SVT newbies anonymous

[ubercore]

Hello TB. I have recently acquired a 1974 blackline SVT from a fellow TB member. I have never owned an SVT, and I've only ever had 1 tube in an amp before, so this is kind of a new thing for me. I've done some homework, but have some questions...

First though, let me say holy ****. That **** has two meanings:

1. Heavy. Really, freaking, heavy
2. This is the most amazing sounding amp I've ever used!

This is exactly the tone I've been looking for the past 15 years. My amp heritage isn't exactly stellar, but I've done my fair share of Guitar Center hunting and gathering, and stayed fairly in tune with the amp world. My current amp is a Sansamp RBI -> QSC PLX -> NV610. This was an attempt at sounding like an SVT without having an SVT. Doesn't hold a candle to the real thing.

What I'm most impressed with is the voicing of the preamp. It's impossible to get a bad sound out of this thing. I can set the knobs to what should be the most ridiculous settings, and still get a tone that I could use. I've never had an amp that could do that.

Second, this may be the honeymoon talking, but I believe in the magic of tubes now. I've tried all the products that are supposed to sound "tubey" but aren't, and there's just something missing from all of them. This doesn't mean I think tubes are the best. SS amps can and do sound great, but for this tone I've had in my head, real tubes are the way to go. My wife, when she first heard it, thought the same thing. She said it sounds more "thick" and "real" to her. Which is nice, because she immediately stopped giving me a hard time about spending this much money on an amp and said it was worth "every penny" She's also my drummer, so that's a good endorsement.

Now, on to the support group part of this post.

First, I recognize that this is new-owner anxiety on my part, but can someone assure me that these handles ARENT going to break? Every time I lift it, I get nervous... The thing's heavy!

Second, it seems slightly more sensitive to dirty power than my RBI/QSC rig. I plugged my T-40 in, and depending on pickup setup/selection, I could hear some humming and/or buzzing that I've never heard with other amps before. Is this an old-all-tube amp thing, or should I have the tubes checked out (it was shipped from CA; packed very well but **** happens I guess)? Would a power conditioner help?

Third, the markings on the front panel are pretty worn down. This doesn't bother me in the least, but is this something that could effect the value of the amp down the line? Should I think about fixing that somehow, or just leave it as-is?

Fourth, any suggestions for moving? With another person, it's not too bad, but if there are any tricks or tips some old pros could share, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks all!

[thumpbass1]

Congrats on your new to you, vintage SVT head. As for tips on hauling the beast around my advice would be to look for a decent portable two wheeler dolly as the moving trade calls them, and get yourself some bungee cords or other choice of strapping method to secure it to the dolly for those long distance hauls. Your back will thank you for it.

[coreyfyfe]

The handles have held up for 40 years, I think they're ok.

If it was shipped a long distance and is making any noise it might be worth a trip to a tech just for a once over to check for broken/weak connections and to clean it up a bit. Has it had a cap job recently? That will run you about $200-250, but if it's been done in the last 10 years or so you should be good for a while. As far as noise, I haven't notice more issues with my SVT than others with bad power. My usual practice area at home gives me a ton of hum no matter what amp I use so I can't really comment.

If you're worried about the front panel, fliptops sells replacements. If you do swap it out, definitely keep the original.

As far as moving, I keep mine in a road case (so add another 25 lbs ) and roll it around with a dolly. I decided against a road case with wheels and regretted it almost instantly, but the dolly works just as well and was only $20 whereas adding wheels to my case would have been another $50 or more. It's easiest to move with two people, but I can and do lift it on my own when necessary. Solo over long distances it's definitely on the dolly.

[ubercore]

Originally Posted by coreyfyfe

The handles have held up for 40 years, I think they're ok.

I convinced myself that maybe it's some unspoken SVT rule "never use the handles!" so it survived 40 years, then I come along and break the gold rule (and my amp). Yes, I'm somewhat neurotic

Originally Posted by coreyfyfe

If it was shipped a long distance and is making any noise it might be worth a trip to a tech just for a once over to check for broken/weak connections and to clean it up a bit. Has it had a cap job recently?

The seller did a full cleanup/restoration on the amp before selling, so afaik all that stuff should be taken care of. I have a local tech that's really great though, so maybe I'll just take it in and have him do a quick check.

[stingraysvt]

I have really not moved my 77 around much in the past 4 or 5 years but that looks like that could be changing, I'm looking at getting a road case with wheels and a new slip cover for the amp, I might have to go the way of Cloud 9 or Tuki I guess to get one with tailored holes for the old handles, which are hanging on pretty dang good BTW.

I used Cloud 9 for my PA speaker covers 5 years ago and they keep the scuffs off them and still look good too! For covers...


Anyways congrats! Welcome to the club!

I run my EQ at 12 w/ High boost and no bass boost

The volume knob never gets over 9 o'clock

I used it as backline at a blues festival several weeks ago (I was providing sound and my band just happened to be playing) and it started cutting out but later realized the guy it was messing up on was running it a little too loud. My FOH tech said he wasn't even on in the house in a 1500-2000 seat civic center.

My amp will also howl ever so slightly when I turn it on, but not enough to bother me yet. I have a really awesome amp tech that I can take it too thank god!

[beans-on-toast]

Originally Posted by ubercore

can someone assure me that these handles ARENT going to break? Every time I lift it, I get nervous...

I know what you mean but the handle can take it. There is a steel strap inside the plastic sleeve. Since it is an old amp, check that the strap is firmly attached. There is a nut on each end of the handle inside the cab that you can check for tightness.

I usually get someone to help me lift mine and I tend to hold it by the case rather than the handles.

Second, it seems slightly more sensitive to dirty power than my RBI/QSC rig. I plugged my T-40 in, and depending on pickup setup/selection, I could hear some humming and/or buzzing that I've never heard with other amps before. Would a power conditioner help?

There isn't a noise filter inside these amps. If the power conditioner can take the load of the amp, it would help clean up a dirty line.

Depending on how the tone switches and pot are set, the amp will reveal noise and hiss. Adjusting the settings can help. Sometimes it also helps to clean the tube pin contacts or if necessary, change the tubes.

It never hurts to find a good tech and have them check out the amp and make sure that it is performing up to spec. If they want to change any tubes, make sure you keep the old ones. They can come in handy if you need a spare in a pinch. There are a lot of SVT's out there that are working just great with original tubes. Don't be in a hurry to change them unless it is really necessary.

Third, the markings on the front panel are pretty worn down. This doesn't bother me in the least, but is this something that could effect the value of the amp down the line? Should I think about fixing that somehow, or just leave it as-is?

This is common with the silkscreened plates. Replacement faceplates are available from fliptops as Corey said. It is a bit of a job to change them as the jacks, pots, switches and lamp all have to be removed to slide the faceplate.

Fourth, any suggestions for moving? With another person, it's not too bad, but if there are any tricks or tips some old pros could share, I'd appreciate it.

Use a cart to move it and don't be too proud to ask someone to help you lift anything heavy. It helps you to avoid back problems later in life. Trust me on this one.

[ubercore]

Originally Posted by beans-on-toast

Use a cart to move it and don't be too proud to ask someone to help you lift anything heavy.

Any pride about my ability to lift this thing solo vanished as soon as I picked it up for the first time. I will be enlisting any and all help that I can!

[husky123]

uber,

Your first post in regard to the tone perfectly describes my first meeting with "The King". Welcome to the his kingdom!