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SWR's???

P

pfuetz

May 18, 2011
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#1
I've been looking at bassamps the past while, and in my top 3 so far their are 2 SWR's. I've been trying too get a feel for the reliability of SWR makes in general. Are they worth investing in? (In my case 2x10 Redhead combo 400w and 15" WorkingPro 200w)

Thanks for your help!
 
#2
i was recently performing similar 'due diligence' and what i gleaned was that the high end swr stuff is good, meaning the sm-series amps (including the headlite 400). i got the feeling to stay away from the workingman line if you are looking for "pro gear."

i also believe the pre-fneder stuff is good and i really love my pre-fender swr goliath.

good luck....by the way, blountedge was selling a redhead combo at a killer price a while back.
 
#3
The redhead has a solid reputation. I have an SM-500 head that I have played as my main rig for 11 years. I have never had a problem with it.

The working pro is their budget line. Still great cabs, but not as good as a goliath or golight. I played them back when they were called the working mans. For the money, their solid cabs, but they can't handle a lot of power. I think the 15 under the redhead will be ok though.

If the price is right, go for it. You can always sell them off if you're not satisfied.
 
#4
I own 3 redheads... 2 pre-cbs. Been eperiencing a problem and wonder if anyone has an answer. All the units have been specd by reputable people. Older units are completely restored. 3rd unit is brand new. I use a power conditioner. All 3 units are presenting the same symptom. When channel and mster gains are run simultaneously at about 9, the treble pot produces a horrible hiss. to get rid of it, the horn attenuator and treble pots have to be rolled completely off. Anyone have a similar experience or solution?
 
#9
pfuetz said:
I've been looking at bassamps the past while, and in my top 3 so far their are 2 SWR's. I've been trying too get a feel for the reliability of SWR makes in general. Are they worth investing in? (In my case 2x10 Redhead combo 400w and 15" WorkingPro 200w)

Thanks for your help!
Click to expand...

You won't find any difference in reliability in SWR gear from any other reputable builder. They're not any more or any less worth "investing in". And for what-its-worth, I found the Workingpro line to be great stuff...if a bit overpriced. In my opinion, the customer service on SWR stuff is not great as the best in the industry...like Genz Benz...but definitely manageable. I had an issue on a Workingman amp and it was dealt with on warranty and fixed in two weeks. I think you would find SWR - pro line or workingman line - to be just fine.
 
#10
strela51 said:
I own 3 redheads... 2 pre-cbs. Been eperiencing a problem and wonder if anyone has an answer. All the units have been specd by reputable people. Older units are completely restored. 3rd unit is brand new. I use a power conditioner. All 3 units are presenting the same symptom. When channel and mster gains are run simultaneously at about 9, the treble pot produces a horrible hiss. to get rid of it, the horn attenuator and treble pots have to be rolled completely off. Anyone have a similar experience or solution?
Click to expand...
Are you talking 9 out of 10 or 9:00? If 9 out of 10, it would only make sense because you're overdriving the holy bejabbers out of it!
 
#12
I've been using a Working pro head with an old goliath 4x10 for rock gigs, and a Working mans 12 combo for big band stuff for about 10 years now, both getting thrown in and out the car at least 2-3 times per week (ie well gigged)

The only thing that has EVER failed is the carry strap handle on the combo.
Given the amount of abuse they have had over the years, I would say thay are hitting the mark for reliability...
 
#13
I've used a SM400 for nigh on 20 years and I've swapped out teh pre valve and had it repaird when it fell off stage..otherwise it hasn't missed a beat.

Very well made says the man who repaired it, with top components.
Runs Very hot but sitting in a tight 3U rack inc tuner with no fan doesn't bother it at all.
Extensive tone shaping possibilties.
Stonking amps, IMO/IME and for the price they seem to crop up here for, are a blinding deal.

The best model are SM, IMO, and pre-Fender, U.S made..probably around 1995. These should include a fan and an earth lift as useful features...but I wouldn't swap mine out for one of those, myself as I an entirely happy with what I have.

I beleive the later models also solved the excessive sub feature on the early SM400's as this was a nice idea but not really useful ...if you have an older one as I do..you'll never need to put the bass beyond 12 o'clock..as once you are aware of this sub issue..you avoid using it as it sucks power.

I looked to replace this amp with a shiney new toy...but I can't find one that is as all-round good. Very well made..probably over-specced component-wise, which probably Fender will have down-graded, maybe understandably, massive EQ..but they run great flat on the dial and with enough modern features like an enhancer and limiter..plus true bi-amping capability.
SWR and a jazz is classic.
Top top amp.

Used the Goliath cabs with PAS and they were benchmark as well. Still good today but there are other cabs out there now, IMO.

I never saw the point of premium gear along side a budget line so never used the Workingman series.
I am not sure the x series match up either, so for me it would be SM or nothing at your amazing SH prices
Over here in the U.K SM900's get $600 plus and SM4/500's $500 plus, SH, IIRC. which makes them a LOT of amp for that money.
 
#14
I have a WorkingPro 12 which I like a lot. I've had it since May 2007 and gigged quite regularly with it: it hasn't let me down yet.

I have just got my hands on a 2010/11 Fender American Jazz Deluxe, which sounds just great through it.
 
#19
I've used SWR exclusively for about 20 years, having gone through a Baby Blue, two RedHeads, an SM-400, and a Golaith II 4x10 cabinet. All of it was pre-Fender. The gear was used for large and small gigs, practicing, and recording; I played indoors, outdoors, took the amps on roadtrips, and it withstood many moves over the years. Through all of that, I've never had a single problem with anything, ever - dead reliable. I know the tone isn't for everyone (what tone is?), but I always liked it. While you may find other amps that you also enjoy or whose tone you prefer, if you decide that SWR is a fit for you and your needs, I can all but guarantee that you will not be disappointed.
 
#20
Same experience here as blindrabbit. I've owned and giged heavily: (Amps) 750X, Mo' Bass, Mini' Mo, SM900. (Cabs) GIII Goliath, S.O.B, Monitor 12, Megolaith, GIII Goliath Senior, and Big Bertha. I currently use the Senior and a pair of Big Bertha's between two bands each week. I've never had something fail or had an issue with a Cab. Both the Mo & my Mo pre have been on the bench before getting a few things changed and the tech said it was on of the best wiring jobs he's seen. One of my cabs has been with me for 13 years now not a problem.
 

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