So.....around 1972 I got a driver's license and my first few vehicles were motorcycles. I have one now, and I ride. But in all that time, I have never rode a Harley. I want to.
Similarly, even before I could drive (legally), I was playing bass guitar in bands. And yet, until today, I had never played through an SVT and an Ampeg 810. I got the MTI SVT (early edition, with the Magnavox circuitry) several years ago. Today, I brought home an 810e. I asked JimmyM for his advice and he was generous. He thought it was probably a plywood model and perhaps it also has the non-darkish speakers (2006 model, says Jimmy). We confirmed the plywood before I bought it. Now that I have played through it, there is NO WAY these speakers could be considered "dark." In fact, it just seems as though that SVT was designed to be used with this cabinet. If asked, I might still be unable to make this rig sound bad.
Now....in a way, this is just silly. A 63 year-Old Fart (my birthday was Saturday) has no business with an 810. Particularly since I am not currently in a gigging project. And also, I have a couple of Bergantino cabs which would suit any gig. And this MF is HEAVY. But I have lived most of my life with the understanding that everybody dies but not everyone really lives. I HAD to have the experience of playing through an Ampeg 810. Wouldn't you agree?
I am looking forward to, one day, schlepping this to a gig. My living room is not the ideal place for this rig. But yeah, first impressions....I think there is no substitute. Bergs are great. But there is a difference between a ferocious go cart and a muscle car. I have recently sung the praises of Mesa gear, and I am highly impressed with their products over the past many years and particularly today. You might have noticed the TL606's with the EVM 15s, which are the best sounding speakers I think I have ever heard. Thank you Agedhorse, Sir. And I have profound respect for Jimmy, also over a long period of time. Ampeg has totally delivered the goods for us bass players over a LONG period of time. This rig....is basically 50 year-old technology and, in the most visceral ways, still cannot be beat today.
Sorry for the long post. I can die happy now (though I have no such immediate plans).
Similarly, even before I could drive (legally), I was playing bass guitar in bands. And yet, until today, I had never played through an SVT and an Ampeg 810. I got the MTI SVT (early edition, with the Magnavox circuitry) several years ago. Today, I brought home an 810e. I asked JimmyM for his advice and he was generous. He thought it was probably a plywood model and perhaps it also has the non-darkish speakers (2006 model, says Jimmy). We confirmed the plywood before I bought it. Now that I have played through it, there is NO WAY these speakers could be considered "dark." In fact, it just seems as though that SVT was designed to be used with this cabinet. If asked, I might still be unable to make this rig sound bad.
Now....in a way, this is just silly. A 63 year-Old Fart (my birthday was Saturday) has no business with an 810. Particularly since I am not currently in a gigging project. And also, I have a couple of Bergantino cabs which would suit any gig. And this MF is HEAVY. But I have lived most of my life with the understanding that everybody dies but not everyone really lives. I HAD to have the experience of playing through an Ampeg 810. Wouldn't you agree?
I am looking forward to, one day, schlepping this to a gig. My living room is not the ideal place for this rig. But yeah, first impressions....I think there is no substitute. Bergs are great. But there is a difference between a ferocious go cart and a muscle car. I have recently sung the praises of Mesa gear, and I am highly impressed with their products over the past many years and particularly today. You might have noticed the TL606's with the EVM 15s, which are the best sounding speakers I think I have ever heard. Thank you Agedhorse, Sir. And I have profound respect for Jimmy, also over a long period of time. Ampeg has totally delivered the goods for us bass players over a LONG period of time. This rig....is basically 50 year-old technology and, in the most visceral ways, still cannot be beat today.
Sorry for the long post. I can die happy now (though I have no such immediate plans).
