VT bass or Ampeg?

[Gearhead17]

I suppose the real question being asked here is that with pedals like the VT bass and the darkglass, is it really worth it to carry 100lb heads just for the overdrive?

Power tube growl is off on another planet. Pedals are great, but in my opinion, they never will reach power tube growl. I used to love tube growl, but over time, the tube maintenance and the weight was not worth it for me.

It's all about the tone you want in a live setting.

 

[Hobobob]

If you want the clank and aggression, Darkglass is the way to go. That being said, I did a gig earlier this year that provided a 70's SVT with two ampeg 810's as backline, and it was nearly a religious experience. A B3K into your VT Bass might sound close enough for Gubmint work, but it won't get you all the way nor have the same juicy tactile feel as an all tube SVT. It depends on your tone requirements VS your willingness to schlep heavy gear.

 

[john_g]

I got a real SVT a few months ago and holy poop! Totally different experience than the VT bass pedal I used to have, or any of the others I have/had. Just kills. It just is thick and rich and the overdrive I get is awesome. Totally on a different level. However, it IS alot more expensive and heavier. For me, I am ok with the weight for the tone I am getting.

 

[Tuned]

My rig (SVP-CL + Peavey IPR 1600) competes with a $2600 SVT 8Pro, and you can get them for ~$800 total. My rack is about 14lbs, and can drive four 8x10's to tears. Ampeg's charging more for the 8Pro than the all-tube SVT's, I'd say that makes it a pretty good compromise for weight.

 

[Rocksolid]

Got a VT bass, love it, but I would rate a tech 21 rpm over it for getting ampeg tone. It can transform any rig. I have it running in the effects loop of an Eden rig and it is like I have changed rigs when I kick it in.

 

[jeffgnr90]

What? I gotta tell you?



I'm a big fan of the VT and other Tech 21 Character pedals. They do a great job for what they are, and I own two of them. But come on!

Which ones do you ownn Jimmy?

 

[JimmyM]

Which ones do you ownn Jimmy?

VT Deluxe and British with a cool mod that allows for more low end.

 

[Emanuel Apascaritei]

Did you try the Zoom B3 SVT emulation?? Didn´t try the real deal so can´t give a real opinion but I´m sure someone on talkbass did.

 

[Musicman20]

Try one out....only your ears can judge.

I love Tech 21 gear and I currently have the VT Bass V2 and Sansamp BDDI. When the VT Bass DI comes out, i'll be buying!

But, my Orange AD200b sounds superb.

Its a tough call.

What about a Pro - 7, then save a little more for the Spector?

 

[One Drop]

Yes it is. I run my dirt pedals through my clean SVT or my REDDI and it sounds a good bit better to me than if I run the pedals through a SS amp or a SS DI. Now will your gig suffer if you choose to lighten up with the head? Not if you play well But for me, I may not enjoy the schlep as much, but once I get it set up, I never regret bringing my SVT to gigs.

Oh yeah. That's the way I roll, too, when I can.