I've heard mixed reviews about the reliability of the new ones. what do you think? I really dig the sound
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svt-vr reliability?
- Thread starter Bjazzman
- Start date
If you like the tone and you find a model that really works, grab one. Not all models have issues with them.
If you have a chance, check out the Mesa 400+, I find them to be clearer, meaner, punchier and louder than all of the current SVT heads. but if your heart is set on the VR, don't let me stop you.
If you have a chance, check out the Mesa 400+, I find them to be clearer, meaner, punchier and louder than all of the current SVT heads. but if your heart is set on the VR, don't let me stop you.
I don't understand all the fuss about reissues, what is the point? The real ones are still around, are much more reliable as far as I can tell, are probably louder and have to sound at least as good and are cheaper and look almost exactly the same. I have two, a 76 and 77, besides checking the bias once in a while I have not had to touch either of them for over 5 years now and I use them a lot. You could probably buy a 70's head and have it restored to like new condition and still save money. The VR's have many different tubes and circuit modifications from SVT's and not for the better from what I can tell..
I had one of the newer models. Loved the sound and look of it, but it only lasted two and half months. I turned it on at a rehearsal and smoke came out the back.... It went into default and never came back. Ampeg (LOUD) was great in arranging for pick up and delivery of a replacement head. I mean, GREAT...but I ended up selling the replacement, as the ordeal left me with a feeling that I could not trust my gear.
I never found out what went wrong with the amp.....
This was my first and last SVT. I owned other Ampeg SS heads (4 pro) without any issues. Tubes amps are delicate machines and are temperamental....that is why they sound sooooo good, I guess!
So:
Pro's: Great sound, looks, and feel.
Con's: Temperamental, heavy, do not travel well, expensive maintnance.
If I had to choose a tube head, I would go with the above sugestions- Mesa 400+ or an older 70's or even 80's SVT.
I never found out what went wrong with the amp.....
This was my first and last SVT. I owned other Ampeg SS heads (4 pro) without any issues. Tubes amps are delicate machines and are temperamental....that is why they sound sooooo good, I guess!
So:
Pro's: Great sound, looks, and feel.
Con's: Temperamental, heavy, do not travel well, expensive maintnance.
If I had to choose a tube head, I would go with the above sugestions- Mesa 400+ or an older 70's or even 80's SVT.
- Feb 16, 2008
- 21,240
- 23,633
- Disclosures
- John K Custom Basses
Trading the 12DW7's for 12AX7's and 12AU7's is more or less an even trade. But there seems to be a controversy between Psycho and Jerrold as to whether replacing the 12BH7 is a good move. However, nobody seems to be digging the idea of not using Electrical Windings transformers.
I've played through a VR in the past, but not from Vietnam. I really dug it, I must say. And JohnK10 did a tube swap with his VR that he said made it sound every bit as good as the old ones. But I am totally with you. Vintage SVT's are usually a little cheaper than new VR's and sometimes new CL's as well. There's no way I'd ever buy a new VR when you can find Blue Lines, Black Lines, and even MTI's in plentiful supply.
I can understand exactly what the fuss is about with the re-issues gear... It is brand new.
This is important to me for a reason that you may not expect.
I like to buy my big ticket items using GC's and MF's no interest financing deals.
I know that I end up paying the same or even more than if I were to simply find an old one and buy it but this way I can spread out the payments. If you are careful and don't exceed the terms it's a good deal.
If I bought a used one with my Visa card I'd be paying 6% until it was paid off.
So, for me at least, a vintage unit that cost the same as a reissue would cost more in the long run.
This is important to me for a reason that you may not expect.
I like to buy my big ticket items using GC's and MF's no interest financing deals.
I know that I end up paying the same or even more than if I were to simply find an old one and buy it but this way I can spread out the payments. If you are careful and don't exceed the terms it's a good deal.
If I bought a used one with my Visa card I'd be paying 6% until it was paid off.
So, for me at least, a vintage unit that cost the same as a reissue would cost more in the long run.
