Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Ampeg SVT-4 Pro Questions
- Thread starter walknbluez
- Start date
Preamp tubes wearing out in a bass amp in 18 months...I doubt it. A tube probably failed but the "worn out" angle means that you get to pay for it.
For as long as there have been tube amps, they've been shut down without cooling off...I wouldn't worry about it.
To bypass the effects loops with a short cable plug it into the effects send and the mono return. There's a switch on the front to do that too (which I didn't realize when I first suggested it). Might we worth a try anyway.
I'm looking at an Ampeg SVT-4 Pro someone has for sale so I can replace my Workingmans 4004. He says it is about 4 years old and in great condition. When I've seen them sold on TB before I've seen people put "this is made in USA" so when I asked him about it, he said "I doubt this was made in the USA, this is a modern solid state amp."
It's $700. I think this is a good deal but I'd like to know what some of the experts here think. It comes with a 4 rack road ready case (whatever that is). Should I do it? I had trouble getting enough headroom at my last gig with my workingmans (although I only was using one cab at 8 ohms).
And here are the specs from the Ampeg website:
RMS Power Output: 300-Watts x 2/900 (mono-bridged @ 8 Ohms)
RMS Power Output: 490-Watts x 2/1200 (mono-bridged @ 4 Ohms)
RMS Power Output (2 Ohms): 600-Watts x 2
Preamp: Tubes (3 x 12AX7)
Power Amp: Solid State
Tone Controls: 3-Band
Mid Tone Control: 5-Position
Graphic EQ: Yes, 9-Band
Ultra Low/High Boosts: Yes
Balanced Line Out: Yes x 2 Pre/Post with Level
Effects Loop: Yes x 2
Preamp Out/Power Amp In: Yes x 2
Dimensions (W x H x D inches): 19 x 5.6 x 15.5
Weight: 39.5 Pounds
$700. is a good deal if you're the buyer,, if the seller bought it new,, he's losing alot of cash on the deal
i bought a SVT4Pro new, ran it for at least 4 years with no problems,, but got very tired of schlepping it around,, it's way too heavy. ( especially with all the new heads coming out at less than 10 lbs )
so looked into selling it, & found prices as low as $600. & there ain't no way i was taking a hit like that, ( expensive as hell when you buy,, but gotta damn near give it away when you wanna dump it )
wound up trading it straight up for a Fender Deluxe Jazz V, then turned the Jazz for a grand.
now running a used, ( as someone else took the hit ) GK 1001RBII & couldn't be happier,,, half the weight & way more versatility
you'll find that ALOT of people in here either love the 4Pro or absolutely hate them, there's not much middle ground. but if you really feel like lumping one of these around,,, have fun.
Haha, Compared to my all tube SVT the 4pro was very light... Granted I'm not 40 years old and I don't have the ''tired of lifting heavy gear syndrome''.
I think that people that hates Ampeg in general are looking for a more hi-fi lead tone with treble and sizzle. And people that loves ampeg usually hate SWR and the likes because they lack oomph and balls, well there's an amp for everyone
$700. is a good deal if you're the buyer,, if the seller bought it new,, he's losing alot of cash on the deal
i bought a SVT4Pro new, ran it for at least 4 years with no problems,, but got very tired of schlepping it around,, it's way too heavy. ( especially with all the new heads coming out at less than 10 lbs )
so looked into selling it, & found prices as low as $600. & there ain't no way i was taking a hit like that, ( expensive as hell when you buy,, but gotta damn near give it away when you wanna dump it )
wound up trading it straight up for a Fender Deluxe Jazz V, then turned the Jazz for a grand.
now running a used, ( as someone else took the hit ) GK 1001RBII & couldn't be happier,,, half the weight & way more versatility
you'll find that ALOT of people in here either love the 4Pro or absolutely hate them, there's not much middle ground. but if you really feel like lumping one of these around,,, have fun.
Yeah I see the GK 1001 RBII new for $749. When you say "way more versatility", how so? I mean I know what you mean by versatile but why is it More than the Ampeg?
