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just scored an Ampeg SVT100 head!

rich18rich

rich18rich

Oct 11, 2008
130
5
57
saco, ME.
www.reverbnation.com
#1
Don't know much about it, but it has 7 tubes and the power tubes are all GEs. Didn't sound great thru a cheap Hartke KL cab but I'm hoping it'll be better with a high-efficiency cabinet. So now I'm on the hunt for a pro cab.
The SVT100 has a few scratchy pots and the lo-bass switch is stuck in the off position but for $150 I figured I can't go wrong.
Psyched!
 
#6
Nice! Was that the one on CL in [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] (pic in the link for those interested)? I saw the ad this morning and was tempted but figured I probably shouldn't since I really don't need another amp.

Looking forward to some more pics!
 
#7
That's a killer little head from what folks tell me. It was actually the first amp SLM put out under the Ampeg name. They bought a bunch of unfinished V5 guitar amps from MTI in Japan, didn't like them on guitar, but tweaked them slightly for bass and they worked. It's actually a bit of a collector's item, although the price certainly didin't reflect that ;)

Scratchy pots and a stuck switch are easily fixed but there's only about 100 of those amps ever released. You done good.
 
#8
I used to own the V5 & The SVT100!
Great heads....even if they were supposed to be guitar amps ;)

I want to say the SVT100 came out somewhere around 1990....if my memory is still in tact..
They used (4) 6550 power tubes and (3) 12ax7?? preamp tubes if I remember correctly.
Tons of power, especially if you hit the boost switches.

Mine way back then were pretty reliable.....don't know how they have done with age but hopefully still good.
Not that much info to be found on-line on these either....I always look now and again too see if I can find my old ones on Craigslist!

Here is the V5 with (2) Ampeg 412 cabs (1987 ish.)
73528_1668821238535_1177449155_31827720_809233_n.jpg
 
#11
coreyfyfe said:
Nice! Was that the one on CL in [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] (pic in the link for those interested)? I saw the ad this morning and was tempted but figured I probably shouldn't since I really don't need another amp.

Looking forward to some more pics!
Click to expand...

10-4. You got it. Contacted the seller as soon as I saw the ad and it's a good thing too. While I was there his email was getting flooded with people inre: the amp. That cost me another $50. He had it posted for 100 but the response let him know he could get much more. I've got an old Ampeg 810 cab to go with it.(needs two speakers replaced to be perfect, but it still sounds good, even with my rubber cement quick-fix).
I've also in the process of getting one of the speakers in my old Ampeg 215 cab re-coned. They're P.A.S. drivers(should be worth fixing) and I'm dying to hear them with this head.

It almost makes me regret my recent investment, a Peavey VB3.....But,.. uh,.. nah.

ok, time to break out the old De-oxit!
 
#13
Not much online but I did get:

100 or so made from V5 guitar heads/parts with a re-done preamp. Made from leftover stock when the company switched hands. They wanted to get something on the market to let people know they existed.

only made in '85-'86.

approx. 100 watts.

4 6550s in the power section and 3 12ax7s in the preamp.

not really a collector's item(which doesn't make sense to me, maybe low power issue)

ps. I found some great info online from a guy who worked there at the time. Awesome stuff!
Now to save up for the tech. (While trying to keep my hands off it) Good luck!?
 

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