The next SVT !?

[SactoBass]

View attachment 3307235If we are going terms of SVT tone and lighter I would suggest Super Bassman even though it’s not much lighter.

@Vin Taj: I think JohnnyChatter's suggestion of the Fender Super Bassman is a good one. At 65 pounds, it certainly does not meet your 30-pound spec, but it's about 20 pounds lighter than an SVT and many players say that they can cop the SVT sound and "feel" with the Super Bassman. And it meets your spec of a brand new amp with factory warranty.

@Ryan L. also suggested the Super Bassman earlier in this thread (he plays through one).

Same with @rodl2005.

 

[oldskoolskatedad]

I would seriously consider a Fender Super Bassman. Many of us SB300 fans have no problem getting an SVT tone out of it and so much more. The auto-bias system is invaluable for peace of mind and tube rolling is a no brainer as well. You can get one brand spanking new and I'm fairly certain that the warranty is transferable for the used market as well. Unfortunately your only shaving off 20 lbs, but as far as I know you can only get real tube tone (and I'm talking about the big, round, rich, complex harmonics that only a 300 watt tube power section on the verge of breaking up can deliver) with real tubes and that brings heft. If there was a way to circumvent this formula we would all be on that amps thread with our all-tube heads collecting dust.

 

[SactoBass]

I would seriously consider a Fender Super Bassman. Many of us SB300 fans have no problem getting an SVT tone out of it and so much more. The auto-bias system is invaluable for peace of mind and tube rolling is a no brainer as well. You can get one brand spanking new and I'm fairly certain that the warranty is transferable for the used market as well. Unfortunately your only shaving off 20 lbs, but as far as I know you can only get real tube tone (and I'm talking about the big, round, rich, complex harmonics that only a 300 watt tube power section on the verge of breaking up can deliver) with real tubes and that brings heft. If there was a way to circumvent this formula we would all be on that amps thread with our all-tube heads collecting dust.

Truth!

Very well stated, oldskool!

 

[oldskoolskatedad]

I'm such a slow poster, I was typing away at what you had already laid down and didn't even know it.

 

[SactoBass]

I'm such a slow poster, I was typing away at what you had already laid down and didn't even know it.

LOL! I think you did a better job with your comments as follows:

"as far as I know you can only get real tube tone (and I'm talking about the big, round, rich, complex harmonics that only a 300 watt tube power section on the verge of breaking up can deliver) with real tubes and that brings heft. If there was a way to circumvent this formula we would all be on that amps thread with our all-tube heads collecting dust."

That last sentence says it all!

 

[JohnnyChatter]

I had a super bassman and a side by side comparison I could get the SVT tone and wayyyy more. Unfortunately I couldn’t get the 300 pro tone. The warranty is transferable also. I got mine used and it was almost brand new looking. Still had the warranty but honestly not sure you will need it. They are built pretty well. Unfotunitly I have tried the bassman 500 and though it’s a good amp it lacks that full tube amp thing.

 

[oldskoolskatedad]

LOL! I think you did a better job with your comments as follows:

"as far as I know you can only get real tube tone (and I'm talking about the big, round, rich, complex harmonics that only a 300 watt tube power section on the verge of breaking up can deliver) with real tubes and that brings heft. If there was a way to circumvent this formula we would all be on that amps thread with our all-tube heads collecting dust."

That last sentence says it all!

It's the Friday night double IPAs that must be responsible for my new found eloquence

 

[swarfrat]

60 years of rain is a lot. We're gonna need a bigger boat.

Well, at least he already has the anchor

 

[JimmyM]

So here's the rub. If you want to stay under 30 pounds, you are unfortunately going to have to give up on the SVT sound and "feel" and settle for something less. Lots of folks use other amps and/or combinations of gear (pedals, etc.) to *try* to get as close as they can to the SVT sound and feel but with less weight. Are they totally happy?

I'm not as happy with solid state as tube but I don't let it ruin my day. And some of those solid state amps can be really good. But I don't like going to the PA without getting that tube amp sound in it somehow, either by speaker level DI or REDDI. Fortunately, I can get by with a 50w tube amp on most of my gigs with plenty left in the tank, so the need for an SVT has gone down, and with that I am actually just as happy. Except for the cab...I miss an 810 cab.

