That's OK. I work with a guy who plays guitar through a PA head
that's what Greg Ginn in Black Flag did
that's what Greg Ginn in Black Flag did
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Who's never played through a real SVT ?
- Thread starter sedan_dad
- Start date
I've played quite a few over the years. Mostly CL's lately, though. I have to say that even though the CL isn't a "real" SVT, it's still way better than 98% of amps out there.
Also, whether you like it or hate it, I think it needs to be experienced at least once, even if it's a quick run at a music store.
Also, whether you like it or hate it, I think it needs to be experienced at least once, even if it's a quick run at a music store.
I've tryed a SVT-II PRO through my cab, it was nice but too expensive for me.
I want a SVP-CL as I generally like clean sounds the best.
I want a SVP-CL as I generally like clean sounds the best.
dukeplaysbass
Supporting Member
Ok, that's sorta like asking a virgin to tell you why sex is so awesome.
Might not be the The One for you, but for many of us, it is. And like most "standards", there's usually something to it. You do owe it to yourself -- if you're serious about your instrument and your tone -- to get over your bad non-conformist self and go try it and form your own opinion rather than reacting to "hype" or "anti-hype" or some other such knee-jerk nonsense.
I currently own a mid 70s SVT, and a pair of late 80s SVT-IIs. I know I need to get rid of one of the SVT-IIs, but they sound so good.
The SVT-IIs don't match the vintage SVT, but they come damn close. I like the SVT-IIs (which are close to the same circuitry, but in a rackmount version, same tubes and such) for the fact that they're more easily gigged and I can keep them protected without bringing along the 70 lb road case the vintage amp needs. I can get away with a 30 lb rack unit and still know that the knobs won't get sheared off.
To me, a real SVT has a half dozen 6550s and the big power transformer. That's the sound I'm looking for. And as I approach 40 years, I gotta say that I truly don't care if they're heavy. The tone is what matters.
It might not be your thing. But really, if you have never tried one and tell me you "don't like it", then you're talking out your azz. You gotta experiement, expand your horizons. I'm a sideman, pure and simple. I get paid to be good and to bring what the band leader needs. I need to know what's going on in the bass world. I've played virtually ever bass under the sun, and tried a ton of amps, too. I even owned a Warwick (and played it at a House of Blues gig opening for a national act). Hell, I even bought a Tobias once just to see what the hype was about.
As George Clinton said, "Free your mind and your azz will follow...."
dukeplaysbass
Supporting Member
Well, yeah, I'd include the early "blueline" models, too. I think I've only seen one in all my years, tho..... What do you hear as a difference between the 6145 and the 6550?
As for KT-88s, I assume you're talking Marshall. Again, never even seen a Marshall bass amp with remotely enough power for what I'm doing, and I've been around. What model are you running?
Only the very first one had 6146s and there were not many of them. Most of the amps that created the legend had 6550s. So your 4 KT88s "come out on top" in what way?
Ill take the 6 6550s I have now to the 8 KT88s I used to have any day. 
I hadn't heard a "real" SVT until earlier this year. I had been chasing after one for some time and finally found a nice one on craigslist. I went over to try it out and after I heard it for a minute I said thats it, heres a wad of cash. The SVT just sounds so good.
Hey duke whats going on? Blackie is still getting a lot of play time, thanks again!
dukeplaysbass
Supporting Member
Welcome to the SVT club, metron! Glad to hear Blackie is still pounding ear drums. That was one damn good bass. Not sure what i was thinking when I sold that one......and wait a sec, I thought you were in Colorado, not the Netherlands?
Thanks duke! Yeah not sure what you were thinking either but I am grateful. You have to keep the owl farm turnaround in check! I am in Holland for the summer on a temporary work assignment but I will be back in Denver next month. Its nice here man... real nice.
Ive only ever palyed through a BA115 and a Diamond blue 100,
The local store has a B series head (somthing 4) and a 410 HE cab
The local store has a B series head (somthing 4) and a 410 HE cab
I pity you guys.
One who hasn't played with an Ampeg fridge pushing air behind doesn't know how good it is to be a bassplayer.
One who hasn't played with an Ampeg fridge pushing air behind doesn't know how good it is to be a bassplayer.
I had never played through an Ampeg until the last 2 weekends. Both had the fridge. 2 weeks ago was an SVT CL and last weekend was an SVT Pro4 I think. I am might be wrong on the Pro4 model as I really don't know Ampeg models that well.
many posts are focusing on the head, and while that is very important, it is only half the equation.
my interpretation of a "real SVT" includes playing through two 8x10 cabinets as ampeg originally intended.
i own an early 70's head and have played through the fridge many times but i have never played through two at the same time. so personally, i feel that i have never played a "real SVT" they way that ampeg originally wanted them to be experienced.
many of my gigs don't call for something so big, but i can only imagine the thrill of having 16 tens behind me being pushed by an all tube, super heavy transfomer head. just the thought of it is legendary.
my interpretation of a "real SVT" includes playing through two 8x10 cabinets as ampeg originally intended.
i own an early 70's head and have played through the fridge many times but i have never played through two at the same time. so personally, i feel that i have never played a "real SVT" they way that ampeg originally wanted them to be experienced.
many of my gigs don't call for something so big, but i can only imagine the thrill of having 16 tens behind me being pushed by an all tube, super heavy transfomer head. just the thought of it is legendary.
I've played through (and am ordering) an SVT 3-Pro, does that work for ya?
Also played a vintage B15 (I think) and it also sounded great.
Also played a vintage B15 (I think) and it also sounded great.
