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Moving from Solid State to valve.

Best choice?

  • Ampeg SVT VR

    Votes: 11 15.5%

  • AMPEG SVT CL

    Votes: 11 15.5%

  • AMPEG V4B

    Votes: 23 32.4%

  • ASHDOWN CTM 100

    Votes: 1 1.4%

  • ASHDOWN CTM 300

    Votes: 3 4.2%

  • FENDER BASSMAN 100T

    Votes: 4 5.6%

  • FENDER SUPER BASSMAN

    Votes: 18 25.4%
  • Total voters
    71
AndyMaidens

AndyMaidens

Jun 6, 2016
60
152
#1
I've been contemplating moving from my markbass rig to something different, the only valve rig i've ever played through was an Ampeg SVT VR with an 810 at a festival earlier this year and it sounded amazing. Unfortunately there are no music shops that stock much bass stuff especially expensive valve heads and 810's so the option of trying stuff out is not doable.

There's a few amps i've been looking at but they're all very expensive to just pull the trigger on online and hope i like them. Vote for your favorites.

My band started off as an indie pop/rock band and the markbass suited perfectly but we've got alot heavier since then and now sound alot more Alt Rock/Punky, so i think moving to valve might be a better choice. I use a few distortion pedals driven full so not sure how valve amps will react to them compared to solid state.

My guitarist uses a 100w Laney Head with a 4x12, sometimes using a stereo setup with an identical rig and front man uses a fender Hot Rod Deluxe
 
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#3
Since you tried a VR, you have a reference. With two channels, if you use them, the VR has more tonal flexibility the the CL. A CL has the same power amp, a single channel preamp and a master volume. The V4B is similar to to CL but less power. A V4B paired with an 810 is louder and sounds fantastic. If you want lot of distortion, you can crank it up and push it too it's limits. Competing with a 100W Laney guitar amp, if you are a loud band, the 100W may not be enough. .

I see Ashdown amps as not in the same league in terms of classic Ampeg bass tone. They are more affordable which is a big plus.
 
#6
beans-on-toast said:
Since you tried a VR, you have a reference. With two channels, if you use them, the VR has more tonal flexibility the the CL. A CL has the same power amp, a single channel preamp and a master volume. The V4B is similar to to CL but less power. A V4B paired with an 810 is louder and sounds fantastic. If you want lot of distortion, you can crank it up and push it too it's limits. Competing with a 100W Laney guitar amp, if you are a loud band, the 100W may not be enough. .

I see Ashdown amps as not in the same league in terms of classic Ampeg bass tone. They are more affordable which is a big plus.
Click to expand...
My 800w Markbass head through a markbass 410 is plenty loud enough for the band and cuts through amazingly, so am i right to think 100w of valve should be as powerful with an 810?
 
#9
I'm only a recent convert to the SVT-CL, but after just a few gigs can say it really is all that. Forty or so years ago I had an SVT to which the VR is the reissue and it was very good too. I think I prefer the master volume on the CL.
Why can't you get to a store?
 
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#10
AndyMaidens said:
My 800w Markbass head through a markbass 410 is plenty loud enough for the band and cuts through amazingly, so am i right to think 100w of valve should be as powerful with an 810?
Click to expand...

I don’t know about that.

In general, more speakers means more volume. People that find that a when 100W amp is not loud enough, adding more speakers helps.

As an alternative to an 810 with the V4B, consider a cab such as an SVT-212AV. But In going from solid state 800W to a tube amp, I’d want 300W.

I wouldn’t discount an 810 based on a single audition. It takes time to figure out the EQ settings and get used to any rig.
 
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#11
AndyMaidens said:
I've never seen the traynor amp before i'm not sure if it's an option the UK
Click to expand...
You should buy through an authorized dealer in you country for best warranty experience.

Traynors are from Canada. You would want to be sure before having one shipped. Being that it's such a subjective subject I don't think mail order is the best bet for you.
Plus Shipping may be pretty steep.
Some of the Ampeg stuff is Chinese which is a deal breaker for me. Sadly the Chinese manufaturers don't have the sense of pride shared by so many other countries (besides Canada) such as USA. England, Germany and Japan.

You have a lot to think about.......

If you can get a Traynor from an authorized and reputable dealer then I would do it in a London minute.
 
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#12
Paulabass said:
I'm only a recent convert to the SVT-CL, but after just a few gigs can say it really is all that. Forty or so years ago I had an SVT to which the VR is the reissue and it was very good too. I think I prefer the master volume on the CL.
Why can't you get to a store?
Click to expand...

The nearest music store that would stock any valve rigs are probably 4-5 Hour drive away and i can't drive haha.
 
#13
AndyMaidens said:
The nearest music store that would stock any valve rigs are probably 4-5 Hour drive away and i can't drive haha.
Click to expand...
Well if you had a warranty issue, It would be cheaper to take a drive than to ship it back. Or get on the tube and go check them out. Where in the UK are you?
I stayed in Northwood and it was simple to get into London Via the Train.
 
#20
AndyMaidens said:
I've been contemplating moving from my markbass rig to something different, the only valve rig i've ever played through was an Ampeg SVT VR with an 810 at a festival earlier this year and it sounded amazing. Unfortunately there are no music shops that stock much bass stuff especially expensive valve heads and 810's so the option of trying stuff out is not doable.

There's a few amps i've been looking at but they're all very expensive to just pull the trigger on online and hope i like them. Vote for your favorites.

My band started off as an indie pop/rock band and the markbass suited perfectly but we've got alot heavier since then and now sound alot more Alt Rock/Punky, so i think moving to valve might be a better choice. I use a few distortion pedals driven full so not sure how valve amps will react to them compared to solid state.

My guitarist uses a 100w Laney Head with a 4x12, sometimes using a stereo setup with an identical rig and front man uses a fender Hot Rod Deluxe
Click to expand...
Another thing too consider is weight. Ampeg SVT weights 85 lbs. I have a V4B from 1973 and that's 65 lbs.
 

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