SVT CL with 8x10 - Talk me out of it

[cardboardJoe]

Let me hep.... Just tell me where it is, I'll buy it.
Problem solved! (you'll thank me later)

[countrybassist]

If I talked you out of it, you may get mad at me for not letting you get one of the best rigs ever.

[iiipopes]

The SVT was one of the first high-powered bass amps that really made a P-bass rock, and rock hard. It has a tone like no other. When you simply, positively, absolutely have to move a lot of air, as I posted elsewhere: it doesn't have a master volume. It is the master of volume.

Now, to the care and feeding of an SVT:
1) Yes, it's heavy. Unless you've already had children, always get someone to help you move each component, amp, speaker cab, etc., separately.
2) Tubes. Stock up on 12DW7's and 12BH7's, because they are hard to come by if it is an original. The title of the thread does say "CL," so maybe it's one of the newer ones that you "only" have to be concerned about 12AU7's. Even then, you don't just run down to the corner music store and pick a few up. Places such as thetubestore.com or tubedepot.com have them. But the good ones still cost $$. Since the tone stack has been changed in the "CL," the tone is different from the original 1968-74 SVT's. Some like the switchable mids better, others, like me, think the CL doesn't have the edge the original has. Start saving your $$$ (yes, I typed three dollar signs), because you're going to spend a lot of money when it comes time to re-tube it; good quality 6550's in a matched half-dozen are not cheap.
3) Smaller speaker cab. You will have gigs that are either severely volume limited or space limited. You will need in addition to the stacks a separate smaller speaker cab that can handle the 300 watts. That's not as big of a deal now as it used to be, except that in the case of an SVT, it has to be rated four ohms, not eight. SVT output transformers are picky to match with cabinets, even if they can deliver all 300 watts without getting that hot.

I got my SVT head used in the early '90's for @$350. When I went to retube it, it was going to cost almost that much again. So I sold it and opted for a Carvin 300 watt solid state head instead for the same price as the tubes for the SVT were going to cost me. I'm still using that head for keys, alternate PA, practice venue, etc., going on twenty years later, with no modifications and no component repairs.

[kmon]

Originally Posted by iiipopes

3) Smaller speaker cab. You will have gigs that are either severely volume limited or space limited. You will need in addition to the stacks a separate smaller speaker cab that can handle the 300 watts. That's not as big of a deal now as it used to be, except that in the case of an SVT, it has to be rated four ohms, not eight. SVT output transformers are picky to match with cabinets, even if they can deliver all 300 watts without getting that hot.

yeah I have the uber 4x10...definitely 4ohm and rated to 1000watts

thinking maybe I'll just give the SVT head a shot with the 4x10

the Uber is 72lbs...almost as heavy as the SVT and I can move that by myself fairly easily

I'm actually gassin to try the head much more than the 8x10

[vgbob]

Any way to just try it out?
I bet that would answer all your quetions.
And, yes, just run the SVT with your 410, and you'll
be happy. I have a 210 and 115, which I run singly or
together, gives me three options. (with my SVT)

[BlueLine1]

If it's a killer deal, you can't go wrong picking it up. If it's "THE Ampeg" tone you are looking for, you might want to pass. The Classics don't have the same tone circuitry, tubes, or sound as the '68-'74s. As far as the cabinet, you did say "Classic" it depends on the wood and drivers. Same story, if you are going for"THE Sound" of the flatbacks. With all that being said, if you've never stood in front of an all-tube, 300 watt, 8x10 cabinet...... Buy This, you'll probably never look back or have any regrets....
Sorry, I can't talk you out of this. You "Need" it to add to your versatility.

Alan

[Laurent]

I think owning an Ampeg 810 is a right of passage for any bass player.
There is no doublt they are amazing tonally.

The real question is can you transport the 140 lbs monster with ease?
You're far beyond Honda Civic territory with a fridge!

[obimark]

Just curious, how do you 810 SVT guys move those things to your gigs?? Do you have a "designated" helper in the band, and is it always the same guy? I'd imagine you have to have a truck or large van as those things won't fit in any typical car or SUV without taking out seats or something...

This ain't hating just asking as I will never need/nor buy this large a cabinet that I have to rely on others to move/transport, unless I am in a FULL on professional band (ie Bush or something)

[bassteban]

Originally Posted by Shane Carter

No, it's not "either or," you need both rigs.

I like this guy.
That said, my first thought was *drag the whole thing up/down even a short flight of stairs- after a bitchen gig, no help, while the rest of the band chats/drinks w/passable barflies*
Also, the term *tempted* is for me a near deal-breaker, at the very least a glowing red flag. You also said something about *no probs w/current rig* no?
I do love me some tube tone, but I also like NOT being laid up w/a shot back from playing roadie after playing rock star.

[Bassmec]

Originally Posted by obimark

Just curious, how do you 810 SVT guys move those things to your gigs?? Do you have a "designated" helper in the band, and is it always the same guy? I'd imagine you have to have a truck or large van as those things won't fit in any typical car or SUV without taking out seats or something...

This ain't hating just asking as I will never need/nor buy this large a cabinet that I have to rely on others to move/transport, unless I am in a FULL on professional band (ie Bush or something)

Could be this if you use a little creativity:

It all depends on what's most important to you in life.

[hdracer]

Originally Posted by obimark

Just curious, how do you 810 SVT guys move those things to your gigs?? Do you have a "designated" helper in the band, and is it always the same guy? I'd imagine you have to have a truck or large van as those things won't fit in any typical car or SUV without taking out seats or something...

