Decision, decision, decisions...

[Thelowestoflow]

So I'm in the market for a new head and i have it narrowed down to 2 heads: the GK MB500/800 (can't decide) or a used Ampeg SVT Classic that somebody is selling on craigslist. I can't decide between the 2. The GK has a great tone and is super portable and could double as my upright head, but the SVT is the SVT. Any suggestions?

Also, when I go to look at the SVT, what should I be looking for flaws wise? I'm going to guess it needs new tubes, but is there anything that could be broken/ not work that could be easy to hide?

 

[Dave W]

I'd go for the SVT, but that's me. I like my GK's plenty too though...although I have no experience with the MB series stuff, just the RB.

 

[Alex1984]

I'd go for the SVT. I've played quite a few different amps from various manufacturers and the SVT still has the fullest tone out of the bunch.

 

[bassguppy]

You can always get the GK along with a VT bass which will give an adequate SVT tone for live use IMO.

 

[Mystic Michael]

To me that would be a complete no-brainer: the MB800, of course. But then, I've never gotten the whole Ampeg thing anyway...

MM

 

[noahw1]

Here's a link to a video about how to buy vintage SVT gear from the notreble.com website. Could be helpful.
Tips for Purchasing Vintage Ampeg SVT Gear

 

[Dethrats]

good stuff in those vids!

 

[JimmyM]

You can always get the GK along with a VT bass which will give an adequate SVT tone for live use IMO.

I don't disagree entirely, but there's really no comparison between the two. The SVT is a much bigger feeling, much more present rig than a VT and GK head. They're getting better, but there's still no sub for tubes.

 

[f.c.geil]

SVT all the way. Ampeg is the gold standard by which every other bass amp is measured, for a really good reason. The SVT is the Precision Bass of the amp world. While other amps may be better for one aspect or another, the SVT does it all, and does it well. When most people think bass, they hear Precision Bass through an SVT.

 

[chadds]

SVT all the way. Ampeg is the gold standard by which every other bass amp is measured, for a really good reason. The SVT is the Precision Bass of the amp world. While other amps may be better for one aspect or another, the SVT does it all, and does it well. When most people think bass, they hear Precision Bass through an SVT.

Absolutely true if you play certain forms of music. As you head out into the performance world you will see less and less SVTs. You will see amps by many other manufacturers as well. Now if it's the cat's meow for your tone goals, image, etc. that's unargueable. It is however limited of vision to think that it's the only game in town or in this case on stage.

 

[f.c.geil]

Which is why I said that other amps are better for certain tasks. It is, however, the godfather of bass tone.

 

[chadds]

Which is why I said that other amps are better for certain tasks. It is, however, the godfather of bass tone.

If we can discuss this. It isn't. IMHO. The B-15 was such a studio staple that that is a lot of what we've heard. So many hits were Carol Kaye on that Concert. All the Sunn Amps in use by pros. The English using everything from Vox to Marshall Orange, Wem and Hiwatt. Many folks used Fenders for a long time. Kustom had a good bite of the pie as did Acoustic. Genz was here then with this tiny 1x15 cab.

 

[JimmyM]

Ya, I have to agree with Chadds, sort of. Nobody loves their SVT more than me, but the B-15's are the most recorded amps of all time, and a lot of what we hear isn't an SVT or B-15. But the B-15 IS most definitely the godfather of tone for studio, while the SVT is godfather for live work. And not just for rock and roll. A lot of country acts and a lot of R&B acts are using them more often. About the only music you don't see them dominate anymore are smooth jazz and gospel. You can play any type of music on any amp, though, and whatever people like, they should use and use it proudly. But just like with Fender basses, it really makes no sense to pretend that Ampegs don't dominate bass amp world because they do.

 

[rodl2005]

Exactly. While I love the sheer girth of 300w of all tube goodness that an SVT supplies, any amp will do any style of music-especially these days.
The SVT will do country, jazz,rock RnB(old school-or real RnB imo, & new school RnB)-imo, it'll do any style remarkably well.
But so should any decent quality amp of late.
Only diff is the tone of 6x6550's.

 

[walterw]

So I'm in the market for a new head and i have it narrowed down to 2 heads: the GK MB500/800 (can't decide) or a used Ampeg SVT Classic that somebody is selling on craigslist. I can't decide between the 2.

"i'm in the market for a new car, and i have it narrowed down to either a mini-cooper or an F-150 4x4."

you have to think of what you're going to use it for.

can you "commit" to the SVT? moving it, lifting it, paying for the tubes, using the fat and juicy (as opposed to fast and clear) sound it has? can you always provide it a 4Ω load (it's not made to play through 8&#937?

 

[slap5string]

"i'm in the market for a new car, and i have it narrowed down to either a mini-cooper or an F-150 4x4."

you have to think of what you're going to use it for.

can you "commit" to the SVT? moving it, lifting it, paying for the tubes, using the fat and juicy (as opposed to fast and clear) sound it has? can you always provide it a 4Ω load (it's not made to play through 8&#937?

Exactly! Totally depends on the style of music. Clear and punchy = GK / warm and fat = SVT.

For the money the GK will serve you well in ALL applications especially if you slap alot. I didn't care for the response from the ampeg on funky stuff. Id put the extra coin out for the 700rbII though. Best amp for the $$$.

 

[joeydavidson]

I would get the Ampeg SVT Classic, also if it's in resonable condition you won't lose much financially if you decide to sell it later since you're buying it used.

 

[Kaa]

The Ampeg sounds great, but has a lot of baggage. Does the tone outweigh the baggage?

 

[JimmyM]

Exactly! Totally depends on the style of music. Clear and punchy = GK / warm and fat = SVT.

I don't see it that way myself. I have no problem getting clear and punchy out of an SVT, and I have no problem getting a warm sound out of a GK. Maybe not to the degree of warmth of the SVT, but for the most part, the clearness or the fatness comes from me. Plus Ampeg has several other hybrid or SS options if you're more into the solid state thing.

 

[edbass]

I don't see it that way myself. I have no problem getting clear and punchy out of an SVT, and I have no problem getting a warm sound out of a GK. Maybe not to the degree of warmth of the SVT, but for the most part, the clearness or the fatness comes from me. Plus Ampeg has several other hybrid or SS options if you're more into the solid state thing.

Give it up, Jimmy!

For what it’s worth I would give you an “A+” for effort; you keep trying and trying but I'm afraid the enlightenment that comes with actual experience will never trump the stereotyped and endlessly regurgitated internet myths regarding tube/transistor, slow/fast, clear/warm comparisons.