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Late 70s Ampeg . . . PLEASE HELP!

E

ETEcarmine

Jun 29, 2005
360
0
NYC
www.myspace.com
#1
I found a late 70s Ampeg head for sale. I was looking to buy the SVT-CL, but I know the older amps are always better. But this amp really has the crap kicked out of it. I'm going to try it out, but I was wondering if ANYONE HERE HAS PLAYED THIS AMP BEFORE. If so, does it totally beat the hell out of the SVT-CL? I fully appreciate your answers because I'm dying to finally hook up my rig.

Here are some pictures of the 70s head. I hope you all can tell me if it's worth it. :help:

<img src="http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/7174/frontviewlow8bj.jpg"><BR><BR>
<img src="http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/8660/rearviewlow9oz.jpg">
 
#2
ETEcarmine said:
I found a late 70s Ampeg head for sale. I was looking to buy the SVT-CL, but I know the older amps are always better. But this amp really has the crap kicked out of it. I'm going to try it out, but I was wondering if ANYONE HERE HAS PLAYED THIS AMP BEFORE. If so, does it totally beat the hell out of the SVT-CL? I fully appreciate your answers because I'm dying to finally hook up my rig.

Here are some pictures of the 70s head. I hope you all can tell me if it's worth it. :help:

<img src="http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/7174/frontviewlow8bj.jpg"><BR><BR>
<img src="http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/8660/rearviewlow9oz.jpg">
Click to expand...


Are you sure it's from the 70's. It looks like an MTI head from the early 80's to me, but I could be wrong. If it's from the late 70's it would be made by Magnavox. Does an MTI head use a 12dw7 tube?
 
#3
johndanielmoore said:
Are you sure it's from the 70's. It looks like an MTI head from the early 80's to me, but I could be wrong. If it's from the late 70's it would be made by Magnavox. Does an MTI head use a 12dw7 tube?
Click to expand...

I really don't know too much about it. The person who's selling it says it's from the late 70s. I figure lots of people here know more than me, so I'm just trying to find out as much as I can about this amp. Thanks!
 
#6
ETEcarmine said:
If it is an 80s one, how are they in comparison to the new SVT-CL?
Click to expand...

I have no idea how they compare to the SVT-CL. However if it was my money I would wait awhile. Earlier this year Ampeg announced the SVT-VR. These are as close as possible to the 70's SVT. Unless your getting a really good deal the price of an old SVT + new tubes + getting a tech to service it will be nearly as much as a new SVT-VR which will come with a 5 year warranty if you live in the U.S. I know which one I'd pick.

Do a search for SVT-VR. Theres a long thread on it and I think it deals with the differences between Magnavox and MTI era SVT's and the difference between SVT-CL and SVT-VR.
 
#7
i_got_a_mohawk said:
The square front screams MTI, so, it wont be as good as the 69 and 70's ampegs, im sure thats an 80's one too

- Will
Click to expand...

Yeah I'm pretty sure that's an 1980's one too. Here's a picture of an 80's one that is on the Bass Central website. I'd think it would be better than the SVT-CL, although I've never played a 1980's SVT.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
#8
johndanielmoore said:
I have no idea how they compare to the SVT-CL. However if it was my money I would wait awhile. Earlier this year Ampeg announced the SVT-VR. These are as close as possible to the 70's SVT. Unless your getting a really good deal the price of an old SVT + new tubes + getting a tech to service it will be nearly as much as a new SVT-VR which will come with a 5 year warranty if you live in the U.S. I know which one I'd pick.

Do a search for SVT-VR. Theres a long thread on it and I think it deals with the differences between Magnavox and MTI era SVT's and the difference between SVT-CL and SVT-VR.
Click to expand...

+1.
The First SVT-VR thread (Got Locked):http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=222423&highlight=SVT-VR
The New SVT-VR thread (To replace the other one):http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=234685&highlight=SVT-VR
 
#10
Hey Carm, I'd pass on the deal if I were you, unless of course the price is so dirt cheap that it makes it worth your while. I replied to your PM too, just wanted to weigh in on the thread.

Perhaps what he meant is that older amps are considered better, just as vintage instruments are, by some, thought of as the holy grail of instrument making. I don't profess to know what he was thinking, but if he's wrong perhaps offer some help or share knowledge, I know Carmine and he'd appreciate it; he isn't the type to ignore good advice or information.

Steven Q.
 
#11
its definately an 80's MTI. the transformers are different than the US earlier made SVTs, however i have read from a few sources that overall the amp is built very well. But i have no personal experience with the MTI amps so I dont know how it sounds.

But if you have the dough for a new amp, I also would suggest waiting for the release of the SVT VR. i HAVE heard that amp & I think it sounds great
 
#12
Groovecenter said:
Hey Carm, I'd pass on the deal if I were you, unless of course the price is so dirt cheap that it makes it worth your while. I replied to your PM too, just wanted to weigh in on the thread.

Perhaps what he meant is that older amps are considered better, just as vintage instruments are, by some, thought of as the holy grail of instrument making. I don't profess to know what he was thinking, but if he's wrong perhaps offer some help or share knowledge, I know Carmine and he'd appreciate it; he isn't the type to ignore good advice or information.

Steven Q.
Click to expand...

Steve, you are the man and you hit the nail right on the head. Thanks bro.
 
#13
8mmOD said:
its definately an 80's MTI. the transformers are different than the US earlier made SVTs, however i have read from a few sources that overall the amp is built very well. But i have no personal experience with the MTI amps so I dont know how it sounds.

