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Do I need an Ampeg SVT all tube head???
- Thread starter Turlu
- Start date
Just as another data point, I have an Ampeg SVP-CL which is the same tube preamp as my SVT and have used it with a variety of different power amps. It's currently in a 2-space rack bag going into the effects send of a GK MBF800.
It sounds really good until I compared it to a real SVT and all of a sudden it wasn't as special.
I'm waiting for 2 NOS GE 12AU7s to be delivered as one was weak (and the only labeling on the tube was CHINA 12AU7. Assuming we gig again, I was going to take the SVT out a few times to see if it really is as noticeably awesome in a busy rock mix.
It sounds really good until I compared it to a real SVT and all of a sudden it wasn't as special.
I'm waiting for 2 NOS GE 12AU7s to be delivered as one was weak (and the only labeling on the tube was CHINA 12AU7. Assuming we gig again, I was going to take the SVT out a few times to see if it really is as noticeably awesome in a busy rock mix.
I'll admit in 35yrs of playing, I've NEVER owned a proper SVT. I've used them, they're cool, but I've never felt the need to own one. I did own an SVTIII for a few years. I have fond memories of *that* version of the Ampeg sound, and wouldn't mind it again for nostalgia. I've been way more into lower volume, cleaner tones.
Oddly enough, the longer I go without gigging, the more interested I am in a ridiculous rig (that I don't have to move). I've also gone a bit crazy lately with the purchase of a Line 6 Stomp HX and a SansAmp PSA2.0 just for their distortions and amp modeling. At least I don't have to carry huge rigs around, but I have no doubt that I'll be using those with my super clean/tight Trickfish rig once gigging returns.
Oddly enough, the longer I go without gigging, the more interested I am in a ridiculous rig (that I don't have to move). I've also gone a bit crazy lately with the purchase of a Line 6 Stomp HX and a SansAmp PSA2.0 just for their distortions and amp modeling. At least I don't have to carry huge rigs around, but I have no doubt that I'll be using those with my super clean/tight Trickfish rig once gigging returns.
I read up on this subject before where many people agree it takes up to a 10dB increase to get a perceived volume that's twice as loud. 3dB gives about 1.25 (round numbers) in perceived volume so you are correct that it is a noticeable change but not very significant.
Typically for those reading this who may not know it takes multiplying the power 4x to get a 6 dB difference. Do the math to get a 10 dB difference to see how much your power needs to increase if your looking to be twice( perceptibly) as loud.
I stepped up from 300 watts to originally a 3000 watt P.A. amp and immediately noticed a very significant difference. I then stepped down to 2500 watt SVT 8 and wouldn't you know, no difference I can tell in volume or tone being both amps were class D and being driven with the same SVP Preamp.
Just something to think about before thinking how many more watts you need or want.
In a band situation on stage or rehearsal.
Tube amps have a different feel. Some players dont really dig in or dont do excessive walking lines.
Some use a lot of compression. I dont think a tube amp would benefit.
If you really dig in or play with dynamics with no compression and like walking into certain note runs.
The attack and feel of the tube amp in a live situation is un beatable.
In a recording environment on playback, Plugins emulate the distortion just fine.
Live a plugin into a power amp wont feel the same.
On the monitor and mains it sounds the same to anyone.
As a player we strike the notes. We hear and feel the envelope of the notes.
There is a dramatic difference with a real tube amp.
Tube pre wont get that feel.
EQ and distortion is easily simulated or done with a pedal.
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Even at a rehearsal 100 watts will do it.
You just need a 2x15 or 4x10.
You just need a 2x15 or 4x10.
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drumvsbass
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- Aug 20, 2011
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Nah man, you need a old-ass solid state amp. Get an Acoustic 370 or a Traynor Mono Block B.
IMO, a lot of the charm of an SVT was powering the Fridge 8-10 cab. The pairing was kismet.
No doubt the SVT is a formidable head of great legend. I owned one and used it with several different cabs, including an Ampeg V4B 2-15 reflex cab (the Deep Freeze), but honestly, it took on a different character. Will it be worth the acquisition cost over what you are currently using, that I can't answer.
If you want SVT tone and the warmth.
I have a super lite weight setup for it.
Ampeg SCR-DI https://ampeg.com/products/pedals/scr_di/
into a Noble Preamp Preamps : Noble Amplifier Company
Whoah!!! Nice. The amp is killer, but also love that 63RI P and the matching sonic blue cable.
Just looking at it, my back had a muscle spasm................
Bob's wife moves it.
I've owned a 1978 Ampeg SVT head.
I played it as a working musician
5-6 nights a week, through 2
Custom designed Heitzman horned port cabs, with 15" Cerwin Vega speakers.
Each cab weighed 84 lbs, the
SVT head weighed 85 lbs.
I much preferred the sound of 15" speakers versus the 'fridge'
cabinet.
It's sounded great!
If memory serves correct, I recall
going through a fair amount of preamp tubes, even when the bias was set properly.
I had it for ten years, and as the years passed, the SVT gave way
to a BGW rig, then a Sunn 200s
head.
I finally realized my need for the beast was my unrequited desire to be a Bekins Moving man.
Gear, you kill your self jonesing for it, obtaining it, moving it,
and like the sands of time,
it all passes.
I wish I had my 1968 Fender Bassman
Silverface with JBL D-140s.
But, I'm happy and contented with my 2019 NOS Mesa-Boogie
Walkabout Scout 15.
To buy an Ampeg SVT, or, not to
buy one?
If you're a working Bass player, do you have a roadie?
I played it as a working musician
5-6 nights a week, through 2
Custom designed Heitzman horned port cabs, with 15" Cerwin Vega speakers.
Each cab weighed 84 lbs, the
SVT head weighed 85 lbs.
I much preferred the sound of 15" speakers versus the 'fridge'
cabinet.
It's sounded great!
If memory serves correct, I recall
going through a fair amount of preamp tubes, even when the bias was set properly.
I had it for ten years, and as the years passed, the SVT gave way
to a BGW rig, then a Sunn 200s
head.
I finally realized my need for the beast was my unrequited desire to be a Bekins Moving man.
Gear, you kill your self jonesing for it, obtaining it, moving it,
and like the sands of time,
it all passes.
I wish I had my 1968 Fender Bassman
Silverface with JBL D-140s.
But, I'm happy and contented with my 2019 NOS Mesa-Boogie
Walkabout Scout 15.
To buy an Ampeg SVT, or, not to
buy one?
If you're a working Bass player, do you have a roadie?
In 1977 I was in a small town on an island on Canada's west coast.
A guitarist and me decided to start a band with a local woman who sang like Linda Ronstadt and we made a trip to Vancouver with 3 or 4 days to buy gear. I came across a Rickenbacker bass for $450, a V4B for $350 with a B25B cab for $100.
That pretty well blew my budget but if an SVT had come up for that price at the time (remember I was in a rush) I'd have probably bought it, but even in '77 I don't think an SVT would have been selling for $350.
Love my V4B so that is fine. Certainly has always been able to keep up with two guitars, drums and vocals.
A guitarist and me decided to start a band with a local woman who sang like Linda Ronstadt and we made a trip to Vancouver with 3 or 4 days to buy gear. I came across a Rickenbacker bass for $450, a V4B for $350 with a B25B cab for $100.
That pretty well blew my budget but if an SVT had come up for that price at the time (remember I was in a rush) I'd have probably bought it, but even in '77 I don't think an SVT would have been selling for $350.
Love my V4B so that is fine. Certainly has always been able to keep up with two guitars, drums and vocals.
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