Ampeg SVT3 pro

VeNoM · #1 12-15-2011, 03:41 AM

Hi!
I'm buying myself a new bass amp. I like the sound of Ampeg SVT3 pro, so I checked the internet for a used one, and I found the cheapest one for 700€ (I can get a new one for about 900€). So the thing that troubles me is that the head is 5 years old and the tubes are still the original ones. The guy claims that the head was played for about 3hours a month. I never had a tube or a hybrid amp, so I don't have any experience here. So for how long do your tubes last. I mean when do you change them? And what is your opinion on gettina a brand new one instead for 900€ in 2 year waranty?
Thank you for the anwsers!

And sory for my bad English

mazdah · #2 12-15-2011, 03:48 AM

The tubes should be OK. 5 years for preamp tubes is nothing.

randysmojo · #3 12-15-2011, 07:48 AM

+1 Preamp tubes last a lot longer than power amp tubes.

pbassnut · #4 12-15-2011, 09:05 AM

If the used one was made in the USA (and works properly), you'll probably be better off with it than with a new Asian manufactured one. A salesman at a local store here in the Washington, DC area who used to be a big Ampeg dealer told me that they stopped stocking Ampegs because so many of the Asian made ones were coming back to them with problems.

String Theory · #5 12-15-2011, 09:16 AM

I have had mine since about 1995. I have only changed the tubes once.

Vinny D · #6 12-15-2011, 09:16 AM

The preamp tubes will last a long time, they would be the least of my worries.
The SVT3pro is my favorite sounding Ampeg head.

stiles72 · #7 12-15-2011, 10:58 AM

Three hours a month? I wouldn't worry about it. I replaced my 3-Pro tubes at about the six year mark, but that was with gigging nearly every Friday and Saturday night.

VeNoM · #8 12-15-2011, 12:16 PM

Thank you all for your anwsers!

I'm going to check it out this saturday

And yes, it's made in the USA