Ampeg or GK for the tour?

[4Mal]

I like that idea... 2 of my fav amps period.

 

[JimmyM]

Oh, I'm well aware of what Mike wants...he was actually asking ME this time. I'm really pretty sure it'll be an SVT this time...really, what's not to like? Mostly I was wondering about reliability issues...although I'm pretty sure we'll be bringing a spare. Perhaps I'll opt for the 1001RB as a backup!! That'll solve some problems if we wind up on a third-floor gig and the backstage crew doesn't show up

True dat about stairs. Even I would tell you that stairs with an SVT rig are no fun. But reliability isn't an issue. Unfortunately, tubes are not what they used to be, so you might want to safely pack a handful of spares in the truck. But the amp itself is super reliable.

 

[B-string]

Most unreliable amp I ever had was a slant face SS Fender Bassman. Never had a reliability problem with my tube Fender, Sunn or Ampegs just like no trouble with the SS ACC or G-K's.

 

[xk49w]

I thought the OP was concerned less about the particular amp per se (because both were acceptable to he), than about the lift of the amp. If BL provides carriage for said SVT - all in. If you have to lift your own stuff - then think it over. It is a consideration.

 

[bobicidal]

I would assume you would never have to schlep the backline yourself. So, doesn't matter how heavy. Go with what the boss wants! I would think most of what you will hear is from monitors and front of house anyway.

Exactly what I was thinking. FOH is probably going to make it sound like how he wants it to sound, no matter what you bring

 

[bobicidal]

Is the 410x2 just because of crew perhaps not showing up or as a backup? I would opt for two SVT heads and two 810's, even if one set stayed in the truck. Did this exactly on my one and only Euro tour and was happy I did, end though at the time SVT was not really my thing,

 

[Korladis]

Heading out in January for a couple of months with Michael Katon!! Should be fun...the rental company has both GK and Ampeg rigs available. I use a GK 1001RB here at home, and like it. Mike's a traditionalist and thinks the SVT is really the stuff. I like 'em too...I just can't lift 'em anymore! The gig is loud agressive BluesRock...what y'all think about the advantages of either setup? We're talking about a couple of 4/10 cabs, either way. Opinions and experiences appreciated!

Whichever is closest to the tone you normally use, well, except for the BL's preferences.

But since the dude paying you likes Ampeg, I'd lean towards that. Especially if you're not the one paying for it, and especially especially if there's road crew.

 

[Downunderwonder]

I'm simply not strong enough to lump an SVT on top of a pair of 4x10 without help, and damned if I would carry one very far either. YMMV.

 

[Steve Dallman]

I gigged with a GK1001RB for years. I was always unhappy with the character of the low end. There was plenty but just not the "right type." Adding a Sansamp helped tremendously, but I was never quite happy with the tone, but it got the job done and was compact enough.

When it died, I bought a PF500. (I will fix the GK but I'm not in any hurry.) The tonal difference was great. It took me right back to my SVT days.

Now a year later, I'm still very happy with the PF500. I love the way it sounds on stage, how it mixes with the band, and how it fills the room. I would take the SVT over the GK in a heartbeat.

 

[DwaynieAD]

is this a for real question?

 

[songwriter21]

I'm GK all the way, but I once had to rent an SVT-3 while my 1001RB was getting fixed, and the Ampeg (after eq'ing) sounded pretty identical. So, for the time being, just get the best sound out of it that you can.

 

[Gaolee]

This is going to sound a little odd, but I would go for a 'fridge or other big cabinet over a 410. The reason is wheels and handles. A 410 cabinet is my idea of a special hell designed to make your back miserable. You have to bend over to deal with it, herk it around on a hand truck, or fight with it in some other way. A taller cabinet rolls around on its own wheels, getting it up and down stairs is easier because you don't have to strap it to a hand truck with unfortunate results if the strap has an issue, and you don't have to deal with the weight anywhere but steps, since it's built like a hand truck all by itself. No need to put the second cabinet on top, since it is all one piece. Given the choice, that's how I would go. Assuming the rig sounds decent, the brand would be less relevant to me if somebody else was picking it. If I was picking it, you all probably know what I would take already, so no need to flog that horse.

 

[DwaynieAD]

This is going to sound a little odd, but I would go for a 'fridge or other big cabinet over a 410. The reason is wheels and handles. A 410 cabinet is my idea of a special hell designed to make your back miserable.

this. I'm pretty sure satan designed the 410 cab. 93.5lbs conveniently located midway between ur knees and waste.

 

[songwriter21]

Go for a Schroeder cab...best sound-to-weight ratio, by far. Another great one is SWR's Goliath Senior, if you can find one.

 

[songwriter21]

Actually, since we're on Ampeg, go for the SVT410HLF. That thing pushes some serious air, and it has wheels and a handle.
http://www.ampeg.com/products/classic/svt410hlf/index.html

 

[Jim C]

Unless you really can't feel comfortable with the GK I suggest you give the boss the sound he hears in his head.
Smart money would be to have an SVT and a GK head of your choice during rehearsals.
That way both of you can discus how it sits in the stage mix.

Simple no?

 

[Mosfed]

this. I'm pretty sure satan designed the 410 cab. 93.5lbs conveniently located midway between ur knees and waste.

Nah bro - they were made in cahoots with the National Association of Chiropractors.

I have this on good authority. :scowl:

But back to the question - I would have chosen the SVT even if the bandleader hadn't suggested it. Since he did, it seems like a no-brainer. If you go 2x 410 get the Ampeg SVT-410he sealed cabs. They are about as close to an 8x10 in a more moveable package as you can get.

For what its worth - I am not a fan of the ported Ampeg cabs with an SVT. I find the end result really boomy and undefined when compared to the awesome tight sound that a sealed 8x10 would give you.