Thunderfunk, SVT... What Next?

[Alexander]

OK - I'm back on my quest for my amp. I've just about given up on the SVT 2Pro I bought last year. The thing has been eating tubes - now on its fourth set with me and it keeps failing. Two techs (including the UK Ampeg service centre) cannot get to the bottom of it. So I'm ditching it altogether and back on my search.

As for tone, I really like the SVT in many ways - warm, growly, organic and round. In some ways I never got it dialed in and it could be indistinct or unbalanced from one string to the next and the highs were just okay. Before that, I had a Thunderfunk 750A which was altogether one of the sweetest amp sounds I've ever heard. Also warm with tight lows and beautiful highs. But, it wasn't full-range and lacked the round\3D quality and pillowy attack the SVT had. But it had great refined clarity and punch.

For my next amp, I'm thinking about sticking with an SVT (perhaps a new VR or Heritage that would be covered by full warranty) - perhaps would have a bit more clarity than the 2Pro. I've also been thinking about maybe going for a DB751, which sounds like it might be a "best of both worlds" between the SVT and Thunderfunk. I definitely like the wallop these rigs deliver and would be looking for the same in my next amp.

I'll be playing this amp through my wonderful Bergantino NV412 - any ideas?

[Alexander]

Oh, and I might also consider a pre/power amp rack type of setup, though wouldn't know where to start...

Thanks again!

[kosmicwizard]

Hey Alex,

If you like Agies do it. A heritage would also be nice. Some people go the pre-power route, and you could save money by going the Ampeg pre, carvin or crown power. Cheers.

[c-ba55]

VT pedal through a Thunderfunk.

[Alexander]

Thanks - I may have to give that VT pedal a go - I'm usually not into pedals\effects for bass, but I've heard so many good things about it that I might have to give it a try...

Any other ideas out there?

[Low Class]

I had a TFB750a and thought it was one of the worst bass heads I've ever owned. Very lacking in many areas. Next to a WT800 it sounded very one dimensional and hollow.

Try the VT pedal with a Crest power amp.

[Son of Bovril]

the new crown XLS Drivecore powerampa are very affordable, light and powerful. just add a VT bass and voila!

[Flanker]

Hi Alex

I think the DB751 would be a great option but heavy.

Just out of interest I have a Glockenklang BAC preamp with a Powersoft poweramp and it is significantly lighter and Huge sounding!

I tried a Markbass SD1200 through a Berg NV610/NV412 (one at a time) too and that sounds fantastic.

Too many options really! Many of them excellent too.

[Jim C]

Too bad they can't your amp running as it sounds like you like it
I currently have SVT-CL which sounds great but is heavy; the LMII isn't as 3-D in soundstage but decent

I've asked some similar questions on the Mesa M6 thread; sounds like this amp has the clarity and depth if you go for a clean SVT tone and is faster in its' reponse

I gather the db750 is wollier and darker than an SVT

[Alexander]

I do like the SVT tone quite a bit - I just can't keep this amp running. Which is why one of the amps I'm considering is the SVT VR - new, I hope I'd get something a bit better with warranty. I would hope it is perhaps a bit clearer and more refined, too than the 2Pro...

And the DB750 is woolier and darker than the SVT? For some reason, I thought it would be the opposite (just based on some of my reading - I've never tried it)...

[brotherbassj]

find a used carvin b1500...... i have the same berg cab you have and the carvin sends 1250 watts to it.........sound sweet with power and headroom to spare

[Giraffe]

To add to the confusion, you might consider the Genz Benz GBE 750. There are a million tones in there, a lot of flexibility in the gain department, and they are very loud and very reliable.

Good product that seems to work for a lot of different players. I never use all the bells and whistles at the same time, but I can get the tones I want out of my old GBE 600 in either of several different ways! Well designed and well built, reasonably priced, and they might have your sound in there.

[K-Fra]

I play on a Tecamp Bad Bull and for me it's the best amp, the sound is phenomenal and great quality...If you can test it GO!!!

[michricker]

The DB750 is great. You can really change the tone by playing with the preamp tube options changing them to suite the tone you want. From very high fi tight and clean to agressive grindy wooley old skool. It's my fav amp by far and I have had or have all the major contenders. I prefer the match with the AE410 due to the flexability with the tweeter

[yamaha]

I know the quest you are on. I used to be on it. I tried, owned, sold, a bunch of heads. Now I am quite pleased with Markbass and Bergantino. Sound is quite good (but definately not my ultimate), but pretty portable, easy to mix & match, and quite reliable. I hear myself well on stage, sound good with or without PA support, and have and easyer job setting up.

As for your Ultimate tone, I have to say SVT & Thunderfunk have been way up there for me too. Not so much for the DB. I have also very high praise for the Fender Bassman 300, The Ampeg SVP-CL preamp through CA-6, and the Orange AD200. I may be one of the few who did not love the VT Deluxe, and sold it. Sound was very good, but the ''feel'' of those notes (Compared to that huge compressed richness of real valves) was not quite there. I know NOBODY in the crowd would have noticed, probably no one on stage either, but I did.

[Alexander]

Interesting - thanks, guys. I'm also thinking about a Reeves Custom 225 - sounds like it might give me that tubey tone without sacrificing clarity and sweet high end. Sounds like potentially a really good match with my Bergantino NV412.

I wonder how the Reeves and the DB751 stack up...