Are Ampegs Over-Rated?

[RonnyBaby]

I ran an all MarkBass Rig not more than 2 months ago, and I have just completed my Ampeg V4-B/SVT-810EN set up and I couldn't be happier! I'm young, and a heavy rig will do nothing but keep me in shape. And if I can't handle carrying around a few extra pounds to get the sound I want... then why am I playing music? Tough it out! In all honesty, I play the gear I play, for me. If that Peavy gear gets the job done, and you are happy with the end results, then use Peavy. If you choose to rock Ampeg, then do it! Bass equipment is a tool of production. I'm not going to use a marker if I'm trying to create an oil on canvas painting. Pick the right gear for whatever work of art you are trying to create.

and people...

STOP USING GEAR AS STATUS SYMBOLS!!!!!!
STOP ATTACHING SENTIMENTAL VALUE TO INANIMATE OBJECTS!!!!!!!
START FEELING PASSION FOR THE MUSIC YOU ARE TRYING TO CREATE!!!!!!

I rest my case.

+1 Dude!

Just think... us older folk had NO choice in the days gone by! We either carried the big heavy bulky gear or we didn't play!!

I have always been Ampeg, though I have bought other brands and used them. The only other amp that ever really impressed me (as I look back now) was in the mid 90's TRACE ELLIOT. Other than that, I have always returned to Ampeg. I bought a Hartke LH500 as of six months ago and have now sold it to purchase the latest Ampeg SVT 7 Pro...
simply because I like it. Not because of the label. I really could care less about the freakin' label. If I am not signed, I would rather rip those labels off anyway!! They can PAY ME to put their name out there. If a fellow player comes up to ask what I am using... I say it is all custom gear built especially for me. All they mostly say at that point is either, REALLY? Or who made it? I say my uncle from New Zealand. HAHAHA!!! (not that I have an uncle there)

 

[Calaverasgrande]

I certainly don't use my rig as a status symbol. Its a funky and beat looking head with 2 different brand cabs. I am rather sentimental about my old Magnum bass. It has a unique tone, it looks unique and I have had it for 25 years. .Maybe time for a re-fret?
I do know some guys that use SVTs as status symbols. One dude I know runs two Svts "for looks" but turns them down pretty low.

 

[countrybassist]

I don't care what name is on my rig and the other members of the band sure as hell don't care either. For probably the last year I've used and Aguilar rig. DB750, DB680, into a DB412. Don't get me wrong, it sounds great, and in fact I still have it (jeff j. that's a hint, lmao!!) We played in Nashville last weekend, glad I can swim lol, but I used an Ampeg rig. A SVT-CL (2004 SLM thanks to akaTrent) into and Ampeg 810. Tell ya what, IMO and the bands, it kicks ass, even more than the Aguilar. It sounds more alive and not so sterile. But then again, it's all subjective.

 

[Popsicle Pete]

It's been said a million times in this thread and I'll say it again for the sake of redundancy, it's all a matter of what you like. I love that classic Ampeg sound and my rig gives me the exact sound I've always wanted. I'm pretty much a dedicated Ampeg player and in my opinion, no amount of praise is too high for the almighty SVT.

 

[countrybassist]

no amount of praise is too high for the almighty SVT.

Right on bro!!!

 

[whoapower]

While I'm a bassist, without an Ampeg (but, Markbass, Trace Elliot and GK stuff), here's another view:

As stage manager for a SXSW venue each year, I work with approximately 20-25 bands, making sure they have gear, can share gear, or can rent gear. Some bands come from South America, Europe, Japan, or just down the street. Some cannot afford to bring their gear. Each and every band will send in a wish list of what they want to get, or what kind of gear to quote. For guitarists, 99.9% of the time, it is always one of three amps: Marshall head and 4x10, Fender Twin or Fender Reverb. With bass, it is 99.9% of the time Ampeg. The reason - it is a consistent and reliable sound. Different Markbass amps will sound different, different SWRs will sound different, but overalll, between acts, the Ampeg SVTs stand out as consistent. I'm sure some Ampeg-heads will say this model or that model will be colored a little differently, but when it comes down to it on an outdoor stage, they all sound very similar.

In the future, I plan on obtaining an Ampeg rig for this very reason, and renting it out to bands will allow it to pay for itself very quickly.

 

[Billy-Bob]

JimmyM has a good point in that if you can't play, an Ampeg isn't going to help. However, and I can state this with experience, if you show up to a gig with an Ampeg tube head you will certainly get the benefit of any doubt you are the real deal (at least until the gig starts and your lack of true ability comes to the fore...). Many people who love music and come to gigs get so mesmerized, enthralled, and/or run-through-the-washing-machine by the Ampeg tube tone--it makes you seem to be better than you really are (at least in my case!).

Billy-Bob