SVT-CL has beaten me - where to now?

[tonymcbony]

Hey folks,

I've got an SVT-CL and it's a lovely piece of kit, it sounds great.

I'm finding myself in the position of it being my only amp, and entirely overkill a lot of the time, both in terms of power and lugging it about; these tube amps are heavy b'stards!

There are things I enjoy about it that I know only really come from tubes (you know, that fat tube clean) but having being born and raised as a bassplayer using a Trace Elliot AH250 I can embrace the deep, quick punch of solid state just as easily.

To be honest with you, although I'd miss the loss of the authentic tone of tube grind (and rindonkulous volume required) I'm not that bothered about using a pedal to get the grind, maybe a VT Bass.

In my mind, selling the SVT will net me enough $$ to look at some interesting options. I'm really wondering about going down the Aguilar path with either the Tonehammer TH500 or maybe a used DB750 as I quite liked the vibe of people describe as a modern ampeg tone.

I like fat deep tone with strong mids and a bit of grind, and I play a P Bass in rock contexts. Any suggestions as to where to go from here?

[JimmyM]

Well it's not like you can never get another one if you sell it, but still...

Try the SVT 7 Pro, though. Best hybrid I've played. Aggie makes nice stuff too, but I really like that 7 Pro.

[Tim1]

I have been down this path twice, and each time had to turn around and rebuy an SVT. Most recently I bought an Orange AD200 to use for smaller/lighter gigs, only to find that six months on I am returning to the trusty VR yet again. At least I hadn't sold it this time. Must say that 7pro sounds interesting though, and if Jimmy recommends it.....

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by Tim1

I have been down this path twice, and each time had to turn around and rebuy an SVT. Most recently I bought an Orange AD200 to use for smaller/lighter gigs, only to find that six months on I am returning to the trusty VR yet again. At least I hadn't sold it this time. Must say that 7pro sounds interesting though, and if Jimmy recommends it.....

DISCLAIMER: If anyone buys stuff on my word alone, do so at your own risk and don't send me angry letters if you don't like it. Had enough of that, thank you very much.

But I do really like that 7 Pro, and 1000w amps usually don't interest me in the least.

[Lowbrow]

I'm having a pretty good result running a VT Bass into a Mesa Walkabout powering two Bag End S15-D cabs.

[Jungy]

I would consider going down the path of a smaller all tube amp. From personal experience I run a Trace Twin valve which is 115 watts and has always been loud enough for medium sized gigs with PA support. If you were searching the second hand market I would look at things like the old Fender bassman 100/135. Trace Twinvalve or Quatra valve. Traynor tube amps. Or if you wanted to try hybrid I've enjoyed the Ashdown ABM series and the Genz benz GBE which both have plenty of power.