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Ampeg SVT CL Classic - American Heads

S

scottampeg

Feb 23, 2011
13
11
#1
Hi am using an american Ampeg SVT Cl Classic through an American 410Hlf Cabinet, fantastic Amp & Cabinet although as heavy as a freight train.

I compare these to be similar to my old Acoustic Control Bass amp and 5 foot speaker cabinet with the 18inch cerwin vega reflux speaker.

Though I would have to say the All Valve Ampeg had plenty more head room than the Acoustic transistor head.

Play mainly Rock Covers with a fender P Bass and Musicman Active Stingray four, sounds fantastic through the Ampeg rig, great bottom end and presence with loosing your headroom at higher volumes.:hyper:
 
#4
No war for me. I own a 69 SVT and I think the newer SVT-VR is about the same thing. And between the CL and VR, I slightly prefer the VR, but I use CL's all the time on the road and I love them, too. So to me it's all good and I'd use any of them and be quite happy.
 
#5
JimmyM said:
No war for me. I own a 69 SVT and I think the newer SVT-VR is about the same thing. And between the CL and VR, I slightly prefer the VR, but I use CL's all the time on the road and I love them, too. So to me it's all good and I'd use any of them and be quite happy.
Click to expand...

Hold on...GLUP. Really? I honestly believe that YOU are the first to say this. I have always felt the same way. Certainly not worth an older more expensive (less reliable in many cases) amp vs newer one.

Cool.
 
#6
Quickles, I am by far not the first to say this, but I believe it. Sure, there might be slight differences as many of the older heads have been rebuilt and supplied with primo tubes, but for all the changes between the VR and a vintage head like mine, they sound amazingly similar to me.
 
#8
Quickie said:
Hold on...GLUP. Really? I honestly believe that YOU are the first to say this. I have always felt the same way. Certainly not worth an older more expensive (less reliable in many cases) amp vs newer one.

Cool.
Click to expand...

Can't let this thred fade without at least one argument. ;)

Those old heads, if maintained at all, are workhorses. It's not unusual to see one beat to bones with the last piece of tolex hanging by a thred... still working. :)
 
#9
jackcheez said:
Can't let this thred fade without at least one argument. ;)

Those old heads, if maintained at all, are workhorses. It's not unusual to see one beat to bones with the last piece of tolex hanging by a thred... still working. :)
Click to expand...


I only owned one 70's svt head. Now I will be careful here....the one I owned buzzed (at idle). It had been "adjusted" numerous times and I was told that's the way it was.

The two since that one, an 80's svt II, which I loved (the on board eq) blew the mains fuse twice. Then I got a 2004 usa classic. Not one problem.

So, I will not use a wide brush to paint all older svt's as problematic. I will say this, based on my experience, I prefer the newer models. I could not hear any significant difference from the older ones.

Now I have been playing over 35 years on and off. I am sure my ears aren't what they used to be, but hearing loss usually takes away the highs first....
 
#11
Jonyak said:
I have a 74 SVT, and used to own a SVT II pro.

I noticed a huge difference between these 2 amps. I found the SVT II pro much brighter sounding.
Click to expand...
You'll find differences in the models that are made differently, like separate gain/master vs. single volume knob, or graphic vs no graphic, but if you compare likes to likes, such as a new VR vs your old 74, IMHO you'll find more similarities than differences.
 
#13
Some great threads there fella's, all have elements of truths to them. I really enjoy the all valve heads overall compared to the transistor ranges. The old Trace Elliot Heads pre Gibson seem the closest thing to the all valve sounds but are hard to come by know days in excellent condition and reliability.

My prior Traynor YBA 200 first series was excellent apart from the head room at higher volume's at 200 watts all valve.

Build quality, reliability never let me down always wanted an Ampeg though in the American SVT Cl Classic range they sound great with 4 x 10 cabs, 6 x 10 cabs and the fridge at 8 x 10's. Only a few things I would change overall.

The fan unit blows forward through the head, quite hot these babies on stage. Could also really use a 9 band slider eq incorporated into the head front panel to tweek up the high's and low's. Also on the front panel a compressor would also be handy to tighten up the band width depending on the venue room.

I must admit that I do not use any pedals what so ever to enhance the sounds the Classic produces with the five way selector switch. I use a Fender P Bass 60th Anniversary passive which is the traditional recording sounds you hear with a slight grungy tone. Also use a Musicman Stingray 4 active which produce more of the modern tones you hear knowdays. I find its the best of both worlds.

Rock on American Ampeg's they are great.....:hyper:
 
#15
Quickie said:
I only owned one 70's svt head. Now I will be careful here....the one I owned buzzed (at idle). It had been "adjusted" numerous times and I was told that's the way it was.
Click to expand...

In that case I'd say you probably had an incompetent tech. Mine buzzed at idle when I got it, after a cap job, retube, fixed pre-amp, etc, it's quiet as a mouse.
 
#17
been reading some threads on the newer ampeg heads....I heard the heritage was designed and assembled in USA but some parts are from over seas?? is this true?, the newer SVT-VR is made in Vietnam , the Ampeg SVT-Classic is all american made...something tells me to go all american. doesn't mean they are flawless but for some reason USA made feels better to me. any input? thanks
 
#18
If buying new then the latest USA assembled (using mostly the same parts as far east production) Heritage CL gets better tubes and Birtcher style tube retainers. That's what I would buy. All of the other 300 watt Ampeg tube heads are far east production nowadays. I doubt there is any difference in reliability between USA and asian units but you get some better parts and different cosmetics with the Heritage and if/when you sell no one will have an issue with where it comes from.
 
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#20
maybe so but most complaints I have seen are the asian built units. I think I will stick with and find USA made units. not to say USA units are perfect there is always going to be a faulty unit here and there and god forbid I be the guy that gets one.. LOL!! but we all know nothings perfect but the most complaints came from the asian units and some I think are even made in mexico.

plus~december 19 2017 just got off the phone with Ampeg~ not that its bad but the heritage is designed and assembled in USA but the parts are from china he said, plus a month ago the guy told me that they will manufacture the Ampeg SVT-Classic somewhere else but not in USA. he agreed the best bet would be to get the USA made Ampeg SVT-Classic made in USA because the parts are better. now I'm not knocking the others and have heard good reviews on all the others but I think I have made a choice to find a Ampeg SVT-Classic USA made. sometimes newer is always better but sometimes its not...in any case Ampeg has an awesome sound and will get one for myself :)
 
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