Why are Ampeg SVTs so popular?

[Phil508]

When I had my Peavey in the 70's I kept looking and tweaking for the sound I wanted (Yeah it sounded good FOH), but when I plugged in to the SVT , instant happiness and that sound I had been looking for without 7000 knob tweaks. Its just that simple, until you play one (with a band) you will never know the goodness. Now I try to emulate it with a much lighter amp setup (and pretty much there using VTbass).

 

[Phil508]

An SVT with an Ampeg 810 is like a Harley motorcycle. There are other sexier, faster and better models out there. But the SVT feels right and has a very loyal following. I own a Harley now and once owned an SVT stack. I do not currently own an SVT because it weighs more than the Harley.

I didn't know Harley made a 50cc!!!!

 

[wmhill]

I had to use one in a backline at a show (SVT3 Pro) because the soundguy wouldn't let me use my Trace. And the thing was just a muddy mess, I had ample time to try and sort a sound. But to no avail. I should have hid my Trace behind the rig and made it look like i was using the Ampeg I'll take a clean head over a tube one any day. You can always run some sort of pedal to warm up your sound, or add grit.
If everyone's using a Pbass and SVT, that is the last thing I will use.
*I use a bright green 1000watt MB Little Ninja.

Same here- we opened up for the Marshall Tucker band last summer, and that was what was there. I didn't care for it, but I made do. This was a blue line SVT. I would have liked my Tecamp rig, but I was as cooperative as I could be, and it was a 45 minute set.

 

[somebrains]

I own an SVP-CL, I can make do with the lighter setup when I don't feel like lugging around my genuine SVT.

It's kinda like getting Mac sauce on a McDouble.

 

[DJ Bebop]

Oh no, not this again...

 

[socialleper]

I stand by that and will add don't give me crap about what I like or my opinion.

Meeeow.
I wasn't giving you crap. I was just illustrating that while you are pointing to the marketing of "gadgets" as evidence to your argument, you may have been the object of marketing that feeds on a sense of comfort or familiarity. Go look at the Ampeg products page (https://ampeg.com/products/), look at the design if the Portaflex and V4B. These are clearly designed to touch on the memories of older players, even though the design is anachronistic. Fender does the same thing.
I'm trying to demonstrate to the OP that there are some less obvious factors that play a roll in the popularity of the SVT-CL.

 

[SAlcott]

They do the job.

 

[wolfkeller]

I am in my 60’s and cannot lift an SVT or an 810 cab. It’s got nothing to do with age, desire, or being a “wus”.

I’ve dealt with Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis for the last 35 years. In case you didn’t know, these diseases have nothing to do with my behavior. Rather, they are inherited disease states.

Please take your “tough guy, I can do anything” ingnorance elsewhere.

I sincerely hope that you never have to deal with medical situations that cause others to call you names or make fun of you. Why? Because I know first hand what it feels like.

Dude, clearly i was not directing at you so why do u take it that way? SOS. If it donr apply, let it fly. Sorry to hear about your condition sir.

 

[FerK]

Sure is, alot of that going on. I use a rolling rack with an svt 2 pro and 2 810s. In addition, i load set up and load out 3 trailers of gear and heavy cases i dont sit in my underwear, im not outa shape nor do i troll.

I don't think minding the weight is being a wuss. Some people enjoy the convenience of being able to unload in 2min (e.g. bass and micro amp in he gig bag, cab on casters). For a small venue with a PA a 210 is enough...no need for big and heavy gear at all if you like your class D's tone.

 

[DJ Bebop]

Meeeow.
I wasn't giving you crap. I was just illustrating that while you are pointing to the marketing of "gadgets" as evidence to your argument, you may have been the object of marketing that feeds on a sense of comfort or familiarity. Go look at the Ampeg products page (https://ampeg.com/products/), look at the design if the Portaflex and V4B. These are clearly designed to touch on the memories of older players, even though the design is anachronistic. Fender does the same thing.
I'm trying to demonstrate to the OP that there are some less obvious factors that play a roll in the popularity of the SVT-CL.

I hear ya man, gotta go, on my way to a gig!

V4B behind mama.

 

[Maxfenderbass]

"In terms of pure workmanship, personally I don't like Harleys. I ride them because I'm in the club, and that's the image, but if I could I would seriously consider riding a Honda ST1100 or a BMW. We really missed the boat not switching over to the Japanese models when they began building bigger bikes. I'll usually say **** Harley-Davidson." -Sonny Barger

lol

Yamaha FZ07 over here!

 

[pbassnut]

The Ampeg SVT is certainly iconic with its lifetime achievement award membership in the original "holy trinity" * of ground breaking arena rock bass amps along with the Acoustic 360 and Sunn 2000S. It has also stood the test of time as they are still quite popular and are seen on big time concert stages quite a bit even to this day. I have a theory that their popularity is, at least, partially tied to the enduring popularity of the Fender Precision. While the SVT sounds great amplifying most basses, they do go together with Fender Precisions like "bread & buttah" for loud Rock & Roll. This (I suspect) is because the P-Bass was the absolute undisputed king of the hill bass in 1968 when Ampeg was doing their R&D for the SVT amp. My theory is that (with maximizing sales in mind) Ampeg optimized the SVT to sound good with Fender Precisions as they were the most likely bass it might be paired with.

* IMHO, of course!

 

[Ric5]

Why are Ampeg SVTs so popular?

Because they work

 

[jhfishn]

Back in the 70's I used an SVT head and 2 810's ..... ultimately I moved to an Acoustic 370 and stayed there until the GK800RB came out.

I suppose I just gravitate to solid state but man could that Acoustic throw!

 

[Metropolis_488]

I owned one years ago. Personally, I believe a big part of the “SVT” sound is the sealed 810 with no tweeter.
I always preferred my Bass 400+ to my SVT, but that’s a personal matter. Now, I wouldn’t use either.

 

[patzilla83]

I wanted an SVT and fridge forever and finally got one. Played through it exclusively for about 4 years. Always liked the sound but hated hauling it. When the cab was stolen from a shared rehearsal space, I sold the head to a friend and picked up an Aguilar TH350 and a db112. To be 100% I'm happier with the aggie than I ever was with the SVT.

 

[HolmeBass]

At the risk of tautology, they are popular because so many people love them. Definitely a classic, if not the classic bass tone when coupled with the fridge.

 

[edro]

Back in the 70's I used an SVT head and 2 810's ..... ultimately I moved to an Acoustic 370 and stayed there until the GK800RB came out.

I suppose I just gravitate to solid state but man could that Acoustic throw!

My late older bro played a 371 for several years.... It amazed me how it sounded to be a folded horn with a CV 18"... Great rig.... His last was a GK1001 2-4x10 stack that I have now...

 

[spaz21387]

I have a love/hate relationship with mine. I love the sound but hate transporting it anywhere.

 

[andawun]

The few times I used an SVT amp/ 810 cab as provided backline in clubs I didn't get what all the fuss was about. When I turned it up where I could hear myself the soundman would run up waving his hands and telling me that I was too loud in the back of the room! Then I played the main stage at a festival with one and I got what all the fuss was about!