Ampeg SVT

[BassPlayingCat]

I need a new head. I have the old 80s UV-light Trace Elliot tank thing but I'm more an Ampeg kinda guy and I've been looking at the SVT range and I'm not quite sure what to spend my hard-earned money on.

I haven't had the pleasure of comparing all the models side by side as it's difficult to find shops that stock all the equipment I want to try!

I play in an progressive-ish alternative rock band, think Radiohead, Muse, Elbow, Arcade Fire so I need a really versatile, powerful tone. I'm a full-time musician, so it's not just a hobby and I'll need equipment that will last.

What do you guys/gals think? I could save up and fork out for an svt 8 but if a lower price model will work just as well (bare in mind I'm only using a 410 cab and I would DI at all gigs so I don't just need massive noise) then any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[JimmyM]

I think the whole SVT line of hybrid amps is very good, but the standout these days IMHO is the SVT 7 Pro. Doesn't weigh much, does 1000w, has a tube, and has a very big sound and feel. I prefer the all-tube CL and VR heads more, but the 7 Pro is about as good as I've ever heard a hybrid sound.

 

[SactoBass]

I'll cast my vote for the Ampeg SVT-VR. I have one, and it's a tone monster. It puts a smile on my face every time I hit a note.

 

[JimmyM]

Also, if you want Ampeg tone and don't want to spend much, the Portaflex 350 and 500 are very inexpensive and sound great. The 7 Pro still sounds better, but the PF500 is a 500w 7 Pro without a tube, and it sounds pretty close to it, except tubes just always make things sound better to me. So I'd still give the edge to the 7 Pro, but the PF500 is $400 less, so...

 

[KLEIN]

Oh just get yourself a 70s era SVT. You WILL be on cloud 9!

 

[kander]

I need a really versatile, powerful tone.

With this in mind, I'd say go with the 2 Pro. It's definitely the most versatile SVT with the 9 band graphic eq.

 

[redhed]

Heritage series SVT

 

[jmattbassplaya]

I dunno if I consider Ampegs versatile, but they do sound fantastic. If you like the tone then definitely go for it. I love mine

 

[JimmyM]

I dunno if I consider Ampegs versatile, but they do sound fantastic. If you like the tone then definitely go for it. I love mine

They're plenty versatile. The idea that they're not comes from those who don't play themr regularly. But I can get any sound I need out of them.

 

[Korladis]

Depends how much you want to spend. Most versatile SVT in terms of how much you can fiddle with the sound would probably be the 2 pro.

 

[jimbilly]

Try a '70s V4B or V4 before you make your decision. One of those that's been properly serviced will be as reliable as anything.

 

[BassPlayingCat]

Thanks for all the feedback, I'm looking to spend 1000 english pounds. I shall research all the models you guys have listed and see if i can source some to mess around on =]

 

[Floyd Eye]

My vote is for the 2Pro or the 4Pro.

 

[rodl2005]

Or a SVTII non pro. Might find one of them where you are 2nd hand, & are one of THE best!