Advice on choosing a tube head

[DJ Jazzy Death]

So my Ampeg SVT 4 Pro is sitting in the shop for it's 8th week now because apparently if something goes wrong it's a biatch to get parts due to Ampeg shutting plants down. Lame. The 4 Pro is okay I guess when it works but it lacks balls and finding the right tone is a challenge and a half. I definitely need to upgrade to tube. The SVT Classic was on my list but at this point I think I'm done with Ampeg. What are everyones thoughts on a comparable amp?

 

[seamonkey]

http://******.com/?q=all-tube+bass+amp+site:talkbass.com

If you need all out power, There are some incredibly high powered fairly lightweight power amplifiers available. From makers with plenty of spare, but you probably will never need them - QSC, Crown, Crest, Carvin, ....
Add your favorite pre-amp.

 

[johnk_10]

IMO just because your 4pro has been dogging you, IMO i wouldn't rule out a vintage SVT (or even a VR). they get great tone instantly, and if it does ever have any problems, a good tech can fix it quickly whether Ampeg is in business or not.

 

[JimmyM]

IMO just because your 4pro has been dogging you, IMO i wouldn't rule out a vintage SVT (or even a VR). they get great tone instantly, and if it does ever have any problems, a good tech can fix it quickly whether Ampeg is in business or not.

+1.

 

[The Wrench]

My VR sounds like a beautiful woman whispering in my ear...

 

[MAMMOTHvolume]

get in touch with matamp! failing that keep an eye out for old hiwatts etc, go for quality ;<

 

[DJ Jazzy Death]

IMO just because your 4pro has been dogging you, IMO i wouldn't rule out a vintage SVT (or even a VR). they get great tone instantly, and if it does ever have any problems, a good tech can fix it quickly whether Ampeg is in business or not.

I agree with your point about the tone of the SVT Classic. I've used them before and got my sound in about 10 seconds flat. I've just been hearing for a while about how when things go wrong with them that it takes forever to get it fixed and for parts to get replaced. Unfortunately I'm witnessing this first hand right now.

 

[JimmyM]

I agree with your point about the tone of the SVT Classic. I've used them before and got my sound in about 10 seconds flat. I've just been hearing for a while about how when things go wrong with them that it takes forever to get it fixed and for parts to get replaced. Unfortunately I'm witnessing this first hand right now.

Yeah but modern SS amps use a lot of proprietary parts that are hard to get for anyone else, especially if they're older. Tube amps use parts that any repairman has or can get easily.

 

[Fealach]

My VR sounds like a beautiful woman whispering in my ear...

Must be pretty tough to be heard in the mix.

 

[Rock-Bassman]

Not to derail the thread (but I will for a second) is the SVT VR made in the US or Korea, like the CL

 

[Jim C]

This is America; we don't make nothing here anymore

 

[Rock-Bassman]

This is America; we don't make nothing here anymore

Agreed


And the food we eat is 100% natural
(look at sig)

 

[Rock-Bassman]

Mcdaonalds can't legaly call their chicken nuggets well, chicken nuggets in Canada. They have to call them mystery nuggets... but back to the topic, again sorry for derail

 

[Pikasoll]

check out the fender bassman 300 pro, or aguilar preamp db680 + a poweramp. got them both., good stuff..

 

[dgovaerts]

electric amp?