• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Good deal on SVT-VR... Pull the trigger?

#26
gregouille23 said:
Are you sure about that? I've seen everywhere mentioned it runs at 2 or 4 ohm.
Click to expand...
He is sure. The official company line is 2 or 4 ohms, but the co-inventor of the SVT comes on here now and then (Bill Hughes is his name), and he has said that SVT's are so overbuilt that it won't damage them at all to run them at 8 ohms, even if you crank them super hard, as long as you set the switch in the back to 4 ohms. This gives it a 2:1 mismatch, which is well within its tolerances. I don't run them hard, but I've done it many times on gigs where I rented an SVT and the only cab they have is an 8 ohm 410he and never had a problem. Even ran my first night with my Heritage SVT-CL at 8 ohms because I didn't understand how these new-fangled 810e jacks worked, and I ended up using only 4 of the speakers.

However, if you want to run it regulation but not have a huge cab, an SVT 212av does kick ass. That said, there's a lot to be said for a second cab from Alex, too :D
 
  • Like
Reactions: gregouille23 and DrummerwStrings
#27
The_Janitor said:
Don't people ever get tired of complaining about the weight of an amp they don't own?

People with back problems/medical issues aside: just because 75-85 pounds feels like the weight of small truck to you, don't assume that everyone else isn't capable of moving it.

I'm 37, in far-from-optimal shape, own two 80+ lbs head and move them around with ease all of the time. Gigs, practices, up and down stairs, the works. It's not that hard.

If I don't feel like carrying one of them (for example, wintertime in Wisconsin means ice on the ground, which can be tricky) I have collapsible hand truck that cost me $20.00 at Harbor Freight. Even easier.

It seems like not one mention of an SVT can go by on this site without at least one person saying something about the weight. It's not that hard.

OP, get the SVT. No way in hell you'll regret it.
Click to expand...

Yup, Fender has tort, SVT has weight, it's actually just an excuse because they don't have the b@lls to buy one and lug it. I'll tell you what I don't exactly love dragging the head and cab out of the house down the three stairs and the lift into my Roadmaster SVT hauler and then pull it all out again at the club and set it up, but it's all worth it once you turn it on and luxuriate in that glorious big sound they're known for, makes it ALL worth it. I make things easier on my self though, I use a nice hand truck, got the big woodie Roadmaster, I have fit two 810's, an upright, two heads and an electric bass in it at the same time and still had room for more stuff left over and had a nice comfortable leather power front seat waiting for my wife.The more you lug an SVT the easier it gets.
 
  • Like
Reactions: gregouille23 and gelinas666
#29
Go for it and enjoy the superb sound for a few years until you get tired of lugging it around. That time will come—sooner for some, later for others—but that’s not an argument against getting it now. It really is the best sounding large amp ever made.
 
#31
Alright... I did some driving today to go and try the SVT. Man, what I heard cannot be un-heard I am afraid... I first trying it with the 8x10 fridge and it was just glorious. Such a powerful sound, filling the room with awesomeness (did I mention I am not very good at describing sound?). The Different switches (Ultra Low, high...) each could give something different but basically everything sounded amazing. I then tried it with another cab, because there is no way I will buy the 8x10 with 2 flights of stairs at home (and the fact I go DI for most if not all gigs...). It was an Ampeg 4x10, not sure which one to be fair. It still sounded great to be honest. I did a quick A/B with a Walkabout they had in the shop, and there was quite a difference simply in the way the sound felt. The SVT kicked some butt basically.

I lifted up the amp and did find it quite heavy. I am 33 and fit, but recently started getting arthrosis (?) in my right knee. Nothing to bad, but I for sure would buy some kind of cart to carry the SVT to avoid putting too much strain the my knee.

So... I think I will go for it... I guess an SVT (heavy as hell) coupled with a Barefaced SC cab (ridiculously light) doesn't make much sense but heck, this head just sounds so good... Thanks for all the good advise folks! :thumbsup:

Btw, my main bass is a 5 string Big Al but tried the amp with a Professional Precision 4 strings. And what a pleasant surprise it was! Very comfortable neck, good balance, great tone and pretty light bass also. I would be tempted if I did not play exclusively 5ers :woot:

Cheers,
 
  • Like
Reactions: High Camp, beans-on-toast and JimmyM
#33
Congrats. I lugged a Walkabout for years before moving to the SVT-VR. I told myself I would keep the WA as a back-up amp. After gigging the SVT for a while, I pulled out the WA just for giggles. It sounded so weak and anemic side by side, so I sold it.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: gregouille23
#34
Alexander said:
Congrats. I hugged a Walkabout for years before moving to the SVT-VR. I told myself I would keep the WA as a back-up amp. After gigging the SVT for a while, I pulled out the WA just for giggles. It sounded so weak and anemic side by side, so I sold it.
Click to expand...
Interesting... I may end up in the same situation :) I see a P bass in your avatar, and I am thinking I may run my Big Al much more in "P bass mode" (middle S pickup). Man that SVT sounded glorious with a P bass!
 
  • Like
Reactions: JimmyM
#37
paparoof said:
Get the SVT. It is the standard by which all other bass amp are (and should be) measured. Gig it for long enough to get used to it. You will then be properly prepared to judge other all amps that you come across.

Mostly: "well this amp is lighter, but it doesn't sound as good."
Click to expand...

I'd say the B-15 is a standard. Meanwhile it sounds nothing like a '60s Fender Dual Showman with 2 JBL D-140s. Another standard. Acoustic 360 anyone? Yes the SVT is amazing. I'd say the market place has room for all of our opinions and we vote with our $. I'd say our opinions can be influenced by the type of music we listen to and/or play. Our opinions are based on the quality of the devices we listen to music on. I'd say our opinions are influenced by the skill of the player (when we are in the audience) to get good sound from a rig. It's influenced as well by the skill of the sound person at a live gig. Sometimes the tone on a group's recordings isn't this or that amp at all. I'd also say our mileage does vary. :)

People tell me my 68lb. cab weighs too much. For them or for me? :) They are never at my gigs nor are they at load ins. :) Hmmmmmm
& no if I was hopping in cabs or subways in NY this wouldn't be my choice.
 
#40
The SVT has arrived. Tried quickly with my Super Compact. I cannot complain about the result, brilliant classic mid rangey sound. Especially when using the middle coil from the Big Al (aka PBass mode). I may just stay in P Bass mode all the time now, great stuff!

Now just to make sure... I bought the SVT-VR new so obviously it's the newest kind made overseas. Can I still safely run it in 4 Ohm with my 8 Ohm cabinet? I don't want the amp or cab to burst in smoke during a gig just because I assumed wrongly...

Cheers
 
  • Like
Reactions: JimmyM

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back