Tech 21 VT Bass 1969 head!

[lomo]

Perhaps the use of an outdated, overweight (as consensus seems to be) power section was a cost cutting measure to keep this head available to all of the market at a low cost. Just sayin' nobody whines about the GC Acoustics power section. A similar amp with VT tone for similar cost? I'd be sold.

I think it IS a cost-cutting measure, but I doubt it'll be priced like acoustic gear.

 

[Handyman]

For those (like me) who think this is too large for the power it delievers, there's always the VT Bass Deluxe + your favorite micro head or power amp. The same great sound with whatever power section meets your needs.

It does seem strange to be releasing this amp when the entire industry is moving to modern switching power supplies.

 

[thumpbass1]

For those (like me) who think this is too large for the power it delievers, there's always the VT Bass Deluxe + your favorite micro head or power amp. The same great sound with whatever power section meets your needs.

It does seem strange to be releasing this amp when the entire industry is moving to modern switching power supplies.

The amp isn't so strange to people like me who've found amps with a realistic 200-300 watts to be more than adequate for much of our bass playing careers. I do love the modern fly weight amp trend, but I also look at those real world user reviews where some consumers have found some of them to not be anywhere as robust as the heavier bass amps of old.

I'm aware that the micro heads are being tweaked and the bugs are being worked out. That's how the evolution of newer technology in the market place works. However the new Tech21 offering doesn't exactly seem aimed at consumers looking for the more modern sounding lightweight bass amp head to begin with. It will appeal to the rocker and more traditional tone minded, who don't mind schlepping a heavier head around. It very well could be the poor man's SVT alternative and do quite the business there, and it'll still be lighter than a real SVT head. I've got no problem with their offering this product. And to be fair to the fans of the newer bass amp trend, I myself am considering going to a more modern fly weight amp and more manageable sized and weight speaker cab rig. None the less, the bigger bass amp rig concept ain't going away anytime soon than the Marshall stack is with many guitar players.

 

[jmattbassplaya]

The amp isn't so strange to people like me who've found amps with a realistic 200-300 watts to be more than adequate for much of our bass playing careers. I do love the modern fly weight amp trend, but I also look at those real world user reviews where some consumers have found some of them to not be anywhere as robust as the heavier bass amps of old.

I'm aware that the micro heads are being tweaked and the bugs are being worked out. That's how the evolution of newer technology in the market place works. However the new Tech21 offering doesn't exactly seem aimed at consumers looking for the more modern sounding lightweight bass amp head to begin with. It will appeal to the rocker and more traditional tone minded, who don't mind schlepping a heavier head around. It very well could be the poor man's SVT alternative and do quite the business there, and it'll still be lighter than a real SVT head. I've got no problem with their offering this product. And to be fair to the fans of the newer bass amp trend, I myself am considering going to a more modern fly weight amp and more manageable sized and weight speaker cab rig. None the less, the bigger bass amp rig concept ain't going away anytime soon than the Marshall stack is with many guitar players.

I think the Markbass LMII/III + VT pedal combo is a pretty well known alternative to a real SVT; so much that Tech21 releasing this head seems like a really bad career move unless they manage to release it for $350 or less. Even then, I'm sure most bassists would prefer to pay $400 (give or take) for a used LM and have a micro amp that is much more powerful and lightweight than the Tech21 1969 - I know I would.

 

[maevinj]

I"m assuming this is the same head that was discussed in this thread, just a different name for the head?
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=706164&highlight=

Some good discussion on there about 300 analog watts vs 300 digital watts.

 

[Rimshot]

Just curious, but has anyone actual tried/heard it, or is all this pure conjecture?

 

[bongomania]

It's not available for sale anywhere, so that answers your question. However many of us know exactly what a solid-state 300W amp is capable of.

 

[Rimshot]

So, then...conjecture. Got it.

That's fine, mind you, but I wanted to know what all the hullaballoo was about regarding critiques of a picture of an amp.

 

[andrew]

So, then...conjecture. Got it.

That's fine, mind you, but I wanted to know what all the hullaballoo was about regarding critiques of a picture of an amp.

Conjecture, yes, but I believe this uses the same power section as the Landmark 300, and that is an amp I have used on a couple occasions and know that it is not loud enough for my needs.

I think it's to Tech 21's credit that the discussion might be a bit warm in it's tone (no pun intended). They make products many people here are fans of, it just shows that people get excited by what they make.

 

[jmattbassplaya]

It's not available for sale anywhere, so that answers your question. However many of us know exactly what a solid-state 300W amp is capable of.

Yup. Not nearly enough power for me - even when only playing with a drummer and one guitarist.

 

[Rimshot]

I typically defer to the superior knowledge of those here (that's why I come here! )

I'd like to give it a try when I can. Maybe it's a great recording amp, who knows.

