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SVT-2pro vs Bassman 300 Pro

O

oinkbanana

Oct 20, 2011
291
4
#1
how do these two amps compare?
I've been looking to unload my SVT-2pro (since I now got the ultimate Ampeg tone with my new SVT-VR) and have been offered a Fender Bassman 300Pro in exchange. Ideally i just sell the 2pro, but not a nibble in 3 weeks....

I'm attracted to the fact that it can handle 8ohms, but how does it sound in comparison?
will I be left wanting to unload it compared to my SVT-VR like I amp now with the 2pro?
is it an uptrade/downtrade/lateral move.
how's it compare in volume - I LOVE it when it's lthe louderiest (yup, i said the louderiest)
:bassist:
 
#2
I've never played the VR, but am VERY familiar with the "peg" tone these amps deliver. I currently own a 300 Pro.

The biggest argument you will hear against the 300 (aside from the usual size and weight complaints in regards to tube amps) is that there are too many controls. In addition to the basic bass and treble controls, there are two blendable channels (clean, distortion) along with EQ and compression controls. Tonally, it can do anything you can imagine....LITERALLY anything. As far as volume is concerned, its the loudest amp I've played. Also, it can run at 8, 4, and 2 ohms...yes, that means you can run 2 8x10s if you ever felt the need to start an earthquake. And considering Fender is coming out with a new line of Super Bassmans, it may not be around forever. I would snag one if I were in your position.
 
#3
brndn123 said:
I've never played the VR, but am VERY familiar with the "peg" tone these amps deliver. I currently own a 300 Pro.

The biggest argument you will hear against the 300 (aside from the usual size and weight complaints in regards to tube amps) is that there are too many controls. In addition to the basic bass and treble controls, there are two blendable channels (clean, distortion) along with EQ and compression controls. Tonally, it can do anything you can imagine....LITERALLY anything. As far as volume is concerned, its the loudest amp I've played. Also, it can run at 8, 4, and 2 ohms...yes, that means you can run 2 8x10s if you ever felt the need to start an earthquake. And considering Fender is coming out with a new line of Super Bassmans, it may not be around forever. I would snag one if I were in your position.
Click to expand...

+1

Incredibly versatile head. Loved it, but the weight killed me. Had it in a Pearson case and it tipped the scales at nearly 100 lbs.
 
#4
Do you have a use for 2 300W tube heads?

If you don't, but you want to have a second tube head, maybe you should try trading the 2 Pro for a lower power head like an Ampeg V-4B, Traynor YBA-1, YBA-1A, YBA-3, YBA-200, etc..

I have come to realize that 99% of the time, I would rather use a lower power tube head than my SVT 2 Pro. 99% of the time, my volume is such that my V-4 will actually sound better simply because I can get it closer to that nice power-tube-distortion point (without being too loud for the situation).
 
#5
Too loud is not in my vocabulary. I'm a hobbyist and volume is my medicine. I'll worry about the audience if i ever get paid doing what I love, for now my bandmates don't mind.

the trades comes with a live in case, so i'm expecting dumb weight too. the case offsets the price difference too.
Weight is just part of the game,


what's the build of the 300 Pro like? anything to keep an eye out for?
 
#8
haha, I honestly wouldn't be surprised if you sold your STV-VR after getting the bassman 300. Those amps are no joke. Tone machines that can blow windows out. To bad the bassman 300 isn't really a bassman.... and not even invented by fender. I doubt they will stop making them. To many people refer to it as one of the best tones. I think i would rather have the Sunn 300T version though. Ha, and I would set it on top of my fender 810 pro cab
 
#9
eyeballkid said:
300 pros are rock solid rock machines!!! ive gone thru tons of amps, and my 300pro is on the "never sell this" list!...
Click to expand...

But you almost did :D

I kid the eyeballkid, he knows I had a 300 Pro and decided the VR was more for me. That said it is a loud tube amp with alot of tonal range, on board compressor etc. It was said above that this would be said so I'll say it, too many adjustments for me.
 
#10
I know! I had a period of fund shorted insanity that luckily I recovered from before something terrible happened! This is the amp that every time I play it my girl says shes glad im playin the "good sounding one"! I've decided that if it gets too heavy to play live anytime, I'm just gonna keep it for my son for when he discovers the treasure trove of bass gear at his disposal!
 
#11
I've had both a 300 pro & older SVT II.
If I had the choice you had.... I'd go for selling the IIpro. The Fender IS a good amp, but I found I always tried to dial in an AMPEG sound, so flipped it.
To me, it's not as tubey sounding either. The VR is the opposite-very tubey compared to the Fender.
Sure the Fender's a good amp & LOUD, but doesn't have that 'mojo' imo, not like the VR. Just my 2c
 
#13
the trade is going on friday afternoon, tomorrow.
I'm really looking forward to this!

I know i'm probably asking too much, but considering how flexible it is, can it do Lemmy tones too?
I'll find out tomorrow, but i'm not expecting it too.

hope it's in as good condition as the seller says it is. pictures only say so much.



what are some of the popular problems these amps have?
 
#15
bassermaniac said:
they get hot, things inside melt and...well...after that they stop working.i had some issues with mine,now i believe it's ok but i'm not happy with the bassman 300.i got a minimark and it's my main amp...
Click to expand...

Really? I've put mine through hell including 10hr jam days in a hot practice space, below 0 weather and it's been nothing but rock solid.

I know some people put fans inside them to cool them down a bit but it always seemed like overkill to me.
 
#19
It really isn't a plug and play amp. You could turn off the graphic EQ and just adjust through the High and Low knobs to get something basic.

It's a bummer that it didn't work out for you. I really like mine and wish I had another or a Sunn 1200S so I have something more portable with that tone stack.
 

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