New to the whole SVT thing!! So: Cl, VR, 2pro,3pro, or 4pro??

You haven't been in the music scene long have you?

Number 1, landing a legit record deal isn't that easy. There are tons of "labels" out there that will give you offers but the reality is, they are ran out of a broke guys living room that can't even pay his own rent, let alone help your band.

Then you have the legit record labels, that will just bend you over for everything you are worth, plus your dog and all of the hair that he has in your carpet.

Then you have the small percent of legit record labels that will really be a good deal for you and help you make your music career dreams come true.

As far as labels buying you amplifiers and the likes. It doesn't happen. Everything the label does, you pay for. FACT. They give you advances for whatever you like, however, you must realize these are basically just loans. You need to pay it all back eventually with album/merch sales. If you don't, you are in biiiig trouble. So yeah, they will tell you they are buying you these new, fancy, expensive amps but in reality they are just loaning you the money.

If you are in a successful band, many companies WILL sponsor (actually, most of the time they will allow you to endorse) them as a means of advertisement for the company.

What does that mean for you? It means you hardly ever get free gear. Many companies will offer you discounts (20-50%) but you ALMOST never get free gear unless you are headlining all across the country.

There is my dose of happiness for you.

 

To answer you question, I wouldn't go against any of them other than the 3PRO. I don't feel it would be loud enough for most bands (not mine at least.)

All of the others should give you plenty volume, though. I'm also sure that you wouldn't be dissapointed in the tones of any of them.

If you like tube overdrive you could go with any of the all tubers and I'm sure your results would at least be comparable from amp to amp. I believe the 2-PRO would be the most versatile due to the graphic eq.

If you like massive amounts of clean to make your ears bleed the 4-PRO is right up your alley.

Remember, you can always add distortions with a box, but it can be very difficult and expensive to take it away.

 

I'd say that's REALLY new to the scene... I've been playing for 13 years (which is still VERY new) and the music world has been turned on its head in that time. Getting signed doesn't do anything for you these days, at least not in the way you mentioned. Getting endorsements is also difficult unless you can prove you are dedicated, loyal, and can give the company exposure. If you go in expecting free stuff, you will be sorely disappointed. There are no 'stimulus packages' or 'bailouts' in the music world. Have fun and work hard... it's a long and hard road in the music world, but you eventually find that hard work and fun can go hand-in-hand. I play with 4 bands and also do freelance and studio work. It's a pain balancing it all sometimes, but it's worth every minute knowing that I'm creating music and fostering relationships with my fellow musicians. If you do manage to score free stuff somehow, more power to you.

 

The probability or you getting signed is very low. Expecting free gear and support is like leaving the porch light on for Jimmy Hoffa. Sorry.

 

You want the SVT-II (non pro).

 

KEWL, I got a record deal from Music-Go-Round so it is possible. Sorry nobody buys your rig or moves it for you unless you list it on Craig's List. DA Band pays all those guys.

 

they'll pay you alright, but with the money you owe them. read the fine print and always count your fingers after shaking hands! played through the classic and the 2pro. if your that fresh go with the 2pro because you'll have more options, and you'll need them to change your sound as your musical palette expands.

 

I'm a 4-Pro guy all the way. I've owned a CL, and a V-4, and while they were just awesome amps, the versatility of the 4-Pro has always led me back to one.

 

Hey twdavis13,

If you already have your mind made up that you want to go with Ampeg, then my post won't have much value for you. But if you are open to considering amps that are hand wired all-tube amps made in the USA (instead of mass produced amps made on the other side of the Pacific Ocean such as the Ampeg amps), you may wish to consider the Reeves Custom 225. It has no PCB's (printed circuit boards). Each amp is hand wired using turret board construction, and it's an all tube design based on the 60's and 70's Hiwatt. The price is $2499, and the only place you can buy them is directly from Reeves (reevesamps.com)

You can read about them by clicking on the reviews once you get to the Custom 225 webpage.

I had an Ampeg SVT-CL. I bought it brand new about five years ago. It was okay, but nothing to write home about. I ended up selling it. It didn't seem to have the tone that Ampeg touted it to have.

Anyway, those are my two cents for what it's worth. Good luck in your music project!

 

I don't have a record deal, but when I'm on the road, someone sets up an SVT and takes it away for me They're rented, though.

But nowadays, smart bands keep roadies to a minimum and lug their gear themselves and keep more of the money. Who cares if people see you lugging gear?

 

You've listed a bunch of Ampeg heads, but haven't distinguished between the all-tube vs. the hybrids. Do you know which you prefer? And, you left out the ONE hybrid that has it all, the 6Pro. (well, 3Pro too, but with much less power). If you want an all-tube tone, the 2 Pro's hard to beat. If you want a super clean hybrid tone, the 4Pro's your amp. But, if you want what's in the middle, ( tube-driven MOSFETS), the 3 and 6Pro are the only 2 choices. (also, my choice). It makes a huge tonal difference having the solid state power section driven by a tube stage. Still a very clean tone, but with that little something extra. Anyway, enough, just thought I'd fill in the blanks a bit.

 

depends on what music youre playing. super loud stoner metal id say get the SVT-VR, and if youre playing hardcore/metalcore go with the 4pro.

or try and find an old SVT from the 70s.

 

I think you have two awakenings coming to you. The first is the "Death" of the Record Industry, which truly began around '01 and it's barely breathing right now. When humongous bands like Radiohead "give away" their albums, you know something is up. CDs are promo for live gigs nowadays. Record companies are pimps. Look at how many "American Idol" artists are in the top charts. A LOT. Record companies have to do ZERO promo and legwork for them as the TV's already done it. The second revelation will be how heavy Ampeg gear is to lug around! Go to the store and lift a few of them for an idea. I am now playing an SVT Classic and it's godly, but lifting that 85 lbs is ridiculous. And like everyone else said above--YOU are gonna be lifting it for a while. Like years or decades most likely. If you want to eat, you will probably choose another career.

 

WOW, this is really depressing. It just motivated me to start a thread.

BOB