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Ampeg !!

#22
I'm unconvinced that any Ampeg is for me. I always thought B15s and the SVTs of the 70s were pretty good, but sound and technology have turned over a lot of pages since then. If you like Ampeg that's great - but I need something with better definition.
 
#23
That's fine if Ampeg isn't for you, but the lack of definition thing is an old wives' tale. They have knobs and many of their cabs have tweeters, and even without tweeters my sound never suffers from a lack of definition.

And I'd play jazz on an SVT/810 anytime...if only it fit on the stages of the gigs I play jazz on ;)
 
#24
Over the years I've had a couple flat backs, with the matching head, a V4b with the the big ol 2x15 folded…a couple 410HEs, a 410HLF, SVPCL, now a SVTIIP a couple PF's...now that I think of it a long time ago a B15N…I still use a SVT 15T as a practice/audition amp. Run a BDDI as a preamp into the effects return, great stuff.

I've went with the SVT emulator (VTRM) and a power amp, RBIs, RPMs, Avatars...they're all great…I hate to admit to this, I even had a Peavey MegaBass (but I ran my old SVT IIP into it) because it bi-amped…(4x10 HE and a 18" HE)

I've slept with others…now I have a 810E and am buying a SVTCL. Don't care about the weight, I can still handle it.

Tubes and the SVT are just different than anything else.
 
#27
ampeg is the shiz - or it can be. i never connected with the portaflex line.
i just sold my svt2 (non-pro) that i bought new in '91. the only reason i sold it is because i was tired of lugging around an 80-lb head. sold it to a 22-yr old kid who is over the moon about it. i hope he plays it hard and that it gives him many years of faithful service.
now my '71 acoustic 370 is my #1 (at 40 lbs, much easier to schlep).
different strokes.
 
#28
pfox14 said:
Does Ampeg make a 2 x 15 cab? I've never seen one and am surprised.
Click to expand...

Not currently but they used to. However they still make 15 cabs at 8 ohms each which you can stack just the same:

IMG-20120316-000372_zps9990fba1.jpg
 
#30
aleach said:
I dislike cabs with tweeters. I also preferred sealed cabs. To me, the Heritage 810 is the best thing in the world. Especially paired with an SVT.
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+1. I don't do tweeters or ports, and love sealed. Add tubes and flatwounds and it's love.

I can't help it if others can't use the tone knobs to it's best advantage ;) . With strings that are several years old and no tweeter I have no trouble getting clarity or definition.
 
#31
I've used svt rigs through most of my career and I just can't find that tone out of anything else. That rig coupled with a spector bass just comes the closest to the sound I have in my head. Last night I used a gkmb 800 with the 810 and while it had a nice tight low end I just couldn't find that midrange that cuts the mix. For anyone that is unable to dial in a good tone just needs to take a few minutes to play with the controls. I mic my rig and it cuts everytime in a rock band setting with two heavy guitars and thunderous drums. My late 70s cab can't reproduce the low be as well as some but it wasn't designed for that. But with the magic midrange the fundamentals are there and it just sounds great. And I have yet found a better rig for an outdoor show. There is a reason svts are found on almost every major stage.
 
#32
JimmyM said:
That's fine if Ampeg isn't for you, but the lack of definition thing is an old wives' tale. They have knobs and many of their cabs have tweeters, and even without tweeters my sound never suffers from a lack of definition.

And I'd play jazz on an SVT/810 anytime...if only it fit on the stages of the gigs I play jazz on ;)
Click to expand...

Play a B string (or even lower) through an Ampeg cabinet and try again, it's definitely not a wives' tale.

I spent yesterday afternoon playing through a friend's old Ampeg 610, it was decent once I bypassed the SS SVT head ( SVT-1000, those are terrible heads, terrible!) and ran my own amp but it certainly lacked the definition I was used to with my fEARful and Epifani cabinets, I definitely would not call it lacking definition on a four string though, it just didn't have the top end I was used to.

I get why people are into Ampeg gear, it just isn't for me anymore. The only reason I would never buy another head from them is merely due to reliability issues I had with their products in the past, not due to tone.
 
#33
I love my Ampeg SVT all tube. The sound is absolutely room filling and of course it compresses naturally the louder you go. But it's heavy, REALLY heavy. I use if for outdoor gigs these days only. My Markbass combo 2X10 with accompanying 15 has a great sound with half the weight, and is now my main rig. Still doesn't sound as great as the ampeg though...
 
#34
DiabolusInMusic said:
Play a B string (or even lower) through an Ampeg cabinet and try again, it's definitely not a wives' tale.

I spent yesterday afternoon playing through a friend's old Ampeg 610, it was decent once I bypassed the SS SVT head ( SVT-1000, those are terrible heads, terrible!) and ran my own amp but it certainly lacked the definition I was used to with my fEARful and Epifani cabinets, I definitely would not call it lacking definition on a four string though, it just didn't have the top end I was used to.

I get why people are into Ampeg gear, it just isn't for me anymore. The only reason I would never buy another head from them is merely due to reliability issues I had with their products in the past, not due to tone.
Click to expand...

I only play 5 string basses and get plenty of definition from my B string through two SVT210AV cabs powered by a V4B reissue or a PF500.
 
#35
Lovee my SVT CL.. even if it is made in China. I think some people dislike ampegs because they really don't colorize the sound of your bass much.. you just get great amplification with some tube creaminess. I get compliments on my tone even on a MIM Jazz. The 610 cab sounds great, better with the tweeter on, IMO. But I'm only 23 so moving this beast around really isn't an issue, and my band mates are happy to help after hearing the difference over the rumble 150 combo I was using. That being said... I've had it since sept. And I'm STILL messing with the EQ. It sounds good no matter where you put the dials, so I'm just still trying to find the setting I like best.
 
#37
Ampegs definitely can be quite articulate, but they still don't have the definition on tap that, say, an Eden does, horn-loaded cab or not. For the record, the most articulate piece of amp gear I own is my BBE Bmax pre. It's all in what you want and what your goals are.
 
#38
LiquidMidnight said:
Ampegs definitely can be quite articulate, but they still don't have the definition on tap that, say, an Eden does, horn-loaded cab or not. For the record, the most articulate piece of amp gear I own is my BBE Bmax pre. It's all in what you want and what your goals are.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I think I get what you mean. I played with a MarkBass tube 800 and a portaflex 500 while my SVT CL was getting repaired. It seems that a solid state power section helps with that "on tap" definition. I still prefer my ever-so-slightly overdriven all tube tone though. I did order Eden's new WTDI pedal. Should be fun experimenting. Eden sound with overdriven tubes! :bassist:
 

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