What's so special about the SVT?

[JazzyJacuzzi]

OBLIGATORY I AM NOT TROLLING MESSAGE

I don't have strong opinions about amps. I think all moderately priced amps do a fine job doing what they were built for: amplifying your signal. Sure, I prefer some over others, but I'll be happy with whatever (I'll be giving the Aguilar Tone Hammer another chance this weekend now that I understand its drive and gain controls better, if you've been following that thread).

Except for the SVT.

Whenever I plug into an SVT I feel like I'm plugging directly into a shrieking panel of stainless steel. Every other year I buy yet another SVT-flavoured preamp pedal -- SV-Pre, Bass Driver DI, VT Bass DI, SCR-DI -- hoping I'd finally get it and end up absolutely hating it (I must be the only one who's ever returned a perfectly working Broughton pedal).

I know I'm not the first one to hold a grudge against the SVT, but whenever these feelings are brought up, people are quick to point out the magic comes from the 810. Maybe that's part of the story, and but then, why is the preamp market flooded with SVT-flavoured pedals? Why is the 810 always paired with the SVT? Why the SVT/810 combo and not the Fender Bassman/810 combo?

And yet, here's Sean Hurley sounding like what I assume warm butter on freshly-taken-out-of-the-oven bread sounds like plugged into an SVT (whether or the SVT is what we actually hear here is another story).

So, what's so special about the SVT?

 

[Bent77]

Well, some people hear or prefer that, others don’t.

Yep I own a SVT. It doesn’t sound like my fridge. Nor does it sound sterile, cold, or generic

Yours laps around the sun may vary

 

[Old Fart]

SVT-flavored pedals are not SVTs. Shrieking panel of stainless steel? Hm. Your SVT pedals sound very different from my SVT.

 

[Mastermold]

OBLIGATORY I AM NOT TROLLING MESSAGE

I don't have strong opinions about amps. I think all moderately priced amps do a fine job doing what they were built for: amplifying your signal. Sure, I prefer some over others, but I'll be happy with whatever (I'll be giving the Aguilar Tone Hammer another chance this weekend now that I understand its drive and gain controls better, if you've been following that thread).

Except for the SVT.

Whenever I plug into an SVT I feel like I'm plugging directly into a shrieking panel of stainless steel. Every other year I buy yet another SVT-flavoured preamp pedal -- SV-Pre, Bass Driver DI, VT Bass DI, SCR-DI -- hoping I'd finally get it and end up absolutely hating it (I must be the only one who's ever returned a perfectly working Broughton pedal).

I know I'm not the first one to hold a grudge against the SVT, but whenever these feelings are brought up, people are quick to point out the magic comes from the 810. Maybe that's part of the story, and but then, why is the preamp market flooded with SVT-flavoured pedals? Why is the 810 always paired with the SVT? Why the SVT/810 combo and not the Fender Bassman/810 combo?

And yet, here's Sean Hurley sounding like what I assume warm butter on freshly-taken-out-of-the-oven bread sounds like plugged into an SVT (whether or the SVT is what we actually hear here is another story).

So, what's so special about the SVT?

If you can’t get a good tone from an SVT it’s either broken or you’re doing it wrong.

 

[two fingers]

OBLIGATORY I AM NOT TROLLING MESSAGE

I don't have strong opinions about amps. I think all moderately priced amps do a fine job doing what they were built for: amplifying your signal. Sure, I prefer some over others, but I'll be happy with whatever (I'll be giving the Aguilar Tone Hammer another chance this weekend now that I understand its drive and gain controls better, if you've been following that thread).

Except for the SVT.

Whenever I plug into an SVT I feel like I'm plugging directly into a shrieking panel of stainless steel. Every other year I buy yet another SVT-flavoured preamp pedal -- SV-Pre, Bass Driver DI, VT Bass DI, SCR-DI -- hoping I'd finally get it and end up absolutely hating it (I must be the only one who's ever returned a perfectly working Broughton pedal).

I know I'm not the first one to hold a grudge against the SVT, but whenever these feelings are brought up, people are quick to point out the magic comes from the 810. Maybe that's part of the story, and but then, why is the preamp market flooded with SVT-flavoured pedals? Why is the 810 always paired with the SVT? Why the SVT/810 combo and not the Fender Bassman/810 combo?

And yet, here's Sean Hurley sounding like what I assume warm butter on freshly-taken-out-of-the-oven bread sounds like plugged into an SVT (whether or the SVT is what we actually hear here is another story).

So, what's so special about the SVT?

It's no big deal. If you don't "get" the SVT it's just not for you. Like what you like and don't sweat it.

 

[beans-on-toast]

Find the right tool that works for you. You’ll know it when you hear it.

I can get an array of tones out of an SVT. It doesn’t have to sound like a buzz saw.

 

[joelns]

The only SVT's I played out of were backline and beat to snot. I never could get good tones out of them. Likely it was the state of the beat up cab. When I could finally afford one, there was other really high quality and much lighter gear available so I went that way.

 

[joel406]

Yeah... I don't do Ampeg either.

Tried them time and again. Leaving weight of the head and cab out of the equation, the sound of it wasn't my thing either. I even tried different amps with the SVT cab (810). For me the cab is the worst part. My 212 and 410 cabs sound way better.

