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New SVT rig!

nonogz

nonogz

May 9, 2009
181
6
#1
So Ive been dead set on an aguilar 751 and a couple db212 cabs....while that's still something I want, it can definitely wait for now.

I found an (SLM) svt-CL and a 610hlf on Craigslist for $1,100. I figured there'd be something wrong with it that'd I would have to replace or repair. Let's just say it's in excellent condition. The amp literally doesn't have a scratch on it. New tubes, too.

I played a gig the other night and holy Moses it sounded amazing. I play a mix of rock, reggae, hip hop....mainly reggae with my primary band, though. Man, it was heavenly.

Now I have to just learn about tubes....zero experience with them up until now. Is there a link someone could provide with a complete guide to changing/maintaining tubes? Just something for a complete noob basically. I want to really learn the ins and outs so I can work on it myself.

Anyway, proud to be a part of the Ampeg comminity haha. Just floored by the tone so far, and I haven't even got to really play with it yet!

PS-shout out to jimmym for answering all the questions I before making this purchase!
 

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#2
Tube aren't particularly difficult or problematic to maintain. Just use common sense.

Don't subject it to physical trauma. Give it a few minutes to adjust to big temperature swings. Make sure it's on standby for minute or so before powering up.
preamp tubes can last a long time, they'll let you know when they have a problem - they can go microphonic (translate physical vibration to sound) or sound funny or quit.
Depending on how hard you drive the thing, power tubes can last anywhere from 2 to 10 years or more. It's a good idea to have a tech who knows how to set bias do the power tubes.
I own several tube amps, and they require minimal fussing to be honest.
 
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#3
What a find! It looks about as mint as you can find. Obviously the previous owner took great care of it.

Tubes can last years. Don't change them unless you need to. Any regular gigging amp requires preventative maintenance. Having a tech check it out before a tour is good. It isn't just about the tubes. The power supply needs to be checked. Periodic cleaning of metal-to-metal contacts (jacks, tube sockets) and pots needs to be done. This is part of standard maintenance that applies to any amp.

With any vintage amp, get a copy of the correct schematic so that anyone working on it can use it as a reference. The power tube bias needs to be checked about once a year. Instructions on how to do this are on some amps and on the schematics.
 
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#4
^ Yeah , pretty much what they said. The big one for tube amps..... Do NOT turn on the power until you have the speakers connected. The output transformer needs to have a load hooked up to it or it can go poof. I've had my SVT cl for a couple of years now and absolutely love the thing. There's just nothing I have ever heard that sounds better to my ears. My body keeps trying to tell me that I'm too darn old to be hauling this heavy thing around but fortunately , my ears won't listen to that crap. ;)
Welcome to the club.
 
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#5
sharkbait130 said:
^ Yeah , pretty much what they said. The big one for tube amps..... Do NOT turn on the power until you have the speakers connected. The output transformer needs to have a load hooked up to it or it can go poof. I've had my SVT cl for a couple of years now and absolutely love the thing. There's just nothing I have ever heard that sounds better to my ears. My body keeps trying to tell me that I'm too darn old to be hauling this heavy thing around but fortunately , my ears won't listen to that crap. ;)
Welcome to the club.
Click to expand...
Maybe we should start an 'Old Guys With SVTs' club. No young whiners allowed. :D
 
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#10
Looks like you scored a great deal. Question, what year was the amp made and were the tubes ever replaces? I bought mine in 2007 and the tubes lasted about 4 years. I changed them out with winged C's and some Mesa pre amp and wish I had bought more Winged C's for when these go. I have 1 power tube that my tech guesses will go sometime this year sadly.

Anyone recommend a solid substitute for Winged C's?
 
#11
Slpbass81 said:
Looks like you scored a great deal. Question, what year was the amp made and were the tubes ever replaces? I bought mine in 2007 and the tubes lasted about 4 years. I changed them out with winged C's and some Mesa pre amp and wish I had bought more Winged C's for when these go. I have 1 power tube that my tech guesses will go sometime this year sadly.

Anyone recommend a solid substitute for Winged C's?
Click to expand...

They were changed about a year ago and have very little hours on them. EH power tubes and JJ's for the 3 other ones? Preamp? I don't even know how many are in there honestly.
 

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