/ Register

Need some last-minute input (vintage SVT content)

Discussion in 'Amps and Cabs [BG]' started by K-Funk, Jan 12, 2009.

Page 1 of 2
  1. Jan 12, 2009 #1
    K-Funk

    K-Funk

    Sep 24, 2007
    Auburn Hills, MI
    On Thursday, I'll likely be picking up my first vintage amp; an Ampeg SVT made somewhere between 1976 and 1978. It's in extremely clean shape, was just re-capped and retubed last year (the old power tubes were original and starting to go), and everything works perfectly.

    I'm curious about two things. First, how would one rate an SVT from this era in comparison to earlier SVT's? I've heard rumors that the Magnavox heads with the V9 designation (such as this one) had transformer issues, but I don't know if that's true. Any other input would be greatly appreciated! Also, how would a vintage SVT handle active 5-strings such as my Warwicks (going into my Mesa Diesel 215EV)?

    Second, my issue is somewhat subjective. Musically, I play a wide variety of styles, but mostly hang within the realms of reggae, jazz, indie-rock (such as Blur) and alt-rock (along the lines of Incubus, Deftones, 311, etc). However, I haven't really been satisfied with a number of solid-state amps I've tested, and I dig the warmth and dynamics of tubes. From what I've seen, most people who really dig SVT's primarily play classic rock, blues, heavy metal, etc. Would I be happy in the long run with the SVT? I've never been a vintage-nut; I've always preferred modern gear/sounds, but having gone through many different amps (out of dislike, not failure), methinks it may be time to try something different?
     
  2. Jan 12, 2009 #2
    anderbass

    anderbass

    Dec 20, 2005
    Phoenix. Az.
    Hey there K-Funk, (go for it !!!)
    Ive seen Psycho post he doesn't find much difference at all between any of his (multiple) SVT's made throughout the 70's.
     
  3. Jan 12, 2009 #3
    SanDiegoHarry

    SanDiegoHarry Inactive Supporting Member

    Aug 11, 2008
    San Diego, CA
    will you be happy? Who knows. The main thing that solid state/modern amps buy you, as far as sound goes, is quickness of response and cleanness of signal. If these are important to you - like you are slap-happy and want to do the whole Marcus Miller thing, well then you might not be happy in the long haul. I think with the trends in today's music, an SVT would be a fine amp - rapid fire slapping seems to be passe, and tone color has become important.

    Now, how your back enjoys and SVT is a different question. Those dogs are HEAVY!
     
  4. Jan 12, 2009 #4
    cripula

    cripula

    Dec 20, 2006
    Canada
    I don't know of any tranny issues with those heads. They're great. I have a 76 like yours and a 72 blue line and don't notice any real difference.

    The 76 has been in constant use since '99 or '00, and it's a road dog. I had my tech completely go through it when I bought it, never had a problem with it since.

    I think you'll be very happy with the SVT for the styles you listed. And if you aren't, I bet someone out there will be more than happy to take it off your hands...
     
  5. Jan 12, 2009 #5
    JimmyM

    JimmyM Supporting Member

    Apr 11, 2005
    Apopka, FL
    Endorsing: Yamaha, Ampeg, Line 6, EMG
    Once Ampeg switched over to 6550's instead of 6146's, the design remained pretty much the same until MTI bought it.

    The second question is more subjective. I love a good old SVT and have used them for anything from oldies to funk to whatever. I think you'll love it too, but if not, you can easily get what you paid for it, unless you're paying something ridiculous.
     
  6. Jan 12, 2009 #6
    K-Funk

    K-Funk

    Sep 24, 2007
    Auburn Hills, MI
    Thanks for the input! Right now it's just boiling down to tonal preference. I'm not into the Marcus Miller slapping-all-the-time style; in fact, I hardly ever slap except when messing around on my own. I'm all about taste, style, and space. However, it's the sound I'm concerned about.

    Many consider tube amps to be strictly for all-out overdriven rock and metal. I'm into squeaky-clean tones, but I need less "squeak" and more "fat". However, the SVT is known as a very aggressive beast, and I need a lot of smoothness and clarity. It's going for a fair price, but it's still a lot of amp to buy just to flip over again. I'm getting quite tired of changing amps like changing socks!
     
  7. Jan 12, 2009 #7
    anderbass

    anderbass

    Dec 20, 2005
    Phoenix. Az.
    You know a funny thing I just kinda realised after all these years? When my band is having an "off night", I think my bass tone totally sucks no mater what amp/cab/settings/bass I'm using. Then when the band is all clicking together again, my bass tone suddenly sounds really good for some strange reason... ;)
     
  8. Jan 12, 2009 #8
    johnk_10

    johnk_10 vintage bass nut Supporting Member Commercial User

    Feb 16, 2008
    Washington, Utah
    John K Custom Basses
    Personally, i think that the vintage SVT you describe will be the last bass amp that you'll buy. no one was ever sorry that they bought the best, and a mid 70's SVT is definitely one of the best bass amps ever produced.

