DB750 vs SVT vs LMIII vs F1

michricker · #1 08-29-2010, 05:00 PM

Hi Guys:

As a tone freak that is currently playing in both a jazz quartet and also a mostly 90's music/orginals cover band I wanted to get some feedback on an Aggi DB750 compared to my current heads cabs in terms of tone, feel(dynamics), volume, etc.

Here is what's in my current arsenal:

CABS:
Bergantino NV610
Bergantino AE410
In the market for a good 112, most likely a AE112 in the future

Current Heads
Markbass LMIII
Markbass F1
1971 Ampeg SVT Blueline

Just curious how the DB750 would compare to both my Markbass Heads and the real SVT through both the NV610 and the AE410. I also have a Aguilar AGRO pedal to get some grit in addition to a Sadowsky pre for fatting up the tone (works great by the way). I primarily play a 2001 Lakland JO4 USA and occasionally a Rick 4003. Likely will get a good modern type tone 5 stringer one of these days.

I did have a DB359 for a while, however, sounded great at low volumes, but on the gig didn't cut it for the headroom needed (would break up in an unpleasent way). I've also had a Mesa Pulse600 which I thought was just ok, ended up selling it.

Thanks in advance!

Jerry J · #2 08-29-2010, 05:14 PM

I guess I should jump in on this since I have an AE410 - NV212 and the afore mentioned DB750 and a LMII.

First off with the db750 it really pays off to have a nice Telefunken 12AX7...but I don't recall off hand in which position (V2?). It just tightened up the low end and gave a bit more clarity.

All I can say is: The DB750 IS unlike any of the amps you are playing through. No comparison at all to Markbass amps but will have the same big sound that you get out of the SVT. I'm not a wordsmith on tone like many here on TB but there is just something so right with the db750. I just can't imagine not having it. I've run mine through a pair of AE410s and was unbelieveable and crazy loud. To me the db750 with the Bergs are the perfect pairing. There is just something so forceful that you get out of the amp. Obviously having that monster transformer is the key and it kicks like a cannonball.

If you go through a lot of the db750 threads you will see that quite a few TB'ers have owned these, sold them and eventually bought another.

JimmyM · #3 08-29-2010, 05:38 PM

all great sounding heads. for a small jazz gig, i'd be tempted to go with the lmiii and a small cab like a 112 or 115 since space usually is at a premium on those gigs. for the other band, i think you're covered with any of them, but especially the svt. would a 750 be great for your 90's band? you bet! but as a blue line owner myself, i really don't have much of a desire to use anything else.

michricker · #4 08-29-2010, 05:46 PM

Thanks, I keep hearing how unique a DB750 is. But all I can say is the Real Deal SVT is the whip for the larger gigs. I just discovered bridging channels 1 and 2, wow, really added a new dimension to the sound/control. I also notice a better feel to the dynamics when playing the SVT compared to the Markbass. However, where the Markbass wins is on the convience of how portable and how decent it sounds for low volume gigs. However, through my NV610 especially, the SVT completely dominates in all areas of tone and feel compared to both the LMIII and the F1. From the initial feedback so far, it sounds like the DP750 would fit somewhere in between the Markbass and SVT?

blastjv · #5 08-29-2010, 06:04 PM

Yeah, that's about how I see it. I don't see what the DB750 would give you that you couldn't do with what you have, unless you actually play a DB750 and you find a very specific tone in there that is unique to that amp.

For what it's worth I sold a DB750 and a GS412 to buy my current SVT-VR/SVT810AV rig and I have no regrets whatsoever. I did really love the GS412, and the DB750 was nice, but I couldn't get where I was trying to go with those (which does not make them bad).

-John

naturalkinds · #6 08-29-2010, 06:11 PM

I've owned the LM, F1 and DB750. Now playing a Walkabout. Honestly, I miss the LM more than the DB750, on account of its cost, difficulty of transport and it being a (really sweet) one trick pony. The LM is just the bomb for a sweet, thick solid state tone in a minimal package. I prefer the Glockenklang stuff in that realm -- check out the great price for the Heart Rock II in the classifieds! -- but, honestly, it sounds like you have it covered, unless you really want to drop some coin when you don't need to.

You already have a ridiculously sweet setup. Anything more would be pure, gluttonous indulgence. (But welcome to TB!)

: )

michricker · #7 08-29-2010, 06:22 PM

I would probably end up sending the F1 back and selling a tonehammer to partially fund a DB750. Your right that little LMIII is the bomb for lower volume. But as you said I have pretty much reached my dream rig(s) for just about any combo. I just am an addict of awesome bass gear....can't stop!!!

