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Help! Ampeg SVT CL issue.

Discussion in 'Amps and Cabs [BG]' started by oaklandthumb, Dec 21, 2014.

  1. Dec 21, 2014 #1
    oaklandthumb

    oaklandthumb Yeah, I get that feeling too, man. Supporting Member

    Nov 12, 2014
    Dupont WA
    Just recently picked up my dream amp, a 1999 ampeg svtcl in great condition with appears to be new ruby tubes. It sounds as nasty as I expected (good) but has started making this ripping/distorted sound when I play on the low G, and has started doing it on any low notes. I'm playing it through an 8x10, I've tried both inputs and even taking the head off the cabinet to no avail. I run the bass at 9 oclock, mid at 2 and treble at 3. It will make a white noise surging sound when I take it off standby for about 2 seconds but clears up, and even that only happens half the time. I'm going to see a tech in about 2 weeks about it, any ideas otherwise? Got it from GC, still.within the 30 days.
     
  2. Dec 21, 2014 #2
    B-string

    B-string

    Nov 21, 2008
    Lake Havasu City, Az USA
    You got a clean amp for pretty cheap, a little attention is not out of the question. Could just be a tube issue from the preamp tubes to the drivers and PI in the power amp. Cold solder joint(s) could also be a possibility.
     
  3. Dec 21, 2014 #3
    oaklandthumb

    oaklandthumb Yeah, I get that feeling too, man. Supporting Member

    Nov 12, 2014
    Dupont WA
    one of the transformers is a bit loose, knocking around a bit. I turned the amp sideways to watch the tubes for anything funny and the amp worked perfectly. Turned it back straight on the cab and it works fine now. The bass knob wouldnt drop below half, pulled it out a bit and it must have loosened some dirt because now the bass adjusts full range. This amp is full of all kinds of little quirks, been playing it at rehersal volume for about 30 minutes and its killing! Its an incredible tone, but the little issues are making me anxious!
     
  4. Dec 21, 2014 #4
    JimmyM

    JimmyM Supporting Member

    Apr 11, 2005
    Apopka, FL
    Endorsing: Yamaha, Ampeg, Line 6, EMG
    I would definitely take it to a tech and have him give it the once-over. Turning it probably causes whatever caused it to fix itself, but I doubt it will be like that forever. Probably won't be expensive. Then again, knowing how cheap I am and how I hate to drive an hour to the nearest tech, I'd probably just tighten up the loose tranny myself and see what happens.
     
  5. Dec 21, 2014 #5
    oaklandthumb

    oaklandthumb Yeah, I get that feeling too, man. Supporting Member

    Nov 12, 2014
    Dupont WA
    man...im just so OCD! It figures the amp that makes the most beautiful sounds is also high maintenance. Anything else i should look for on this thing? Im sure as hell not opening it up besieds the grate on the back to check the tube seating. I think i can tighten the transformer, looks the its threaded in from under the metal chassis which means id have to slide it out to tighten it...
     
  6. Dec 21, 2014 #6
    JimmyM

    JimmyM Supporting Member

    Apr 11, 2005
    Apopka, FL
    Endorsing: Yamaha, Ampeg, Line 6, EMG
    Not quite as high maintenance as your first experience with it seems to be going. Once you get it happening, it should be much less maintenance.
     
  7. Dec 21, 2014 #7
    B-string

    B-string

    Nov 21, 2008
    Lake Havasu City, Az USA
    It is 15 if not 16 years old now. Doesn't look like it was seen much use from the pics in your other thread. Have it looked at once and the basic maintenance it needs from sitting around unused. It may have a little concern that no one ever addressed, just returned or traded back not wanting to deal with warranty. You may reap the rewards of a fairly fresh unit. The bass control trouble sort of points to it sitting a long time. Chances are VERY good it will be trouble free after service for a long time.
     
  8. Dec 21, 2014 #8
    oaklandthumb

    oaklandthumb Yeah, I get that feeling too, man. Supporting Member

    Nov 12, 2014
    Dupont WA
    I ended up returning it...had a transformer going out. I notied that GC has factory restock svt classics for $1200, good idea? Are the new heads still made in usa?
     
  9. Dec 21, 2014 #9
    B-string

    B-string

    Nov 21, 2008
    Lake Havasu City, Az USA
    NOPE, unless you pay for a Heritage model. WHO told you a transformer was "going out" and how the heck did they even come to that conclusion??? Transformers don't give "warnings", the blow or they don't.

    You folks REALLY need to go back to SS if you don't have the stomach to see these LITTLE troubles through. Waste of your time and anyone else's :rollno:
     
    jastacey and oaklandthumb like this.
  10. Dec 21, 2014 #10
    oaklandthumb

    oaklandthumb Yeah, I get that feeling too, man. Supporting Member

    Nov 12, 2014
    Dupont WA
    +1. Probably just stick with my 700rb and grab a vtbass pedal. Somewhere down the line I may justify having an svt head as an alternate head, just wouldn't be the only thing I bring to a gig.
     
    Last edited: Dec 22, 2014