DiabolusInMusic
Functionless Art is Merely Tolerated Vandalism
Your guitarist uses a head on top of a 4x10 cab??
I am pretty sure that is the definition of a half-stack...
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SVT-VR vs Mesa Prodigy
- Thread starter drea2304
- Start date
Your guitarist uses a head on top of a 4x10 cab??
I am pretty sure that is the definition of a half-stack...
Sorry, been tryin to get Vic over to help. You might be stuck trying to make sense out of my ramblings if he's to busy. A rough summery is the Prodigy is a lot more mid present and is more in the mix, if that makes sense. The VR has more punch in the low end and seems to have a lot more headroom. We do practice to loud. I got the traditional ph610 to go with the Prodigy. First gig with it this sat. Can't wait I think I will get used to this rig though. I've had several friends that hang at practice say they like the Boogie better in the mix. As Ron White says " I Don't Know How Many Bass Rigs It Takes But I Know How Many I'm Gonna Use"
Correct me if I'm wrong, but pretty sure those are two combo amps (the Dr. Z and the Fender).
That sounds pretty much like my take, but I no longer own an SVT to compare directly. I compared my Prodigy directly to my Aguilar DB750 (which does a pretty good approximation of a clean SVT), and a Verellen Meatsmoke (another 300 watt tuber with some fairly SVT-like tones and headroom) and came away with similar findings. I tend to prefer a strong high midrange that I can tone down if needed than a heavy scoop that I feel like I am fighting against so the Prodigy has been great for me. I would still own an SVT anyway if they weren't so dang heavy (just because sometimes they are THE thing that's called for!)
I would never, never, ever, ever trade a svt vr for anything. I have a new vr (1 month old) and have a classic 810(SLM ver) and nothing sounds like it. I also own a Mesa Basis M2000 and while it has a good sound it is not as good as a classic SVT or VR. I've have an SVT pro4 and it was the closest to the real svt sound as I've gotten but the the end I traded it in on the real thing. My Mesa is used for my home practicing, I have a Behringer BX4500H that I use at band practice, but the monster goes on the gigs with me. I use a Big muff pi on smaller gigs when I can't be loud to bring out more of the growl, and sometimes a chorus petal for certain songs. Never ever heard an amp that has the low end balls like this one. The weight be danged, it is worth the carry.
I recommend never saying never! Haha!
I too had an SVT (1976, purchased new, with matching 810 "fridge" cab) that I hauled around the country for many years. But, it got to the point where it was difficult to hoist onto my cab(s), or into the truck... Age is to blame (besides me getting lazy). So, I sold the dang thang! I've been hunting for a substitute ever since!
As much as I love the tone, I couldn't heft it solo anymore, and no one else wanted to lend a hand! So, as all good dinosaurs do, it went away, as did the Hammond C3...
I'm hoping the Prodigy has the muster to give me back my tone!! I've tried nearly every class D head (and a few others), and haven't been satisfied. I even purchased another "refurbished" (read: re-tubed) late 70s SVT! However, weight STILL being the issue, I had to let it go, and STILL need something new (and light weight).
HOPING the Mesa can provide!!!
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Thanks for the suggestion Dave.
I did try the "all black" V4B when it first came out. Sounds great!! But, not enough power to maintain the low-mid "punch" the V9 has/had. Which is why I'm hoping the Prodigy can punch through.
There are so many SVT weight issue threads. 80lbs is not hard to pick up and carry. Plus you can have band members help you carry once you arrive. 100% stick with the SVT-VR over the prodigy. It's different tones and 50 watts would be noticeable. If anything go for the strategy if you're going to make a switch.
With knobs at noon, you would be correct. But I can dial up pretty close to flat sound out of it easily enough, and even boost the mids if I need. Bass 11:00, treble 2:00, mids 3:00 @ 800 hz.
- Apr 3, 2003
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hasbeen
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I would not get rid of the VR. My own personal belief is that if something is a classic, which the VR is, is to hold on to it. This in no way is to denigrate the Mesa. From the clips I heard, I thought it sounded nice and I think highly of Mesa's build quality.
The mesa sounds too hi fi and too "modern sounding" for me, very bright sounding.
I prefer darker sounding amps with treble rolled off slightly with more mids, i find it easier top get a better tone out of an ampeg personally.
If my VBA400 packed in, a VR (preferably one of the older ones) would be right up there along the list of replacements. 2nd would probably be an ashdown ctm 300.
I prefer darker sounding amps with treble rolled off slightly with more mids, i find it easier top get a better tone out of an ampeg personally.
If my VBA400 packed in, a VR (preferably one of the older ones) would be right up there along the list of replacements. 2nd would probably be an ashdown ctm 300.
I still have both. Mostly gig with the Prodigy but go through phases where I play the VR at practice. I'll give those settings a whirl and thanks.
Any updates? I did t even know the Prodigy existed, and I wouldn't mind another tube amp. I've been thinking about another SVT, but they are heavy. I like being able to make my load ins in one trip.
3 words. . Fender Super Bassman! 65lbs & (imo) sounds as good as the VR, & that 20lbs makes a big difference (again- to me )
Ok 20 or so words. Near enough for jazz
Ok 20 or so words. Near enough for jazz
Same story still giging the Prodigy although last gig I used the Streamliner for something diferent. My vr doesn't see much use. Probly should try to sell it, maybe
I know somebody who has one they'll get rid of for a nice price should you decide to move forward with it.
Glad I'm out of those volume wars! I can use a PF-50T in my band!
