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Ampeg SVT-II appreciation thread
- Thread starter i_got_a_mohawk
- Start date
Ampegs have always been available with transformers for 220-240. Most from the 90's on were available with a power transformer that had wiring for both. Not sure if the 2 nonpro had it, but it's quite feasible for it to have come with 240 stock. But for 400 pounds, I'd buy it regardless. You can always get a new PT for it if it's not already wired for 240, and you'd still be at a reasonable price.
I bought an SVT 2 last week, rehearsed twice with it and played a show last night. Had more people than ever approach me afterward and rave about my tone. We play sludgy doom metal and this is the perfect amp by far. I didn't even need to use my team awesome fuzz machine and that thing kicks ass.
I rock a mint condition '91 Ampeg SVT-II nonpro (with original tubes) into a Berg NV610.
It's tone happiness!
The only thing that is not stock are the EQ slider knobs. The original white plastic cover thingies were removed by a youngster (a two-year old) and were never seen since! (Maybe he ate them......who knows). But I actually like these black slider knobs better as they are a bit wider. Click on the pics for larger views.
Btw, I got the headcase off of eBay. Some guy makes them for SVT-II's. It is the perfect depth. It even has vent holes in the sides. But I definitely do not trust the single handle on the top......not with the 85 pound amp inside!
It's tone happiness!
The only thing that is not stock are the EQ slider knobs. The original white plastic cover thingies were removed by a youngster (a two-year old) and were never seen since! (Maybe he ate them......who knows). But I actually like these black slider knobs better as they are a bit wider. Click on the pics for larger views.
Btw, I got the headcase off of eBay. Some guy makes them for SVT-II's. It is the perfect depth. It even has vent holes in the sides. But I definitely do not trust the single handle on the top......not with the 85 pound amp inside!
Just picked one up yesterday in near mint condition. Single owner and kept in rack since purchased in 1991. Crazy low price (I think). Sent to factory and full tube replacement in 2002 (Sovtek 6550WE on the power tubes and not sure for the smaller ones - not the recommended GE product but still seems great). Seller claims it has only been turned on a few times a year since 2002 to keep things running properly and it sure looks like that is true. I have been wanting a good tube amp and hope this is the one. Could not go wrong for the price either way.
I just upgraded my membership so not able to post pics quite yet (keep getting a permissions Tag error).
So my question. Where should I start for my search of a good bass cab? I know "good" is very subjective but it would be nice to get some feedback from people who own or have owned this particular amp (or something similar). It would be nice to start with a smaller single cab (maybe a 15" or something like that) and add another at a later time as needed. I do not particularly play large venues, thus the desire to have a smaller single cab to start with. I have heard that nob-ported are the way to go for tube amps but not really sure.
I currently play a 1991 Stingray S4 but am considering moving to a Stingray 5 (if this makes a difference in cab selection).
Any positive input would be great guys
Thanks
I just upgraded my membership so not able to post pics quite yet (keep getting a permissions Tag error).
So my question. Where should I start for my search of a good bass cab? I know "good" is very subjective but it would be nice to get some feedback from people who own or have owned this particular amp (or something similar). It would be nice to start with a smaller single cab (maybe a 15" or something like that) and add another at a later time as needed. I do not particularly play large venues, thus the desire to have a smaller single cab to start with. I have heard that nob-ported are the way to go for tube amps but not really sure.
I currently play a 1991 Stingray S4 but am considering moving to a Stingray 5 (if this makes a difference in cab selection).
Any positive input would be great guys
Thanks
You might want to try taking yours out and cleaning it up - and lubing it up a bit.
A pair of Bergantino NV115 would definitely be worth checking out or a Berg NV412.
Genz Benz has the Uber 115 you could look at.
Baer is very close to releasing his ML115 cab, a pair of which should kill with a good tube head (or a ML112 + ML115 stack).
What are the recommended power tubes?
I just scored one that is in decent shape cosmetically and looks untouched internally.
The preamp tubes were all lower quality 12AX7s but the 12AU7s were higher end European tubes.
The power amp tubes were mixed...two of which are on there last legs...my tech recommended getting a matched sextet.
What are people using? I'm not interested in "holy grail" 6550s that are not made anymore, but something good and plentiful.
This is my first adventure into all tube land...been proudly rocking solid state forever. This thread inspired me to take the plunge and get the real deal.
Even with the cheaper 12AX7s it sounded nice and plump...LOUD too. The power tubes being weak caused a fluctuation in volume, but I was digging the tone.
Thanks everyone!
I just scored one that is in decent shape cosmetically and looks untouched internally.
The preamp tubes were all lower quality 12AX7s but the 12AU7s were higher end European tubes.
The power amp tubes were mixed...two of which are on there last legs...my tech recommended getting a matched sextet.
What are people using? I'm not interested in "holy grail" 6550s that are not made anymore, but something good and plentiful.
This is my first adventure into all tube land...been proudly rocking solid state forever. This thread inspired me to take the plunge and get the real deal.
Even with the cheaper 12AX7s it sounded nice and plump...LOUD too. The power tubes being weak caused a fluctuation in volume, but I was digging the tone.
Thanks everyone!
A good friend told me JJ's were the way to go...but added I should check with TB.
They seem legit, to say the least.
They seem legit, to say the least.
Well traditionally I've not had much luck with JJ's, but I'm 5 months to the good now with the new rig and so far so good.
i've had tung sol reissue 6550's in mine for a few years.
they've been fine.
i've had good luck with JJ 12ax7 tubes in it so i'll probably retube the power section with JJ's too. not sure if that time is coming or not, over the last year it had drifted pretty cold, not sure if that drift is a sign of power tubes wearing out or what...
they've been fine.
i've had good luck with JJ 12ax7 tubes in it so i'll probably retube the power section with JJ's too. not sure if that time is coming or not, over the last year it had drifted pretty cold, not sure if that drift is a sign of power tubes wearing out or what...
