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the Official Ampeg Club Part 5

I've posted this elsewhere, but so proud of the new rig I figured I'd post here in hopes of a number. 1976 V4B and customized 4x10 with Eminence speakers. Gonna try it out with a drummer soon. I have the option to return if I want, and a friend is encouraging me to do so and go for a new reissue. I'll tread the thread for more info, but any thoughts on if I should hold onto this guy or get the reissue V4B are welcome.

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No, but I suppose things can happen. Is yours bad?
Every now and then I get a HORRIBLE static sound.
I think, I use that word very loosely, it only happens when I'm plugged into the 0db input and only when it moves. I think the reason its difficult to narrow it down any further is because its temporary, I'm very hard of hearing, and I'm limited on my playing time because I'm still recovering from surgery.
 
Every now and then I get a HORRIBLE static sound.
I think, I use that word very loosely, it only happens when I'm plugged into the 0db input and only when it moves. I think the reason its difficult to narrow it down any further is because its temporary, I'm very hard of hearing, and I'm limited on my playing time because I'm still recovering from surgery.
That can definitely put a crimp in your day. Hope the recovery goes well! It could be something very simple like the tines that touch your plug need retensioned, or maybe a cold solder, or it could very well be the cable. At any rate, it's a minor fix at worst.
 
That can definitely put a crimp in your day. Hope the recovery goes well! It could be something very simple like the tines that touch your plug need retensioned, or maybe a cold solder, or it could very well be the cable. At any rate, it's a minor fix at worst.
Appreciate the sentiment brother. I am inclined to drop it off with the tech at Mat Music for a thorough cleaning. It would be a convenient time to check out the jacks and tubes anyway. I'll let you know. I'm aloud to walk very limited amount of time and stairs are a no no. My gear is downstairs so they're off limits. Except I've never been very good at playing along with the doctors "suggestions"!
 
after many years of NOT owning Ampeg gear (for the most part, but I do actually own a PF500/115HE rig and a 6Pro), and putting devices into my signal chain to get an Ampeg type tone/eq flavor (eg. VT Deluxe), I am thinking about going ahead and grabbing an Ampeg amp and calling it good. I have used SVT's plenty of times as a tour rig or as part of a venue/event backline so I am very familiar with them, but they were usually dialed in by the stage/sound techs and not by me.

As I am a tube guy (not religion for me, but I know I like what tube pre & power sections can deliver), I have been looking hard at the all tube SVT's. But, it's kind of hard to decipher all of the possible options, what with the SVT-CL, SVT-VR, SVT-AV, SVT Heritage, SVT II (pro/non pro), MTI, Loud, Blue Line, Black Line, Skunkworks, etc etc etc.

I am inclined towards the SVT-VR or an older version (70's model) that provides the two preamp channels .. SVT (Bass/Mid/Treble) and B15 (Bass/Treble). My only hesitation on the VR is that it seems to be a Vietnam build, and while I don't have a strong USA only bias, I have just had better luck with US built gear (Mesa, Demeter, 70's Fender).

The reason I would add an SVT to my rig options is to have the classic 300w all tube icon at my disposal to use when the gig called for that sound. I like the PF500 and 6Pro amps ok, but they both leave a bit to be desired in my experience with them. In my case, the PF500 has cut out on me on gigs and now is only used at a rehearsal space. The 6Pro has plenty of power and gets the general Ampeg tone, but feels like something is missing ... plus, when its cooling fan kicks on its like a broken 747 is flying through the room.

so, what advice can you TB Ampeg club guys offer to help me make up my mind.
 
A crusty jack fix that can be either fairly long lasting or not at all is to turn power off, then plug and unplug until you get tired of it. I have a 30 year old Marshall IBS that I do that to now and then and it works ok for weeks or months.
 
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after many years of NOT owning Ampeg gear (for the most part, but I do actually own a PF500/115HE rig and a 6Pro), and putting devices into my signal chain to get an Ampeg type tone/eq flavor (eg. VT Deluxe), I am thinking about going ahead and grabbing an Ampeg amp and calling it good. I have used SVT's plenty of times as a tour rig or as part of a venue/event backline so I am very familiar with them, but they were usually dialed in by the stage/sound techs and not by me.

