i really like the sound of the SVT-II but i cannot afford it and its waaay heavy. are there any alternatives that get a similar sound (not including the Cl or VR).
thanks
Dan
thanks
Dan
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SVT-II sound
- Thread starter katri
- Start date
So what exactly are the differences in an SVT II pro vs non-pro? I assume tone, but why? More/less tubes-different circuit? And when were the non-pros made?
Thanks,
FF
Thanks,
FF
If it is the SVT II that you like, chances are that you will end up with one either directly or after a few almost SVT II's which will cost you more in the long run.
If you found what you like get it. BTW, my SVT II is the bees knees. I'll be throwing it in a rolling rack as soon as possible.
If you found what you like get it. BTW, my SVT II is the bees knees. I'll be throwing it in a rolling rack as soon as possible.
The only current thing ampeg have that id think is similar is the SVT-VR.
The SVT-II was made between about 1987/1988 (maybe they only started in 1989) and the mid/early 90's.
The amplifier is totally different. The preamp has only 3 12AX7 tubes and there are 2 12AU7s and a 12AX7 in the driver section, with 6 6550/KT88s in the power section.
You just need to look at the front panel to see the differences with the 2-Pro, no drive control, just a volume (like the original SVTs), 7-Band graphic EQ instead of a 9-band. No mute, no tuner out, no active/passive switch (altho the"bright" input is padded and the "normal" isnt). The SVT-II is heavier than the SVT 2PRo (85 lbs vs 70 lbs). There is no effects loop (but you do have pre out and power in). There are only jack outs, no Speakons like the current SVT-2 Pros and no Banana jacks like the earlier ones. There is also no power tube protection circuit like in the Pros.
But, the sound, the sound is spectacular IMO. It makes the 2-Pro sound really thin and less desirable in comparison. People seem to think its a bit of a one trick pony, i disagree, it can be used in any situation and the tone can be varied quite widely. Its also one hell of a reliable amp!
To the original poster. They arent really "that" heavy and if thats what you want, save up
. There are definatly deals to be had on these, i managed to get mine for £500, which is a steal over here 
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Just to clarify (since this information was helpful but worded potentially in a confusing way).
SVT-II does not have a separate gain/drive control, mute, tuner out, active/passive switch. The Pro does.
There is no "effects loop" although mine has a "power amp in" and "out" that allows me to run rack equipment before the power amp.
They are heavy. Especially when racked. They are also expensive. I've put more into retubing and fixing heat damage over the six or seven years I've owned it than most people put into purchasing a new head. That said, I can't say I've played through anything that's come close to it in terms of the tone I'm looking for.To the original poster. They arent really "that" heavy and if thats what you want, save up
My appologies, i was half awake when i posted that, im glad someone understood!
Thank you Mohawk for clarifying the differences. The SVT II sounds like it is a single channel SVT vintage with 7-band EQ in a rackmount package. I would definitely like to hear one.
Pretty much spot on
Brothernewt has A/D'd his SVT-II to a vintage SVT (or SVT-VR, i can never remember, either way, near enough the same thing), and he found them to sound almost identical with very little tweaking of the EQ.
I LOVE the tone of my SVT II. It's like an original, blue face SVT with an EQ that boosts it. So, like the cliche' goes, it's an SVT classic on steroids. Mine is a 1989.
In 'Blue Book of Guitar Amplifiers' by Zachary R. Fjestad it says:
"SVT II-300w, rack mount, similar to original model SVT in circuitry, includes a footswitchable 6-band equalizer(the 7th slider is for volume), mfg.1989-1994."
The modern Ampegs of the St. Louis Music era were all made after 1985. The amps made since 1988 have a 10-digit serial number which is encoded for model, country, date, and year. The serial number can be broken down as follows:
Digits 1, 2, 3 = Model
Digit 4 = Country Code where:
U = U.K.
D = domestic U.S.
W = worldwide
Y = Europe
Digit 5 = Year where:
A = 1988
B = 1989
C = 1990, etc.
Digit 6 = Month where:
1 through 9 = January through September
0 = October
A = November
B = December
Digits 7, 8, 9, 10 = serial number
In 'Blue Book of Guitar Amplifiers' by Zachary R. Fjestad it says:
"SVT II-300w, rack mount, similar to original model SVT in circuitry, includes a footswitchable 6-band equalizer(the 7th slider is for volume), mfg.1989-1994."
The modern Ampegs of the St. Louis Music era were all made after 1985. The amps made since 1988 have a 10-digit serial number which is encoded for model, country, date, and year. The serial number can be broken down as follows:
Digits 1, 2, 3 = Model
Digit 4 = Country Code where:
U = U.K.
D = domestic U.S.
W = worldwide
Y = Europe
Digit 5 = Year where:
A = 1988
B = 1989
C = 1990, etc.
Digit 6 = Month where:
1 through 9 = January through September
0 = October
A = November
B = December
Digits 7, 8, 9, 10 = serial number
Attachments
Would you say that the II pro is sounding thin in general or just compared to the non-pro? Is it still a good amp in general?
I was considering the II pro as a candidate next amp (or a CL)
I guess im gonna have to start savin...
which do you guys prefer. i think the pro looks better than the non.
Dan
which do you guys prefer. i think the pro looks better than the non.
Dan
As someone who sold an SVT2 for weight reasons the short answer to this question is.....no. I spent a few years trying to geth THAT sound and tried all the usual - GK, other Ampeg, Sansamp... The trouble is, once you have experienced an SVT2 all else is an imposter. That said , the closest I have come is a Mesa 400+ driving both inputs, preamps up and with its graphic boosted at 250hz. I think only valves can sound like valves, and after a while the pain diminishes and I can live quite comfortably with the (considerably more versatile) Mesa 400+. But writing about it is bringing back the GAS....
