Yes. You can run it very clean if you want. Having said that, I also own a Mesa TT800 that is KILLER. 3 Preamp tubes, 2 channels and it can run dead clean or completely overdriven!
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.
Suggestions- Fender Rumble vs Ampeg SVT CL/V4B
- Thread starter Buck_BassMan94
- Start date
One of the perks of the bigger cab is that you don't have to push it all that hard yet it disperses the sound really well.
I use a V4B thru Bassman 115 often. And even thru just a one 115 it'll still keep up with all but the bashiest of drummers.
Using 2 15s or just getting the cab up so it ain't blowing past yr knees is also key
From what I’m gathering is this…
Everyone seems to be generally favoring either of the possible Ampeg set ups opposed to the Rumble. Rumbles only real advantage is weight. V4B wins the “middle ground”. And SVT would be the “bid dawg”, but is definitely controllable in small settings.
Got a lot to think about but appreciate y’all’s feedback!
Everyone seems to be generally favoring either of the possible Ampeg set ups opposed to the Rumble. Rumbles only real advantage is weight. V4B wins the “middle ground”. And SVT would be the “bid dawg”, but is definitely controllable in small settings.
Got a lot to think about but appreciate y’all’s feedback!
Update: A WL at another local church informed me they have an SVT w/ cabinet that they are not using. Said I could take it for a test drive to see if I like it. I live in a small rural town so this is really quite the stroke of luck. Feeling blessed and excited to get the opportunity to try it out in my natural playing environment and with my band mates.
I’ll let yall know how it goes!
I’ll let yall know how it goes!
Score!
Tbh, imo, there's mostly good things when using that rig. The sound is warm and enveloping, and coz its up near yr ears, it's very easy to hear yourself without being overly loud.
I s'pose if you're after tweeter type highs, you'd want a different cab... or an 810 WITH a tweeter.
Again imo, the only real down side is the weight of the amp and the size of the cab. Which many find easier to schlep than smaller cabs due to its wheels and size. I don't.
The main reason I bought my Fender Super Bassman is that it is 20lbs lighter than an SVT VR, which was the other amp on my list, and that it could do 8 ohms.
But, yes, if you can handle the size and weight, there ain't much better imo
It sounds like you lucked out with the local SVT. I'll be the odd one out and say that I've really enjoyed my Rumble mini stack. I will admit I've never had the pleasure of playing through an SVT so feel free to disregard my opinion.
I spent the early 2000s hauling around boat anchors. I can't imagine ever owning an 80 pound head. To each their own though. I'm sure it'll sound fantastic!
I spent the early 2000s hauling around boat anchors. I can't imagine ever owning an 80 pound head. To each their own though. I'm sure it'll sound fantastic!
That’s a good looking rig! I love my Rumble 500c. The quest for tubes is less about the Rumble and more about the quest for experiences I guess
An SVT definitely IS an experience!
Unlikely that you will be able to run it anywhere near the “power amp saturation” sweet spot so be aware of that.
I ran an SVT-CL for years through a 215 and really liked it.
Unlikely that you will be able to run it anywhere near the “power amp saturation” sweet spot so be aware of that.
I ran an SVT-CL for years through a 215 and really liked it.
Definitely a viable option! I hadn’t really thought of going with Fender tubes but I need to look into it more. The hybrid set up would certainly be a nice compromise!
I haven’t had the chance to meet up with the local WL and try the SVT. However, my wife wanted to go to Nashville for a day trip with our kids so I was able to sneak to Corner Music for a few minutes. They had a V4B and it did NOT disappoint. I didn’t take the time to look at the cab closely, but I think it was a 1x15. I imagine my impressions would be even more positive with my desired 6x10.
With minimal effort I was able to get just about any useable tone I could think of. I could have stood to have just slightly more clean headroom. But, that being said it’s plenty loud and flexible enough for my purposes. With the master dimed, and the gain at 9-10 o’clock I felt like I was being obnoxiously loud in the store (and didn’t keep it that loud for long because of it). Definitely loud enough for a band with even 1/2 way decent PA. Plus, the ability to drive the tubes without destroying windows is well worth the compromise.
I haven’t tried the SVT yet, but honestly after today I think it would just be way too loud for my uses. As much as I like the nostalgia and prestige of the SVT/Fridge, today proved I just want the Ampeg tone, and different tools are better for different jobs.
I’m a slow decision maker, but today helped take a step forward I think.
With minimal effort I was able to get just about any useable tone I could think of. I could have stood to have just slightly more clean headroom. But, that being said it’s plenty loud and flexible enough for my purposes. With the master dimed, and the gain at 9-10 o’clock I felt like I was being obnoxiously loud in the store (and didn’t keep it that loud for long because of it). Definitely loud enough for a band with even 1/2 way decent PA. Plus, the ability to drive the tubes without destroying windows is well worth the compromise.
I haven’t tried the SVT yet, but honestly after today I think it would just be way too loud for my uses. As much as I like the nostalgia and prestige of the SVT/Fridge, today proved I just want the Ampeg tone, and different tools are better for different jobs.
I’m a slow decision maker, but today helped take a step forward I think.
Well, after a year of patiently searching I found my deal. I had a 4 string Musicman Stingray being unplayed (I had upgraded to a Stingray 5 a while ago). Luckily, I was able to find someone wanting to trade an Ampeg SVT CL and 410HLF for the 4 string Musicman. Wow! I’m blown away by the tones and shear power of this beast!
