Looking at an SVT3Pro...

[jefff100]

Hey All,

I've been lurking for a while, reading your forum, but this is my first post.

I play a Fender Aerodnye p/j in a church praise band; pickups have been modded to DiMarzio humbucking split-P and Ultra Jazz.

My Amp (soon to be replaced) is a Hartke 3500, driving an older Epifani 210 cab.

Anyway - have been shopping for a new head. I think I'm ready to pull the trigger on an Ampeg SVT3Pro. Anyone have
any suggestions as to what to look for in a good used piece?

Keeping emotional / political issues out of it - can anyone provide a sound, rational reason why to buy a used, older USA made unit rather than a new unit (with warranty)? Other than the fact the used one is cheaper of course.

Any other "things to watch for"?

thanks much.

jeff

 

[dose]

If you decide it's what you want let me know i have a Minty US one I've been thinking about getting rid of

 

[stiles72]

There are plenty of good used SLM/USA heads available out there at a pretty significant savings over buying new. If you decided to resell it later on, "Made In USA" seems to be a selling point. Not that it sounds better - just a bit of marketing. I have (2) 3-Pros bought back around '99 and haven't had any issues with either one - except that I needed to have the MOSFET bias adjusted after 10 years of hard gigging. It's a common bit of maintainance and is a simple and common adjustment for a qualified tech. Nothing special to look for in buying a 3-Pro, they have pretty much been the same amp over the years except for a couple of variations in the cosmetics.