Vintage SVT + 5 string Bass Question

[Jefe]

So I have somewhat recently acquired a '76 SVT and it sounds AMAZING..................except when I play low notes on the B string (B,C,D, etc). My cab is a Berg NV610 so I don't believe that's the problem.
The B string just sounds flabby and undefined. I have a Sadowsky and a Callowhill and the B's sound great on my other rig, but they get loose on my SVT.
Has anyone else noticed anything like this? Are my Power Tubes going bad?
I know you need TONS of power to accurately produce those lower frequencies, but 300 tube watts seems like TONS of power to me.
What gives?

P.S. Anyone know a GOOD SVT tech in the Southeast region?

[JimmyM]

nope, can't say it ever sounded flabby to use a 5 with my 69 svt. don't know if there's something actually wrong with yours, but it wouldn't hurt to get it checked out. no idea who to take it to, but since asheville's a big hippie town with a lot of music happening, certainly there's someone.

[Jefe]

It certainly is a big hippie town with a great music scene, but I am having a hard time finding a tech who knows SVT's.
Plus, I don't want stinky dreads all up in my amp!

[fu22ba55]

I used to use my SVT when tuned down to A, and it brought the thunder. No issues.

I'd find a competent tech for sure... have it biased properly... maybe look into having the tubes tested or new tubes.

A vintage SVT is only as good as your vintage SVT tech.

[zachoff]

I think SVTs break when you play active basses through them.

I tune to C & mine is thunderous as well through an 810

[Jefe]

Originally Posted by fu22ba55

A vintage SVT is only as good as your vintage SVT tech.

That's what I am figuring out. When I got it the head worked fine other than a scratchy/finicky bass pot. I took it in for service, got it back, no worky. Returned it to the shop, they fixed a loose solder joint, worked for one practice and now it's obliterating fuses.
Tech issues aside, it sounds like my flabby B string is not common with these heads.
The hunt for a good tech begins.

[Jefe]

Originally Posted by zachoff

I think SVTs break when you play active basses through them.

I tune to C & mine is thunderous as well through an 810

Ouch! I should have seen that coming
However, I do play both basses exclusively in passive mode.

[fu22ba55]

Originally Posted by Jefe

That's what I am figuring out. When I got it the head worked fine other than a scratchy/finicky bass pot. I took it in for service, got it back, no worky. Returned it to the shop, they fixed a loose solder joint, worked for one practice and now it's obliterating fuses.
Tech issues aside, it sounds like my flabby B string is not common with these heads.
The hunt for a good tech begins.

Yeah... don't ever bring it back to that tech. They'll probably electrocute themselves.

Plenty of respected SVT techs in Nashville, but probably someone local too.

Start a new thread titled "Good Amp Tech in Asheville" and see who pops.

Worst case you could always take it to Nashvile or NYC once to get it dialed in properly / gone over, then find a local tech for checkups.

Or you could trade me for my Aggie DB-359! (just kidding. Stick with the SVT.)

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by Jefe

Ouch! I should have seen that coming
However, I do play both basses exclusively in passive mode.

he was kidding. i used to play active basses all the time through it. still do now and then.

[MAMMOTHvolume]

Originally Posted by Jefe

So I have somewhat recently acquired a '76 SVT and it sounds AMAZING..................except when I play low notes on the B string (B,C,D, etc). My cab is a Berg NV610 so I don't believe that's the problem.
The B string just sounds flabby and undefined. I have a Sadowsky and a Callowhill and the B's sound great on my other rig, but they get loose on my SVT.
Has anyone else noticed anything like this? Are my Power Tubes going bad?
I know you need TONS of power to accurately produce those lower frequencies, but 300 tube watts seems like TONS of power to me.
What gives?

P.S. Anyone know a GOOD SVT tech in the Southeast region?

get the caps changed, they'll still be working but be nowhere near spec, thus more sag on low notes and distortion

[kdogg]

Definitely get it to a good tech. My Sadowsky 5 sounded nails through my SVT and 810. No problem with the low b at all. From what I've read, the Berg cab that you have does the sealed 810 thing better than the 810 itself, so you should be crushing with your 5 strings.

[zachoff]

Here's an old thread that might be of some help (amp techs we've all had good dealings with):

Good amp techs!

[Jefe]

Awesome! Thanks for all the help guys!