Ampeg SVT7-Pro or Fender TB-600?

Groover · #1 04-13-2011, 03:07 PM

I've tried the 7-Pro locally, and thought it was pretty nice. I normally play an SVT-HD through a Berg NV215 and at when that's too much, I use an Ampeg B100r.

I need to find a matching amp to my Berg HT115, so not sure if I should venture into the Fender amp world (never used one) or stick with Ampeg - The problem is that the SVT-HD and the B100r seem to have nice "color" in the tone, whereas the 7Pro seemed clean by comparison, so I'm wondering if I'll feel more at home with the Fender TB-600 from what I've read.

Also, the Fender matches the Bergs exactly, as in 400 Watts at 8 Ohms (115) and 600 Watts at 4 Ohms (215), so seems like the perfect match in case I want to start using the hybrid amp with the big cab as well.

My tone is thick melty bass sound, no slap, no big solos. The music we play is sort of a classic rock-ish sound (late 60's - 70's)

Which one should I try finding used?...

waleross · #2 04-13-2011, 03:36 PM

I own both fender and Ampeg. I have the tB1200 as well as the svT4pro. As far as dependability , I am currently favoring Fender. Do your own homework by reading the reviews and you'll see a lot of good reviews for Fender. I had my 4pro in the shop for a minor issue (under warranty still ) whereas my Fender heads-- no problems at all.

BassBob1 · #3 04-13-2011, 03:49 PM

I own the svt 7 pro and love it. When you say your svt hd and ampeg b100r have color and the 7 pro is clean in comparison do you mean your hd and b100r sound dirtier? Because my svt 7 pro most definitely adds that ampeg color to the sound and by that i mean its not a flat sounding amp. I havent played the fender tb 600 but based on youtube clips it sounds just fine. If you really like the ampeg sound i can't imagine you would be disappointed with the 7 pro. The 7 pro sounds like an ampeg and the tb 600 uses the fender tone stack. Two inherently different sounds. Also the 7 pro is lighter, more powerful, and smaller than the fender. It fits in a back pack (if you arent racking it). I think a little easier on the wallet too.

Big Mike Ipp · #4 04-13-2011, 06:42 PM

Waleross, what year is the svt-4? And anything ampeg, PM JimmyM, you can find him all over the amps section of the forums. I own the SVT-7 and its a superb head, once I need the 1000watts again I will repurchase it (mines currently for sale, it was either that or my fav bass!). Overall its a solid head, solid tone, nails the ampeg sound...you just gotta mess with the gain. If you're looking for thick meaty bass, look no further than the Ampeg, I'd be more than happy to share my settings on the head if you ever decide to try it, very happy with the tone.

JimmyM · #5 04-13-2011, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Mike Ipp

Waleross, what year is the svt-4? And anything ampeg, PM JimmyM, you can find him all over the amps section of the forums. I own the SVT-7 and its a superb head, once I need the 1000watts again I will repurchase it (mines currently for sale, it was either that or my fav bass!). Overall its a solid head, solid tone, nails the ampeg sound...you just gotta mess with the gain. If you're looking for thick meaty bass, look no further than the Ampeg, I'd be more than happy to share my settings on the head if you ever decide to try it, very happy with the tone.

someone rang???

both excellent amps, but the ampeg makes it easy to get my sound and speaks to me a little more than the fender.

steamthief · #6 04-13-2011, 09:11 PM

I haven't heard that particular Ampeg, but I have the Fender and it's a keeper. I especially like blending the overdrive channel with the clean - it's usable from adding a touch of vintage tubiness to full on Crazy Horse buzzsaw.

Groover · #7 04-14-2011, 06:10 AM

Thanks all for the replies. I'll just have to roll the dice on this soon. In regards to the dirty/clean... the SVT I have is pretty much grind my grind machine but too much of a tank, and the b100r is...well... that one has awesome tone - Just makes all my basses sound great. The 7 when I tried it in the store, perhaps I didn't want to be "that guy", so I just gave it a few minute whirl and obviously at the volume I was playing, I was not able to get any grind or fuzz for that matter. The Fender appeals to me because of the overdrive channel - However, afraid to venture away from Ampeg as that is the tone I've always had (3Pro, 6Pro, B200r, BA115hp, and now SVT-HD and B100r)

Thanks again for all the replies. Sounds like I can't go wrong with either, so I'll just have to weigh the pro's and con's of each and decide.

dfiliaggi · #8 10-28-2011, 09:12 PM

I just bought a used TB-600 and I absolutely fell in love with it from the second I turned it on. Do yourself a favor and buy this head! It can do everything from vintage tube warmness to a more modern, defined sound. Absolutely amazing head!