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svt vs fender tv

E

ehuff

Nov 22, 2011
8
0
#1
So here is my new quandary I am hoping to get advice on:

I have a SVT AV and used to have a 810. I downsized to a SVT 410 hlf because I didn't need the 810 and even when i play the occasional gig now I am never coming close to utilizing the head.

So here is what I am thinking. Sell my Head and Cab and get a Fender Bassman TV 210 or 12. Any thoughts?

I might trade in my svt at the shop to put towards the fender and they also have a guild acoustic I want, so I could probably work a better deal.

Or should I keep the SVT and get a cheaper combo?

If you haven't noticed the theme here, it is I don't have a ton a cash.

Thanks for reading and let me know what you guys think.
 
#2
First, as a form of complete disclosure, I'm an Ampeg guy. That being said, I like the Fender TV 10 and have considered it.

My main rig now, though, is an Ampeg PF-500 with my 4x10 HLF. The head is very portable and sounds great. You may want to consider trading the SVT for that or just buying one out right.

I have an SVT but use the PF almost exclusively.
 
#3
I think the TV is a nice amp but the deal breaker for me was its lack of expandability. Oh, and it's not cheap. I am also an Ampeg guy and I'd also recommend checking out the PF350 and 500 + a PF210 or PF115.
 
#4
I like both Ampeg and Fender tones somewhat equally. I'd own both if funds ever allow it :p

If you don't mind the non-existant option for expandability, is dead set on not wanting or needing a louder rig (ever), likes the Fender tone and old school styling,
then by all means the Fender TV is great sounding. They're not cheap though and I'd personally at least buy the 115/210 version with the bigger watts.

Other option is to buy an Ampeg PF350 + PF115. Option for expandability, same Ampeg tone, old school styling, not too heavy, relatively cheaper what's not to like?
That or the Micro SVT + 210AV rig. Even smaller, lighter, cheaper and same Ampeg tone.
 
#5
Thanks for the advice. I never really looked at the PF series. However, I now am pretty keen on the PF 350 and the PF 115. I have heard some good things, but I just read a thread on the amp cutting out/shutting down.

Has that been a common theme?

I don't want the 410 anymore because it is a PITA to haul around. No where near the 810, but enough of a pain to swap out to a smaller quieter setup.

So I guess its time to head to the shop to try those two amps out and see what makes more sense. It looks like a $300.00 difference between the two, which in the grand scheme of things isn't that big.
 
#6
My PF350 has run perfectly for the past two or so months. I'm not looking to turn it up to 11 and deafen people with bass, but I do like to run the gain a little hard.
 
#13
So I went to the music shop and played the tv 15. I messed around with it a bit and got some really nice sounds (I use a Jazz Bass). I really enjoyed that amp.

I had thought they were an ampeg dealer, but they are not. I am going to have to go to guitar center (closest ampeg dealer) soon to try out the pf 350 / 115 combo. I definitely like the price of the Ampeg better and came pretty close to buying one online after a few beers the other night. I got to dreamin' and when that happens it is dangerous.

I did try the TV 12 and didn't like the tone of that amp, but the 15 sounded damn fine.

The shop said they didn't really want to trade for a larger amp like the SVT AV. Not sure why, but I am guessing they don't move as fast.

Thanks for all the advice. I am glad I found this forum. One post and lots of response back!
 
#14
I am a Fender guy and LOVE so many of their amps. That being said, I had a TV Duo Ten and it just didn't do it for me on any level...can't add an ext. cab, truly odd eq, and the low end farts out way too easy. Tried the 115 version, which was a little better, but I'd never buy one. Now, next year, Fender are coming out with 2 new Super Bassman amps...one a 300 watt all tube 2 channel and the other a 100 watt amp...can't wait to try those out!
 
#15
I'm also a believer in the Portaflex. My PF500 blew up but I'm just the guy with bad luck I suppose. I'm the only guy I know of with that issue. Ordered a new one and two PF115HE cabs. I'll have my blown one fixed later and sneak it into my second cab as a backup. :D

I swear that line was made for people just like me... :ninja:

As for the Fenders, I recall watching a youtube review of the TV15 (perhaps Ed Friedland reviewing it?) and I enjoyed the tone but like others here I ultimately valued the versatility of other amps on the market.
 
#16
Awesome stuff, thanks for the feedback again!

Where can i find some reading material on the new super bassman? Sounds interesting.

I might have to go try out the pf series sooner than later.

On side note, there is a guy offering to trade me a Traynor bass mate from the 60's. I did a bit of researching on this amp and seems like there are a select few who like this amp.

Might have to give this a try too. So many amps, so little time.
 
#18
I have had fender 135 Bassman amps in the 70s rich but prone to blowing valves and speakers. I then had an Ampeg v4b this is a brilliant amp. It's power is big as it badges 120 watts I think but combined with 2 15" electro voice at 400 watts sounded great.

Before anyone says there not matched I know but they have worked for 30 plus yrs.

I now use an Ampeg 4 pro with 4 10s and an -18 sub. This works well on fretless which I'd now my main bass. I also use for double bass Swiss made schertler.

These are brilliant for acoustic work. I have 2 10" powered subs with 2 180 bridged tops. All are bridged and bi amped.
one amp does not fit all styles or gigs, have a lighter smaller rig for small gigs and the reverse for the concerts. My money is on Ampeg, I got mine as a USA import so use transformer it's a cheap option.
 

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