73 SVT Blueline or Blackline?

[slap5string]

I have an opportunity at either a Blueline SVT or a Blackline SVT. Both in great shape - both sound fantastic - I like them both but have to choose one. Which would YOU choose? ...(any vintage Ampeg guys out there?)

 

[anderbass]

If they had equal tone, condition and price, i'd choose the blueline.

 

[YuppyPunk]

I had a chance to buy a blue line with a matching 810 (they were bought together). But alas, I was young and stupid.

Interestingly the head was later bought by Jeff Ament when he was going through his vintage Ampeg phase. It needed a retube badly and hissed like snake. A few days after he bought it they performed for the MTV music awards and you could hear the hiss on TV.

 

[slap5string]

What is it about the Blueline? More Rare? Or better built?
I just tried both out and the sound was very close, nothing wrong with either but the Blackline was in better condition overall.

 

[Fair Warning]

Blueline was earlier.....up to '73 I think

 

[ahc]

JimmyM should be arriving any minute.

 

[gnjpowell]

Lucky Dog!

 

[slap5string]

Here are a couple pics. This amp was just re-tubed, re-capped, new 3-prong power cable - he is asking $1800.

 

[slap5string]

Here is a front shot. The only thing missing is the Ampeg badge on the front, but I could probably find one second hand.

 

[B-string]

My preference would be to the blueline BUT, you need to be aware of two tube types that are problematic. The 6C4 is very tough to find good mildly microphonic replacements, the 12DW7's are in production again but I'm not sure as to the quality of the new production.
I just like the build quality of the blueline better (as a tech).

 

[Jonyak]

Here is a front shot. The only thing missing is the Ampeg badge on the front, but I could probably find one second hand.

That's in ridiculous condition.

From what I know, They did not have badges on the front of the first couple years of black line amps.

I own a 74, and it doesn't have one either.

 

[slap5string]

Oh...I thought all Ampeg SVT's had badges.

 

[lowend1]

Blueline is not defined as much by the graphic as by the tube complement. The first year or so the SVT used the 6146B power tube. Following that the switch was made to the 6550 (around the same time as the switch to black line graphics). Check also where it was manufactured and by whom (Ampeg vs Magnavox). Two-prong power cords were used until roughly 1973. Having said all that, and all things being equal, there are no inferior SVTs from this time period.

 

[slap5string]

My preference would be to the blueline BUT, you need to be aware of two tube types that are problematic. The 6C4 is very tough to find good mildly microphonic replacements, the 12DW7's are in production again but I'm not sure as to the quality of the new production.
I just like the build quality of the blueline better (as a tech).

Are those preamp tubes you listed? I believe the power amp tubes are new Sovtek 6550's. Not sure of the preamp tubes.

 

[B-string]

Till MTI took over anyway JIMHO

 

[bigbottomend]

My 73 doesnt have a badge either. Although, like you, I'm considering putting one on it.

Here's what mine sounds like with a P, live and keeping it straight
http://soundcloud.com/royal-electric/fortunate-son-ccr

 

[B-string]

Are those preamp tubes you listed? I believe the power amp tubes are new Sovtek 6550's. Not sure of the preamp tubes.

Yes they are the preamp tubes. The 6C4 is a seven pin tube, the others are 9 pins (in the preamp).

 

[slap5string]

Blueline is not defined as much by the graphic as by the tube complement. The first year or so the SVT used the 6146B power tube. Following that the switch was made to the 6550 (around the same time as the switch to black line graphics). Check also where it was manufactured and by whom (Ampeg vs Magnavox). Two-prong power cords were used until roughly 1973. Having said all that, and all things being equal, there are no inferior SVTs from this time period.

OK - I'm not sure who manufactured this one - is that a problem I should be aware of?

The power cable was a two prong so the tech who did all the work changed it to a 3-prong.

 

[coreyfyfe]

I own a 74, and it doesn't have one either.

Mine is a 74 and had one on there when I got it (a year or two ago), but I actually took it off as I don't care for the look of the badge on these heads.

 

[B-string]

OK - I'm not sure who manufactured this one - is that a problem I should be aware of?

The power cable was a two prong so the tech who did all the work changed it to a 3-prong.

Chances are very good it was Magnavox. It will say who built it on the back panel.