Possibly getting an 8x10; some questions

mandokiddo · #1 03-30-2011, 10:56 PM

Hey talkbass folks,

So I've been lurking on craigslist for the past year or so looking for a good bass setup. I've always played through a 100 watt fender rumble combo but it doesn't exactly cut it for some of the groups I play with unless it's miked. The other day I found what seems like a good deal and wanted to get some advice before pulling the trigger. It's an ampeg 8x10 cabinet but the ad doesn't include much more than that so I thought I would link it for you guys to take a look.

AMPEG SVT810 BASS CABINET

I'm hoping its in good working condition and I would obviously go check it out before making any decision but I was wondering what kinds of questions I should ask the seller seeing as not much was included in the description. One thing that was bothering me was that he said the input jack had been converted to 1/4 from XLR. I wasn't sure why any ampeg cab would have an XLR input but maybe that's just my ignorance. What kind of wattage rating should I expect from this amp and what other things should I look for.

Any advice you guys could give me is greatly appreciated since I'd like to know what I'm looking for and what I'm talking about before going to check out this cab.

Thanks,
Ben

Robby Hoinsky · #2 03-30-2011, 11:13 PM

He probably means speakon, xlr is for line level or mic level, not for speakers.

Robby

JimmyM · #3 03-30-2011, 11:18 PM

definitely early svt cab...not sure if it's towel bar or flatback (if it had an xlr there's a good chance it's a flatback). speakers look original and in good shape. grill cloth isn't original, jack plate isn't original, but for $325 i'd definitely check it out. can't put gobs of power through it like the newer ones (they were rated at 250w, and though they really do better than that, i wouldn't run them with any more than 300w). but they've got great tone, especially the flatbacks. worth a look for sure.

JimmyM · #4 03-30-2011, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robby Hoinsky

He probably means speakon, xlr is for line level or mic level, not for speakers.

Robby

nope, he means xlr. early svt cabs had the 4 pin xlr connector like you see on b-15's to hook up the cabs. pins 2 and 3 were wired together to prevent you from taking your amp out of standby without a cab plugged in. i thought it was pretty slick, but it never caught on.

mandokiddo · #5 03-30-2011, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

nope, he means xlr. early svt cabs had the 4 pin xlr connector like you see on b-15's to hook up the cabs. pins 2 and 3 were wired together to prevent you from taking your amp out of standby without a cab plugged in. i thought it was pretty slick, but it never caught on.

Cool, I was wondering about that because it would seem odd to convert the cab from speakon back to a 1/4 seeing as the speakon would be somewhat more versatile.

I think I'll definitely go ahead and email the guy and see about going to check it out. Sounds like a good deal.

Thanks JimmyM you gave me way more info than I thought I would get

are there any questions I should ask the seller or do I really just need to go see how it plays?

I'm super excited about it now.

Ben

JimmyM · #6 03-30-2011, 11:43 PM

ya, just see how it plays...listen for signs of broken speakers. make sure they all move and sound good. i don't know if he'll let you do it, but it you GENTLY push around the outside of the dustcaps with even pressure, you can tell if the speakers are good. good speakers won't rub, bad ones will.

mandokiddo · #7 03-30-2011, 11:54 PM

Ok cool, thanks so much for the advice. I appreciate it a lot

blastjv · #8 03-31-2011, 08:54 AM

And now that you've gotten good info, take that link down to prevent folks from snaking your great craigslist find!!! (I'm thinking about it myself.....

)

-JV

deeptubes · #9 03-31-2011, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blastjv

And now that you've gotten good info, take that link down to prevent folks from snaking your great craigslist find!!! (I'm thinking about it myself.....

)

-JV

Too late. It's mine now! Just kidding. Been through my Ampeg phase. Could be a hell of a deal. Good luck!

mandokiddo · #10 04-01-2011, 12:35 AM

Hey guys thanks for the good wishes. The seller hasn't gotten back to me but its only been a short time. It feels like its been a week lol. I think I'll leave the link up on good faith. If I don't wind up snagging the cab I'll let you guys know so you can check it out if you've been able to restrain yourself.