SVT as a guitar amp?

Alexander · #1 06-28-2010, 01:47 PM

I'm looking to get a cheap Strat to use around the house - mainly to teach my son, who is looking to get into guitar. I've got a small practice amp I've given him, but am wondering if I could just plug into my SVT that I've got set up in my practice space. I tried it out this evening and with the bright switch engaged and some drive, it didn't sound half bad.

I know you should not play bass through a guitar amp, but are there any issues playing a guitar through an SVT (with a sealed 412 cab)?

Thoughts?

woodsideh · #2 06-28-2010, 01:54 PM

I don't think you will have any problems at all. On a different note, Doug Ingle - Iron Butterfly organist - played a Vox Continental organ through one and it sounded massive live.

RTL · #3 06-28-2010, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woodsideh

I don't think you will have any problems at all. On a different note, Doug Ingle - Iron Butterfly organist - played a Vox Continental organ through one and it sounded massive live.

JimmyM owns that amp now.

stiles72 · #4 06-28-2010, 02:04 PM

The Stones did...

http://www.ampeg.com/history.html

Deluge Of Sound · #5 06-28-2010, 02:08 PM

That's going to be real loud.

KramerBassFan · #6 06-28-2010, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stiles72

The Stones did...

http://www.ampeg.com/history.html

Interesting, even if i thought The Stones Lost their amps on their 1969 tour due to Customs Holding onto their HIWATTs.. but interesting.

Alexander · #7 06-28-2010, 02:17 PM

Yes, I certainly didn't crank it - it seems much louder than my bass does at similar levels.

So, I can't really tell from the article - the SVT was originally designer for guitar?

RTL · #8 06-28-2010, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alexander

Yes, I certainly didn't crank it - it seems much louder than my bass does at similar levels.

So, I can't really tell from the article - the SVT was originally designer for guitar?

You're 100% correct. It was a joint venture with Fender back in the day. Would make sense, since SVT Stands for "Stratocaster Very Terrifying".

Alexander · #9 06-28-2010, 02:22 PM

I wonder why the concept didn't stick for guitar, then? I've never seen guitar played through one. Gotta be massive when you crank it!

KramerBassFan · #10 06-28-2010, 02:25 PM

It will get much too loud (TDL actually) before it would come close to distorting.

projectMalamute · #11 06-28-2010, 02:26 PM

Ampeg used to make a guitar version of the SVT, it was called the V9.

Deluge Of Sound · #12 06-28-2010, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KramerBassFan

]It will get ~~much too~~ loud ~~(TDL actually)~~ before it would come close to distorting.

Fixed for accuracy.

heath_r_91 · #13 06-28-2010, 02:31 PM

I would be careful with Ohms. Doesn't the SVT only do 4 or 2 Ohms?

I believe most guitar cabinets are 8 or 16 Ohms. That could cause some problems.

RTL · #14 06-28-2010, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alexander

I wonder why the concept didn't stick for guitar, then? I've never seen guitar played through one. Gotta be massive when you crank it!

I would assume because:

1) Even a dim-witted guitarist could figure out that it gets WAY too loud before it starts to break up usefully.

2) How many guitarists do you know who would willfully carry around a 100lb head?

Sartori · #15 06-28-2010, 02:37 PM

I've never owned a large guitar amp. Practice amps, sure, but for loud guitar playing I've always just used a bass amp with a distortion pedal in front of it.

There's no reason you can't play guitar through a bass amp. The only thing to watch out for would be if your cab has a tweeter, as the ones in bass cabs I've heard often aren't designed to have distortion or guitar sent through them. This isn't a problem for me, as my cabs don't have tweeters.

KramerBassFan · #16 06-28-2010, 02:53 PM

Marshall Hundred Watters get too loud so easily.

Just imagine how loud a SVT would get pushing Mids.

You'd probably throw up. But hey, that might be your thing...

Alexander · #17 06-28-2010, 02:53 PM

I have it connected to a 4ohm 412 bass cabinet - it is a sealed design without tweeters. If it works well, I'm sure I could put a tube screamer or the like through it as opposed to pushing it to overdrive...

Never really thought about this until tonight, so even more interesting to get the guitar now. Sounds like I might have a one size fits all solution. And the most powerful guitar practice amp you can get...

pig · #18 06-28-2010, 02:57 PM

I've done this many times and it sounds great. If you plug the guitar into the bright channel it sounds pretty nice at the right settings. good luck

BassmanPaul · #19 06-28-2010, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woodsideh

I don't think you will have any problems at all. On a different note, Doug Ingle - Iron Butterfly organist - played a Vox Continental organ through one and it sounded massive live.

Doesn't JimmyM own that baby??? I think he does!

Geezz too slow again!

Paul

Alexander · #20 06-28-2010, 03:08 PM

Thanks - yes, it did sound better with the bright switch engaged and the drive knob added some bite as well. Its a 2Pro, so has a 9 band EQ as well - I'm on the fence as to whether or not I need it with bass, but it might be useful for guitar.