help me decide Ampeg SVT 2Pro

ariff · #1 06-16-2011, 11:17 PM

So I have a friend of mine that has approched me about trading my 1997 Stingray I have been thinking about selling for his 1996 SVT 2Pro. I know the history of this amp since before he owned it my old room mate owned it since new. It was used as a backline rental for a bit and Victor Wooten used it at a workshop here. So it has some cool history. To my knowledge he never had issues with it. I am a newbie to tube amps I have always played SS amps mainly because I could not afford a tube head. Now I have the option to maybe get one on a trade. Right now I am playing a Carvin B1500 through a Mesa 8x10 and VT Bass pedal. Any suggestions or thoughts on these SVT 2 Pro amps? When I go check it our what should I look for. Being 15 years old should I be worried about the reliability of the amp?
Thanks everyone..
Here is a pic of it.

JimmyM · #2 06-17-2011, 12:05 AM

The 2 Pro is great and it's as reliable as any other amp out there. However, if the previous owner hasn't had it serviced in the last few years, it's possible some of the wearable parts like the tubes and caps could need replaced soon. It's also possible it's humming right along and will give you another few years of uninterrupted service, but if the previous owner hasn't had it serviced in a few years, you should definitely take it in and have it looked at if you get it.

rodl2005 · #3 06-17-2011, 12:32 AM

+1 to all that Jimmy says above.
Great amps & the slim possibility that the tubes need replacing wouldn't put me off. Especially as you know the history of it.
A quick service by a reliable tube tech & you' ve got a great amp that'll do you well for years.

Sartori · #4 06-17-2011, 12:48 AM

Try it out, maybe tap (lightly!) on the preamp tubes with a pencil to see if they're microphonic, etc. Other than that, if it hasn't has major issues so far, it shouldn't have anything more than routine maintenance stuff in the near future. Should be pretty reliable.

ariff · #5 06-17-2011, 07:43 AM

He states the tubes were replaced and caps were checked a few years ago when he bought it. He has not played it much, a few live shows and studio use. I asked him for some more detailed pics.. Once I get them I'll post them up here.

kander · #6 06-17-2011, 09:33 AM

The 2 Pro is my favorite amp: it sounds great live and in the studio. In the 6 years that I've owned mine I have never had a problem with it other than the expected retube.

ariff · #7 06-17-2011, 09:42 AM

So what is the deal with this SVT.. Most of them I have found while doing some research don't look like this one with the blue and red SVT letters and blue markers. Is there any internal differences with this particular model? Good or bad? I have also heard these weigh like 80 LBS.. I'd need a good rack case with wheels. Hell I am already dragging around a 8x10 may as well top it off with this beast?

tZer · #8 06-17-2011, 09:45 AM

I have owned one for many years now and I love it - and sort of don't like it.

I love the way it sounds - especially when paired with the 810.

I had some issues with mine conking out, mid gig - but I've had it serviced and have had no problems since (knock wood). Mine was purchased used and needed a lot of TLC. Tubes replaced - solder joints reflowed - etc...and in case you don't know, having significant service done by an authorized service center is not cheap and if you don't know much about amps or electronics, DIY is NOT an option.

It's HEAVY, as I am sure you know. At first that's no big deal. After a few years you realize it's not the most portable thing.

But - when it's warm and pumping those 8 10's - man... that's the stuff!

JimmyM · #9 06-17-2011, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ariff

So what is the deal with this SVT.. Most of them I have found while doing some research don't look like this one with the blue and red SVT letters and blue markers. Is there any internal differences with this particular model? Good or bad? I have also heard these weigh like 80 LBS.. I'd need a good rack case with wheels. Hell I am already dragging around a 8x10 may as well top it off with this beast?

The SVT 2 Pro's internal design was the same back then as it is now. That was just the color scheme they used back then. It is 80 lbs. though, but hey, if you want a real SVT, that's the price of admission.