Why are Ampeg SVTs so popular?

[Whitenoise17]

Nearly every rock/metal bassist I see uses an SVT live. Whether it's Mike Inez, Jason Newsted, Rex Brown, or Dave Farrell, so many of my favorite bassists play Ampegs.
Why is this? Are they just that good that almost everyone uses them? I've never played one, so I wouldn't know. Am I missing out? Is the SVT the holy grail of bass amps?

 

[pie_man_25]

They're just plain good amps. I'd imagine roadies, soundguys, endorsement deals, money, and a great reputation for being "the" bass amp help too.

 

[buldog5151bass]

If you haven't played one, you won't understand. I won't carry one, but I'll very happily play one if it is backlined.

 

[BioDriver]

Same reason Fender basses are so popular - they got it right first and became part of the sound people think of when they think "bass."

Personally I think Aguilar DB and GK sound better, but different strokes.

 

[Basshappi]

Go play one, at stage volume, in a rock band.
If you can use 2 810s do it.
Your question will be answered.

 

[FirewalZ]

Like Marshall, they are sort of an iconic brand with a lot of history. I dont really care for the solid state heads, however the tube SVT/8-10 sounds great IMO. That being said, im not interested in buying one nor hauling it around to clubs and such.

 

[rodl2005]

Coz ppl are sheep.


Nah, not all...


They're great amps, that sound great and are reliable and powerful.. plus they're plentiful, like Fender basses. Every city's hire co. has em. Etc....

 

[JimmyM]

A lot of bassists for other types of music dig them, too, not just rock. But they are the big rock amp, no doubt.

 

[rodl2005]

A lot of bassists for other types of music dig them, too, not just rock. But they are the big rock amp, no doubt.

Absolutely. Good for any type of music imo. Easy and effective EQ options = versatility!

 

[Jim C]

The King
From 1969 through right now, the bass amp that's been on more big stages than any other.
I have one that stays at home as a reference amp.
Other than weight, 300 watts is just not enough for me with inefficient cabinets for loud and clear at stage volume.
With the 8x10, it kills.
When you think about it, you see alot more stages with an SVT as compared to Aquilar DB750 or GK RB / MB series, or any other brand.
The industry standard; nobody hates an SVT.
.02

 

[Paulabass]

In most cities, backline companies use an SVT by default. If the contract says 'bass amp' you get an SVT.

 

[Lesfunk]

Because they sound great!
The SVT is an example of an amp that set the standard and remains a standard in its class many years later.

 

[nostatic]

Illuminati



I've said too much...

 

[Joebarnes]

I have to say there is just 'something' about a SVT - especially combined with a fridge. I played one once and saved my dollars to get one. Eventually downsized the fridge to the 2x12av cab - my drummer still wishes I had the 8x10 (as do I, but my back does not). I play Modern Country and most of the country guys use a SVT as well. To me.... it is what a bass amp should sound like.

If you can never afford a SVT, don't try one.... because the first taste is free, and then the cost goes up

 

[lermgalieu]

Cuz they sound good...

 

[Tim Skaggs]

Nearly every rock/metal bassist I see uses an SVT live. Whether it's Mike Inez, Jason Newsted, Rex Brown, or Dave Farrell, so many of my favorite bassists play Ampegs.
Why is this? Are they just that good that almost everyone uses them? I've never played one, so I wouldn't know. Am I missing out? Is the SVT the holy grail of bass amps?

They sound good. It's not an accident, they were designed to sound the way they sound. Players want that tone and listeners enjoy that tone. You may not have played one, but you have heard one or a tone sculpted to sound like one.

 

[rufus.K]

Because it's got orange drop caps, flatwound resistors, and faux tortoise inductor EQ. Pair it with a dishwasher cab. and you've got yourself some sameass apple-pie.

Or put another way

It just does what you expect without making it hard.

 

[Thumpin6string]

Because roadies love getting hernias. Even their hybrid amps weigh a ton. I have an SVT-4 pro that weighs around 48 pounds while my Epifani 410UL cab only weighs 57. The SVT will be going soon because of that. I'll stick with my Eden.

 

[Nickweissmusic]

Nearly every rock/metal bassist I see uses an SVT live. Whether it's Mike Inez, Jason Newsted, Rex Brown, or Dave Farrell, so many of my favorite bassists play Ampegs.
Why is this? Are they just that good that almost everyone uses them? I've never played one, so I wouldn't know. Am I missing out? Is the SVT the holy grail of bass amps?

They’re reliable, loud, and push the good rock bass low-mid frequencies. I prefer a more hi-fi tone myself, but when they are provided as back line I enjoy them- not enough to lift one, but I do enjoy them

 

[Kevan Campbell]

Because they’re one of, if not THE, most iconic bass amps ever made during the heyday of loud rock ‘n roll festivals. I own one (Ampeg Heritage Series) but honestly use it maybe three times a year as I prefer the sound of my Noble preamp/DI and Bergantino B Amp/HDN212. But I’ll bring out the Ampeg if it’s for the right artist at the right gig for the right amount of cash.