People that like em... Like em. And that's fine. If it works for them I think it's great they have something that makes them happy. I have always preferred the sound of pure solid state and a couple of hybrids. And the Subway cabs are just unstoppable.

 

[squish]

Have you played an SVT in a band? The sound in the mix is what everyone is talking about.

 

[joel406]

Have you played an SVT in a band? The sound in the mix is what everyone is talking about.

I have. I couldn't wait to get my amp back.

 

[Johnny Fingers]

Nothing else sounds like an SVT head through 16/10s, IMHO.

 

[Wasnex]

The question you are asking is some serious navel gazing IMHO . It's sort of like asking, why do I like a specific color. Why we like or dislike the SVT and/or 810 tends to be more subjective. I personally can't stand playing through the 810, even though I do agree it's a significant part of the sound. However, IMHO objectively the SVT and 810 are both fabulous designs...it's just not really "my" sound.

The SVT has some subjectively nice qualities. Overall it was originally designed as a high powered and essentially HiFi amp. Keep in mind the amp came out in 1969. The frequency response can be dialed in fairly close to flat, but there is a very gentle and wide band hump centered at about 400hz. I think this hump is part of the SVT sound, and something I call a low mid push. I also hear a certain grindy quality in the mids when and SVT is pushed a little bit. Selecting the 800hz mid control with a bit of mid boost seems to really bring this quality out.

Many SVT inspired pedals seem to produce a tone that is similar to engaging the Deep switch and cranking the amp way beyond it's 300W power rating. Not a sound I would tend to use. If you don't know, engaging the Deep switch actually creates a huge/deep mid cut. IMHO this notch is way to extreme for my taste.

 

[WG Plum]

I've only had an SVT 4 Pro. At the time I had a 410 HLF. It had all the low end I wanted, but was still just a little sterile. It was great, but not quite what I wanted to hear.

Fast forward to today and I've learned that what I really like is the warmth of a tube/Fender tone stack. As others have said, however, there is something for everyone these days, and that's a wonderful thing.

 

[A Bass And Its Boy]

God, I love finding someone else who doesn’t like SVTs or Ampeg in general. It’s like finding someone else who hates cooked fruit or Pink Floyd. Preach!

 

[StayLow]

OBLIGATORY I AM NOT TROLLING MESSAGE

I don't have strong opinions about amps. I think all moderately priced amps do a fine job doing what they were built for: amplifying your signal. Sure, I prefer some over others, but I'll be happy with whatever (I'll be giving the Aguilar Tone Hammer another chance this weekend now that I understand its drive and gain controls better, if you've been following that thread).

Except for the SVT.

Whenever I plug into an SVT I feel like I'm plugging directly into a shrieking panel of stainless steel. Every other year I buy yet another SVT-flavoured preamp pedal -- SV-Pre, Bass Driver DI, VT Bass DI, SCR-DI -- hoping I'd finally get it and end up absolutely hating it (I must be the only one who's ever returned a perfectly working Broughton pedal).

I know I'm not the first one to hold a grudge against the SVT, but whenever these feelings are brought up, people are quick to point out the magic comes from the 810. Maybe that's part of the story, and but then, why is the preamp market flooded with SVT-flavoured pedals? Why is the 810 always paired with the SVT? Why the SVT/810 combo and not the Fender Bassman/810 combo?

And yet, here's Sean Hurley sounding like what I assume warm butter on freshly-taken-out-of-the-oven bread sounds like plugged into an SVT (whether or the SVT is what we actually hear here is another story).

So, what's so special about the SVT?

Fantastic performance! And tone.

The 8x10 sealed cab is a big part of it. Love playing anything through those.

Tried / try this?

 

[baxter_x]

To me, all tubes are a bit overrated. They are great amps for sure but we attribute a bit too much of crazy magic things about them.
I like playing them for the pleasure, but my SVT 7 is IMO way better for my tastes. More slam, punchier, "quicker", more modern......
As mentioned earlier, there is absolutely nothing wrong with lot liking them. I'm glad I don't because of their weight!

 

[bassfreakah]

The best amp is the one that sounds good to you. I have always liked SVT’s but there are so so many great amps out on market it is kinda overwhelming. My SVT was sold long long ago, we have been using a GK RB 700 and a older Eden head with good results. The GK and SVT 810 are such a great combo for big outdoor shows its like the next best thing IMHO. But you find your happiness and don’t worry about what works for everyone else. Most people are followers and just play what other people think sounds good. That doesn’t work for me.

 

[theduke1]

I have very little experience using a SVT, the few times I have played through one my 5 string G&L sounded muddy, and distorted. I don’t know if it’s because of using a 5 string or not knowing how to set it up, but I didn’t care for it.
Duke

 

[baxter_x]

sounded muddy

I agree, there is a natural bloom with tubes amps you don't have with SS amps. I think that's mainly why SS amps are considered to be "quicker" than tube amps.

 

[baxter_x]

But you find your happiness and don’t worry about what works for everyone else. Most people are followers and just play what other people think sounds good. That doesn’t work for me.

Absolutely!