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Pre Fender SWR's

I experimented with JJ 803S reissues and loved the sound. But, because I run stereo (ERB work w/effects, etc) I found that the tubes aged at different rates and got noisy. I went straight back to my tried and true matched GT ECC83/7025 tubes. Perfect. IMO, Steve may have designed his circuits around this tube. I used to own a couple of GT Studio Bass Preamps (think SWR Studio 220 w/o the power section) and their user manuals recommended that tube.

Have a GT 12AX7 in it now, and it sounds really good to me. Pretty grindy and loud. This is with either a Jazz bass or Precision bass, sometimes with a clean boost from a pedal. I think it may be the original tube... :rolleyes: Used to use a NOS GE 5751 triple plate, buttery smooth but reduced output. Sounded nuthin' but creamy goodness in my old r&b thing, but my current hard rock place demands more. Plus, it was getting microphonic.
It gets into the bad distortion area sometimes, with lowered volume. Not pretty, but rare so far.
I run the GP with a Peavey DPC amp which, while not scalpel clean, suits me and was light and affordable. :D

Will look in to your recommendation.
Thanks.
 
I love my Mo'bass it's been used twice a week for the last three years never any issues. I'd love to pair it with a Swr 6x10 but she'll settle for the Ampeg 6x10 till one falls on my lap. I've wanted to swap it's tube I'm sure its the original still and although they don't diminish I'm wanting to try other tubes for fun. If she ever broke past repair costs I'd be forced to buy the Orange Ob1 but I know I'd always just crave mo's tones and want to go back. It's my sound.
 
Who started this thread dang it? I have a lot of admiration for my lil 800RB, but I think it is best doin' the boost thing, which I don't always want.
I guess the time has come for me to revisit SWR!
 
You are probably 99% correct!
The 800RB is definitely a nice
amp, then again I've owned some other nice amps as well.
I'm thinkin' my rig is a little aggressive, kinda wanna find
that sweet tone again.
Thinking about a Bass 350(non X). I don't believe the EQ points are the same as the Electric Blue though??
 
I have a newer 750x that Im a fan of. I havent taken much time to dial in my sound with it yet. I really dig it though. The built in overdrive is actually very usable to me. You can fuzz up the tone just a little and take some of the hi fi edge off the swr sound without loosing clarity. The only issue I have had with that amp is that I own too many other amps and I am always switching them around.

I have recently been extremely impressed by the sound swr combos can get!

I really think swr has a bit of a stigma attached to it. I think people identify the sound that guys like Marcus Miller have gotten out of them and just think thats the only thing they can do. In my limited experience that isnt the case.
 
I've had a 750X for about 10 years but I don't use the built in effects, I use mine with a SansAmp VT Bass DI pedal for a nice tubey sound. The key to getting a great EQ with that head is playing with the midrange/level knob. Just moving it a pinch causes drastic changes in the tone. I have used the head with different cabs but to me the ones it sounds best with are the SWR Goliath Sr. & the Ampeg SVT 810E.
 
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