My Ampeg SVT dilemma

**JayAmel** · #1 07-07-2010, 06:09 PM

Hi guys,

Well, as some of you may know, I'm an Ampeg kind of guy. Currently touring with a BA115, since I don't need much power on stage. And yes, I like the sound of the BA115.

Now, if you ask me what I love the most, I'll tell you my biggest seller's remorse is when I sold my 70's SVT with its matching 8x10 fridge. My credo is that since 1969, no-one was ever able to make something better (but ya all know that's just my very personal opinion).

Which means, on the contemporary side, the amp I should love the most, if purchased new, is the SVT-VR with the SVT-810AV cab, or even the CL & 810E in the Heritage Series.

But the fact is, I'm a pro player. And I can't exactly use what I'd like the most. So I need something with "that" Ampeg sound, while being able to lend a bit on the more modern side when needed.

As of September '10 until September '11, I'm going to be hired for at least 120 gigs, and some of them will need a big amp on stage (I mean, something much louder than my BA115).

I have narrowed down to a few combinations, and please I'd be glad to hear about your opinions.

Thanks in advance !
Jay

RickenBoogie · #2 07-07-2010, 06:14 PM

SVT 6Pro and SVT 810. (sorry, didn't like the 3 or 4 Pro)

**JayAmel** · #3 07-07-2010, 06:15 PM

Thanks RickenBoogie, unfortunately the SVT-6PRO is discontinued now.

RickenBoogie · #4 07-07-2010, 06:56 PM

That's too bad, 'twas an awesome sounding amp. maybe you could find a used one(?), it'd be worth the look.

Sartori · #5 07-07-2010, 07:04 PM

Any of those with the 810.

Turock · #6 07-07-2010, 07:15 PM

2Pro with a sealed cab.

JimmyM · #7 07-07-2010, 07:42 PM

i went with the 4 pro/810e because of the 810e. any of them would work well in any combination, though.

headstrong4 · #8 07-07-2010, 07:46 PM

my 2 pro sounds pretty good. heavy as heck though.

coreyfyfe · #9 07-07-2010, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

i went with the 4 pro/810e because of the 810e. any of them would work well in any combination, though.

I went with this as well, but for a different reason. My main rig is a 74 SVT/72 8x10, but the cover band I'm playing with has an SVT-IV/810E in the rehearsal space, and while not the same as the all tube SVT, it does a decent job at pretending.

joeydavidson · #10 07-07-2010, 09:34 PM

7-pro and 810e

rbonner · #11 07-07-2010, 09:41 PM

Yeah 4Pro and 810 if you aren't going all tube.

StuartV · #12 07-08-2010, 12:21 PM

Why isn't the 2 Pro a choice?

I'd vote for 2 Pro + 410HLF x 2

stingray56funk · #13 07-08-2010, 12:32 PM

I chose the 7-Pro because I really like that amp. I spent some quality time with that amp and a MM Classic Stingray and I really loved the 7-Pro.

stiles72 · #14 07-08-2010, 12:40 PM

If you like the sound of 15's and your happy with your current Ampeg, I'd vote for the 410HLF. More ported low end than the 810 or the 610. If you end up using a 3 Pro, remember to IGNORE the idiot light, and use your ears. It will have more than enough juice if you crank that input gain up to where the red light is lighting up with each note and then use your master as needed.

blackba · #15 07-08-2010, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stiles72

If you like the sound of 15's and your happy with your current Ampeg, I'd vote for the 410HLF. More ported low end than the 810 or the 610. If you end up using a 3 Pro, remember to IGNORE the idiot light, and use your ears. It will have more than enough juice if you crank that input gain up to where the red light is lighting up with each note and then use your master as needed.

Good tip. I have a SVTIIIpro and 410HLF, they do work well together.

**JayAmel** · #16 07-08-2010, 12:47 PM

Thanks everyone ! Main reason why I won't go all tube is that I don't want to have to deal with 80 or 100 lbs heads... + the risks that are inherent to all-tube amps. I certainly wouldn't say that if that were not about Ampeg, but hybrid SVT heads are OK for me for coming close to "that" SVT tone. Ya all know they sound much warmer than any other mosfet amp.

The reason why I don't plan SVT2-PRO : see just above

I actually lean much towards SVT-3PRO + SVT-410HLF. Thanks Stiles for the advice, and yes, ignoring the LED and using one's ears is the way to go with Ampeg amps. I confirm I like the sound of my 15" BA115, and yes the SVT-410HLF is probably close to that (with way more volume, though).

faivy · #17 07-08-2010, 02:47 PM

I have a 1978 SVT, sold the Fridge and replaced it with 2 Aguilar DB410's for more flexibility...all of which to say I believe I know the sound you want. Check out the Mesa Walkabout. 300watts at 4 ohms but will do 2 ohms as well. I use mine with 2 Aguilar GS112's but any cab will do and for fun I add the Tech 21 VT pedal to the mix (but treat it as active because it is hot and will overdrive otherwise).
Check out the Mesa mega thread. This is the most tube sounding of all the hybrids.

JimmyM · #18 07-08-2010, 02:48 PM

well the risks of an all-tuber are grossly overstated by some folks on here. the weight, however, isn't...it's a heavy bitch!

the 3 pro + 410hlf would, indeed, get you closest to the ba115 in larger form without breaking the bank, though. and it should be plenty for most gigs, even stage volume gigs.

Groover · #19 07-08-2010, 03:13 PM

SVT-3PRO with 410HLF is a really good match. You are limited as the 410HLF is 4 ohms, but from what I read about your post, sounds like that would work for you anyway

I upgraded to an SVT6-PRO a few years after using the 3pro just itching for more punch, and did indeed bring the 410HLF to a whole different category (punching you in the face while coating you with melted butter), but honestly, it was too much power for that cab. I really couldn't push the amp how I wanted to.

Unfortunately the missing 2-Ohm option on the 6PRO killed it for me, and I just recently sold it.... some regrets, but I've indulged myself with an SVT

Still the 6Pro is a nice amp though... If money were no issue, I'd still have it... actually, I'd probably own Ampeg

I still have the SVT3-Pro though. Right after the big SVT, I think the 3PRO is the next best Ampeg model.

**JayAmel** · #20 07-08-2010, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

well the risks of an all-tuber are grossly overstated by some folks on here. the weight, however, isn't...it's a heavy bitch!

Well, in my case it is. First, I'm not Sylverter Stallone, muscle-wise. Second, I can't imagine an SVT-CL, SVT-VR, Heritage CL or SVT-2PRO raging on top of anything else than a 810E. Guess who is gonna have to lift the head there ? I'm subject to tendinitis in the arms, so that would not be careful. Cabs are less of an issue, since they have casters and don't have to be lifted anywhere (except through a few stairs to the stage, but there I can get a small help).

Now, how will be tubes of an all-tube amp hold on where I live. The drives I'm going to do are plenty of bad-maintained roads. Unless I spend an extra 250 € for a very secure case for the all-tube amp (or the same amount for a shockmount rack if I took the SVT2Pro road), honestly all this is kinda fuss to me, and not worth it.