But if you have the dough for a new amp, I also would suggest waiting for the release of the SVT VR. i HAVE heard that amp & I think it sounds great
Click to expand...

I'm reading all the threads about the SVT-VR right now, and it sounds like it's worth waiting for. I think I'll hold off on all purchases untill I can try one out. Thanks for the posts!
 
#14
The MTI svt's are good amps, better than current ones(can't comment on the new VR one yet though. They usually sell on ebay for 600 to 700 in better shape then that one. I probably wouldn't pay more than $500 for that one but if the price is right, I would definately pick it up, well with some help of course.
 
#15
johndanielmoore said:
I have no idea how they compare to the SVT-CL. However if it was my money I would wait awhile. Earlier this year Ampeg announced the SVT-VR. These are as close as possible to the 70's SVT. Unless your getting a really good deal the price of an old SVT + new tubes + getting a tech to service it will be nearly as much as a new SVT-VR which will come with a 5 year warranty if you live in the U.S. I know which one I'd pick.

Do a search for SVT-VR. Theres a long thread on it and I think it deals with the differences between Magnavox and MTI era SVT's and the difference between SVT-CL and SVT-VR.
Click to expand...
The retail for those VR's is going to be killer tho, ive seen a mint condition 1970 SVT with a brand new set of tubes and a 1973 (i think) SVT 810 cab go together for &#163;750 on ebay in the UK, sorry, but thats a hell of alot cheaper than the new VR would be :P

I would have bidded but alas had no way to pick it up, had little money, and had just retubed my SVT-II :bawl:
 
#16
i_got_a_mohawk said:
The retail for those VR's is going to be killer tho, ive seen a mint condition 1970 SVT with a brand new set of tubes and a 1973 (i think) SVT 810 cab go together for &#163;750 on ebay in the UK, sorry, but thats a hell of alot cheaper than the new VR would be :P
Click to expand...

Considering the SVT + 810 was $2000 US in 1969, I think the VR's street price is pretty reasonable in todays market.

You are always taking a chance buying used gear. My 'restored to mint' vintage SVT cab sounded fine when i demo'd it, but upon further inspection over half of the speakers needed to be reconed. That takes the wind out of a "good deal". Well it was still a good deal, but not "as" good. I wont argue that there are still "deals" out there on vintage SVT's, but its always a crap shoot when you don't know the history of an amp.

oh & hey, whats up mowhak? how ya been?
 
#17
8mmOD said:
Considering the SVT + 810 was $2000 US in 1969, I think the VR's street price is pretty reasonable in todays market.

You are always taking a chance buying used gear. My 'restored to mint' vintage SVT cab sounded fine when i demo'd it, but upon further inspection over half of the speakers needed to be reconed. That takes the wind out of a "good deal". Well it was still a good deal, but not "as" good. I wont argue that there are still "deals" out there on vintage SVT's, but its always a crap shoot when you don't know the history of an amp.

oh & hey, whats up mowhak? how ya been?
Click to expand...
Totally agree there, kinda like my SVT-II, needed a retube pretty much straight away, took a bit of the great deal-ness out of it, but i still got it at a great price

I think im just looking at it from a different perspective, if this amp is retailing at $2500, it will retail at &#163;2500 over here (like the 2-Pro does, well, it costs &#163;2000 over here usually), and &#163;2500 = ~$4500, so, you can see where im coming from there maybe?

And im good dude, how about yourself :)
 
#18
i_got_a_mohawk said:
I think im just looking at it from a different perspective, if this amp is retailing at $2500, it will retail at £2500 over here (like the 2-Pro does, well, it costs £2000 over here usually), and £2500 = ~$4500, so, you can see where im coming from there maybe?

And im good dude, how about yourself :)
Click to expand...

I'm good, thanks.

In all fairness, you guys pay out the arse for new ampeg gear over there. It 'aint gonna be $4500 in the US, probably closer to $1800.
 
#19
i_got_a_mohawk said:
The retail for those VR's is going to be killer tho, ive seen a mint condition 1970 SVT with a brand new set of tubes and a 1973 (i think) SVT 810 cab go together for &#163;750 on ebay in the UK, sorry, but thats a hell of alot cheaper than the new VR would be :P

I would have bidded but alas had no way to pick it up, had little money, and had just retubed my SVT-II :bawl:
Click to expand...

I wish I saw that on ebay. The last few 70's and 80's SVT's I saw on ebay Germany went for nearly &#8364;1500 ( about 1000 pounds sterling ). These were without a cab and I'd hate to think of the courrier cost. If I could find a vintage SVT with 8x10 for &#163;750 I'd love to buy it.
 
#20
i_got_a_mohawk said:
Totally agree there, kinda like my SVT-II, needed a retube pretty much straight away, took a bit of the great deal-ness out of it, but i still got it at a great price

I think im just looking at it from a different perspective, if this amp is retailing at $2500, it will retail at £2500 over here (like the 2-Pro does, well, it costs £2000 over here usually), and £2500 = ~$4500, so, you can see where im coming from there maybe?

And im good dude, how about yourself :)
Click to expand...
The 2-Pro can be got for less than €1900 from thomann.de and musicstore.com. That's between 1200 + 1300 sterling. It's the same here in Ireland with over the top prices. Just buy from Germany. My bank balance prefers it. Also if I buy from a retail store here I get 1 year warranty. If I buy from musicstore or thomann I get a 3 year warranty.
 

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