It's not bad at all. It's the industry standard backline. However, for me it's the Wonder Bread of bass amps if you catch my drift.
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Is the Ampeg SVT-CL really that bad?
- Thread starter Geezer Brown
- Start date
I believe the only issue that everybody talks about, is when the amp breaks down .... one must remember these are amps that have their circuit boards assembled and soldered as production runs and some boards at times just get by the QC, most of the time all it takes is a good tech who knows the amp, can fix so called issues of wave soldering and owner/operator fixes ...IMHO
Wonder Bread sold billions because there was no finer tasting sliced white sandwich bread on the market for a very long time. It was quite perfect, with a smooth but thick texture, a good flavor, very few holes if any, and a crust that was not too dry but not too mushy. So yeah, if you're saying the SVT is like that, I would buy into that.
hey Jimmy...wanted to ask you a Ampeg question before I decide to get this Ampeg SVT classic bass head...it is made in the USA and in really very good condition. guy wants $1,200. are these worth it? thanks Jimmy
Consider the following:
a new one comes with a full warranty and costs $1800US,
it has no issues,
there is no potential work that’s required,
it doesn’t require new tubes,
it will be in even better condition than a used one,
a new one today is every bit as good in terms of sound and construction as the US made one.
Those are a lot of plusses. Given the price difference, if you can afford it, go with a new one.
I don't know what the going rate on used SVT-CL's is currently, but Beans makes some points that should be considered.
was also looking into a ampeg SVT-VR and they look damn sexy. but aren't they reissues? and are they good for a reissue?
The CL and VR are both based on the original SVT, they are later releases. The VR is a copy of the original SVT circuits. The circuit boads themselves are different. The CL has a redesigned preamp, one channel instead of two but it is based on the oiginal. The CL also has a master volume control. If you turn the master up full, it is much like the non master versions.
Of the VR and the CL, I would say that the CL is more popular. It costs a bit less. If you want an amp that is closest to the original in terms of features, go with the VR.
I can tell you, choosing between the two is very difficult.
Of the VR and the CL, I would say that the CL is more popular. It costs a bit less. If you want an amp that is closest to the original in terms of features, go with the VR.
I can tell you, choosing between the two is very difficult.
yeah they are difficult to pick one...either way my USA Geddy lee jazz bass will sound sweet through either 
thanks for the info guys !!!
thanks for the info guys !!!
I took a long time reading threads and listening prior to buying a new cl. I could not be more happy with it. Unless it came with nos Sylvania 6550’s or something.
JimmyM- taking you back about 5 years-I can dial mine up to near-flat no sweat! Knobs won't be at noon but I can still get it.
Nice of you to say that, though, especially after I just disagreed a little with you about the PF350 and PF500 in the Portaflex Club thread
What are your settings to get your SVT to sound "near flat"?
Just curious (and you may remember, I set ANY amp I play through to anything but flat! LOL)...
Bass 11:00, treble 2:00, mids 3:00 at 800 hz, ultra switches off.
Personally, the only bad rap an SVT-CL gets comes from my wife. She freaks out whenever I talk about buying one.
Just curious, replacing tubes keeps being mentioned as a drawback, how often are people re-tubing these things? As someone that doesn't play out often I imagine they should last a long time sitting in my basement.
How often does Jimmy have to have his tubes replaced? How often does the amp need servicing? I'm assuming someone that uses theirs frequently needs more work done, but is it really that often?
How often does Jimmy have to have his tubes replaced? How often does the amp need servicing? I'm assuming someone that uses theirs frequently needs more work done, but is it really that often?
I have a Hammond organ that dates from 1937. This was a bar organ for many years. The tubes are original. Granted, it’s a conservative design, not all amps are. I see many musical instrument amps with original tubes. This includes ones that go back to the 60’s.
Based on your description, you can go decades without changing tubes. It really depends on how hard you drive the tubes. If you push the amp hard, the tubes are going to wear down faster.
Here is a guideline as to when to change tubes:
Tubes | TalkBass.com
Based on your description, you can go decades without changing tubes. It really depends on how hard you drive the tubes. If you push the amp hard, the tubes are going to wear down faster.
Here is a guideline as to when to change tubes:
Tubes | TalkBass.com
Last tubes I changed in any of my amps were about 4 years ago. My HSVT-CL's still have original tubes, my V4B tubes are all original except one pre tube that got damaged during a fall, my PF-50T still has all originals, B-15 and 69 SVT aren't getting used as much as they used to so their tubes are still good.
The tube life thing is very unpredictable, and it depends on a lot of things...tube build quality, amount of usage, how hard or easy the tubes are being driven, how hard or easy they're being handled during schlep, etc.
I know you could get a dud, but this doesn't seem like an issue at all. Decades? C'mon son!
It'd be cool to have one someday. Not sure I need an SVT right now, but it is certainly my "holy grail".
It'd be cool to have one someday. Not sure I need an SVT right now, but it is certainly my "holy grail".
My 73 Fender Super Reverb had the original power tubes it came with until 3 years ago, and they worked fine and were dead nuts matched up until the moment I pulled one out the wrong way to try in my B-15 and broke the vacuum seal. So yeah...decades.
I have a Ashdown Full Stack that I really liked.
Then I got a Heritage SVT with Heritage 810 cabinet.
I never play the Ashdown any more.
Then I got a Heritage SVT with Heritage 810 cabinet.
I never play the Ashdown any more.
