Ampeg SVT-AV or '74

[rodl2005]

Honestly don't know which one I'd pick.

This's where I'm at.
The '74 WILL need at least a few hundred spent on it.
The AV's ready to go, with a good road-case on wheels.
I've never played a '70's SVT, but love VR's. They sound a tiny bit nicer than CL's-which of course, the AV is.

 

[jmpiwonka]

but also to consider, pretty easy to pick up a CL or AV...not as easy to find a vintage svt...

i played through a 72 svt a few years back
my regular rig was broke...sxsw show
playing through that svt was mind blowing pretty much
so ballsy and powerful, not sure what the deal is but my svtII does not sound the same as that svt

 

[Alex1984]

I think finding a CL or an AV in Australia may not be too easy either. I think I might choose the AV.

 

[beans-on-toast]

Another important consideration is do you have a good amp tech that knows how to fix a vintage SVT at a reasonable cost. If not, stick with the AV and run it with the master up almost all the way, it will be close to the sound of the 74.

It sounds like you're tending towards the AV. They're both very good amps.

 

[jmpiwonka]

Another important consideration is do you have a good amp tech that knows how to fix a vintage SVT at a reasonable cost. If not, stick with the AV and run it with the master up almost all the way, it will be close to the sound of the 74.

It sounds like you're tending towards the AV. They're both very good amps.

agree with this

if you don't know a good tech then it's not a good idea to get the vintage amp needing work...

 

[rodl2005]

Agreed. I do know a good tech, but it'd still cost a few hundred $, with tubes, elec parts & knobs & cosmetic repairs.
I'm gonna stew on this for a while I can tell.

 

[Alex1984]

Got any pics?

 

[coreyfyfe]

Agreed. I do know a good tech, but it'd still cost a few hundred $, with tubes, elec parts & knobs & cosmetic repairs.
I'm gonna stew on this for a while I can tell.

If I had the spare change and knew a good tech I'd go with the 74. if I wanted road ready, the AV. Honestly the road case and not having to do the repairs would be a big bonus for me 9 times out of 10 and would be more likely to win me over than having to spend a few hundred extra to get up to spec. No matter how good the amp could be.

 

[rodl2005]

Yeah, hard choice as I don't need it 'now' , so could spend time to get it looking & performing correctly, but, like you, the road case, & the AV's spot on condition has me bound.
Then again, having an early '70's SVT....... Oh shoot!
Oh, pics asap.

 

[Fuzzbassian]

It depends what you want to use it for.If you intend to be gigging lots,especially touring,the new SVT with the roadcase will be the winner.
If you just want a sweet ass bass head,go for the older one and invest in its repair.Things like that are priceless here.

 

[Jonyak]

I don't understand why you need to do any cosmetic repairs to a 70's SVT, but I guess thats just personal preference.

Also if it's working fine I see no reason to spend hundreds of dollars on replacing parts in it.

 

[rodl2005]

Yeah I get that too. It is working, but has a mis-match of tubes-3 of each power tubes. & it hasn't been near a tech for many yrs.
I do a lot of corporate gigs, & would eventually like to have it looking good as well as sounding & performing.
I don't "tour", but often do one or two nighters up to 3 hrs away- & lots of local gigs. I load all gear meself, so I s'pose the road case isn't needed.
I know..... The '74's so tempting. & getting more so.
Cosmetically-it IS bad. Ripped tolex, missing knobs, name plate etc & some of this extends to electrics- frayed power lead-attached, sockets broken.....

 

[Alex1984]

You could get a head cabinet from fliptops! 3 of each is a good thing, supposedly the tubes operated as triplets rather than pairs. If it's in working shape then it could be good.

 

[rodl2005]

True, 2 sets of 3 is how it works. So 3 of each different makes of tube should be ok?

 

[rodl2005]

Pic-best I can do for now

Looks worse round back, still, I'm warming more & more.

 

[Alex1984]

Looks pretty nice cosmetically. Whichever way you choose, good luck!

 

[JimmyM]

True, 2 sets of 3 is how it works. So 3 of each different makes of tube should be ok?

I don't see why not. As long as each triplet set's matched and the bias is set correctly, they should be good to go.

 

[gearHed289]

'74 for sure. I've owned one for 20 years. It's the King! Totally different preamp section. No comparison there. BTW - a '74 wouldn't have the nameplate.

 

[gearHed289]

Here's a pic of my '74 with a later 70s tilt-back cab. Grill cloth is new, cab has been carpeted and heavy ball corners added, as well as a pair of recessed handles on the bottom.

 

[rodl2005]

Cool. Thanx all. Am waiting a reply on an offer.....