SVT Classic questions

[Baconator]

I've been itching to pick up an SVT for ages and have come across a decent looking classic for a good price. What things should I be looking out for - any typical problems or warning signs to stay away?

Also, I'm a lazy old man (in spirit anyways) and as much as I love playing through 810s I can't see myself moving one up and down the stairs every time I play and I know my wife would want it displayed in the living room (women, huh?). I do have a 4ohm series 1 Epifani 410UL - any concerns about this matchup?

Thanks!

[rtslinger]

No not really just make sure all the tubes are working and it is hooked up to speakers before you test it. And if you do decide to buy it take it to a good place by you and let them give it the once over the make sure all the settings under the hood are where they should be. Other than that it is heavy as he// and the 8*10 and the SVT make the best pair I have ever heard so I'm not sure how it will sound with the Epifani 410 I have always played my through Ampeg cabinets

[cheezewiz]

I'm thinking it will either sound absolutely great with the Epifani, or sound like warmed over dog turds. I don't know if they'll be an in between. Any chance the seller will let you try it out with your cab?

[TaylorO']

Originally Posted by cheezewiz

I'm thinking it will either sound absolutely great with the Epifani, or sound like warmed over dog turds. I don't know if they'll be an in between. Any chance the seller will let you try it out with your cab?

CHELSEA BOYS MAKE MORE NOISE!!!!!!!!!!

[cheezewiz]

Originally Posted by TaylorO'

CHELSEA BOYS MAKE MORE NOISE!!!!!!!!!!

I hear they are handing out geritol at training to make sure all those senior citizens in blue stay healthy!

[Baconator]

Ok, so from what I've been able to discover from the seller it is a Vietnamese model, the tubes are recent and it's loud. Should I hold out for an earlier one or is there nothing inherently wrong with these?

Anybody have experience playing an SVT-CL through an Epifani UL410? If I can avoid bringing my 410 along for the 2-hour drive and humping it into the store I will.

[RickenBoogie]

No, not to worry about where it was made, but bringing your cab is the ONLY way you're going to know if they pair well. Even if someone else used the exact rig, the way you play will make a difference. Also, always consider a trip to the tech as part of the price when buying a used tube amp. Even if it seems to be working properly. A check up is cheap, compared to the repair bill if there is a problem that shows itself later.

[Baconator]

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

No, not to worry about where it was made, but bringing your cab is the ONLY way you're going to know if they pair well. Even if someone else used the exact rig, the way you play will make a difference. Also, always consider a trip to the tech as part of the price when buying a used tube amp. Even if it seems to be working properly. A check up is cheap, compared to the repair bill if there is a problem that shows itself later.

Thanks - you make good sense even if it is a pain to cart along the 410. I don't really NEED an SVT, but I do only have one bass amp and backups are pretty much essential, aren't they?

[will33]

+1 to taking your own bass and cab with you, especially if it's 2hrs. away. It'd sure suck to find out you made a mistake after you burned a whole day and a couple hundred miles. And yes, a tech will likely have a bench fee of $50-$75 for a thorough checking over......well worth it. I wouldn't expect any problems from one that recent but it's kinda like checking the fluids before you overheat it or run it out of oil.

[Baconator]

I have a great tech that is both cheap and thorough - if I do buy this amp it will go to him.

Thanks again - I needed the push to bring my cab with me - curse my laziness!