Anyone NOT like the SVT?

JoshuaTSP · #1 01-25-2011, 10:03 AM

Have any of you tried/bought the SVT and not liked it?

Do most opt out of the SVT world because of weight?

Seems like the be all/end all bass rig?

PunkSweeper · #2 01-25-2011, 10:06 AM

I think they're way overexposed. I find the 90's B2 I use to have a more unique character.

fenderhutz · #3 01-25-2011, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoshuaTSP

Have any of you tried/bought the SVT and not liked it?

Do most opt out of the SVT world because of weight?

Seems like the be all/end all ROCK/POP/COUNTRY/OLDIES bass rig?

Fixed.

Most people I know that don't like a SVT are those that like nice hi-fi sounds for slapping and such. The reason SVT is so poular is because more times than not it's the Ampeg sound you are hearing on the radio.

nubs · #4 01-25-2011, 10:09 AM

the SVT is a great amp bar none.

ledyard · #5 01-25-2011, 10:10 AM

Are you considering getting an ampeg?

If so, I would stay with the SVT VR, SVT II, SVT IIpro, or an actual vintage SVT.

If you want hybrid or SS then IMHO there are much better options.

Joe Nerve · #6 01-25-2011, 10:12 AM

Yes. Lots of us. And it's like/dislike has been dicussed here as much as SX basses.

fenderhutz · #7 01-25-2011, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Nerve

Yes. Lots of us. And it's like/dislike has been dicussed here as much as SX basses.

Yup.

chi-town_mike · #8 01-25-2011, 10:13 AM

Not an SVT fan here. Its a cool amp, it has history, but not my bag.

Caca de Kick · #9 01-25-2011, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoshuaTSP

Seems like the be all/end all bass rig?

Even as a tube lover I don't care for the SVT at all. I'm a Mesa lover and to me that is the end-all, while the 'peg sounds like a nasal and muddy old amp.

ScottBass16 · #10 01-25-2011, 10:14 AM

I'll gladly haul my vintage SVT wherever I need to... superior tone to anything else i've ever played.

Joe Nerve · #11 01-25-2011, 10:15 AM

Bergantino NV610 for the win.

georgestrings · #12 01-25-2011, 10:16 AM

I've always liked the sound of them, but the weight, reliability, and maintenence isn't worth it *to me*...

For example, my SKB 4U rackcase holds an M-pulse 600, XDR-95 wireless receiver, DTR-2000 tuner, Belkin surge strip w/ 12' cable - and still weighs way less than an SVT by itself, let alone one in a roadcase... And although *I* think that issues of reliability and maintenence costs are often overstated regarding SVTs, I also feel that over the long haul, my M-pulse 600 will still come out ahead of a typical SVT...

After all, how many threads do you see about needing to send in an M-pulse 600 because it broke down, vs "My SVT is acting up" threads???

Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't mind owning an SVT, because I think they're one of the best bass amps ever made, but all things considered, I wouldn't have one for my main gigging amp... No disrespect intended towards the legions of SVT fans, but that's how *I* see it - YMMV, though...

- georgestrings

ThisisCraigP · #13 01-25-2011, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caca de Kick

Even as a tube lover I don't care for the SVT at all. I'm a Mesa lover and to me that is the end-all, while the 'peg sounds like a nasal and muddy old amp.

Lol, I can't wait to see what JimmyM has to say about that...

I've never really disliked them, but I wouldn't buy one. Different strokes for different folks.

georgestrings · #14 01-25-2011, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ledyard

Are you considering getting an ampeg?

If so, I would stay with the SVT VR, SVT II, SVT IIpro, or an actual vintage SVT.

If you want hybrid or SS then IMHO there are much better options.

I couldn't agree more...

- georgestrings

JoshuaTSP · #15 01-25-2011, 10:29 AM

This came about when talking about "what if the band got signed and we got gear money?".

I said, I don't think I'd change my rig or basses much. I've already experimented and found stuff that I like.

They said....you wouldn't get an SVT stack?

I said, I don't know...isn't that the most played amp in bassdom?......I've never played an SVT?

JoshuaTSP · #16 01-25-2011, 10:31 AM

I had a vintage Ampeg V-4 for a while...but didn't like it much. It was really beat up and of unknown condition....so it may not have been functioning properly?

I have a V-4B Classic right now.....it's alright.
Sounds really sweet, and smooth. Plenty loud enough with a little grit.

That said, I don't use it with the band.......not aggressive enough for me.

fenderhutz · #17 01-25-2011, 10:33 AM

What makes the SVT good is what is sitting under it.

Rumblefisher · #18 01-25-2011, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caca de Kick

Even as a tube lover I don't care for the SVT at all. I'm a Mesa lover and to me that is the end-all, while the 'peg sounds like a nasal and muddy old amp.

+1, not so much muddy as "meh." TO ME, it's pretty devoid of character. The overdrive sound is annoying as well, with a lot of sharpness to the initial attack and sizzle in the low end with no mids.

I do like the B15 for some applications, it's the antithesis in some ways. Lots of character and thump and with a fuzz still sounds quite cool and articulate.

T-Bird · #19 01-25-2011, 10:36 AM

Hi.

Once again... this comes up.

For me it (CL) didn't quite do it, but for people who had nothing but the Fender Bassman as an alternative, SVT must be a god-sent. Fortunately over the pond it wasn't quite as bad

.

Regards
Sam

Caca de Kick · #20 01-25-2011, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoshuaTSP

This came about when talking about "what if the band got signed and we got gear money?".

Well you certainly don't have to get "signed" to get gear money (you have to pay that money back, by the way).
You can buy great gear while being in a garage band...and lets just say an SVT-CL and 8x10 is not all that expensive to buy brand-new down at the local GC.