The all tube bass amps will always be around. They still rent those babies all night long.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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.
I miss my SVT rigs....
- Thread starter henryjurstin13
- Start date
You could look for a V6B, which is basically the solid state equivalent of a V4 preamp and SVT power. They're about 50 lbs. and don't require tubes.
I'd love to have a big honkin stack, but between condo living and the size of our gigs, I would never use it.
My bandmates would never let me get away with taking up that much of the stage.
My bandmates would never let me get away with taking up that much of the stage.
Who doesn’t miss their SVT RIGI've not had a regular gig in quite sometime... my old band gets together about 2-4 times a year for fun. I've got plenty of stuff I can gig with, and don't "need" an amp.... but, I find myself looking at SVT pics a lot lately. And it's really unfortunate that I keep coming across the picture below, which are both of my old stacks.... band hiatus + no job = SOLD for cash.
I really got tired of lugging this stuff around by myself, and opted for lighter/easier... now I'm (foolishly?) considering tracking down a stack to live in my music room - or maybe, even take to the occasional big stage gig.
I figured lots of us have been in this situation, feeling nostalgic & missing the great gear of our glory days. Buy? Keep daydreaming? Spray paint my markbass rig with Ampeg logos?
Last edited:
Completely agree with this Jim. I also had two 70s V-4Bs. One with the 6550 mod and one with original 7027 tubes. Of all three, the V-4B with 7027s was the best tone.
I use my svt and 810 cab for 75% of gigs that I play! If the load in sucks at a particular venue I’ll use a v4b and 410he! I refuse to use solid state amps lol I was never happy with ANY solid state amp I played until I bought an svt. Just my 2 cents tho
If you can afford it and have the space, do it. I miss mine, too.
3 cylinder car will get you to the same place as a V8 but...
I came here to say this. Would I like to revisit the glory days? Sure! Would it be practical anymore? Nope.
buldog5151bass
Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.
drumvsbass
Commercial User
- Aug 20, 2011
- 1,981
- 4,324
- Disclosures
- I work for Long and McQuade Musical Instruments Canada in Sales.
I had a 50th Anniversary SVT / matching Fridge up until June. We were moving from a part of the country that has basements to one that does not. The big guy had to go.
I was traded a PF-800 / 115HE + a cash amount I was happy with. I put a 210HE on top, sold those and acquired two Portaflex 410 HLF’s. Those cabinets are now gone and the PF-800 is now for sale.
I moved on to a Quilter rig that I’m happy with for now. It gets its first gig tomorrow night, followed by one Saturday.
I’m still staring at 50th Anniversary SVT’s / Fridges.
The tourist season is finished for the year until Spring. I might keep this Quilter rig until then (maybe beyond for smaller gigs). I’m thinking I’ll go back to the big boys for next season / big outdoor stage gigs. I’ll make the space thing here work.
I was traded a PF-800 / 115HE + a cash amount I was happy with. I put a 210HE on top, sold those and acquired two Portaflex 410 HLF’s. Those cabinets are now gone and the PF-800 is now for sale.
I moved on to a Quilter rig that I’m happy with for now. It gets its first gig tomorrow night, followed by one Saturday.
I’m still staring at 50th Anniversary SVT’s / Fridges.
The tourist season is finished for the year until Spring. I might keep this Quilter rig until then (maybe beyond for smaller gigs). I’m thinking I’ll go back to the big boys for next season / big outdoor stage gigs. I’ll make the space thing here work.
I have had MANY rigs over the 40 years I've played, and NOTHING compares to big tube power.
Even at 52, I lug around a Fender Superbassman 300, which I prefer to Ampeg, which is not only 20 pounds lighter but more flexible. Pair that with a Fender neo 410 and I'm good. To me, it's worth the weight.
Even at 52, I lug around a Fender Superbassman 300, which I prefer to Ampeg, which is not only 20 pounds lighter but more flexible. Pair that with a Fender neo 410 and I'm good. To me, it's worth the weight.
OK - I feel safe here and among SVT dudes.
I've tried a number of class D heads and could never get the bottom right regardless of cabinet in a club environment. Never had a problem with V4B or SVT.
Currently using an SWR SM400 (bored with it and have owned since the 80's) or GK MBF800 (just OK).
I was told the PF800 wouldn't have enough a$$.
How about that Quilter? Seems like it gets a lot of love. Not that it sounds like an SVT but brings the beef and can play loud and clean.
I have a V4B that goes through an HLF410. I'd really like to try the 212AV that is supposed to go with it... but I would likely have to sell the 410.
I don't mind lugging the heavy cab and head to gigs. I'm almost 50, so I know that my "heavy amp days" are numbered. I just enjoy it now. Later I'll enjoy something else.
I don't mind lugging the heavy cab and head to gigs. I'm almost 50, so I know that my "heavy amp days" are numbered. I just enjoy it now. Later I'll enjoy something else.
I actually do like the PF800. I feel I have gotten more than adequate sound (including bottom end) from it over the two Portaflex stacks I have used recently. The problem that I have is that it’s not an SVT haha. Nothing replaces that sound!
