Going to buy an SVT3. Which One?

[Skullsuicide99]

I am officially settled on picking up an SVT3. I have determined that it has the iconic sound I crave, it's plenty of power for me. I am not a professional bassist (nor even close as I am a guitarist and that's where my heart is) it will stay in my shop/studio not likely to be moved. I will be picking up an Ampeg 4x10 cab after I have the head.

I have seen several different versions of the SVT3 and don't know which route to take. I only buy used. Reverb is fine, ebay is fine, local (Tampa Bay, FL) would be a bonus. I don't want to go past the $650 mark unless there is something amazing about it. And I do NOT have the cash at this moment I just want to know what specific ones to look for.

Are there any things on some models that are red flags?

As far as condition, signs of use are not a problem, but I obviously don't want one that has been beaten to heck.

Ladies and gentlemen of talk bass, whatcha think?

 

[JimmyM]

They're all pretty much the same.

 

[Jim C]

Many think the 3 Non Pro is a better sounding amp although I think they have less power (and are hard to find).

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

I am officially settled on picking up an SVT3. I have determined that it has the iconic sound I crave, it's plenty of power for me. I am not a professional bassist (nor even close as I am a guitarist and that's where my heart is) it will stay in my shop/studio not likely to be moved. I will be picking up an Ampeg 4x10 cab after I have the head.

I have seen several different versions of the SVT3 and don't know which route to take. I only buy used. Reverb is fine, ebay is fine, local (Tampa Bay, FL) would be a bonus. I don't want to go past the $650 mark unless there is something amazing about it. And I do NOT have the cash at this moment I just want to know what specific ones to look for.

Are there any things on some models that are red flags?

As far as condition, signs of use are not a problem, but I obviously don't want one that has been beaten to heck.

Ladies and gentlemen of talk bass, whatcha think?

The 3s are dope. When you get the cab, get an HE, not the HLF. Thats the sound.

 

[Skullsuicide99]

So there are no specific 'glory days' or anything like that?

I have read people liking the non pro better too. Does anyone else have a weigh in on that?

 

[ihixulu]

I have a non pro and to my ears it has a more in-your-face character than the pro’s I’ve tried. That said, it is lacking a master volume so I wouldn’t be surprised if you could approximate it by running the master wide open and adjusting level with the gain on the pro. The graphic eq is meh.

Fun amp. Sounds like an Ampeg.

 

[Skullsuicide99]

any reason not to jump on this?

Ampeg SVT-350H 350-Watt MOSFET Bass Amp Head | Switch Disaster | Reverb

is that a good model of the svt?

 

[Skullsuicide99]

does that have a full SS pre though?

 

[JimmyM]

any reason not to jump on this?

Ampeg SVT-350H 350-Watt MOSFET Bass Amp Head | Switch Disaster | Reverb

is that a good model of the svt?

Eh, I'm not a big fan of it.

 

[Skullsuicide99]

Eh, I'm not a big fan of it.

what are the differences?

FYI i am not going to compromise my dream tone for a few hundred dollars.

 

[JimmyM]

what are the differences?

FYI i am not going to compromise my dream tone for a few hundred dollars.

The 3 Pro has a lot better tone stack and a more excited tone, for lack of a better word. The tone seems to leap out of the 3 Pro while to me the tone sort of dribbles out of the 350 h it's hard to put tone into words, and there are people who disagree with me, but that's the way I hear them.

 

[Skullsuicide99]

I have a non pro and to my ears it has a more in-your-face character than the pro’s I’ve tried. That said, it is lacking a master volume so I wouldn’t be surprised if you could approximate it by running the master wide open and adjusting level with the gain on the pro. The graphic eq is meh.

Fun amp. Sounds like an Ampeg.

any reason not to jump on this?

Ampeg SVT-350H 350-Watt MOSFET Bass Amp Head | Switch Disaster | Reverb

is that a good model of the svt?

Is that the non pro?

 

[Inara]

Is that the non pro?

No, the SVT350H is a different amp than the SVT 3. Here's an expired Reverb listing for the 3:
Ampeg SVT-III (non-pro) | Ronripper | Reverb

 

[Skullsuicide99]

No, the SVT350H is a different amp than the SVT 3. Here's an expired Reverb listing for the 3:
Ampeg SVT-III (non-pro) | Ronripper | Reverb

Thanks for clearing that up.

What are your feelings on the pro VS non pro?

 

[Skullheadrac]

ave seen several different versions of the SVT3 a

any reason not to jump on this?

Ampeg SVT-350H 350-Watt MOSFET Bass Amp Head | Switch Disaster | Reverb

is that a good model of the svt?

Those go for WAY cheaper than 300 these days. Probably 150-200. At least here in the LA area.
I'm selling my old one as we speak LOL

 

[Skullsuicide99]

I had that listing confused with the non pro.

 

[Inara]

Thanks for clearing that up.

What are your feelings on the pro VS non pro?

You're welcome. I've never even seen a 3 non-pro in person, nor have I heard one that I know of. I love the 3 Pro, though I've never owned one ... I have played them a number of times, and heard other bassists playing them. If they were smaller and lighter, I'd probably have one myself. Some of the best bass tones I've ever heard were from a 3 Pro.

 

[Skullsuicide99]

I think at this point for me doing more research as well as going through this with this thread I will be looking for an SVT 3 pro at the best price at the right moment.

 

[Raw N Low]

Eh, I'm not a big fan of it.

This made my Friday.

 

[chris_b]

I used an SVT3-PRO for about 8 years. I thought it was a great sound, never had an issue and there was enough volume, coupled with my Mesa Boogie 210EV/115EV cabs, for any loud band.