I love the sound of my SVT classic, but tired to lugging it around and having to pay a lot of money to re-tube it (plus it's just really loud). The fan has also gotten extremely noisy. I play a lot of funk/ soul, plus some rock, jazz, reggae, etc.... My main bass is a Fender 50th Anniversary P-bass (w/ maple neck) and my cabinets are Eden (2 2X10 and a 15). I also play a Tobias growler 4 string. I really like the vintage tube sound, but would like something more light weight and I've been thinking about going with a hybrid (tube preamp/ solid state power amp). Any recommendations? I've been looking at the SVT 3 PRO and the Mesa walkabout. I like Eden, but not sure if that's the sound I'm looking for. I don't want a "modern" sound (super clean and glassy), but instead a "warm" sound (not distorted). Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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replacing my SVT Classic
- Thread starter funkzone
- Start date
I play an SVT classic, and I will venture to say that there isn't a lot out there that does what it does(aside from MY vintage V-4). I have heard a lot of Guys around here rave about the Genz Streamliner and SVT 7 pro, saying that they'll get pretty close to the tone and vibe.
IME- I haven't personally found anything that'll cop every aspect of the "SVT thing" without having an all tube power section, and even some of the all tube offerings from other manufacturers sound really good but they dont do the "SVT thing".
IME- I haven't personally found anything that'll cop every aspect of the "SVT thing" without having an all tube power section, and even some of the all tube offerings from other manufacturers sound really good but they dont do the "SVT thing".
I own an SVT-CL also, and have owned the III PRO as a backup. While the two can sound somewhat similar, I wouldn't replace my CL with the III indefinitely because by the time you rack it up, perhaps add a power conditioner, you aren't really saving a great deal of weight.
I have considered a GK 700/1001RBII with a VT Deluxe as a lighter weight alternative, but I also know I would miss the tone that only an all-tube SVT can give.
I don't have much experience with Mesa, other than I love what I have heard. No help here. Good luck!!
I have considered a GK 700/1001RBII with a VT Deluxe as a lighter weight alternative, but I also know I would miss the tone that only an all-tube SVT can give.
I don't have much experience with Mesa, other than I love what I have heard. No help here. Good luck!!
I would look at the GB Streamliner. The Walkabout is a great option too, but it may not have the headroom you need.
To get my Walkabout up to a gigging volume it's no longer a clean sound. More speaker may help me with that, but I like it just fine the way it is. The Streamliner on the other hand has a huge amount of headroom and a nice OD if you like that sort of thing.
To get my Walkabout up to a gigging volume it's no longer a clean sound. More speaker may help me with that, but I like it just fine the way it is. The Streamliner on the other hand has a huge amount of headroom and a nice OD if you like that sort of thing.
What size/ type of speakers do you use? Also- how large of a band do you play with and what size rooms? Thanks!
- Feb 16, 2008
- 21,240
- 23,636
- Disclosures
- John K Custom Basses
i'm currently using a Streamliner 900 in place of one of my two SVT's (a '69 and an '07 VR), and it's sounding great. it's not exactly an SVT (and my SVT's are not going anywhere), but it does have a nice tube tone and response that i'm very happy with (and the 2AM load outs from the local clubs are a alot easier with it 
)
that said, i have an SVT7 Pro due to be delivered tomorrow so i can compare the two to my SVT's. i've heard nothing but good things about the SVT7 Pro, so i thought that i'd take a chance on one.
)that said, i have an SVT7 Pro due to be delivered tomorrow so i can compare the two to my SVT's. i've heard nothing but good things about the SVT7 Pro, so i thought that i'd take a chance on one.
At a gig I'll use a pair of Bag End S15D's. 3 piece band (guitar/bass/drums) we mainly play small/medium bars without PA support.
For band practice I'll just lug the Walkabout Scout 12, which is plenty for a rehearsal. Depending on the bass I'm using it'll get pretty gritty though.
One of the main complaints from Walkabout users is the clean headroom, or lack of. I'm fine with it, but I like a gritty/overdriven tone.
SVT 7 Pro is quite good and probably the closest I've heard, although admittedly I haven't played some of the newer stuff like the Streamliner. But I've given up trying to find a sub for the SVT tube amps, and I'm a full-on tube snob again just because it's that good and I can't stand not to hear myself that good anymore
i'm currently using a Streamliner 900 in place of one of my two SVT's (a '69 and an '07 VR), and it's sounding great. it's not exactly an SVT (and my SVT's are not going anywhere), but it does have a nice tube tone and response that i'm very happy with (and the 2AM load outs from the local clubs are a alot easier with it
that said, i have an SVT7 Pro due to be delivered tomorrow so i can compare the two to my SVT's. i've heard nothing but good things about the SVT7 Pro, so i thought that i'd take a chance on one.
I'm excited to hear your review, as mine (and new 810E) should be in next week.
Yes, please let me know about the SVT7 pro after you get a chance to try it out!
I've come to the conclusion that the only way to really make the best decision is to take my bass and speaker cabinets out to some music stores to try out the combination.
I've come to the conclusion that the only way to really make the best decision is to take my bass and speaker cabinets out to some music stores to try out the combination.
Totally. Luckily playing one of the most common cabinets and basses (810E / Fender Mexi Jazz) made it pretty easy for me to decide.
I've never owned an SVT, but I've played through quite a few of SVT/810 Backlines and was always blown away on how good they sounded in a live situation for playing rock and roll / reggae / punk / soul, etc.
- Feb 16, 2008
- 21,240
- 23,636
- Disclosures
- John K Custom Basses
i've always had a hard time testing amps in music stores. there's usually too much noise, i don't have my basses with me and my other amps (that i KNOW sound great) to compare them to, so i usually just buy one and test it at home and then on the gig. if it ends up not being my cup of tea, then i just sell it.
I may have wheeled an SVT7 and 810E into the "vault" of my local GC where you can shut the door and everyone leaves you alone.
There's always the old "Preamp + Power Amp" option...
The Tech21 VT pedal (deservedly) gets rave reviews here, or you might be able to score an Ampeg tube pre.
The Tech21 VT pedal (deservedly) gets rave reviews here, or you might be able to score an Ampeg tube pre.
Ya, the gig is the real test for sure, although there's a lot to be said for a piece of gear that impresses you in adverse conditions like a music store. But the gig really brings out the weaknesses.
It took me quite a while to discern the difference between "sounds good" and "works well in the mix".
SVT 7 Pro is quite good and probably the closest I've heard, although admittedly I haven't played some of the newer stuff like the Streamliner. But I've given up trying to find a sub for the SVT tube amps, and I'm a full-on tube snob again just because it's that good and I can't stand not to hear myself that good anymore
+1,000,000
I really dig my PF and composite cab. It has great tone and is light weight. That said there will never be a replacement for my all tube head and big cab. Its not just volume, its not just tone, its not just the feel. It is some combination of of all those that makes you go "#uck! yeah!" and rock out.
