So I have an opportunity to trade my SWR Goliath Sr. 6x10 for an SWR Super Redhead. I'm getting rid of the cab mainly because I just bought an Ampeg 810, but this Redhead looks really appealing! In terms of value, is this a good trade for me?
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I'd do it, I loved my Super Redhead!!! I'd guess the redhead is worth a bit more.
I'm gonna do it! Need a smaller rig for when I go on tour anyway!
I would definitely try it first. It's a pretty polarizing amp. I couldn't get anything out of one. Ymmv
I struggled with an SWR amp way longer than I should have. One day I went to see an excellent local group and the bass player was using a Redhead. I swear, I couldn't hear the guy! No presence whatsoever. I'd pass on anything SWR. So many better choices these days. Did I mention that the Redhead is heavy as snot?
WOW! I keep hearing guys speak on the RedHead as an inferior amp and I must say I find it intriguing. I suppose context is really important here but I have owned a Super Red Head since '97 and then in 2013 I purchased a used RedHead (the last iteration with the tube D.I.) and have had NONE of the issues many TB'rs have complained about. I believe the OP should at least try it and see what HE thinks. But I've NEVER had issues about not being heard onstage or lack of presence.....or any of the complaints many guys here seem to have had. I will agree that they are fairly heavy.....but they NEVER break!! They are very versatile and easy to use. I always get compliments on my tone when using one of my RedHeads.
I'm sure you've had good results with one. I think my greater emphasis is on the gains amps have made since the Redhead. I respect your experiences and am sure the Redhead made happy campers out of many players. But I personally would seek another choice. Just my limited opinion.
In the final analysis, if you love it, go for it!
I'd do it. I had a SRH for a few years. Keep in mind that the SRH won't feel too much lighter than the Goliath Sr. as it is a bulky amp to move, IME.
To my mind, the twin Reverb for bass. Make sure it's solid, has the casters and the locking front hard cover, and have a ball. Were a bit pricey new, but for the current used market prices, you could do FAR worse for a combo for a used one in great shape. Not tons of deep, deep end, but what 210 does?
There are quite a few that do have a nice extended bottom end.
I think it's a no brainer. I bought a Goliath Sr cab used for $400 and sold mine after getting an 810e. I'd guess used value of the redhead in good condition is around $600. Also I doubt you'll use the 610 much if at all now that you have the 810e. The 810e while bigger was easier for me to move because the 610 was actually too short to be a tilt and roll style cab for me personally. I'd have to hunch over to roll it around where with the 810 I can stand straight up. To add, the red head gives you bigger variety. It'll be great for playing at home and smaller gigs like acoustic jams and coffee houses(basically situations where the 810 is overkill)
I have a hard time understanding the badmouthing, too. My main rig for several years was a Redhead into a Triad. It was a great rig. I just let it go because I wasn't gigging anymore and it was in the way.
I had the original Red Head and it was lacking headroom. I played a Super Red Head about 3 years ago and it was much louder and sounded great. The original SWR stuff of 25 years ago had great tone but was always lacking in power even the old 900 I played once you had to bridge the speaker with a banana jack to get enough power. Try the Amp.
Very true. I use to have to bridge my 900 always in order to be satisfied with its output.
I had the original RedHead (not Super) about 20 years ago. Couldn't reproduce the lows of the 5-string basses I was playing at the time. I remember it being kind of noisy, too. Definitely biased towards a scooped-mid kind of tone. I've heard the Super was better in these areas.
If you like the sound of 2x10s particularly SWRs then that's a plus.
The amp section is excellent.
However. There are many lighter options though not for trade that can out perform the whole Redhead package and weigh less.
It's still a great piece.
SWRs suffer from user error very often.
Here's what to do:
Dial tweeter to barely on. Now rig is full range.
Pre cranked til light flashes back off a hair.
Aural E off or no more than 11:00.
Limiter/compressor off.
Eq flat.
Dial treble back a hair.
Crank Master.
Try that for a few sessions. Opens up and showcases your bass and technique.
The amp section is excellent.
However. There are many lighter options though not for trade that can out perform the whole Redhead package and weigh less.
It's still a great piece.
SWRs suffer from user error very often.
Here's what to do:
Dial tweeter to barely on. Now rig is full range.
Pre cranked til light flashes back off a hair.
Aural E off or no more than 11:00.
Limiter/compressor off.
Eq flat.
Dial treble back a hair.
Crank Master.
Try that for a few sessions. Opens up and showcases your bass and technique.
They are incredibly durable amps. I couldn't kill mine.
The tone just wasn't anything to get excited about. It wasn't "bad". It just wasn't good either. Just sort of nondescript.
The tone just wasn't anything to get excited about. It wasn't "bad". It just wasn't good either. Just sort of nondescript.
In a rock setting/mix, I thought it did very well. It didn't have killer low end. But, that wasn't an issue because I was DI'ed to FOH. I think you'll like it.
I'd buy one again.
I'd buy one again.
Yes, I'd take the Super Redhead, a nice combo. I've owned and played SWR for years. Beware the preamp EQ sections can take a while to master before you get a satisfying tone. Also, they can be heavy, but I don't think that is a major concern for you if you've been schlepping a 6X10 around. I've since moved on to class D and neodymium for easy transport reasons. (so glad I did.)
I've never played through a SWR amp, but there is a guy that regularly posts his GR's here that gets backlined with a 2x10 SWR occasionally. He has always said positive things about it.
Might be the difference between having PA support or not.
SWR amps are easy to work on. I've been occasionally looking for a broken one on the cheap.
Might be the difference between having PA support or not.
SWR amps are easy to work on. I've been occasionally looking for a broken one on the cheap.