Thanks again.

 

[andrew]

Maybe it's a great recording amp

I bet you're right about that.

 

[eff-clef]

It's not available for sale anywhere, so that answers your question. However many of us know exactly what a solid-state 300W amp is capable of.

The only loud 300 watt solid state amp I know of is the 800RB Gallien- Krueger and to a lesser extent - older Trace Elliott amps.

 

[thumpbass1]

The only loud 300 watt solid state amp I know of is the 800RB Gallien- Krueger and to a lesser extent - older Trace Elliott amps.

I don't know; I was rather impressed with the original Acoustic rigs, being used by a number of bass players during the dinosaur days of my youth, and Kustom and later on, Peavey had stuff in the 150-300 watt range that could shake many a stage. I also remember when the original GK stuff started to appear. Of course that was an era where fridge sized cabs ruled, more often than not, be they conventional, folded horn, or of some other clever design, and those early s.s. amps could drive them well enough. I will agree that there are some amp makers these days that are a little bit too optimistic about the power ratings they claim for their s.s. amps.

 

[christw]

So, instead of arguing about the power, speakers used, efficiencies, wattage ratings (while not accounting for varied manufacturer THD specs), tube vs ss, or any of that, I'll issue a challenge.

Anyone in Ohio who can find one of these amps, we'll put this up against my SVT-II and see how it stacks up. I think this thing will get nasty loud. Let's find out.

 

[andrew]

Anyone in Ohio who can find one of these amps, we'll put this up against my SVT-II and see how it stacks up. I think this thing will get nasty loud. Let's find out.

I hope you do this, I'd like to hear the results. I hope I'm wrong but I think the SVT-II will spank the 1969. I've compared my '73 SVT to the Landmark 300 and the Landmark could not keep up at all.

I'm sure the 1969 will be a cool amp regardless.

 

[jmattbassplaya]

I hope you do this, I'd like to hear the results. I hope I'm wrong but I think the SVT-II will spank the 1969. I've compared my '73 SVT to the Landmark 300 and the Landmark could not keep up at all.

I'm sure the 1969 will be a cool amp regardless.

+1

I would absolutely love it if I found out that the 1969 could keep up with an actual SVT. If it can, I'd actually consider selling my recently acquired Ampeg to fund the purchase.

 

[NorCal Dog]

Seriously, Tech21? Seriously??? Do you think your customers are all 14 years old and don't know any better?

haha,,, i'm sure it's what they're BANKING on

also, it must be one puny rocket

 

[christw]

I hope you do this, I'd like to hear the results. I hope I'm wrong but I think the SVT-II will spank the 1969. I've compared my '73 SVT to the Landmark 300 and the Landmark could not keep up at all.

I'm sure the 1969 will be a cool amp regardless.

I'm hoping to find one at a GC within 100 miles and take a day off just to bass and line up some well known heads for a shootout, especially the Ampeg and lighter weight turn-to's. I already emailed Tech 21 about pricing, specs on their 410s, and expected timeframe that it'll hit the street.

+1

I would absolutely love it if I found out that the 1969 could keep up with an actual SVT. If it can, I'd actually consider selling my recently acquired Ampeg to fund the purchase.

I feel the same way. I'd like to put down the arc welder, er Ampeg, some day. That or find someone to carry it for me.

 

[Jared Lash]

One man's watts are not another man's watts.

Their marketing fluff claims 300 "real world" watts, as opposed to GK watts. (Did I say that out loud?)

I guess if they're going to ape the SVT, 300 watts is a decent benchmark.

If someone wants a lightweight backup for their SVT (their target market), then 300W is plenty. (Assuming it produces the same real-world output as a vintage SVT.)

GK watts? As solid state amps go Gallien Krueger is one of the last companies I'd label as misrepresenting output specs. If anything I think they are conservative with their ratings.

As for the SVT comparison, the 1969 is a tube emulating but still solid state pre into a solid state power section. I'd be shocked if it got as (apparently) loud as an SVT since it won't benefit from tube compression or the ability to still be musically pleasing when pushed.

For those (like me) who think this is too large for the power it delievers, there's always the VT Bass Deluxe + your favorite micro head or power amp. The same great sound with whatever power section meets your needs.

It does seem strange to be releasing this amp when the entire industry is moving to modern switching power supplies.

And that's where I'm lost as well. Unless this amp is REALLY competitive on price I'd think a featherweight 500W micro and a VT Bass pedal would still be a more appealing choice.

I'd like to give it a try when I can. Maybe it's a great recording amp, who knows.

I bet you're right about that.

For recording I would think a VT Deluxe would work as well or better while being much smaller and cheaper.

also, it must be one puny rocket

Pocket rocket?

I think the concept of this amp is a great one. Just not at that size/wattage ratio though I'll wait to fully judge it until I see the price..