This ain't hating just asking as I will never need/nor buy this large a cabinet that I have to rely on others to move/transport, unless I am in a FULL on professional band (ie Bush or something)

Tilt and roll.
Easier then lugging a 410.

[WokenDeer]

Originally Posted by obimark

Just curious, how do you 810 SVT guys move those things to your gigs?? Do you have a "designated" helper in the band, and is it always the same guy? I'd imagine you have to have a truck or large van as those things won't fit in any typical car or SUV without taking out seats or something...

This ain't hating just asking as I will never need/nor buy this large a cabinet that I have to rely on others to move/transport, unless I am in a FULL on professional band (ie Bush or something)

Well. First off its really not that hard. It rolls around and takes minimum effort to pull up into a trailer/van/stage. And also I happen to be in a band, and have always been in a band, with people who aren't a-holes and we all help each other get all the gear in and out because its just faster and easier for everyone involved, including other bands and sound men and bar owners. We get in. Do our job, get out of everyone's way and get paid. Then enjoy the rest of our evening and/or go home. Everyone's happy. No one has a shot back.

And I also have to stress how actually not difficult it is to move around. Contrary to popular belief. Maybe it's a southern thing but most of the time even complete strangers aren't going to just sit back and watch someone struggle moving something. And if your too prideful to accept a little help, then that's on you.

Edit: that came off a little harsh lol. Wasn't directed right at you, just speaking in general to everyone.

[Bassmec]

Originally Posted by WokenDeer

Well. First off its really not that hard. It rolls around and takes minimum effort to pull up into a trailer/van/stage. And also I happen to be in a band, and have always been in a band, with people who aren't a-holes and we all help each other get all the gear in and out because its just faster and easier for everyone involved, including other bands and sound men and bar owners. We get in. Do our job, get out of everyone's way and get paid. Then enjoy the rest of our evening and/or go home. Everyone's happy. No one has a shot back.

And I also have to stress how actually not difficult it is to move around. Contrary to popular belief. Maybe it's a southern thing but most of the time even complete strangers aren't going to just sit back and watch someone struggle moving something. And if your too prideful to accept a little help, then that's on you.

Edit: that came off a little harsh lol. Wasn't directed right at you, just speaking in general to everyone.

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http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0...GKRHMDXVTZSGMY

[Alexander]

I agree - other than tackling stairs, I find the 810 really easy to move around. Perfect height to easily tilt and roll. Easy to get in the back of a van by myself. I find it easier to move than a 410 half it's weight.

[pacojas]

a 30yr old insulated Peavey 215 would sound much, much better, IMVHO.

[Tim1]

The only issue I ever had with an 810 was one of pride. The cabinet was no problem at all to schlep as others have posted. My problem was that beiing of average height I had to do a very unnatural (and unhealthy) back arch to lift my SVT on top of the cabinet, resulting one time in a very nasty sprained back for months. I could carry the amp fine, but lifting it on top of the cab could not be done with a straight back - I know I should have (and often did) get my bandmates to assist but pride being what it is......
Anyway, I solved the problem by getting a Bergantino 610 which was an easy lift for the head.
And I agree with the others, every bassist should own a full Ampeg rig at least once. In my case I will probably be purchasing my fourth some time in the next few years and I am pushing sixty . It is a habit that just won't go away.

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by obimark

Just curious, how do you 810 SVT guys move those things to your gigs?? Do you have a "designated" helper in the band, and is it always the same guy? I'd imagine you have to have a truck or large van as those things won't fit in any typical car or SUV without taking out seats or something...

This ain't hating just asking as I will never need/nor buy this large a cabinet that I have to rely on others to move/transport, unless I am in a FULL on professional band (ie Bush or something)

I use a handtruck and will ask for a boost up stairs. Otherwise, I use leverage to move the cab around, and try my best to keep the deadlifting of the head to a minimum. I'm 51, and I just plain don't find it all that hard to move around. Yes, it's heavy, but I move heavier stuff in my daily life anyway.

[coreyfyfe]

Originally Posted by obimark

I'd imagine you have to have a truck or large van as those things won't fit in any typical car or SUV without taking out seats or something...

This is my 8x10 in my previous car, a chevy aveo sedan. The newer 810E cabs, which are about an inch or so taller than the older cabs, might not have fit in this car, but this one did. I currently have an suv, and the group with which I use this cab has a trailer, so it's not a problem transporting the cab. But it is actually very easy to transport them in a car as long as you can open the doors wide enough and don't care about your interior

[prd004]

The cabinet is easier to move than the head IMO.

You just tilt and roll. As others have said it's probably easier to move than a 410 as long as you have a suitable vehicle. I have found a 610 the best compromise for ease of moving/loading

The head has no wheels and I always love seeing bandmates scatter like cockroaches when a light comes on when it's time to lift the thing!!!!!

[guy n. cognito]

Originally Posted by prd004

The cabinet is easier to move than the head IMO.

You just tilt and roll. As others have said it's probably easier to move than a 410 as long as you have a suitable vehicle. I have found a 610 the best compromise for ease of moving/loading

The head has no wheels and I always love seeing bandmates scatter like cockroaches when a light comes on when it's time to lift the thing!!!!!

Agreed about moving the cab.....until you get to the stairs.

My bandmates applauded when I told them I sold my SVT