Upgrading My Rig (Need Suggestions!)

DonnieUATS · #1 09-07-2011, 07:32 PM

Hey guys, I've been a long time TalkBass lurker, and decided to post seeking your valued opinions.

I've recently decided to upgrade my rig, and I am wondering what head would suit me the best. I currently have a Gallien-Krueger 8x10 and a Gallien-Krueger 1001rb.

I recently decided to go the Ampeg route, and purchased an Svt Classic 8x10. I've been torn whether I should go the route of the Svt-3 PRO or the Svt-4 PRO.

I am in a touring band, we play anywhere from small bars, to venues capping 1500. I will be going the used route, and recently found a Svt-3PRO in a 6 space rack, with tuner, power conditioner, and rackmount wireless for $500. Though that is a great deal, I found the Svt-4 used at Guitar Center for roughly $100 more. Which would you purchase, or recommend?

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JimmyM · #2 09-07-2011, 07:39 PM

4 Pro. 3 Pro's a killer amp, though. Both should work for you, but the 4 Pro has wattage insurance in case you need it.

James Simonson · #3 09-07-2011, 07:49 PM

If you add the 3 Pro & the 4 Pro you get the 7 Pro! My favorite. I've blown up everything and it delivered all summer without a hitch. Has a little more vintage character than the 4. Never tried the 3.

brndn123 · #4 09-07-2011, 07:54 PM

Why don't you get an all-tuber like the CL or VR?

DonnieUATS · #5 09-07-2011, 08:48 PM

The CL and VR are out of my price range right now.

**B-string** · #6 09-07-2011, 09:03 PM

Not saying a word.....

ohnoitsthebass · #7 09-07-2011, 09:06 PM

the svt 3 is terrible, ive used them at backlined gigs and hated them. they just sound horrible. majority of ampeg heads that are solid state are junk in my opinion( they do a much better job with tube heads). if you want to go with ampeg atleast get the svt 4 or go ampeg tube. i use alot of gk gear and there heads sound great in my opinion, and i also love the rbh series cabs. there 8x10 though, assuming it must be the sbx or rbx or goldline, however has crap for speakers in it. they have no punch or presence or volume in comparison to there more expensive conterparts. the box isnt bad but the speakers are just cheap. if i were you id use the gk head with ampeg cab and see if it sounds better then with the gk 8x10 cab. and if you do want to go the ampeg route, i would highly recomend going with one of the svt tube heads instead

JamNight · #8 09-07-2011, 09:17 PM

Stick with the GK 1001, and use a Tech 21 VT pedal to tube it up a bit. I have a GK 700, and recently had an ampeg SVT3 as a loaner. The GK 700 sounds way better. If you are going the ampeg route, get a tube.

ohnoitsthebass · #9 09-07-2011, 09:23 PM

im with you on that jamnight, i use a sansamp bass driver with my gk rig and for alot of rock bass lines that extra tube emulation growl does the trick, but for some bands and basses i turn it off and go dry. depends what im in the mood for.

Gearhead17 · #10 09-07-2011, 09:37 PM

4 PRO - Clean sounding, lots of headroom
3PRO - Sounds loudest and best when slightly dirty, but can be limiting for some. There is some tube growl in this head, but not much growl in the 4 PRO.

If you are getting two channels for shows (DI, Mic). Get the SVT 2 PRO. All tube growl, lots of volume and a cool tone to boot.

staindbass · #11 09-07-2011, 10:56 PM

i toured with the 4 pro's for years before going the high end route. great amps.

lokikallas · #12 09-07-2011, 11:25 PM

A 3 pro into an 810 can kick your ass. A 4 can flatten you. I feel that if you need to put something in front of an amp like a tech 21 product, that it really isn't that great to begin with. An amp should be able to stand on its own. Sorry, just my opinion. I say save up for the 7 pro.