What sounds like an SVT-CL

PSPookie · #1 03-19-2010, 08:51 AM

What sounds like an SVT-CL but costs and weighs a bit less?

I have a VT bass and I dig it. So much so, that I'm thinking about picking up an SVT-CL. The VT bass gets me almost where I want to be but the real deal just has a better bounce to it/feels better under my fingers.

I owned a V4BH for a while and it was great but it just didn't have quite enough gas in the tank for my liking.

I'm looking to go back to all-tube and I was hoping to find an SVT alternative. What do you guys recommend? Or should I just save my lunch money and get the real deal?

I'll be playing it through a GB Uber 212 mostly doing classic rock/blues jams with a bit of funk on occasion.

Thanks

henryjurstin13 · #2 03-19-2010, 09:18 AM

My main rig for several years has been Ampeg SVT-CL into Ampeg 810e. I've also played with my B-15R, various Sans Amps pedals (including the VT), etc...

I've yet to find anything that has the mojo found in a SVT-CL/8x10 combination. On the other hand, I really enjoy my VT Bass going through my Markbass LMT800...

If you want the SVT, get the SVT. Nothing else is a SVT. Lots of things will be close & make you happy whilst being very similar, but it's not gonna be a SVT.

Thought I'm not sure that the SVT will pair up pefectly with the Uber 212...

JimmyM · #3 03-19-2010, 10:02 AM

i kind of think an uber 212 would sound cool with an svt. one of our regulars plays his through two neox 212t's. why not?

and i am a huge fan of the vt, but i still lug an svt for the reasons mentioned.

waleross · #4 03-19-2010, 10:11 AM

I have the svt VR into a 410-HLF and it sounds great , one caution besides the weight is the fans on these monsters. I am running the vR from my closet, but that's me. In this class of amps, you can't half step its either all or nothing at all.

4Mal · #5 03-19-2010, 10:15 AM

sounds like an CL ? uh, an 70's SVT needing a recap ? oh wait, lighter and cheaper...

To me there is a gap between the V4 and a good SVT - to me that would be a II or prior - I'm not real impressed with the CL. The clean SVT is what I dig though so my preference my be skewed... That being said, I would much perfer a CL to say a YBA-200 and VT pedal combo.

I haven't tried either of the Peaveys, I would like to someday. I did try a V4B and also a YBA and come to the conclusion that - neither were acceptable for my uses. So if it were me, I'd be saving my sheckles for a CL or better a clean SVT II.

henryjurstin13 · #6 03-19-2010, 10:21 AM

Well, maybe I shouldn't have said that... I have no experience with the Uber 2x12, good to know it's a great combination. For my tastes, when I think SVT -- I think sealed, 10's, big & heavy!!!

Rickett Customs · #7 03-19-2010, 10:29 AM

SVP-CL? But then, most likely it would be a SS amp to run it, unless you can find a tube power amp.

Well, it's a shot in the dark

JimmyM · #8 03-19-2010, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by henryjurstin13

Well, maybe I shouldn't have said that... I have no experience with the Uber 2x12, good to know it's a great combination. For my tastes, when I think SVT -- I think sealed, 10's, big & heavy!!!

ya, most people do for sure. but the way i feel is you take a great head and a great cab, and greatness will always ensue. i know some talk about how some great heads don't go with some great cabs, but imho, i've found that risk to be a bit overstated since you can always twist tone controls to get more of what you want.

jarrod cunningham · #9 03-19-2010, 10:43 AM

i really liked my traynor yba200 with my ampeg 810 .. i also like the markbass stuff .... but really nothing sounds like a svt other than a svt . especially none of the "modeling" stuff out there ......

PSPookie · #10 03-19-2010, 11:10 AM

Thanks for the input, guys.

What I'm after doesn't have to be exactly the SVT sound -- just something with a similar girth to the low end and a bit of tube gooeyness. I figured the SVT is a good example of this and something many would be familiar with.

MN_Bass · #11 03-19-2010, 11:15 AM

Mesa Walkbabout, not dead on, but has a similar feel, I also could get good svt like tones with a Markbass LMII and a VT.

PSPookie · #12 03-20-2010, 05:44 AM

Any more suggestions?

DLEE · #13 03-20-2010, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSPookie

Any more suggestions?

1. Come by the house.
2. Plug into my old SVT.
3. Leave knowing this is what you really need!

Sometimes I'm so cruel to POOKIE.....

PSPookie · #14 03-20-2010, 05:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DLEE

1. Come by the house.
2. Plug into my old SVT.
3. Leave knowing this is what you really need!

Sometimes I'm so cruel to POOKIE.....

So, do you plan on being out of town any time in the near future

dubstylee · #15 03-21-2010, 10:30 AM

Try a Peavey VB-2, doesn't sound exactly like an SVT, but it can definately pull off the low end girth and grind if you want it. It's more affordable, very versatile, so I'd recommend giving it a try. I'm sure there are others here to back me up on that as well.

PSPookie · #16 03-24-2010, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dubstylee

Try a Peavey VB-2, doesn't sound exactly like an SVT, but it can definately pull off the low end girth and grind if you want it. It's more affordable, very versatile, so I'd recommend giving it a try. I'm sure there are others here to back me up on that as well.

Thanks. I have found my answer and it is, indeed, the VB-2.

I picked one up yesterday. My initial impression is that it's approximately 3/4 of an SVT, purchased new for 3/4 the price of a used SVT.

Can't wait to try it out in a live context.