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Ampeg SVT II vs. Mesa Boogie Bass 400+

Discussion in 'Amps and Cabs [BG]' started by timv, Nov 27, 2005.

  1. Nov 27, 2005 #1
    timv

    timv

    Jun 7, 2000
    Chandler, AZ
    I have each of these and am trying to figure out which one to sell. I also have an old 70 SVT and a recently purchased peavey Classic 400. I've had the 400+ for a while and in my last band used my SVT and I think I am liking an svt sound more these days and figure the svt II sounds pretty similar and I wouldn't have to worry about moving my original svt around. Internally, I think the ampeg is built better. The circuit boards are thicker and are much easier to remove to work on if needed. I replaced the filter caps on the mesa a while ago and the pads lift very easily on mesa's circuit boards. The mesa I could replace if wanted but the ampeg isn't made anymore. I guess I want thoughts from others who may have used both. Obviously, I am leaning towards the ampeg but just want to hear opinions.
    Thanks.
     
  2. Nov 27, 2005 #2
    nashvillebill

    nashvillebill

    Oct 13, 2002
    1700 miles west of Nashville TN
    I'd certainly keep the old Ampeg SVT, they're getting quite collectible, and keep the SVT II as its modern equivalent....whereas it's easy to find the Mesa if you were to want one later.

    Or do like me, just keep everything, now I have more amps than I know what to do with....(But dear, it's a vintage Kustom tuck-and-roll from 1971, I can't get rid of that! ....)
     
  3. Nov 27, 2005 #3
    timv

    timv

    Jun 7, 2000
    Chandler, AZ
    It also seems like the 400+ is an amp people want right now so I probably would make more on it. I think it pretty much comes down to what type of sound I want right now.
     
  4. Nov 27, 2005 #4
    i_got_a_mohawk

    i_got_a_mohawk

    Feb 9, 2005
    Edinburgh & Dundee, Scotland
    If you think you'll use the SVT sound more keep it, i love mine, really great amp :D
     
  5. Nov 27, 2005 #5
    Tim1

    Tim1

    Sep 9, 2005
    New Zealand
    There is a significant weight difference - I replaced my SVT2 with a Mesa 400+ primarily because of this - the Mesa is much lighter. Tonally they are two different beasts and the SVT is more plug and play, but also more of a one-trick pony as I think the Mesa has greater tonal variety available once you get used to it. However......my heart will always be with my younger years and the SVT (and the women.......)
     
  6. Nov 27, 2005 #6
    Plain Old Me

    Plain Old Me

    Dec 14, 2004
    Tucson, AZ, SF Bay, CA
    Well, the -II and origional SVT will have a similar sound, and I would keep the Mesa just to have the widest range of sounds avalible.
     
  7. Nov 27, 2005 #7
    Quadzilla

    Quadzilla Supporting Member

    Feb 11, 2002
    Maryland Burbs (horse-country)
    So timv, hate to take this off track, but so far, how does the Peavey rate against the others in your pack?
     
  8. Nov 27, 2005 #8
    i_got_a_mohawk

    i_got_a_mohawk

    Feb 9, 2005
    Edinburgh & Dundee, Scotland
    The pro of using the II is so that he doesnt have to take the original to gigs and stuff


    And Tim1, sorry mate, i think thats one of the worst excuses ever, the amp was too heavy . . . pfft, unless you have a severe back problem, it shouldnt matter
     
  9. Nov 27, 2005 #9
    Plain Old Me

    Plain Old Me

    Dec 14, 2004
    Tucson, AZ, SF Bay, CA
    Why not just keep both? :smug:
     
  10. Nov 27, 2005 #10
    timv

    timv

    Jun 7, 2000
    Chandler, AZ
    The more I thought about it I am going to sell the SVT II. The main reason is because of the variation of sounds I will have available. I'm not playing in a band right now so all of this stuff is overkill anyway but I can fix anything on these amps myself so if the vintage SVT is used and something goes wrong, I could fix it easily. Also, the Bass 400+ works great as a power amp for my guitar setup if I decide I need more power so. Both of them sound great for the styles they are. I got the SVT II for 400 including a sextet of brand new svetlana 6550's that are now in my peavey so I will be making some money on it. I've also had the mesa for about 10 years now and it has always worked great for me and I have always been loud enough so I have a hard time getting rid of it.

    About the comparison, I still haven't been able to really crank the peavey but I really like how it sounds so far, it has a really nice low end and is very warm. I'll report back when I get a better comparison.
     
  11. Nov 28, 2005 #11
    Prahainspring

    Prahainspring

    Oct 22, 2002
    New Jersey
    If you were to sell the SVT II, How much would you let it go for? Around the price you paid for it?
     
  12. Oct 8, 2007 #12
    mattmanbass

    mattmanbass

    Feb 19, 2007
    kansas city missouri
    to the op, almost 2 years later do you regret selling the II?
     
  13. Oct 10, 2007 #13
    mattmanbass

    mattmanbass

    Feb 19, 2007
    kansas city missouri
    nothing?
     
  14. Oct 10, 2007 #14
    coolrunner989

    coolrunner989

    Feb 9, 2006
    Minneapolis, MN
    the 400+ is being discontinued too.

    just food for thought for prices, desirablity, ect.

    I'd keep em both if I had them.
     
  15. Oct 10, 2007 #15
    anderbass

    anderbass

    Dec 20, 2005
    Phoenix. Az.
    Tim constantly buys, repairs and re-sells cool tube amps and has a habit of disappearing from Talkbass every now and then, but I believe he still has his favorite vintage SVT that he refused to sell me before I found mine.
     
  16. Oct 10, 2007 #16
    anderbass

    anderbass

    Dec 20, 2005
    Phoenix. Az.
    I agree and plan on doing just that...

    DSCN1292.jpg
     
  17. Oct 10, 2007 #17
    coolrunner989

    coolrunner989

    Feb 9, 2006
    Minneapolis, MN
    now THAT is an amazing rig!

    I love the home studio too
     
  18. Oct 11, 2007 #18
    Vin_MM_Sabre_79

    Vin_MM_Sabre_79

    Apr 14, 2007
    Ballaarat Australia
    I can hear angels singing in the background.
     
  19. Mar 18, 2008 #19
    dasparks2004

    dasparks2004 I LOVE TUBES

    Dec 4, 2007
    Seattle
    um...

    I know this is a really old thread but WOW! WHAT A RIG!!