As I am a tube guy (not religion for me, but I know I like what tube pre & power sections can deliver), I have been looking hard at the all tube SVT's. But, it's kind of hard to decipher all of the possible options, what with the SVT-CL, SVT-VR, SVT-AV, SVT Heritage, SVT II (pro/non pro), MTI, Loud, Blue Line, Black Line, Skunkworks, etc etc etc.

I am inclined towards the SVT-VR or an older version (70's model) that provides the two preamp channels .. SVT (Bass/Mid/Treble) and B15 (Bass/Treble). My only hesitation on the VR is that it seems to be a Vietnam build, and while I don't have a strong USA only bias, I have just had better luck with US built gear (Mesa, Demeter, 70's Fender).

The reason I would add an SVT to my rig options is to have the classic 300w all tube icon at my disposal to use when the gig called for that sound. I like the PF500 and 6Pro amps ok, but they both leave a bit to be desired in my experience with them. In my case, the PF500 has cut out on me on gigs and now is only used at a rehearsal space. The 6Pro has plenty of power and gets the general Ampeg tone, but feels like something is missing ... plus, when its cooling fan kicks on its like a broken 747 is flying through the room.

so, what advice can you TB Ampeg club guys offer to help me make up my mind.
I have an Ampeg SVT Classic. USA built. This amp was set in a storage unit right after it was bought and looks brand new. I am far from a good bass player and know very little about the myriad amps out there, but I don't plan to be without my all tube Ampeg, ever. I have a lot of stuff, Fender, Eden, other Ampegs, but nothing can replace my all tube Ampeg. I like USA built equipment too. Unless it's a car, that's all I have. Basses, amps, guns, tools, etc. Nothing wrong with wanting US built amps but the new Ampegs are made by Yamaha and I understand that is a first class company. US built Ampegs are still available every day used on Guitar Center website. Probably many others. Jimmy is the person I go to for all my Ampeg questions. Actually, I ask him a bunch of crap, but Ampeg for sure. He's the best.
 
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ironically quiet thread ;)

so, would I expect that all of the various SVT variants sound the same and I should not look at one (of the many) over the others ?
as I mentioned, I am leaning in the direction of a VR, or possibly the early 70's blue line on which the VR is based, primarily because of the two channels and preamps. OTOH, the VR does not have a Master volume, so there is no ability to control the preamp levels separately from the power amp level as is possible on the CL.


no input from the Ampeg club on this at all ?
 
ironically quiet thread ;)

so, would I expect that all of the various SVT variants sound the same and I should not look at one (of the many) over the others ?
as I mentioned, I am leaning in the direction of a VR, or possibly the early 70's blue line on which the VR is based, primarily because of the two channels and preamps. OTOH, the VR does not have a Master volume, so there is no ability to control the preamp levels separately from the power amp level as is possible on the CL.

no input from the Ampeg club on this at all ?
It all comes down to whether you want an amp with a bass channel and a guitar channel and single volume controls where the only way to get distortion is to crank it super loud, vs one with only the bass channel and master volume to can get preamp grind at a lower volume. Or if you want a built-in DI, as the older ones before the 90's don't have them. I've played them all at one time or another and the differences have been slight at best. The tube you put in V1 of the preamp can do as much or more to change the sound than the year of manufacture.
 
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This video gives a breakdown of a lot of SVT heads with various basses. Might be a good place to investigate the differences in some of the heads. To me the all tube variation sound similar, but not the same at all. Good luck with your search!!!



This video tells me that I really want an SVT 2-Pro. LOL.
 
Hey, I've started playing with a Reggae band and I'm thinking I'll need more rig than what I use in my other bands -a PF50T or PF350 into to 2 x 210AV cabs.

I still have an SVT-15EN and an SVT-210E (classic cabs) which I used to stack before I got the 210AVs. Despite what the mixed driver police will say, the 2 classic cabs do work well together. I could also look out for another SVT-15EN.

But the 210AVs are so light! It's tempting to look at adding another 1 or 2 210AVs. I could easily make up a serial/parallel box to get 4 to work at 8 ohms with the PF-50T.
Or I could run one amp into each set. I also have a couple of power amps I could use.

Lot's of options, but what I'm wondering:
Has anyone actually run 4 x 210AVs?
Would 4 of them give me enough low end?