Haven't spent much time with SVT VR but literally any SVT CL I have ever tried and played (both pracitce and gigs) kicked ass regardless of the country of origin. To me the CL represents how a bass should sound like (going through an SVT 810 Classic/Ampeg closed type cab).
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Haven't spent much time with SVT VR but literally any SVT CL I have ever tried and played (both pracitce and gigs) kicked ass regardless of the country of origin. To me the CL represents how a bass should sound like (going through an SVT 810 Classic/Ampeg closed type cab).
I agree with the cost and weight thing. Tube amps are definitely higher priced, and usually heavier. I disagree about maintenance, though, unless you abuse your tubes. Seen plenty of SS amps require maintenance, and sure, a tube will go out now and again, but that's not so hard to deal with. And unlike SS amps, tubes are user serviceable.
I have an SVT-CL - I rarely need that much power, but on the few occasions I use it, it always gets compliments and brings a smile to my face. I don't push the preamp gain up into "grindy" territory, but turning it up a bit thickens up the sound nicely even at a manageable volume.
With the 4003, though, you might really like the VR because you can run Rick-O-Sound into the two channels and EQ the pickups separately, run different effects, etc.
With the 4003, though, you might really like the VR because you can run Rick-O-Sound into the two channels and EQ the pickups separately, run different effects, etc.
Indeed - me too!I dislike preamp grind as well. To my ears, preamp grind sounds too fizzy, like a hornet flying around inside an aluminum can. For me, it's getting a slight grind from the power tubes that puts a smile on my face!
Do you need 300W? If not, add the V4B to your list.
The CL has a volume and also a gain knob. It gives you the option of cranking one and controlling the volume with the other. If you crank the gain, you get a gritty tone. If you crank the master and control volume with the gain, you get a clean tone. The VR does not have this option, it just has one knob. That is my understanding. The Heritage is made in USA and may have some nicer components. I own a CL. TB classifieds usually has good deals on SVTs.
buy one used on Craigslist. They go for super cheap because they are not in high demand due to weight.
And they last forever. SVTs are expensive but after 40 or 50 years you get your money's worth.
Right. The VR requires you to turn it up to puke-inducing to get any dirt out of it. Which definitely sounds better than pre distortion, but at least you can use pre distortion at a reasonable volume. I love them both for different reasons, but usually will use my HSVT-CL on gigs. But I use pedals for OD because I need a clean sound most of the time and nobody's going to let me turn up an SVT till the power tubes glow
The one thing that has been made clear is that the Ampeg Heritage SVT-810E is THE 8x10 to get...
I have talked to people who prefer the Classic because of its more pronounced upper mids and slightly more edgy tones. But since the Heritage sounds amazingly close to the original flatbacks, I prefer it.
The difference is subtle, yet noticeable. The CL 810 sounds really good. The Heritage sounds really, really good.
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If you need to push to grind , the CL will do it at lower volumes so you don't have to split your eardrums. If clean is what you want , any of those heads will work well. I picked the CL simply because it did the job and cost less that the others. As for the cabs , the Heritage is the best sounding but they all sound great. Again , cost led me to just the CL cab.
Actually , those statements are a bit misleading in my case. I got mine used and two factors played into my choices. Cost as I stated above and the fact that none of the others were available on the used market in my area at the time. If I could have gotten a Heritage cab used at a similar price , I would have probably chosen it over the Classic. Same with the head but the Heritage heads and cabs are always more expensive than the Classic , even on the used market. That's fine , no regrets.
Actually , those statements are a bit misleading in my case. I got mine used and two factors played into my choices. Cost as I stated above and the fact that none of the others were available on the used market in my area at the time. If I could have gotten a Heritage cab used at a similar price , I would have probably chosen it over the Classic. Same with the head but the Heritage heads and cabs are always more expensive than the Classic , even on the used market. That's fine , no regrets.
Right. The VR requires you to turn it up to puke-inducing to get any dirt out of it. Which definitely sounds better than pre distortion, but at least you can use pre distortion at a reasonable volume. I love them both for different reasons, but usually will use my HSVT-CL on gigs. But I use pedals for OD because I need a clean sound most of the time and nobody's going to let me turn up an SVT till the power tubes glow
Or, you can use a smaller, less efficient cab.. and still crank the volume(master vol).
I do this with my Super Bassman often, run it into one 115, and, luckily it's a robust speaker, I push the 300w tube amp's master volume, while getting far less overall volume than if I was using an 810 or larger cab.
I do like the VR a little more than the CL's I've used, but it's very close.
I think I just like the single volume control.
Again, why I use the VINTAGE channel on my Super Bassman, Bass, mid, treble, volume!
Well if you can do that on your gigs, more power to you. 99% of the gigs I do, it would get us sacked immediately.
That would be the "nang-y" modern punk and metal guys.
OP hit a store and decide btw the master vol or non master vol path.
You should try an 810, then hlf on both type of heads. Some people find a sealed cab or ported cab to be their one and only option that scratches that itch.
The perfect tone at useable volume can be an issue that helps form your decisions. I know that when the SVT2 Pro was first released people were overjoyed bc they'd been wanting a master volume and separate gain control for a long time
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Probly 70% of my gigs would get me ticked off too, but, some, GEE it's fun to crank the 6550s!
This is usually just to the EDGE of break up tho, if I really dig in, it'll break up a li'l, play normally, it's clean.
