cab till it pops off. NOTE: Lay a thick towel across the lip so you don't dent the wood.

Thank you Jimmy... exactly the advice I was looking for.

Slowgypsy · #8 01-17-2012, 04:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slackerprince

Just curious- why do you want the grills off?

S

Just bought this complete Ampeg Micro stack used. Sure, I've fired it up, actually gigged it this past weekend, everything checks out as it should. But... I've learned to do a visual on everything I can with used stuff. I simply want to check out the speakers. Seeing that they're 100% somehow makes me feel better about bringing it to a gig with no other backup.

floridagatorfan · #9 01-17-2012, 09:00 PM

you can also back one of the screw out of the ampeg logo on the grill cover just enough to get a pair of pliers on it, put a towel on the screw first so you dont scratch it, the put the pliers on and give a good pull, i learned this from a video if Dino from ampeg on youtube.

B-string · #10 01-17-2012, 09:05 PM

Go to an auto parts store and get a plastic trim tool. They are wide enough to not damage and better leverage than a screwdriver.

Old Fart · #11 01-17-2012, 09:11 PM

You're getting some good advice here. It took me a while to get the grill off my BA-115 HPT. Take the logo off, since the screws may go far enough to be into the cabinet. Then yeah, put a screw most of the way in and use pliers to pull. And yes, you can do some prying, but just be careful not to dent the cabinet wood. It will come off.

I removed mine because there was some buzzing. Tightened all the screws and the buzzing stopped. Windows still buzz, but the amp does not.

JimmyM · #12 01-18-2012, 12:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by floridagatorfan

you can also back one of the screw out of the ampeg logo on the grill cover just enough to get a pair of pliers on it, put a towel on the screw first so you dont scratch it, the put the pliers on and give a good pull, i learned this from a video if Dino from ampeg on youtube.

I tried that with the Micro VR, and found it rather impossible. Maybe the use shorter screws on the smaller logos or something.

Mokebass · #13 01-18-2012, 12:57 AM

Good Luck. Big supporter of taking the grill off (as long as you can remove and replace quickly). Not only looks better but sounds clearer.

Slowgypsy · #14 01-18-2012, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mokebass

Not only looks better but sounds clearer.

No way!

will33 · #15 01-18-2012, 07:42 AM

Another trick is to take a small size allen wrench, preferably with a long shaft, stick it the gap between grillcloth and cab, rotate it so it hooks the back side of the frame and pull with a pliers.

Mokebass · #16 01-20-2012, 03:05 AM

@slowgypsy you trying to say it doesn't matter if i got the grill on or off?

Big Joe · #17 01-20-2012, 05:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slowgypsy

No way!

Yup. Very noticeable difference. I have two of them and the one cab rattles at higher volumes with the grill in place.

Slowgypsy · #18 01-20-2012, 06:07 AM

Okay...

Grill off... sounds just like GK. Grill on... Ah, there's that Ampeg sound!

JimmyM · #19 01-20-2012, 10:08 AM

Slowgypsy · #20 01-20-2012, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mokebass

@slowgypsy you trying to say it doesn't matter if i got the grill on or off?

Okay, I made a bad joke about the GK/Ampeg thing. But seriously... other than a rattling (bad attachment which should be fixed) I'm finding it hard to believe (impossible actually) that anyone could hear a sonic difference between a SVT210AV cab with the grill on or the grill off. Of course, if one likes the visual of a grill off, that's another matter....