Just curious since I think Aggi gear is so awesome in terms of quality and great american ingenuity....however, does have to have the tone I like!

blastjv · #8 08-29-2010, 06:29 PM

If you're just looking to buy more cool gear, then the Aggie is a great way to go, but really, it sounds like you really got just about any kind of gig covered. Like you said, a little 112 would leave you with every base covered...

-JV

michricker · #9 08-29-2010, 07:19 PM

Thanks, this thread is helping my condition of aquiring new gear with the DB750. I'm down to playing out 1 to 2 times a week, so for some reason when I'm not playing out as much, I go on the gear search....it's a syndrome I guess....

need to find another gig to occupy my time on playing more!!..

michricker · #10 08-29-2010, 07:20 PM

The next invention of bass amp gear that can truely capture a real vintage SVT in a 5lb package I would like to invest in... That would be a better place to put my $$ lol.....

naturalkinds · #11 08-29-2010, 07:35 PM

Yeah. Honestly, if you were looking for a main big rig, the DB is a cool way to go. But you've got a fine SVT and then micros up the ying yang. Just hold out for the 6 lb Aggie head that I'm sure we'll see sometime in the next 10 years.

AverageWhiteBassist · #12 08-29-2010, 07:43 PM

DB750 at a jazz gig... let it rip!

JimmyM · #13 08-29-2010, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michricker

The next invention of bass amp gear that can truely capture a real vintage SVT in a 5lb package I would like to invest in... That would be a better place to put my $$ lol.....

well there's the vt bass, which is about as good as it gets right now. not quite the same, but surprisingly close for $150.

michricker · #14 08-29-2010, 07:58 PM

Yes. Just spent some $ getting the old SVT up to new specs ( tubes, caps, etc). I know now why this is the head most times used as the benchmark. Just wish it wasn't 80 lbs or so. I would rate what I have so far in the following order for a typical medium to large outdoor gig.

1). Svt with NV610
2). Svt with AE410 just got this cab it sounds absolutely killer with this old head. Great slap tone which is the only drawback of the nv610 IMO.
3) LMIII with AE410
4) F1 with AE410 - similar to LM but a little more SS feel and tone to me
5) LMIII with NV610. Sounds ok but not great. This cab is definitely made for a tube amp IMO
6). F1 with NV610. Sounds kind of bland. Very solidstatey if that's a word! But a coop little head I got for a great price I'm saving for a 112 matchup and for use as a gig bag back up just in case my trusty SvT craps out on the gig. It happened to me once knock on wood.

The reliability is the only thing that makes me nervous about that old svt even though I just had it completely redone.

michricker · #15 08-29-2010, 08:06 PM

I have tried a VT bass pedal with the LM and sent it back. Actually prefer the Aguilar AGRO. It was a good attempt at the SVT vibe but just couldn't capture the SVT dynamics and overall richness of tone IMO.

But for a great Flea like tone I like the LMIII with the ARGO into the AE410. We play a couple of RHCP songs like aeroplane and this combo kills. Also I flavor the tone with a. Sadowsky pre and it makes my lakland sing/ thump. Got some serious compliments last week when I tried this combo for the first time on a gig. Just got the AE410 and it becoming my favorite cab I've ever had.

blastjv · #16 08-30-2010, 07:09 AM

Yeah, that Agro's a badass!!!

-JV

michricker · #17 08-30-2010, 06:29 PM

I just did some experimenting with my svt bridging channels 1&2 clean and also with the AGRO. Wow the tone through the nv610 was the the thickest, meanest, weightiest, dynamic tone I have ever heard in a rig. I then Quickly a/b'd the F1 and then the LMIII. I still can't believe how different these heads sound and feel while playing. To bad it weighs 80lbs!

The LM and F1 only sound good through the AE410 to me. I'll leave the NV610 for the SVT!

JimmyM · #18 08-30-2010, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michricker

I just did some experimenting with my svt bridging channels 1&2 clean and also with the AGRO. Wow the tone through the nv610 was the the thickest, meanest, weightiest, dynamic tone I have ever heard in a rig. I then Quickly a/b'd the F1 and then the LMIII. I still can't believe how different these heads sound and feel while playing. To bad it weighs 80lbs!

it's only 80 lbs a couple minutes at a time. some gigs last 4-6 hours. me, i'd rather be happy for 4-6 hours and sacrifice 2-3 minutes at a time to the heavy lifting gods.

michricker · #19 08-30-2010, 08:01 PM

Jimmy how long typically do your svt tubes last before you start to notice a degrade in tone?

JimmyM · #20 08-30-2010, 08:05 PM

been over a year so far and i notice nothing. tubes can last for decades sometimes, or they can go out tomorrow. had a v4b i used for over 10 years and never once changed a tube and it sounded great up until it burned up in a bar fire. i changed the tubes once after 3 years because i heard you were supposed to, and it made no difference at all so i took them all back.