Thinking of taking the plunge - Vintage SVT

[Alexander]

After a disappointing run with an SVT 2Pro, I'm thinking very seriously about getting a vintage SVT. The 2Pro I have has been a real money pit and the tone is good, but not great. A bit dark and muddy - not the sound I was hoping for. I was contemplating an SVT-VR also, but after thinking it through (and getting advice in PM from some folks here), I'm probably going the vintage route instead. I know it will take some investment also, but I'm hoping the all-American "built like a tank" reputation will hold true if I do things right and I can end up with a better overall amp than the VR. So a few questions for all of you Ampeg lovers out there:

1. I've read that there are three versions of the original SVT - the blueline (with either 6146B power tubes or 6550s), blacklines and later 70s variants. I would imagine the bluelines are most desirable (and most expensive\hard to find). From a tone and reliability standpoint, are there really any differences among them? Any years in particular that I should avoid? I assume that if I should not go for one of the 6146B bluelines as the tubes proved to be unstable (from what I understand). Is this correct? I want to make sure that, if I go this route, I start with the best amp possible.

2. Any advice on how to make a good purchase? I assume the ideal situation would be to buy locally and have a really good tech give it a thorough run-through before purchase. I just am not sure how possible that would turn out to be. So, what kinds of questions should I be asking of the seller? What should I be looking for? I obviously can tell a bit by the cosmetics of the amp, I suppose. I know it should work and be free from hum or other noise. I would imagine the ideal amp would have either original or NOS tubes (matching). What else?

3. I'm willing to invest a bit to make sure it is the best amp I can possibly get - from a safety, reliability and tone perspective. I understand there are a number of mods that you can make to improve on the original design - things like using better quality\shielded wiring, better connectors & capacitors, etc. Going to a 3-prong plug if it doesn't have it already. Going to a quieter fan, perhaps. Just curious what you guys would do to come out with the best possible amp at the end of the day.

4. Finally, though I live in the UK now, I am relocating back to Seattle next month and plan to make the purchase once I get back. Any recommendations on a great amp tech in the local area? I've had a run with bad techs too (or those I can't trust, anyway). If not, is it worth shipping the amp to a great Ampeg tech somewhere else? If there is a guru that could help me here, it might be worth the cost. Thoughts?

Thanks, all - I may have some other questions on this as well, but this is a good start...

[jellymax]

there is a great article in bass gear magazine online about when they made the switch
from 6146 to 6550. it was during the Stones '69 tour. either amp should have
equally good sound, & tubes for either are available.

all the 70's models are well made

main thing to know...don't buy if it has any problems unless its cheap cheap.
if it works but is not recently serviced, figure a $3-500US visit to the shop
for a 3 year tune up. don't forget to try both channels on the test drive mate

[beans-on-toast]

I think that all the 70's versions are good. There isn't an SVT that can't be fixed and restored. The condition will determine how much extra money you will have to put into it. I would take the time to find a well cared for amp in good condition. An amp like this might cost more but is worth it in the long run.

If the transformers are in good shape, everything else can be fixed at a reasonable cost. Rust on the transformers and the chassis is an issue with some of these amps. A little transformer rust is not a problem. Some claim that it makes the transformers run more efficiently. Too much rust can cause problems. Rust on the chassis is more of an appearance issue.

I would ask how many hours are on the tubes, what make the tubes are, and if the capacitors were ever changed. Has the amp ever been serviced and what work was done.

The cost of buying an old amp goes beyond the initial purchase price. You need to have the amp serviced, brought up to spec and made reliable. This can be expensive. At the end of the day, it is going to sound great.

[klokker]

Wait until you're in Seattle and check out Bass Northwest or check out their website at www.bassnw.com

[JimmyM]

i think the old stuff about 6146b's being unreliable is a little silly. mine has them and it's doing pretty good. they say they were replaced because of running too hot, but mine doesn't seem to run hotter than usual. i don't know that it sounds better than a 6550 svt, but my rig does seem to have a certain something about it. anyway, it's not an issue in most blue lines since most have been converted, but i certainly wouldn't shy away from a 6146b svt. they rock. plus they're a lot cheaper than 6550's generally.

[jellymax]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

i think the old stuff about 6146b's being unreliable is a little silly. mine has them and it's doing pretty good. they say they were replaced because of running too hot, but mine doesn't seem to run hotter than usual. i don't know that it sounds better than a 6550 svt, but my rig does seem to have a certain something about it. anyway, it's not an issue in most blue lines since most have been converted, but i certainly wouldn't shy away from a 6146b svt. they rock. plus they're a lot cheaper than 6550's generally.

i believe the Stones were abusing the SVTs. probably drunk off their a$$. think i'll chk out that Stones movie of the '69
tour. anyone seen it?

[Alexander]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

i think the old stuff about 6146b's being unreliable is a little silly. mine has them and it's doing pretty good. they say they were replaced because of running too hot, but mine doesn't seem to run hotter than usual. i don't know that it sounds better than a 6550 svt, but my rig does seem to have a certain something about it. anyway, it's not an issue in most blue lines since most have been converted, but i certainly wouldn't shy away from a 6146b svt. they rock. plus they're a lot cheaper than 6550's generally.

Cool - I was just going off what I read from the Ampeg website. I read other stuff saying they're fine too. Was just trying to stay away from anything unreliable considering what I've dealt with in the 2Pro I have. Sounds like I'll be fine either way...

[Jim C]

Good news is that they are like a blue chip stock; a clean 70's model bought at a fair price will not depreciate much if any over the next few years should you decide it's not your cup of tea

[craig.p]

Originally Posted by Alexander

The 2Pro I have has been a real money pit and the tone is good, but not great. A bit dark and muddy - not the sound I was hoping for.

Hm. You may want to do some soul-searching around what sort of tone you're really looking for. Now, I wouldn't call an SVT dark and muddy, because much of how an amp sounds has to do with the cab it's being used with, but my question to you has two parts: 1) whether you believe an SVT in good shape will get you far enough away from the 2Pro, tone-wise, to warrant the investment; and 2) whether you can (or should) try to accomplish the same goal with a cab swap.

[beans-on-toast]

There is an original owner in Texas advertising his 39 year old SVT with a matching pair of straight back cabinets in "profound condition" for $3500.

Sounds like just the amp you are looking for.