• 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.

SVT...WOW!

BZadlo

BZadlo

Supporting Member
Mar 4, 2008
1,820
538
Austin, TX
#1
So I finally went for it. I bought a 2005 SVT Classic for $850.
It looks brand new.
I now understand why people carry these ridiculously heavy beasts around.
This is it. The real deal.
I've had two mid 70's V4-B's, a Mesa Boogie Buster and a Bassman. The V4-B's were great but, the headroom on the SVT is incredible.

I know that this is a subject that TBer's have visited a few times but, this is a new experience for me.
WOW!
 
#2
I just joined this forum to ask about Ampeg gear.

I am a 25 year guitar player who has committed to bass and I am struggling with the search for my sound.

Do you have an opiniion on the SVT 810E enclosure? Also how about the newer solid state and much lighter rack mount amps?

Congrats on the new Classic!

Parker.
 
#8
If you don't mind lugging the thing around, you really can't beat the 810e...I have one and it is awesome. But I would personally recommend a tube amp. I have been using a CL for the last 5 years, and I now have a VR on the way :hyper: From the others Ampeg heads I've had over the years, I'm only impressed with the tube amps...just my two cents
 
#10
espositod said:
If you don't mind lugging the thing around, you really can't beat the 810e...I have one and it is awesome. But I would personally recommend a tube amp. I have been using a CL for the last 5 years, and I now have a VR on the way :hyper: From the others Ampeg heads I've had over the years, I'm only impressed with the tube amps...just my two cents
Click to expand...

Wanna give me that old worn out CL?

;)
 
#11
I had an SVT-3 back a few years ago (nothing like this) and I had a huge problem with it cutting out. My local Ampeg service center at the time couldn't find anything wrong with it.
It would cut out on me but, only when I was at gig.:confused:

I played through an Ampeg 610 recently that sounded pretty cool.
My favorite cabs are Epifani. I'd like a Performer 410 with no tweeter.
For the price, the Performer series is hard to beat.
 
#12
BZadlo said:
I had an SVT-3 back a few years ago (nothing like this) and I had a huge problem with it cutting out. My local Ampeg service center at the time couldn't find anything wrong with it.
It would cut out on me but, only when I was at gig.:confused:

I played through an Ampeg 610 recently that sounded pretty cool.
My favorite cabs are Epifani. I'd like a Performer 410 with no tweeter.
For the price, the Performer series is hard to beat.
Click to expand...

The SVT-3Pro and B2-RE (which are pretty much the same with different Pre's) are woefully underpowered IMO. Everytime I play one at a show, the clipping light ALWAYS comes on.

I've played em through SVT-810e's, SVT-215e's, Avatar 410/212's, a BUNCH of cabs.
 
#14
I bought mine a few months ago and said the same thing. Welcome to the club. I don't regret it, even when I have to carry the sob. Amazing tube amp

BZadlo said:
So I finally went for it. I bought a 2005 SVT Classic for $850.
It looks brand new.
I now understand why people carry these ridiculously heavy beasts around.
This is it. The real deal.
I've had two mid 70's V4-B's, a Mesa Boogie Buster and a Bassman. The V4-B's were great but, the headroom on the SVT is incredible.

I know that this is a subject that TBer's have visited a few times but, this is a new experience for me.
WOW!
Click to expand...
 
#16
mrkreuzschlitz said:
The SVT-3Pro and B2-RE (which are pretty much the same with different Pre's) are woefully underpowered IMO. Everytime I play one at a show, the clipping light ALWAYS comes on.

I've played em through SVT-810e's, SVT-215e's, Avatar 410/212's, a BUNCH of cabs.
Click to expand...

It's not a "clip" light, it's a peak light. It's suppose to come on and stay on around 75% of the time during normal playing. I've not been able to truly "clip" mine with an active StingRay, at least not audibly. I set the gain at 12 o'clock without the pad engaged, red light just blinking away, and it sounds GREAT.

I'm not even going to get into the whole "underpowered" thing...

:scowl:
 
#17
Tube amps just seem to have this quality that allows them to sit in a mix better. I feel like I'm not any "louder" but, more audible in a very pleasing way. Offensive frequencies seem to have their points rounded off.
I recommend that everyone at least give it [tube amps] a try if they get the opportunity.
 
#18
I wonder what I'd think of VR?:hmm:
I was going to buy an older 70's SVT but, you never know how the people before you treated them. Plus, I just moved out here the Bay Area and I don't know any amp techs.
I've been sending stuff back to NYC just because I have a comfort level there.
 
#20
I had a 2002 SVTCL and 810E cabinet that I recently traded in even for a new 2008 Vintage Sunburst MM Stingray 4HH. I loved the SVT, but I'm getting much more use out of the SR!

The amp was sitting in the music room collecting dust and deserved to go to someone who would play it more often. I use a SVTIIIPro into a 410HLF cabinet and get by with moving that around by myself!! :)

The SVT was awesome, but needed roadies to play on a routine basis! :help:

Randy
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back