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from Ampeg to....?

E

eastcoasteddie

Guest
Mar 24, 2006
8,757
12,584
#1
As of late, I'm having all sorts of weird thoughts...

One of which is "maybe I should downsize my amp"
Currently running an SVT-2 Pro. Bought new in 2006, one of the last to be made in USA.

It's big, it's heavy, it sounds great.

If I were to move from this amp, what lesser amp out there will give me the same (or as close as possible to) that tube grit that I love. I don't use any effects to shape my sound (although I have Polish Love and Synth pedals which get barely any use...these are just occasional toppings). I just plug in and go.

I have considered the GK 1001 or 2001 RB amps. I've tried these in the stores a few times and they sound good, but definitely different (from the short time I played them).


or should I just get over myself and just keep the damn thing? They don't make them like this anymore.
 
#2
I just picked up a Markbass & I think it has a more SVT-esque tone than other amps I've played. I think GK amps are more prone to overheating than other amps & won't get you the tone you're looking for.

Everyone here recommends the Sansamp VT pedal, but I haven't heard it myself.
 
#5
Ever try a Genz 1200E?

Different animal altogether but the tube channel does have some grit if you work it right. Compared to the 2 Pro you will think it is a lightweight amp. Can run a 2 ohms and it will definitely hit the crowd in the chest if you want it to.
Pick them up worthwhile in the classifieds. Tube channel with a great FET SS channel. Can combine the channels and the footswitch is useful.
 
#6
I tried a Genz & it sounded very "modern" & not at all SVT like... After twiddling the knobs for 5 minutes trying to get "my sound" I realized it was a wasted effort & I should just get the amp that gave me "my sound" right out of the box.
 
#7
MarkTAW said:
I think GK amps are more prone to overheating than other amps
Click to expand...



I dunno about all that, bud - G-K amps are pretty "tour tested", AFAIK...

Odds are pretty strong that *most* cases of "overheating" are due to operator error - like lack of proper ventilation, running too low of a load, trying to run the wrong cab off the tweeter amp section, etc...

For example, I'd imagine that G-K amps got beaten on pretty good during a couple of Red Hot Chili Peppers and Guns 'N Roses tours...


- georgestrings
 
#12
Any amp with a VT pedal in front will do a very good job of mimicking an SVT. But the SVT is king, and there's a reason why people still use them when you can get very realistic sounds out of a VT.
 

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