 

[Wasnex]

I've never played through a Trace V6, but the Trace V4 that I had didn't sound much like the SVT's that I had, especially when cranked. The V4 seemed to get more of an "angry" tone, whereas the SVT's that I have owned got more of a thick smooth tone when cranked.

But I don't know if the V6 sounds like the V4 since I've never played through a V6.

Also, the OP specified a "new" amp with factory warranty.

The V4 and V6 sound virtually identical; the V6 just has a bit more headroom. This should be no surprise, the amps use the exact same circuit cards. The V6 just has a few added components for the two extra output tubes, and also the transformers are different.

To me these amps are all about big fat bass, so I am a bit perplexed by the description of "angry." These are some of the smoothest sounding amps I own. They are somewhat mid-scooped and have a TMB (Fender) tone stack. Pulling the Mid-Shift on these amps raises the knee of the bass control. This allows you to dial in the low end a little closer to an SVT, but IMHO the voicing of the mids and treble is significantly different.

IMHO the V-Types are voiced closer to the Orange AD200B. To me, one big difference is the AD200B is set up to distort easily and the V-Types are set up to stay clean and punchy. If you push the AD200B hard with the Bass turned up too much, the low end looses focus. In contrast, the V-Types stay big and fat, and just thicken up a bit as they get louder.

I guess if you push a V-Type preamp or output section into OD you might get an angry sound...I don't think OD is where they excel, so I don't generally run them that hard.

 

[svtb15]

They're will never be another SVT. It does what it does because it is what it is.
That said, the Fender Super Bassman has been said to make the SVT feel anemic by afew folks...

 

[Vin Taj]

If you're looking for something lighter and very powerful, what about the Mesa-Boogie Subway? Costs more than I want to spend, but gets excellent reviews.

I did like the Walkabout i tried , but i guess if i gave Mesa a try again , I would try that WD 800 . I will wait on some reviews first tho

I'm running a Helix rack into Ampeg Pro Neo cabs with no IRs. Sounds pretty swole to me but still weights more than I like with a bridged Crown and power regulator in a 6U. Hence, why I'm reading this thread with interest. I just got through loading those cabs in and now have to lug a heavier than I like 6U in? Ugh.

I just sold my 6u setup with a 2pro.
Great setup , but I think i prefer a head style amp now. Loved the portability and lids of the rack system tho

Also consider a SVP preamp and a solid power amp. Of all the amps that I’ve sold, I miss my SVP the most. It was awesome and the tube preamp really provides that saturated tone.

I have tried the SVP , great pre , but I also know that half the magic of the SVT is within that tube power section , it even brings my GK backline 600 to life when I use the SVT Power Amp as a slave. The compression ,thickness, and subtle overdrive is just delicious

You think the Aguilar DB751 is too heavy at 42 pounds?

No I don't think it's too heavy , i was just wondering if there was anything under 30 lb that can do the job as well as an SVT

LOL! I think you did a better job with your comments as follows:

"as far as I know you can only get real tube tone (and I'm talking about the big, round, rich, complex harmonics that only a 300 watt tube power section on the verge of breaking up can deliver) with real tubes and that brings heft. If there was a way to circumvent this formula we would all be on that amps thread with our all-tube heads collecting dust."

That last sentence says it all!

Yes sir , nicely said , & from all the comments it seems like that Fender SB is the one I will try . If all I can shave is 20lb I'm cool with that.

 

[rodl2005]

They're will never be another SVT. It does what it does because it is what it is.
That said, the Fender Super Bassman has been said to make the SVT feel anemic by afew folks...

I wouldn't say ANYTHING bad about SVT's, And I don't think my Super Bassman is any BETTER, just has a few more options and tonal variations available.... PLUS it's 20lbs lighter.

I love SVTs in all their guises, and I'm extremely happy with my Super
Bassman.

 

[MartLTB]

This was probably already posted somewhere in here but for me the answer is the Kemper profiling amplifier. I tried one myself and heard one used live several times and while it's not 100% there, with good profiles it is the closest to an actual SVT while keeping the weight low.

