Ampegs

[FrankDV]

I went to GC the other day to try an ampeg svt cl to see why everyone raves about them. It wasnt bad, but it didnt blow me away either(especially for the price). There are so many other amps that offer a better tone. Can someone tell me what all the fuss is about?

 

[Jazzman]

You aren't going to work it hard enough in GC to hear its bark. I also think of lot its sound had to do with where it sits in the mix, which you can't appreciate in a solo setting.

 

[brothernewt]

ditto... test drive with a band and you'll have a greater understanding. Also the CL isn't where the fuss is... test drive a vintage (or VR IMHO) and you'll understand.

Or maybe you just don't like Ampeg... it can happen, though I'm not sure I understand that.

 

[JeffC]

I never understood the hype until I got my V-4B...now I don't think I want to play through anything else....ever.

 

[JC Dillon]

You gotta work the tubes...which is really not possible at a GC without annoying everyone in the store. I ab'ed my CL with a VR and couldn't justify the extra price the VR commands. Tonewise, they are so close you'll never tell the difference, especially in a live setting where the SVT-CL shines (and the VR I'm sure). A vintage late 60's/early 70's SVT is the grail for SVT fans. You'll have people give you opinions on how nothing stirs the soul like a '72 SVT. Maybe so, but the CL kicks it pretty good. Of course, maybe you just won't like the Ampeg sound.

 

[Bryan316]

What cab did you run the SVT-CL through? I wanna bet you used it through an 810 fridge, right?

Try it through the 610HLF. Different monster entirely.

 

[Williamsburgjim]

No fuss; it's what you like.

Take the CL, plug it into an 810E at the store. Then grab a Fender J bass, crank the high's and start slapping. I can't think of any other rig that will give you a warm/naturally compressed round tone with that combo. Also, did you notice when you played higher register passages that the notes were fuller and 'even' sounding?

Anyway, it's probably not you're cup of tea. It's been said here before; some dig the vibe, while others don't. (I personally like the 70's tube bass tone.)

Besides, I think the Ryman Auditorium still has a CL/810 to plug into.

Jimmyjo

 

[Jazzman]

You gotta work the tubes...which is really not possible at a GC without annoying everyone in the store. I ab'ed my CL with a VR and couldn't justify the extra price the VR commands. Tonewise, they are so close you'll never tell the difference, especially in a live setting where the SVT-CL shines (and the VR I'm sure). A vintage late 60's/early 70's SVT is the grail for SVT fans. You'll have people give you opinions on how nothing stirs the soul like a '72 SVT. Maybe so, but the CL kicks it pretty good. Of course, maybe you just won't like the Ampeg sound.

I think we are in the minority being CL fans. At one time I had an early 70's, a late 70's, and a mid 90's CL...I sold the old ones because I actually preferred the tighter, more controlled tone of the CL.

 

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Like everyone else has said, this isnt a practice amp, this is meant for in a band situtation.

Something that sounds great on its own, can sound terrible in a band situation. I love my SVT into a 2x15 for practicing at home, into the 810 it just sounds a bit too muffled.

But in a band situation, SVT into 810, it gives you such an amazing sound!

 

[Warpeg]

I think we are in the minority being CL fans. At one time I had an early 70's, a late 70's, and a mid 90's CL...I sold the old ones because I actually preferred the tighter, more controlled tone of the CL.

I'm in a very similar boat. I gave up my '72 SVT w/ original 810 for an '05 SVT-2 Pro with 610HLF. I would take the newer rig over the older for every situation!

 

[alfredpunkjazz]

+1 to what everybody has said. The SVT shines in the mix, in the band context... Trying it at a store won't give it it's place.

 

[RickenBoogie]

Love the tone from my V4BH. Wish I had an older SVT, they're simply the warmest rockinest amps ever.

 

[GreyBeard]

If you don't dig it then it just ain't your thing.

 

[anderbass]

+1 to what everybody has said. The SVT shines in the mix, in the band context... Trying it at a store won't give it it's place.

+1...

Quick 60 second warm up time's dont make SVT's sound their best either.

 

[realdeal]

I really liked that last word about SVT's needing more than
60 secs. to warm up!
Actually, even though it may be my imagination (doubt it)
both of my all-tube rigs, my Boogie and V4BH really get it on when about midway through a 45-min. set, the tubes get HOT! I believe there must be a relationship between the tone and resonance and the tubes heating up! I'm sure an Engineer could (try and) argue me down, saying "it can't be so"-
but when the amp gets hot, the tone projects a lot more= Then again, maybe it's ME!

Other thing I wanted to add a BIG +1 to is the sound in the live mix. And I think that this may hold true for Ampegs especially... I've got a V4BH and a 3PRO. Some mis-guided
players feel that the Ampeg tone is too dark, too colored, ...
the "M" word- muddy.

Well, play them all by yourself, I can imagine why someone would (mistakenly) think so...

But IME, let the drums kick something in, let your guitar player or keys start the song or a vamp, and then...
Add Ampeg Bass tone!

Better than s-e-x!

When the music starts hitting it, THAT'S when the Ampeg tone, especially from the flagship SVT all-tube head becomes apparent.
Hard to imagine ayone not digging that sound and feel....

 

[Jeff Scott]

...did you notice when you played higher register passages that the notes were fuller and 'even' sounding? Jimmyjo

I don't need a Nampeg to do that, my Rickenbackers do just fine in that department.

Now my Fender is a different story, altogether.

 

[FrankDV]

I tried one again at some dudes house. Definitely sounded better when it was cranked up(Damn it gets LOUD!) Can get a real nasty tone from it. I see why so many people like them now, but it wasnt my thing. Just a preference issue. Also I dont need that much power; my 300 watt solid state head suites my needs for now.