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Ampeg "Blue Line Valve amp"????

Petebass

Petebass

Dec 22, 2002
8,802
212
53
QLD Australia
www.talkbass.com
#1
I'm doing an interstate gig this weekend where the backline is supplied. The bass rig specs are, and I quote:-

"* 1 x Ampeg 810 cabinet
* 1 Ampeg Blue Line Valve Head"

I know what to expect from the 810 but have never heard of the Ampeg Blue Line Valve head. A quick TB and google search yielded nothing.

Can anyone give me any info about this amp?
 
#4
"Blue Line" is a collector/dealer made up term that refers to late 60's Ampeg amps that used blue ink graphics on their faceplates, most specifically, the SVT. There is NO correllation between any difference in circuits between these and later versions, nor does having a blue faceplate mean that an amp will have better tone or volume. The term is now thrown around in current ads for the SVT VR, which is most likely the amp in question.
 
#5
Thanks guys. I like to familiarise myself with the amp's features beforehand in this situation, just so I'm not running around the stage at the last minute trying to fins someone who can tell me what the "insert obscure name" control does. I'll pull up a pic of the SVT VR later and see what it's got.
 
#6
Petebass said:
Thanks guys. I like to familiarise myself with the amp's features beforehand in this situation, just so I'm not running around the stage at the last minute trying to fins someone who can tell me what the "insert obscure name" control does. I'll pull up a pic of the SVT VR later and see what it's got.
Click to expand...

With my SVT, I prefer all tone knobs set (very near) to the center position.
I sometimes boost the mid knob for more clean-cut, and sometimes also boost my
(active P-basses) bass knob for a fuzz-tone, but its pretty much a "plug and play" amp.
 
#7
anderbass said:
With my SVT, I prefer all tone knobs set (very near) to the center position.
I sometimes boost the mid knob for more clean-cut, and sometimes also boost my
(active P-basses) bass knob for a fuzz-tone, but its pretty much a "plug and play" amp.
Click to expand...

HI
Just like my SVT-clone. It might then be quite close soundwise to the Ampeg. It only needs sometimes bass and mid tweak depending on the acoustics.
http://www.okabass.suntuubi.com/?cat=8
 
#8
anderbass said:
With my SVT, I prefer all tone knobs set (very near) to the center position.
I sometimes boost the mid knob for more clean-cut, and sometimes also boost my
(active P-basses) bass knob for a fuzz-tone, but its pretty much a "plug and play" amp.
Click to expand...


Exactly. Just go through the regular Channel One, make sure the bass boost is off, and set the midrange rocker to the lowest position. Plug and play your heart out.
 
#10
Gotcha! Bass boost off, and I'll probably start with everything in the centre. From there I can adjust to taste.

As it turns out the amp is only going to be a monitor for the band, so the amp isn't crutial for this gig. The FOH is taken care of by a rather large PA, and I'll have my In-Ear monitors with me so I'm not worried about hearing myself.

Thanks for all the input, I can relax now. Should be a fun weekend.............. :)
.
 
#11
Yep, it was indeed a current model SVT-VR. With the protective casing included, the rig was almost as tall as me :)

I must say of the "backline suppplied" amps I've played through, this one was easily the best. I've not been a fan of tube amps over the years - and truth be told I still prefer the sound of my current SS rig to this one - but I do have a new appreciation for this particular amp. Not enough to go buy one, but enough to understand why other people do :)

Thanks for your help guys.
 

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