Should I Sell My Ampeg SVT4 Pro?

IncX · #1 02-05-2011, 07:38 PM

i'm in a dilemma: i am currently not gigging, and if i ever do gig its the random once every 4 months thing with probably a max of 20 people in the room, and sometimes i get to do semi-open shows with about 50 people in attendance.

i'm currently using an Ampeg SVT 4 Pro into a Hartke Pro 2200 cab (2x12, 250 watts) ... which is kinda silly, cause the Ampeg is putting in 1600 watts to it.

i decided to sell it in my country for around $1,222 - things tend to get expensive around here.

i got an offer a few days ago ... it was an Ashdown Mag II (307 watts) and additional cash of $780.

i'm in a bind - while i could use the money to pay for my Stingray V purchase, i dont really need it since my initial computations on my Stingray purchase didn't factor selling any of my gear.

BUT

the money would certainly make my life easier... not to mention, that the ashdown mag is a crapload lighter and seem to be a better match for my hartke cab.

to be honest, im sort of nervous about the sound and reliability of the ashdown mag II, since i couldn't find decent reviews of it (just nonsensical raves). there is no way i could test it, because just as i said, bass gear is pretty rare in my country.

and to note: i am happy with my ampeg svt 4 Pro, so OK ... i wish the sound wasnt as tinny, but ive since long gotten used to the sound of these hartke cabs, that pretty soon, i didn't mind. and oh, the only bad thing i can say about the ampeg svt 4 pro is that its heavy. tone and everything, its all good.

what are your thoughts? should i go for it? or should i stick with my ampeg SVT4 Pro, since after all, it is an Ampeg SVT4 Pro. will i regret the downgrade from pro-level to entry level gear?

thank you for taking the time to read.

Mr.Bassie720 · #2 02-05-2011, 07:49 PM

What is your country? If bass gear is hard to come by, you might consider keeping the SVT. You might need it, if you start playing more/bigger shows.

waleross · #3 02-05-2011, 08:59 PM

Mine is still under warranty and its just a year into the 3 years. I have other big amps but when it started to act up I freaked. Now its back home , not being used but I feel better go figure.
I think that if you sell it you'll want another one in 3 to 6 months........

brndn123 · #4 02-05-2011, 09:03 PM

I vote yes. If you don't need it, sell it to someone who will use it. 4 pros can be easily had online if it ever comes up.

IncX · #5 02-05-2011, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.Bassie720

What is your country? If bass gear is hard to come by, you might consider keeping the SVT. You might need it, if you start playing more/bigger shows.

Philippines.

... i don't know. the music scene here is really terrible. i'm 30 years old and the biggest gig i had was in a theater with a 50 watt amp that crapped out ...

IncX · #6 02-05-2011, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waleross

Mine is still under warranty and its just a year into the 3 years. I have other big amps but when it started to act up I freaked. Now its back home , not being used but I feel better go figure.
I think that if you sell it you'll want another one in 3 to 6 months........

hmmm, so the sound of an svt pro and an ashdown mag is that different, even when its only being voiced thru a 250 watt 2x12 hartke cab?

JimmyM · #7 02-05-2011, 09:38 PM

i'd have to agree the 4 pro is overkill for that cab, although i'm sure it sounds good. but i'm not a huge fan of ashdown low end stuff. if it were me, i'd have a look around at what else is available to you and not just hop on the ashdown because it's there.

IncX · #8 02-05-2011, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

i'd have to agree the 4 pro is overkill for that cab, although i'm sure it sounds good. but i'm not a huge fan of ashdown low end stuff. if it were me, i'd have a look around at what else is available to you and not just hop on the ashdown because it's there.

this got me thinking. thanks jim...

although, i dont think anything is out there anymore - the stuff for sale in my country are entry level stuff.

JimmyM · #9 02-05-2011, 10:17 PM

well the player is way more important than the gear, and i've seen amazing players totally rock some beginner gear, so whatever you use i'm sure you'll be able to get a good sound out of the ashdown as long as you play with feeling. but if i were in a country where good gear is hard to get, i'd be tempted to hang onto a good piece.