    2 cents..........
     
  9. Jan 12, 2009 #9
    denton57

    denton57 Supporting Member

    Nov 1, 2005
    Arkansas
    Yeah, I havent even thought about a different head since I bought mine 18mo ago. I have thought of a mini-rig, say a B25 and a single 15, but never a different head for the big stuff. Its my one constant...I've been through about 10 basses since I bought my 73 head, but thats a different story!
     
  10. Jan 12, 2009 #10
    B-string

    B-string

    Nov 21, 2008
    Lake Havasu City, Az USA
    Fat and warm= SVT. Quick response-not really, add some outboard effects with a SVT and you can fit most styles.
     
  11. Jan 12, 2009 #11
    JimmyM

    JimmyM Supporting Member

    Apr 11, 2005
    Apopka, FL
    Endorsing: Yamaha, Ampeg, Line 6, EMG
    I really don't get that whole slow response thing with tube amps. Where does it come from?
     
  12. Jan 12, 2009 #12
    Kindness

    Kindness

    Oct 1, 2003
    Chicago
    Another dimension.
     
  13. Jan 12, 2009 #13
    B-string

    B-string

    Nov 21, 2008
    Lake Havasu City, Az USA
    Personal experience from me, it is not in the preamp. I have run the V4-B's preamp into my G-K 800rb's poweramp and the response is great. It shouldn't in an engineering stand point make good sense but I can only assume it is from the output transformer. If I had the inclination (which I really don't anymore) I would make a study of it. For most it is a non issue and not important to them.
    I have gotten used to the response time of solid state, I could not stand playing JBL D140's because of lag. Other's loved their D140's.
     
  14. Jan 12, 2009 #14
    K-Funk

    K-Funk

    Sep 24, 2007
    Auburn Hills, MI
    I know tube amps aren't "slow"; I've owned three so far. I think that their increased girth of tone can give the impression of lag, but I haven't experienced it (or noticed it, if it was occuring).

    The inner struggle continues yet.... And for the record, there is no way I'm going to own an 8x10 again. Back when I had my SVT Classic, I went out and bought an early-90's 810E cab (with the single input jack and old-school logo). It sounded decent, but it really didn't fit my sonic style, nor my vehicle :meh: For the most part I'll be using it with my Diesel 2x15EV 800-watt cab, but I may track down an NV215 in the future. As far as outboard effects, I may run an BBE 482i Sonic Maximizer and a dbx 266XL comp/gate, but that's about it. The 482i sounded great with my other tube amps.
     
  15. Jan 12, 2009 #15
    K-Funk

    K-Funk

    Sep 24, 2007
    Auburn Hills, MI
    I've got a couple of photos of the amp, just looking for a couple of opinions on some things. Firstly, it seems that there is a gap between the grill cloth and the control plate. Is that supposed to be there? In the second photo, you can see the back of the amp. It looks a bit rusty, is that an issue or simply mojo? The owner says everything works perfectly, no scratchy pots, jacks, or anything.

    http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u209/4string_priest/76SVT.jpg

    http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u209/4string_priest/76SVTback.jpg
     
  16. Jan 12, 2009 #16
    JimmyM

    JimmyM Supporting Member

    Apr 11, 2005
    Apopka, FL
    Endorsing: Yamaha, Ampeg, Line 6, EMG
    1. That gap isn't supposed to be there but it's common as the grill frame bows over the years. Not to worry.

    2. Mojo.
     
  17. Jan 12, 2009 #17
    K-Funk

    K-Funk

    Sep 24, 2007
    Auburn Hills, MI
    Is the grill frame the actual grill part, or the black bar between the grill and control plate? Sorry, I'm really new to SVT-land :meh:
     
  18. Jan 12, 2009 #18
    bluewine

    bluewine Inactive

    Sep 4, 2008
    WI
    That 76 SVT is really the only Bass Amp that does it all. Are using the 8 10 cab with it?
     
  19. Jan 13, 2009 #19
    K-Funk

    K-Funk

    Sep 24, 2007
    Auburn Hills, MI
    Nope. :smug:

    However, for the record, I've sealed the deal and I'll be bringing her home on Thursday. :hyper::hyper:
     
  20. Jan 13, 2009 #20
    JimmyM

    JimmyM Supporting Member

    Apr 11, 2005
    Apopka, FL
    Endorsing: Yamaha, Ampeg, Line 6, EMG
    The grill frame is the frame that the grillcloth is wrapped around. That black bar is a decorative part on the upper chassis. You'll see once you pop the grill out.
     
Page 1 of 2