Need to lighten up

[skychief]

Been schleppin around my SVT2-pro amp for many years. Pulled a muscle in my back dragging the thing out of my truck at the last gig. I need a combo rig, something light & affordable but can still rattle the windows. Solid state with a tube front end. Maybe for under $1k. Any suggestions?

thnx

[OOZMAN]

Gym.

I'm sorry!!

[JimmyM]

svt 7 pro. not the most micro of micros, but still only 15 lbs and sounds and feels a lot like a tube svt.

[BillyIVbass]

If I had a grand I'd be checking out the Genz Benz Shuttles.

Ampeg came out with the PF500 (light head) with either a 1x15 or a 2x10 cab. $7-800 around 50 pounds.

Hartke Hydrive really not heavy or light but plenty of power and in your price range.

[waleross]

There is nothing like hurting your back and smashing your fingers with an 80lb + tube head. I have the 4Pro which is only 45lbs but easier to move around than my CL. I have been looking at the Genz Benz products and like what I hear and see. Combo's for me aren't something I could go back to but maybe a well thought out rig could work........good luck ................

[James Simonson]

Just bought Ampeg 7 Pro and it's really a great amp. 1000 watts @ 4 ohms

Compressor is real nice and the DI is solid too.

[Munjibunga]

GB Shuttle 9.0. Rules. 900 watts, 4 pounds, 12AX7 up front.

[Tracebassplayer]

Originally Posted by skychief

Been schleppin around my SVT2-pro amp for many years. Pulled a muscle in my back dragging the thing out of my truck at the last gig. I need a combo rig, something light & affordable but can still rattle the windows. Solid state with a tube front end. Maybe for under $1k. Any suggestions?

thnx

There was a 200 watt Trace Elliot 7210H combo on fleabay for 250 or 300.00 a couple says ago.
Very nice ported combo and you can add an ext cab to it.

[Russell L]

Weighed my old Trace Elloit GP7M (like the 7215) yesterday. It came out to be 78.4 lbs. That's why it doesn't move anymore.

My Markbass CMD 121H sounds just as good and weighs 39.5 lbs., and is easier to get around. But, of course, it's only a single 12", but at 300w. Covers small to medium gigs by itself.

[Jim C]

I've tried Trace, Mark Bass, SWR, Ampeg SVP-CL pre amps, etc and the closest I can get to my SVT-CL is a Mesa Walkabout; the others were not nearly as close
You might try the VT pedal as many hear say this pedal is a good alternative with a small clean amp

[cavedweller]

just picked up a carvin b2000.so far,me likey!

[shwashwa]

no one mentioned the svt 3 pro?

[IvanMike]

forget tube or not tube preamp - just go listen to a bunch of stuff till you find the amp that sounds good to you. Also be sure to check out the used market. The world of bass amplification is very volatile, and many players constantly sell great gear to get the "latest and greatest". Just be sure that the head you get is going to be loud enough for your volume needs when used with your cabs.

Based on your OP, a combo is not for you as they tend to be heavy and massive.

you didn't mention what speaker cab(s) you're using. If you're looking to swap those out as well, there are also a ton of great cabs you can use alone or in pairs that sound fantastic.

[gnergaard]

As someone who has dealt with back injuries and gigging before, I actually would recommend avoiding combo amps mostly. A micro or reasonable weight head in one hand and a speaker with neo drivers in the other will be a much more comfortable schlep than a combo. Better for your balance and posture.
Luckily, there are many cheap options out there now and you should be able to get quality used gear from Talkbass for around a grand that fits the bill. The SVT 7 is a good call if you want to come as close to the sound of your old head as possible, but I still think it's a little underpowered so get super-efficient speakers to go with it- ideally a 4 ohm 2x10 ala Epifani. You won't like the svt 7 running at 8ohms if you are used to the headroom of an old SVT-2, that's for sure.
The micro heads that others recommended are also great, but have much different sounding front -ends. Try them first and see what you think.
Good luck!

[shwashwa]

the svt 3 pro has the exact same front end preamp he's used to except with a solid state power amp. lighter yet familiar..

[TheNightLife]

Originally Posted by shwashwa

the svt 3 pro has the exact same front end preamp he's used to except with a solid state power amp. lighter yet familiar..

Yea but if he's looking for power output he's not going to get it out of the 3 pro plus not to mention the 3pro doesn't sound nearly as fat as the svt2. I've played the 7pro and it by far out performs the 3pro in everything. I would say get the 7pro and a decent neo cab. The new ampeg pro neos sound awesome as do the markbass cabs

[skychief]

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

GB Shuttle 9.0. Rules. 900 watts, 4 pounds, 12AX7 up front.

Got my eye on this mutha. I want to use my old eden XLT210 8 ohm cabs (cant afford to spend more on cabs). thnx all for the the tips!!