Supplement my SVT

MikeyThrottler · #1 01-13-2012, 09:59 AM

The only head I've owned for quite awhile now is a '76 SVT. It's basically "the one" for me and does everything I could want an amp to do. However, playing in multiple bands means schlepping the thing back and forth to different practice spaces multiple times a week (I have a cab at each space) up and down several flights of stairs. Not exactly fun.

I'm looking to supplement my tube monster with something smaller, preferably under $500 that can provide a nice & gritty vintage rock tone. It would be plugged into an SLM-era SVT610HLF most of the time and occasionally my Mesa 4X12. I'd prefer to avoid having to use a pedal to get some grit.

I'm thinking an Ampeg PF500 would fit the bill the best in my price range. Any other suggestions for me to check out?

jackcheez · #2 01-13-2012, 10:08 AM

For under $500 find a used GK 800RB.

MikeyThrottler · #3 01-13-2012, 10:16 AM

Thanks. I'll have to check one out. I have zero GK experience.

Mastermold · #4 01-13-2012, 10:52 AM

Maybe a used Orange Bass Terror (500 watt)? They grind pretty nicely.

Duke21 · #5 01-13-2012, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackcheez

For under $500 find a used GK 800RB.

It is lighter then the SVT, but not really lightweight. Also not really close to the SVT tone wise.
It will be very hard to find something better then PF500 for that price if you want Ampeg tone.

bassgod0dmw · #6 01-13-2012, 11:18 AM

Genz Benz Streamliner 600/900 or a Mesa Walkabout...if you still want a tubey tone, just in s smaller & lighter package. The GB's come up in the classifieds often enough, and they are usually in your price range (the STL 600). Same with the Walkabout.

All of the Ampeg guys mention the SVT 7 as a great tube amp replacement, and the PF series as well.

coreyfyfe · #7 01-13-2012, 11:55 AM

I have a PF-500 as my backup for my 74 SVT. It's pretty close, can get pretty grindy for a SS head, is 11 lbs., fits in a laptop bag, and has plenty of tone shaping to get close to an SVT tone.

IMO it definitely won't replace an SVT but it's not bad for a lightweight supplement.

MikeyThrottler · #8 01-13-2012, 11:56 AM

Thanks, guys. Those give me some options to check out. As for the light weight thing, anything I'm looking for will be significantly lighter than an SVT, so a 30 or 40lb amp is no big deal to me.

bassguppy · #9 01-13-2012, 12:03 PM

maybe a used SVT-7PRO. Although that may be a little over your $500 budget. I also have the PF500 and it is a nice amp.