Does anyone know how a Genz Benz GBE 600 stacks up against an Ampeg SVT-4 Pro in terms of tone and headroom?
this thread that is cause Ive got an offer to buy a used about 2 month old Pro 4 (for about 8 bills) and would like to hear more comparisons esp with GB. I use a GBE750 w/2 -212T cabs or a stand alone XB-2 410T cab, pends on what the gig calls for. Just trying to get more ooph outa these cabs. So I thought this used-like new Ampeg Pro 4 may be something to try, esp for my large venue/outdoor gigs, I get no PA support. I play alot of disco/funk/motown/latin type tunes in a couple bands and TX blues in a 3rd. So how would the Pro 4 compare to the GBE 600/750 and will it do 2 ohms for my 2 4 ohm 212T cabs? What about the made it China issue? Is it really an issue?
Hmmm......I would think you could get plenty of treble and sizzle out of most Ampeg models, especially the hybrid ones.I think that people that hates Ampeg in general are looking for a more hi-fi lead tone with treble and sizzle. And people that loves ampeg usually hate SWR and the likes because they lack oomph and balls, well there's an amp for everyone
Regarding the PRO4 - I saw a guy use one of these with an Ampege 8x10 last weekend......very, very nasty tone: lows, highs, mids; you name it. Very ballsy. I almost regret not buying one, except I rarely have use for that much power....and yes, he had no problem being heard 3 towns away.
then you are set , the svt4 still is the most clean ampeg head but still have a lot of that fullness of a all tube, but have more definition and is more versatile comparing with the all tube and is lighter and have a great tone and a lots of power
+1Haha, Compared to my all tube SVT the 4pro was very light... Granted I'm not 40 years old and I don't have the ''tired of lifting heavy gear syndrome''.
I think that people that hates Ampeg in general are looking for a more hi-fi lead tone with treble and sizzle. And people that loves ampeg usually hate SWR and the likes because they lack oomph and balls, well there's an amp for everyone
I just put a used SVT4-pro on layaway at GC for $600 out the door. I played through it for around an hour in the store. I loved its tone. I just realized I didn't check to see if it was Vietnamese or USA made. They had $700 on it, but I work for a gear manufacturer they sell.
What are the common problems? Should I be scared? Both power amps worked and it was in one piece.
Thanks
Now I'm selling my SWR SM400. That's what I'm replacing. I liked the way my slap and sixstring stuff sounded through it, but I don't get paid to do that often.
What are the common problems? Should I be scared? Both power amps worked and it was in one piece.
Thanks
Now I'm selling my SWR SM400. That's what I'm replacing. I liked the way my slap and sixstring stuff sounded through it, but I don't get paid to do that often.
you got a great deal man. just to chime in with some positives, my Vietnamese 4 is working great, if you played through it and it sounds good don't sweat where it was made. enjoy!
Right on, I can't wait to gig with it.
I'm going to run it through two Aguilar GS112's . I'm keeping my eyes peeled for a 3rd cab to add for outdoor stuff.
I'm going to run it through two Aguilar GS112's . I'm keeping my eyes peeled for a 3rd cab to add for outdoor stuff.
Yeah... the GS115 was a little bigger than I was thinking, but it might do. I want a GS210. Or maybe a Bag end 115
I was about to buy a brand new SVT 4 PRO and i asked the guy where it was made...said he couldn't see anywhere. i told him look on back by the plug in. says he doesn't see anything at all......anyone ever experience this before??
I believe it's a requirement for products to be marked with their country of manufacture, although I might me mistaken. If you look at the photo of the back and zoom in, it's below the CE Marking and above Loud's name (in this case it says Manufactured in Vietnam). http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/ampeg-svt-4-pro-series-bass-head
well I haven't bought it yet due to that last minuet detail I asked about. after many reviews and research I heard that the Korean models are the best. even better than the american made ones. I heard the american made ones had a few flaws as well as Vietnam but the Korean ones were the best....by customer reviews and reviews I read on here. maybe the guy is just blind or ignorant but he never got back to me when I asked him three different times about origin of manufacture. the picture he had posted was no doubt a stock photo and reverb prohibits that so I assume he tucked tail and hid. always ask questions people !!!
