My "old man" rig.

[Venom of God]

Hi gang,

It's been a long time since I've posted here and I'm hoping that jimmyM is still around to help me out with this! Life has moved on and I rarely gig anymore (COVID hasn't been much of a big deal here either). I'm married and we're hoping to have our first child in the next 12-18 months. I have also pulled back from what was my holy trinity (Gibson Tbird, USA Fender P, Rick 4001) to just one bass (the Tbird) and three pedals (Korg tuner, Aguilar TLC Comp, Aguilar Agro).

My main amp for the last decade has been an SVT3 PRO + 410HE (tweeter perpetually switched off). This is now too big for me and I figure I can rent something for that very occasional show.

I want to stick with Ampeg and the SVT sound in particular. Will a PF-20T do this? I like the idea of going all tube. What small form factor cab will get me closest to that Ampeg 810 sound? I realise nothing will move air like an 8x10 but an 8x10, but I want something that will put a smile on my face. I did try the modern Portaflex cabs when they first came out (might have been a single 15) and wasn't impressed, but that was with one of those thin sounding class-D things.

Any thoughts and advice appreciated. I mostly play blues through to hard rock these days, with some metal on occasion when I want to feel 17 again.

Cheers!

 

[Sparky Mark]

The PF 50T appears to have the same EQ controls as a SVT CL so would be my choice as a lower powered SVT. Although not that small the SVT212AV cab apparently has a very similar sound to an 810. Maybe a single 12 AV or PF series cab would suit?

 

[chris_b]

The 410 is around 90lbs, and your amp 26lbs. I've had both in my time. When old age crept up, my solution was to go to Markbass amps and Berg 112's, but if you want to stay with Ampeg, I'd keep the amp and change the 410 for 2 210's. I had an Ampeg 410, 210 and 115. The 210 was my preferred Ampeg cab at the time. two of those would keep the aches and pains at bay for a few more years.

 

[two fingers]

@JimmyM is a big fan of the Ampeg 210 cabs if I recall.

I bet the PF50T would get you done. I have an Ashdown LB30 and I LOVE it. I never would have thought a low-wattage tube bass head would be a lot of fun and sound great. But it really does.

 

[Sparky Mark]

The PF 50T appears to have the same EQ controls as a SVT CL so would be my choice as a lower powered SVT. Although not that small the SVT212AV cab apparently has a very similar sound to an 810. Maybe a single 12 AV or PF series cab would suit?

I've just read the "PF50T Noise" thread on here and it is a little disturbing. Also JimmyM suggests the PF50T isn't voiced the same with EQ controls at noon as a SVT, although with the same controls you should be able to achieve it.

 

[shoot-r]

Two Ampeg 210AV cabinets with your SVT3 Pro for the times you need more coverage/volume.

One 210AV cab with a PF50T for rehearsals/small gigs.

(Ampeg 210AV cabinets, sealed cab, 200 watts cap., somewhere around 25/27 lbs. ea., sound of a miniature SVT 810.)

 

[JxBass]

I've owned a PF-50T and several other PF amps - all great. Last year I downsized to the SVT Micro VR / 210AV stack and love it. Advertised as 1/4 of an SVT/810, it fits the bill for me. I too like all-tube amps but the Micro VR's A/B output stage, which I prefer over Class D, sounds really nice. And its overall size and weight are perfect for us old men.

 

[G On Bass]

I've owned a PF-50T and several other PF amps - all great. Last year I downsized to the SVT Micro VR / 210AV stack and love it. Advertised as 1/4 of an SVT/810, it fits the bill for me. I too like all-tube amps but the Micro VR's A/B output stage, which I prefer over Class D, sounds really nice. And its overall size and weight are perfect for us old men.

^^This^^

I also swear by my MicroVR/2x210AV cab set up. I'm no spring chicken either and this little set up sounds killer and is so easy to move.

 

[JimmyM]

@JimmyM is a big fan of the Ampeg 210 cabs if I recall.

I bet the PF50T would get you done. I have an Ashdown LB30 and I LOVE it. I never would have thought a low-wattage tube bass head would be a lot of fun and sound great. But it really does.

Yep I often use(d) one or two of them with a PF-50T on gigs. The Who's live bassist Jon Button used that same rig on their last tour, too

I would go for the 50T if you can swing it but the 20T is also a good choice if you don't mind the volume limitations and would rather spend less.

 

[Sparky Mark]

^^This^^

I also swear by my MicroVR/2x210AV cab set up. I'm no spring chicken either and this little set up sounds killer and is so easy to move.

As much as I wanted to love my Micro VR with two SVT210AV stack it fell just short for my pop/rock covers band. The lack of low end of these cabs just didn't work. For low to low/medium volume gigs with a relaxed drummer you might get away with it but as you are hoping to play hard rock and metal occasionally I doubt it.

 

[Venom of God]

Thanks for the replies, I appreciate it. I think I may not have come across right in my original post - I'm not downsizing for weight concerns or anything like that (I'm only 33 really), but because playing gigs isn't a part of my life right now and for the odd show that pops up I am more than happy to rent an SVT-VR/810 and do it properly. I am after a small rig for use at home that is low enough power to sing without driving my wife nuts or waking a future baby. But I still want Ampeg tone!

 

[G On Bass]

Thanks for the replies, I appreciate it. I think I may not have come across right in my original post - I'm not downsizing for weight concerns or anything like that (I'm only 33 really), but because playing gigs isn't a part of my life right now and for the odd show that pops up I am more than happy to rent an SVT-VR/810 and do it properly. I am after a small rig for use at home that is low enough power to sing without driving my wife nuts or waking a future baby. But I still want Ampeg tone!

Old man, baby-friendly rig with Ampeg tone:

 

[micguy]

My old man rig is a bass, pedalboard, and a bag of cables. Ampless gigs (most of what I do now) are MUCH better than the gigs I used to do where I hauled all that gear.

I do still play one gig with an amp, but it's a "coffehouse" kind vibe - I only need to hear myself and keep up with a piano, the PA takes care of the audience. I bring a 110 cabinet I built for that gig specifically, and my bag of cables for that gig has 2 amp heads (they only weight 7 or 8 pounds total).

 

[Wasnex]

Thanks for the replies, I appreciate it. I think I may not have come across right in my original post - I'm not downsizing for weight concerns or anything like that (I'm only 33 really), but because playing gigs isn't a part of my life right now and for the odd show that pops up I am more than happy to rent an SVT-VR/810 and do it properly. I am after a small rig for use at home that is low enough power to sing without driving my wife nuts or waking a future baby. But I still want Ampeg tone!

In my experience, if you let a baby get used to complete silence, every little noise will wake it. If you condition the baby to deal with random noise, it will learn to sleep through pretty much anything. This will vary somewhat from baby to baby, but you probably have a choice and some control over whether your baby becomes a little tyrant.

The PF50T is a bit more versatile and flexible than the PF20T. Both can be run without a speaker attached. So if you need near absolute silence, you can hook these amps up to a recording interface. The next step up is the V4B, but it is not designed to be run without a speaker.

Unless you just have GAS, I would actually suggest sticking with your current rig, and saving the money you will spend on a new rig. Sure the old rig is heavier and gets louder, but it's really not going to take up that much extra space, and the volume control does wonders to reduce the volume to a suitable level.

I actually own and play vintage SVTs and much more powerful amps in my basement while I watch TV. They sound great at low volume, although the SVTs do have pretty obnoxious fan. The fan noise doesn't really bother me as have learned to tune it out; but I could see where it would be undesirable, especially for recording.

 

[vvvmmm]

I record with a BA108 (20w.), and find it sounds pretty Ampeggy in a relatively quiet, inexpensive, and small-package way.

Otherwise, I like the PF500 with a 1x12" or 2x12".

 

[Deleted member 165050]

PF-50t is a great amp. I use mine with either one or two PF-112HLF cabs. A very portable rig.

 

[EatS1stBassist]

Hi gang,

It's been a long time since I've posted here and I'm hoping that jimmyM is still around to help me out with this! Life has moved on and I rarely gig anymore (COVID hasn't been much of a big deal here either). I'm married and we're hoping to have our first child in the next 12-18 months. I have also pulled back from what was my holy trinity (Gibson Tbird, USA Fender P, Rick 4001) to just one bass (the Tbird) and three pedals (Korg tuner, Aguilar TLC Comp, Aguilar Agro).

My main amp for the last decade has been an SVT3 PRO + 410HE (tweeter perpetually switched off). This is now too big for me and I figure I can rent something for that very occasional show.

I want to stick with Ampeg and the SVT sound in particular. Will a PF-20T do this? I like the idea of going all tube. What small form factor cab will get me closest to that Ampeg 810 sound? I realise nothing will move air like an 8x10 but an 8x10, but I want something that will put a smile on my face. I did try the modern Portaflex cabs when they first came out (might have been a single 15) and wasn't impressed, but that was with one of those thin sounding class-D things.

Any thoughts and advice appreciated. I mostly play blues through to hard rock these days, with some metal on occasion when I want to feel 17 again.

Cheers!

I had to send back a new PF20! I wouldn’t go that route.

 

[Sparky Mark]

IME just about any bass amp of any power has the potential to piss off a partner and wake the baby/kids.

 

[coy garcia]

I've been a Mesa boogie all tube 400+ 115 and 210 guy for decades but so not anymore. Now I play a ampeg pf50t with my mesa 115 speaker. Last gig (large outdoor venue) I played my pf50t and my 115 speaker. The other band had a SVT and 810... We both had awesome sound through the house and on stage. My back was happier though. I wouldn't do a 20 watt version though seems too under powered. I also play blues, hard rock, and metal.

 

[Wasnex]

IME just about any bass amp of any power has the potential to piss off a partner and wake the baby/kids.

In my experience, the partner will be primarily concerned with size and visual aesthetics, but sometimes money is a big factor. It does not cost anything to keep the old gear.

The PF50T appears to be selling for right at $1,000. Looks like the PF210HE and PF112HLF are running about $450. I don't think you will get anything close recouping the expense by selling a SVT 3-Pro and 410HE. Plus IMHO the old rig is gigable in more situations, and it might be nice to make some occasional pocket change--or not.


Measurements:
PF210HE (23"x21"x14")
PF110HLF (19.9"x17.1"x13.1")
410HE (24"x25"x16")

Obviously the PF110HLF is the smallest, but is the difference in floor space really going be significant enough to justify the expense?