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Ampeg SVT-II appreciation thread

#1,484
cellkirk74 said:
I've got a question concerning the svt2pro input gain. On mine, this seems pretty low and I have to turn up gain a lot before I get a nice saturated tone even with the master at above 3`with an svt 610 hlf.

I stumbled a cross this old thread at an electronics forum, where they suggest this might be the wearing out 12AU7 driver tubes. But it ends into nowhere without a solution to the question.
It seems that the new SVT like to eat their 12AU7 Drivers - Page 2

So I want to know: Did anyone have a similiar problem and got better gain with new 12AU7 or 12BH7 Tubes in the svt 2 Pro? Which brand of tubes where used?

Or is there a different solution or idea why the input gain is so low. I can not imagine one would ever need the -15db button at all...
Click to expand...

I was searching this thread trying to find info on an issue I’ve been having on my svt2pro and I believe what you said is my issue. My tech replaced all my power tubes, I turned it on and my amp was super quiet no power or pressure what so ever. I brought it back to the tech and he said he had switched around the (3) 12AU7 pre amp tubes. He moved them back to the original positions and the amp was a 300 watt monster again. I have (3) 12AU7s on order. Hopefully this corrects the problem for good.
 
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#1,486
Anyone familiar with Tom Beougher of "The Danger Brothers" from Columbus? Working on an SVT II non pro from '89 and his last name is engraved on the shelf next to one of the 6550's. Just wonder if this could have been his amp? Havent found any pics yet that show a rig for him.

20190727_152816.jpg
 
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#1,487
We have some tour dates lined up for the fall/winter and I’m really wanting to take my SVT II along. But I’m struggling with how to protect her. The last mini tour in the band trailer wasn’t a very kind place and the case finish rubbed off an a few of places. I know that’s the risk, but I am resistant to putting her in a road case because of the additional weight, venting concerns and the massive dimensions it adds. I’ve seen a plastic molded Gator model that has wheels and a telescoping handle like a rolling carry on bag, but I wonder if it is sturdy enough. I’m also considering having a custom cover made out of quilted moving blankets.
What are your favorite methods to protecting your baby while on the road?
 
#1,488
squish said:
We have some tour dates lined up for the fall/winter and I’m really wanting to take my SVT II along. But I’m struggling with how to protect her. The last mini tour in the band trailer wasn’t a very kind place and the case finish rubbed off an a few of places. I know that’s the risk, but I am resistant to putting her in a road case because of the additional weight, venting concerns and the massive dimensions it adds. I’ve seen a plastic molded Gator model that has wheels and a telescoping handle like a rolling carry on bag, but I wonder if it is sturdy enough. I’m also considering having a custom cover made out of quilted moving blankets.
What are your favorite methods to protecting your baby while on the road?
Click to expand...


I have used the SKB's for years they are bullet proof. Had them fall out of the trailer while driving at least 45 MPH, dropped down long flight of stairs more than once and nary a scratch not to mention the numerous other things like falling off my SVT810, roadies dropping it off carts...etc. You can cut or drill vents on the sides if needed.
 
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#1,489
I purchased an SVT II non pro that came in an SKB roto case not too long ago. Think UPS kicked it off the back of a couple trucks, lost the package, found it again and then kicked it off a few more trucks. By the time it reached me, the case was unusable as I dont think the head was properly secured in it and in turn, it ripped the aluminum frame apart. But the head inside had no major damage and the plastic part of the case was in one piece. Says a lot about those cases as they are built to take a beating.
 
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#1,491
greengoblin said:
I purchased an SVT II non pro that came in an SKB roto case not too long ago. Think UPS kicked it off the back of a couple trucks, lost the package, found it again and then kicked it off a few more trucks. By the time it reached me, the case was unusable as I dont think the head was properly secured in it and in turn, it ripped the aluminum frame apart. But the head inside had no major damage and the plastic part of the case was in one piece. Says a lot about those cases as they are built to take a beating.
Click to expand...

Case is steel.
The 4u mine sits in is just a scratch protector for it.
Sheer weight of the head makes cheaper cases like the roto and whatever mine is in sacrificial.

As long as nothing gets past the handles on the head and damages a pot, you're good.

Imagine how many of these heads have taken a dive in a truck on the way to a gig.
 
#1,492
Mine has the factory case, which is prolly 20lbs. But it is very well protected and has lag bolts going into the underside of the amp. Rack mounting anything this heavy cannot rely on the rack ears alone IMO
 
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#1,493
You can't rely on just ears with this weight amp in a cheaper rack.

Rackmount SVT heads should be used to grade rack case construction.

You find out quickly whether rails are sufficient gauge and stable within the case.

If you install one in bigger than 4u, then overall torsional strength of the rack becomes obvious.
 
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#1,494
somebrains said:
Case is steel.
The 4u mine sits in is just a scratch protector for it.
Sheer weight of the head makes cheaper cases like the roto and whatever mine is in sacrificial.

As long as nothing gets past the handles on the head and damages a pot, you're good.

Imagine how many of these heads have taken a dive in a truck on the way to a gig.
Click to expand...

Yes, the head chassis is steel, but the frame lips on the roto case is aluminum. It actually ripped the aluminum apart on the lip of the case, but the plastic was in one piece. Probably could have repaired the case if SKB could have sent a new aluminum lip part to rivot on, but I did not go that route. I wouldnt have a problem using a roto style case if it was of the same quality/thickness of plastic as the head survived.

Added a pic: (may be a Gator case).

20190212_174317.jpg

I think this was a culmination of issues with the shipment. Not sure if the head was truly secured/tightened in the rack. There also wasnt a case end/cap attached (seller lost it). So that would''ve helped with the protection and case rigidity. But even with all the above factors, I feel the case did a good job.
 
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#1,495
I cracked feet on my rack case being lazy and rotating it up instead of my usual 2 hand dead lift.
70lbs is still what delivery guys have to haul all day long 200+ boxes a day.
So it’s not that big a deal, but maybe someone in the future buying a rack for one of these heads or an svt4 will heed these experiences and buy a better quality rack.

Especially if they’re shipping the head.

I can’t remember which band was opening for Primus at Maritime Hall in the mid 90s for a NYE show, but they had an SVT and cabs take a tumble down stairs and everything was fine. Just big ol gnarly ata cases and it wasn’t the first time this particular rig had stair surfed according to the roadies.
 
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