NAD! (Warning: Blueline SVT content)

About 6 months ago, I started GASing for an all-tube Ampeg. I spent lots of nights cruising Craigslist, the TB classifieds, and eBay looking for a solid deal on an SVT-CL, which seemed like my only option (financially and availability-wise). Last week, I stumbled upon an old Craigslist entry for an old Ampeg SVT head and 8x10. I emailed the poster, who directed me to call the owner, a friend of his who he had posted the ad for. I asked if he'd be willing to sell the head separately from the cab, since I had neither the need or the space for an 8x10. He politely declined, and I figured that was the end of it.

Several minutes later, he called me back and said he'd be willing to part with just the head. I told him I'd drive down to meet him (about 4 hours away from where I live) to check the amp out later in the week. I went down to NC today and met the coolest old guy ever. His name was Butch, he had a garage full of old guitars and basses (he let me play his '68 P bass!), and he had a ton of cool stories. He recorded in New York in the 70's with some bigger acts, and toured the US, Caribbean, and Europe with Bob Hope's USO show, as well. Tons of memorabilia and the coolest attitude, and he could just slay the bass.

Then he led me over to the amp. Now, the photo in the Craigslist ad was not great. I thought it was an early black-line SVT in rougher cosmetic shape. What I saw literally shocked me. A blue-line SVT, in the flesh, sitting on an 8x10.

Anyways, I plugged his P-bass into the amp, and knew I had to have it. Then I plugged my Jaguar into the amp. It was the tone I had been searching for, dreaming of, and desiring since I picked up a bass six years ago. This was the one. I asked him how much he wanted for it, and gladly forked over the cash for the privilege of taking this beauty home with me. It's definitely not perfect cosmetically, with worn tolex and labels. It needs some TLC (mostly cleaning-related, as the inside is insanely dusty and some of the controls scratchy), some new preamp tubes, and a three-prong cord conversion. But it works. And I paid....wait for it.....$800 for it. I am insanely happy, made a new friend, and I'm sure my amp GAS is cured for life.

 

Thanks everyone!

It has 6550s. So, mid-1970 or 71 model? I haven't gotten to open it up to check component dates, yet.

Yup, they're ceramic and sound really nice with the SVT. It's actually not my cab; I borrowed it from a friend for a show and haven't gotten around to returning it.

 

Thanks! I have to say, it is the best sounding amp I've heard in my entire life, and I feel so fortunate to have gotten it at the price I did. Good luck with your search!