• 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 freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

I miss my SVT rigs....

How much do you miss that big iron?

  • Buy it, TONEZ!

    Votes: 84 55.3%
  • Live in the now, man!

    Votes: 33 21.7%
  • Pedal into a class-D is the same thing, bruh!

    Votes: 35 23.0%

  • Total voters
    152
I spend an inordinate amount of time and money buying back items I sold, stupidly or out of necessity over the years. Sometimes the actual items, sometimes reasonable facsimiles, and usually at greatly inflated prices.

I won't me the guy with no grip on reality who says "never sell anything," because that isn't real-life, but at this point in my life, I am really trying to hold on to the things I have, and out of which I get enjoyment.

PS- Blue Line SVT owner, never sold it, never will, and yes, you need a new (new-to-you) one.
 
I've never played through an 810 or an SVT, never had the occasion.
My gigging amp is a Marshall VBA400 into a NV610. The Marshall weighs in at ten pounds heavier than a SVT and the Berg comes in at 90lbs. I have gone the Class D and neo cabs route and still have the amp, but did not like the Neo cab I had (AE410).
The NV 610 is so much easier to move... I have a Ford Flex. Tilt and roll into the back. Simple. The Marshall is without a doubt a bit of a bear, but so far, I haven't had any physical issues moving it.
Fishheadjoe
 
I love this thread, I still have my mid 70s SVT, best sounding amp I own

DSCN0877 (1).JPG


Then there's this one:
DSCN0769.JPG


and this one:
DSCN0827.JPG
 
Last edited:
I have a genuine question. What is the normal amount of volume you guys/gals have the SVTs on when you are playing? I'm not flaming, or being a weenie, but I look back on most of the places I gigged in and the thought of a wound-up 300 watter through a fridge just boggles my mind in regards to pure SPLs that would probably destroy the buildings in which we were playing. So, is it 1/2 way up on the volume knob? 3/4?

Also, would a lower-powered, say 40 watt, tube amp wound up to the same levels give you enough SPLs, (and/or tonal bliss) if using the same cab?
 
I have a genuine question. What is the normal amount of volume you guys/gals have the SVTs on when you are playing? I'm not flaming, or being a weenie, but I look back on most of the places I gigged in and the thought of a wound-up 300 watter through a fridge just boggles my mind in regards to pure SPLs that would probably destroy the buildings in which we were playing. So, is it 1/2 way up on the volume knob? 3/4?

Also, would a lower-powered, say 40 watt, tube amp wound up to the same levels give you enough SPLs, (and/or tonal bliss) if using the same cab?

Volume knob position is often not an indication of amp output. The taper of the pot matters, many amps are not linear. It is a marketing gimmick to make one think the amp is only at "50% or 60%".
 
  • Like
Reactions: Kaa and baxter_x
I have a genuine question. What is the normal amount of volume you guys/gals have the SVTs on when you are playing? I'm not flaming, or being a weenie, but I look back on most of the places I gigged in and the thought of a wound-up 300 watter through a fridge just boggles my mind in regards to pure SPLs that would probably destroy the buildings in which we were playing. So, is it 1/2 way up on the volume knob? 3/4?

Also, would a lower-powered, say 40 watt, tube amp wound up to the same levels give you enough SPLs, (and/or tonal bliss) if using the same cab?
Theoretically, the Ampeg PF50T would do this.... give you that tonal bliss! But, for me -- I was always happiest with my SVT-CL (gain about 50%, master to the room - maybe 25%-40%). I gigged a B-15R (reissue) head on top of my 8x10 a couple times, and didn't like how my headroom disappeared. I always chose the SVT-CL (and I don't feel like I was too loud, too often).
 
Theoretically, the Ampeg PF50T would do this.... give you that tonal bliss! But, for me -- I was always happiest with my SVT-CL (gain about 50%, master to the room - maybe 25%-40%). I gigged a B-15R (reissue) head on top of my 8x10 a couple times, and didn't like how my headroom disappeared. I always chose the SVT-CL (and I don't feel like I was too loud, too often).
Isn't the OD/hair an integral part of the tonal bliss of an SVT? Once again, no troll.
 
I miss being able to unload a stage rig, play, then load it back into the trailer without a problem. It's getting more and more strenuous. We carry the lights, drums and instruments. The PA, amps, cabs and monitors get the hand truck. An STV would get 2 people for the amp and the 810 has wheels so it's not a problem although it's seldom used anyway. The ENGL 410 is one of the heaviest cabs I've encountered, a beast to maneuver.
 
Last edited:
I would made difference between SVT/810 type sound and generally big stack. If you miss the power and feel of that rig it can be easily replaced with lighter gear, but if you like the actual sound 100% then it's more difficult. I used 810 ten years but modern cab with more open sound is tempting now and my Marshall 810 will go. I have already replacement cab (ported 410 neo + tweeter) and more is coming. 410 is not going to sound similar and big enough alone but adding another one and you definitely have same power and feel.

I never got the idea of 810 moving easily. Just compare to move modern light 2x 410 cabs and 810 alone to car. One is easy and another one not - been there done that and 810 wasn't the easier one. You don't need to carry 410, just use folding hand truck or trolley.
 
Guilty and my MB WD-800 keeps making me feel extra stupid for looking at and inquiring about SVTs, V-4Bs, etc for sale. Some days I resolutely say to myself NFW, then other days I think, but maybe...

Three SVTs heads for sale that I'm looking at right now:

1. SVT II in the Tolex case in excellent condition, formerly owned by someone famous.

2. SVT Classic, SLM era, in very good condition, with new tubes.

3. SVT Heritage 50th Anniversary, in very good to excellent condition.

Funny how often these ads for Ampegs say something to the affect of, "I've hardly used it" or "it's just sitting in my storage locker".
 
Last edited: