Ampeg or SWR?

nurnay · #1 09-20-2010, 10:50 AM

I'm looking to buy a 4x10 cab and amp. There are two I'm highly interested on my local Craigslist. The Ampeg rig is an SVT-3 Pro + the 4x10 cab (no model specified) for $925 total. The SWR is a 700-watt WorkingPro amp with a Goliath III 4x10 cab for $800 total.

I 've always loved the sound of SWR, but it seems so many guys use Ampeg I should at least give it a look.

I tend to play mostly rock, especially classic rock covers. Recommendations? Which has the most versitility, best all-around sound, etc.

nurnay · #2 09-20-2010, 11:04 AM

I should mention, my guitars are a Stingray 5HH & Warwick Rock Bass 5.

busmandan · #3 09-20-2010, 11:06 AM

I've had both and I'd go SWR.

nurnay · #4 09-20-2010, 11:12 AM

Any particular reason?

RickenBoogie · #5 09-20-2010, 11:15 AM

The 2 amps- the Ampeg is a good amp, the SWR an entry level amp. The 2 cabs, the SWR is their top of the line, but the Ampeg isn't specified. I'd play them both, and choose with your ears.

buzzbass · #6 09-20-2010, 11:19 AM

Ampeg for heads, SWR for cabs. But that's just my taste.

Alex1984 · #7 09-20-2010, 11:36 AM

Given your choice of basses, I suspect you're more of a modern player.

The two sound nothing alike. Since you already dig the SWR tone and know what it's all about, I'd say SWR, but do keep in mind, like someone said, this is really an entry level SWR head, so it may not be the upgrade you're looking for.

nurnay · #8 09-20-2010, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex1984

Given your choice of basses, I suspect you're more of a modern player.

The two sound nothing alike. Since you already dig the SWR tone and know what it's all about, I'd say SWR, but do keep in mind, like someone said, this is really an entry level SWR head, so it may not be the upgrade you're looking for.

I know it's not one of their high-end amps, but it's what I can afford for now. I can always upgrade the amp later.

I guess I'll just have to try them both out. I'll try the SWR first. :-)

guroove · #9 09-20-2010, 11:44 AM

The question is do you like it to sound tight and articulate with clean, clear highs, or do you like it warm and fat, with lots of mids, some grit, and a soft edge?

nurnay · #10 09-20-2010, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guroove

The question is do you like it to sound tight and articulate with clean, clear highs, or do you like it warm and fat, with lots of mids, some grit, and a soft edge?

More tight and articulate, but I like to get it dirty, too.

**Lazarus.Bird** · #11 09-20-2010, 11:50 AM

My SVT-3 is one of my favorite amps I've ever played. If I didn't want more power I would still be using it. I would figure out what the 410 with the Ampeg is first. I love Ampeg heads but if you like the SWR sound there's no shame in going for the SWR. Go to a music store and try out an SVT-3. If you don't like the tone, go for the SWR. Don't let the "cool" Ampeg factor cloud your vision

Alex1984 · #12 09-20-2010, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nurnay

More tight and articulate, but I like to get it dirty, too.

SWR + dirt pedal (I've used my MultiDrive on it and loved it, or a VT Bass if you sometimes want a fat tone)!

Consider getting a Redhead too or an old SM-400 and buy the cab separate. Honestly though, $800 is a little high for that rig, you could do better for value.

nurnay · #13 09-20-2010, 02:21 PM

I already own a Genz Benz GBE400 amp, should I maybe just buy the SWR cab and run the GB through it (obviously, I'll test it out with the cab before buying)?

kai_ski · #14 09-20-2010, 02:29 PM

I recently picked up an SWR Goliath III from a metal kid who had the ampeg blinders on. I paid $150 for the cab in great condition. I don't think that's the norm though, I would offer the guy $375 tops for the Goliath III and then find a head you really like to go with it.

agreatheight · #15 09-20-2010, 02:30 PM

I'd go SWR.

Alex1984 · #16 09-20-2010, 02:59 PM

Yeah, I'd go for the cab by itself.

Also, on the topic of heads. some Mesa hybrids might fit what you want too!.

Lakland55 · #17 09-20-2010, 03:13 PM

I recommend Ampeg, but it is all on your ear.

Thumpking · #18 09-20-2010, 04:08 PM

Are you talking older SWR\Ampeg, or the new stuff? A lot of people will not like what I have to say, but talk to amp repair guys and local shops and you will hear it. It is no secret that much of the new Ampeg stuff is absolute junk made in Vietnam using cheap parts and bad wiring. (This is why there are so many SVT CL 300W heads for sale on Craigslist and eGay). I have 3 friends playing with pretty established bands trying to dump their Ampeg gear as we speak, at least for the older Ampeg stuff when they were at least owned by SLM. I was an Ampeg fan most of my life.

The SWR stuff is a bit better, but still uses cheap parts with weak PCB's. I played through a Goliath 3 4x10 cab and WorkingPro 2x10 cab using 750X amp at Sam Ash this weekend and it sounded absolutley aweful with 3 different basses. Even the sales guy said "yeah, that is just plain weak. Lot's of bad reviews on Harmony Central about some of the newer SWR stuff, but not all.

Call me old fashioned, but I am old school. I like hand-wired tube amps and older solid state amps. You just can't go wrong. I have GK 700RB 2 from a few years ago and it has been a good reliable amp, and so have my tube amps. I personally would be hesitant to buy any new Ampeg stuff, and would really test and research the SWR stuff.

People may say I am amp bashing, but just hate to see a brother pay $$$ for cheap junk. Just research is all I can say.

Chopper · #19 09-20-2010, 04:34 PM

ford chevy or dodge?

davet999 · #20 09-20-2010, 05:01 PM

Bought a used SWR Goliath III Jr 2x10 a while back to replace my 15" Ampeg cab. Love the sound of the SWR cab, works great for classic rock. I run a Peavey preamp and a Crown CE1000 for power.

Every SWR cab I've heard always sounds better to me than an equivalent Ampeg. YMMV.....