Trade my SWR Bass 350 for Ampeg SVT350H

[soothsayer86]

So here's the deal:

I was offered a trade... an Ampeg svt350h for my SWR Bass 350 (red face).

Is this a good trade?

Anyone ever tried both of these heads?

Just looking to change up my tone a bit... I play through a peavey 410tx and a 115bx (combined for a 4 ohm load).

I have seen lots of reviews saying the SVT350H doesnt have much headroom, but I seem to have the same issue with my SWR.

Guess I'm just looking for a bit of input in my decision.

Thanks in advance!

[georgestrings]

That's a lateral move, IMO - I don't care for either of those heads...



- georgestrings

[Gearhead17]

I think the Ampeg would have a more grindy pick playing tone compared to the SWR head. Otherwise, as George stated, it's lateral move and you really don't gain much - just a different tone. You won't magically gain more volume in this situation.

[soothsayer86]

thanks for the input guys.

[georgestrings]

Originally Posted by Gearhead17

I think the Ampeg would have a more grindy pick playing tone compared to the SWR head. Otherwise, as George stated, it's lateral move and you really don't gain much - just a different tone. You won't magically gain more volume in this situation.

Agreed - IME, the Ampeg will sound a bit warmer than the SWR, but that'll be the biggest difference between the 2...


- georgestrings

[T. Alan Smith]

I played both...owned the SWR350. IMHO, the SWR350 completely outclasses the 'Peg, which sounded like one dimensional mush to my ears.

[soothsayer86]

Originally Posted by T. Alan Smith

I played both...owned the SWR350. IMHO, the SWR350 completely outclasses the 'Peg, which sounded like one dimensional mush to my ears.

thanks for the info T. Alan.

looks like I should stick with the SWR for now. I'm definitely looking for something with more headroom, but cannot spend a ton of cash, any suggestions? I'm looking into a Peavey Firebass 700... would this be better compared to the SWR as far as tone, volume, headroom are concerned? Thanks!

[T. Alan Smith]

Originally Posted by soothsayer86

thanks for the info T. Alan.

looks like I should stick with the SWR for now. I'm definitely looking for something with more headroom, but cannot spend a ton of cash, any suggestions? I'm looking into a Peavey Firebass 700... would this be better compared to the SWR as far as tone, volume, headroom are concerned? Thanks!

If your SWR350 is in nice shape, I would give serious consideration at an Aguilar Tonehammer to put in front of it if you wanted to phatten up your sound. Do you run w/outboard(not the bult in limiter) compression? While I can wholly understand wanting more headroom(remember- I owned a 350 ), your rig should be screaming pushing 350w into those cabs. Your not cutting mids or boosting lows, are you? Also, careful with that enhancer.

[Sartori]

Originally Posted by Gearhead17

I think the Ampeg would have a more grindy pick playing tone compared to the SWR head. Otherwise, as George stated, it's lateral move and you really don't gain much - just a different tone. You won't magically gain more volume in this situation.

You are correct, sir.

In terms of volume, OP would be making pretty much a lateral move.

Tone-wise, I like the Ampeg better, it's fairly easy to dial in an aggressive rock sound. If that's what one is going for. I've never played any SWR stuff that I really liked the sound of very much.

[T. Alan Smith]

Wow. You guys are hearing, seeing & feeling these heads quite different from me.

[soothsayer86]

Originally Posted by T. Alan Smith

If your SWR350 is in nice shape, I would give serious consideration at an Aguilar Tonehammer to put in front of it if you wanted to phatten up your sound. Do you run w/outboard(not the bult in limiter) compression? While I can wholly understand wanting more headroom(remember- I owned a 350 ), your rig should be screaming pushing 350w into those cabs. Your not cutting mids or boosting lows, are you? Also, careful with that enhancer.

My 350 is in very good condition. I'll have to check into the tonehammer. At one point I had a BBE OptoStomp compressor, but it just didn't do it for me. Usually I have my Bass knob at about 3 oclock (slight boost) and I boost the low-mids to get more "oomph" but it tends to get a little barky when I really lay into the strings. Also, I tend to leave the treble flat as I am not a huge fan of the sharp ultra-bright tone. Ultimately, I am looking for a smooth, round tone that will still cut through the mix. I play in a band with two guitars and a LOUD drummer (not a complaint!). The guitar players have 2x12 combos (fender twin reverb, and a VOX something-something). What position would you recommend for the enhancer?

[soothsayer86]

just checked out the tonehammer.... I LIKE. I'm going to start saving my pennies.

[georgestrings]

Originally Posted by T. Alan Smith

Wow. You guys are hearing, seeing & feeling these heads quite different from me.

Yeah, no doubt - although I really like most SWR cabs I've played thru, and still play thru a Goliath Sr on a regular basis, I've never cared much for the sound of their heads... Funny thing is, with G-K it's the opposite - I've liked every one of their heads I've played thru, but didn't care for *most* of their cabs - although their latest stuff is pretty good, especially factoring in cost...


- georgestrings

[Sartori]

Yeah, also not a big fan of SWR heads.

[Gearhead17]

I recommend the Enhance knob all the way to the left to keep the mids intact. Otherwise, you might as well let the guitarists win.

[Zitch]

If aggressive sound is what your after take a look at the Gallien Krugger 701rbll or 1001rbll, I use the 1001rbll and it handles hard rock, funk really well. Both Flea and Justin Timberland from Tool use GK.

[Sartori]

Originally Posted by Gearhead17

I recommend the Enhance knob all the way to the left to keep the mids intact. Otherwise, you might as well let the guitarists win.

The "enhance" knob is a mid scoop?

I don't get why these companies put such crappy, counter-productive features on their amps.

Why not just use a knob labeled "mids"?