• 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-II appreciation thread

#1,541
Petethebassman said:
Got my SVT-II stack out of storage, cleaned the tolex- some scuffs, scratches and small tears but nothing major. Fired it up, works great, it's been ages since I used it on a live gig but it was professionally serviced a few years ago. I've been using class D Aguilar rig live for five years now.

I bought that Ampeg rig new in '91, I looked up the serial number on the amp, it's from 1989 which was the first production year for the SVT-II. I took it out of storage with the idea of maybe selling it but now.. maybe not after all. View attachment 3823219 View attachment 3823220
Click to expand...
That's probably the nicest SVT-II rig on TalkBass.
 
  • Like
Reactions: A. D. Fairhurst and Petethebassman
#1,544
8FB6DCBC-C564-4B63-83CE-DB4D3B63A513.jpeg
5A7D2DDB-C9E2-4B7F-B2A2-E1D54322F947.jpeg
Well got a new head case for the svt II pro. Was going to go black tolex but said what the hell!
 
  • Like
Reactions: KimGT99, etherealme, LoGruvz and 2 others
#1,545
Bugg said:
I honestly didn’t know this was a thing! Many, MANY years ago I was told I had to buy a svt 2 pro pre amp and it was the beast I never knew I needed. Is there any difference in the ampeg pre amps? Glad to chime in fellas.
Click to expand...
Giving this question (and thread) a bump as it has yet to be directly addressed. In similar fashion ---> How much of the SVT-II (non-pro) tone is due to the preamp? Is it unique in sound to this amp with the valve power section or is the preamp with the II similar to other Ampeg preamps? Does anyone know how this compares to the preamp section in the 400T?
 
Last edited:
#1,546
etherealme said:
Giving this question (and thread) a bump as it has yet to be directly addressed. In similar fashion ---> How much of the SVT-II (non-pro) tone is due to the preamp? Is it unique in sound to this amp with the valve power section or is the preamp with the II similar to other Ampeg preamps? Does anyone know how this compares to the preamp section in the 400T?
Click to expand...

Here is a pic for a visual comparison of the SVT II non-pro preamp (1989, top) next to an SVT 2 Pro (2002, bottom).SVT 4 is different visually, but I havent compared the schems. The CL/VR pre is a two tube 12ax7 preamp if I am not mistaken.

20201216_150814.jpg
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Vanni, mattwear, etherealme and 2 others
#1,549
etherealme said:
Giving this question (and thread) a bump as it has yet to be directly addressed. In similar fashion ---> How much of the SVT-II (non-pro) tone is due to the preamp? Is it unique in sound to this amp with the valve power section or is the preamp with the II similar to other Ampeg preamps? Does anyone know how this compares to the preamp section in the 400T?
Click to expand...
in my estimation, the 400T is solid state.
i once had a rack rig, svt non pro preamp and a 1000w carvin power amp. although it was a good rig,
clearly the power tubes are the key to svt tone. super clean at lower levels, but when driven, they begine to speak
 
  • Like
Reactions: mattwear
#1,550
Anyone have a scheme for the early EQ layout 88/89 maybe? Board lists on the back as 06A728-01, I see on the scheme there were changes in 90/91/92 so there are components that are listed which are not on the older boards. Have everything I can find online, but hoping someone may have something I do not. The eq scheme I have is the same as what is included on the Ampeg site.
 
#1,552
vincent69 said:
Is this schematic/layout you're looking for ?

Vincent
Click to expand...

That is the same layout I have. Although I saved yours as well since it is a bit darker than the one I have. :thumbsup: But the scheme I have is from 92? Looks to be some differences around the foot switch with Q2, Q3 and R51. I've been staring at these too much the last few days haha.. :wacky:
 

Attachments

  • combined eq schematic.jpg
    combined eq schematic.jpg
    1.4 MB · Views: 106
#1,558
BBQV said:
No, originally it’s an 8 Ohm cab, but I installed a 2/8-Ohm switch to be able to use it with all my amps.
The SVT II doesn’t like 8 ohms, the others don’t like 2…
It’s a reversibel mod, I even used the same screw holes.

View attachment 4401074
Click to expand...
Excellent! I saw a pic of an original one of those and it listed 16 ohms at the jack which I thought was odd for a bass cab, also said it was only 280watts rms, that SVTII would blow that away!
 
  • Like
Reactions: BBQV

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back