 

[Alexander]

I wouldn't say ANYTHING bad about SVT's, And I don't think my Super Bassman is any BETTER, just has a few more options and tonal variations available.... PLUS it's 20lbs lighter.

I love SVTs in all their guises, and I'm extremely happy with my Super
Bassman.

Another vote for the Super Bassman. I had one and it was awesome. I just couldn’t gel with the vintage channel’s EQ. When dialing in the second channel, though WHOA! The best rock tone I ever had. All the knob fiddling had me switch back to an SVT. But I am so tempted to buy another one though - I miss it. And though it is “only” 20 lbs lighter than the SVT, it feels much more manageable of a carry.

 

[bertthebassist]

I miss my Aggie DB751 slam.
I am hoping that the new Bergantino Forte HP or Arkham Best of the Beasts will manage the slam in a light weight package. I know they use a different power module than most of the current light weight amps. I sometimes wonder if the magic is from the heavy transformer.

Forté HP Bass Amplifier

ARKHAM-THE BEAST OF BOTH WORLDS

 

[HOOLIGAN]

I’ve had SVTs. I currently have a Super Bassman and love it, the 20+ lbs weight difference is significant, even for a big guy like myself. They seem to be gaining favor as the Bass amp of choice for many major players. The auto-bias is an awesome feature. I wish they would have made it able to join the vintage and overdrive channel, though the overdrive channel with blend is quite nice.
Would someone with the Fender please share their settings for a close to SVT tone?
I have tried and have not quite achieved it.

I am still VERY interested in obtaining the SVT 50th anniversary model when it comes out.
I also have the for mentioned Orange Terror Bass (can get close to a SVT tone, but missing that tube “ooomph”) and the Trace Elliot V6 (nothing close to a SVT, just a very clean BASS monster ((with KT-88’s)), more like a vintage Super-Duper Bassman!).

 

[SactoBass]

The V4 and V6 sound virtually identical; the V6 just has a bit more headroom. This should be no surprise, the amps use the exact same circuit cards. The V6 just has a few added components for the two extra output tubes, and also the transformers are different.

To me these amps are all about big fat bass, so I am a bit perplexed by the description of "angry." These are some of the smoothest sounding amps I own. They are somewhat mid-scooped and have a TMB (Fender) tone stack. Pulling the Mid-Shift on these amps raises the knee of the bass control. This allows you to dial in the low end a little closer to an SVT, but IMHO the voicing of the mids and treble is significantly different.

IMHO the V-Types are voiced closer to the Orange AD200B. To me, one big difference is the AD200B is set up to distort easily and the V-Types are set up to stay clean and punchy. If you push the AD200B hard with the Bass turned up too much, the low end looses focus. In contrast, the V-Types stay big and fat, and just thicken up a bit as they get louder.

I guess if you push a V-Type preamp or output section into OD you might get an angry sound...I don't think OD is where they excel, so I don't generally run them that hard.

Wasnex: it was 20+ years ago that I owned a V4, so I trust your description much more than I trust my aging memory!

 

[SactoBass]

And here it is!!!

Paging @hodgy regarding the new 50th Anniversary USA-made SVT: In the video above, Dino said Ch 1 and Ch 2 have slightly different preamp circuit designs. He said Ch 1 matches the sound of the 1969 SVT and Ch 2 matches the sound of the mid-70's SVT. Do you happen to know if one of those matches the sound of the SVT-VR, and if so, which channel?

 

[bobyoung53]

So I just spent 2 years and lots and lots of $$ trying to find something that compares with that all tube ,60 year raining King , The Peggy SVT , but could not find the one.
Aguilar came the closest for me with the DB751, but still a bit heavy for the "replacement" I was searching for.
What is out there that I can buy new that has a warranty, & compares in tone to the SVT without the weight!?
Most of the Class D stuff seems to lack the slam and harmonics that the SVT has, even with a tube pre.
I even gave that Orange ad200b a shot, but compared to an SVT that thing seems kind of like a gimmick for its price.
Can anyone recommend something that can replace my SVT that isint a 4 grand $ Sadowsky !?

I think you're wasting your time, I'm 65 and still lugging one.