Get the SWR! I have been a SWR fan for years. I had to finally sell my heavy SWR combos due to weight, but still play thru SWR 1x12 & 1x15 cabinets.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
It's a great amp, but I would recommend you play it first and give a try before exchanging the cab for it. The SRH does have a unique sound to say the least. I am a fan of SWR (I currently play through a 550X and a Henry 8X8) gear but I've never seen any brand that is right for everyone. Hope it works out for you.
Every time I heard someone using one of the Redhead amps, I was impressed. A lot of Nashville guys used them and they were well-regarded.
I had a couple of SWR amps and never had a single problem, plus they sounded much more hi-fi than most of the things people used to play.
I had a couple of SWR amps and never had a single problem, plus they sounded much more hi-fi than most of the things people used to play.
Oh I used to love that thing back in the 90's !
had one for several years, used it on some records with great results!
It does have character, but very usable. if you use a lot of pedals, you might not like it, but give it a shot, those are really nice sounding amps.
had one for several years, used it on some records with great results!
It does have character, but very usable. if you use a lot of pedals, you might not like it, but give it a shot, those are really nice sounding amps.
I have one of the newer Super Redheads with the tube DI and 400W power section. Absolutely love it. The only thing I've done to it was change tubes as they wore out. I've used it with a Triad as an extension cab which is good, but I have a matching 2-10 and the amp is great with that extension cab. Pushes the wattage up to 650W. It is a fairly clean tone, but you can get some light grind out of it by pushing the gain if you want.
It and my Ampeg SVT and V4B have been the mainstays in my amp arsenal.
One thing to watch for, the SWR 2-10 extension cabinet was out of phase with the Redhead so I had to open it up and reverse the speaker wiring. She booms after I fixed it. Just something to think of if you ever use an extension cab with it.
It and my Ampeg SVT and V4B have been the mainstays in my amp arsenal.
One thing to watch for, the SWR 2-10 extension cabinet was out of phase with the Redhead so I had to open it up and reverse the speaker wiring. She booms after I fixed it. Just something to think of if you ever use an extension cab with it.
John Paul Jones used one on tour in 2004.......
Just sayin.....
Just sayin.....
I was never able to get a good tone or volume out of a super redhead. Couldn't pay me to take one of those things.
I had an original Red Head from 1992 to 1995. I upgraded to a SWR Bass 350 with the 8x8 cabinet. But I loved my Red Head. And the old Red Heads were only 250 watts I believe.
They're cool amps, but I never had luck getting it to fit the way I want in a mix. For my needs, a 2x10 is simply just not enough booty.
I know you can throw another cab underneath, perhaps a matching 210 if possible.
I've since moved on to the SWR SM900 when it comes to SWR gear. It's fantastic, but not exactly relevant for this thread.
If it can meet your needs, you'll love it. However, it doesn't have alot of low end to offer.
I know you can throw another cab underneath, perhaps a matching 210 if possible.
I've since moved on to the SWR SM900 when it comes to SWR gear. It's fantastic, but not exactly relevant for this thread.
If it can meet your needs, you'll love it. However, it doesn't have alot of low end to offer.
I had one on loan for a while way back---sounded OK for the gig I was in (americana, folk/rock) but nothing to write home about, for me personally. But yeah, it's damn heavy! I agree--many better sounding options out there today that way a lot less!
If you have a use for the Redhead and none for your 6x10 then go ahead.
For myself I've never played through an SWR amp that I liked. I honestly don't get what all the fuss was about them. There's a very good reason that they went out of business - not enough people bought their stuff when it mattered to keep the company afloat. If the SWR fails you may be stuck for replacement parts.
For myself I've never played through an SWR amp that I liked. I honestly don't get what all the fuss was about them. There's a very good reason that they went out of business - not enough people bought their stuff when it mattered to keep the company afloat. If the SWR fails you may be stuck for replacement parts.
I loved everything about the a Redhead except how heavy it was. If I remember it was around 90 pounds, which is the reason I no longer have it. Great sound IMO
I had an SWR Basic Black combo which was great for what it was. Stolen. Also had an SM 900 which I ran through 2 Eden 15's--loved that sound. Downsized. The Redhead is a bit of a different animal, but has that SWR clean sound that might lack a little mojo for some peoples tastes. Kind of unforgiving in a way. I'm thinking you might be better off putting the money towards a head to power your 810 if thou don't already have one and go for a newer 210 or 112 Class D combo for rehearsals and the smaller stages. Just a thought.
Never liked the tone of my super redhead either. Blew a speaker at low volume. Ended up selling. Later I bought a 350 head at a great price. Sold that too. Finally realized I didn't care for swr.
"Clean" to me equals a lack of harmonic content. Years ago I was on the hunt for a new amp and a particular local shop showed me an SWR Bass 220(I think) and a GK800rb. I much preferred the GK and he looked at me like I was nuts! I remember when the SWR was hooked up there was tremendous cone excursion but no punch. With the 800rb the cones were much more stationary but the punch was there. Also bought an EDEN d410t that day. Glad I passed on the SWR and I might suggest that the GK800rb is a much more coveted used amp than the SWR. Still, different strokes..
Their business decisions are separate from their sound quality. Are they gone because of Fender's poor management? Their reputation was made when they were a small boutique maker. Rabe offered us systems that were pro and sturdy and transparent. You don't have to like their stuff though. To each his own. I didn't like every model at all. Except for a BBII and a modified LA-8 I moved on a long while ago!
