You have $1200 to spend on any Ampeg head, new or used

[Ampeg SVT]

MTI SVT or a SVT-AV

 

[quickervicar]

'70s SVT or SVT-II. None of the others quite do the Ampeg thing.

 

[AlstottMVP2]

Ampeg and hartke are all i've ever known. And ampeg sure beats out hartke. I'm just scared to make a 1200 mistake, on an ampeg, or on any other brand.

 

[bassgod1227]

I play an SVT3-Pro with a 4x10 Ampeg Cab and it holds up well with my Warwick Thumb. I played 100+ shows with it last year (loud rock) and didn't have any issues with it at all.

 

[stuonbass]

SVT-II. It is basically the original SVT built into a rack mount enclosure and updated with patching circuits, Balanced out, and graphic EQ. I see these on CL all the time for maybe $1000 or less. Beware, at 90 pounds, it is like picking up a block of concrete.

 

[RobertPaulson]

I've been using my SVTIII Pro for years, and I've never had an issue with it. I like the sound of it, and it's built like a tank - the real question is do you like the sound of an ampeg?

 

[RickenBoogie]

I needed a big amp, had about $1200, and seriously wanted another Mesa amp, like my Walkabout. Then, I found an SVT 6Pro. It changed my life. Seriously great tone, loud as hell, and so far, quite dependable. Mine is a few years old, made by SLM in the USA, and rocks as hard as I ever wanted an amp to rock. It's obviously not an all tube amp, but I like the hybrid bass amp thing, all into Mesa's MPulse line before finding this gem. And it's not just a token 1 or 2 12AX7's in the preamp, either.

 

[jgamble]

SVT4 pro is right in that range and super flexible.

 

[steamthief]

70's SVT or SVT-II non-pro. I've seen both of these selling for $1000 or less lately.

Even before Ampegs curent problems started, I cant think of any other product brand that had such a bizarre combination of fiercely loyal fans and highly vocal haters. That's a very telling trait, the same things that make some of Ampegs better offerings so right for some, also make them so wrong for others...

I can think of one other brand. Starts with "F."

 

[mrkreuzschlitz]

Hey,
what about a Fender Bassman 300? I know, I know, not an Ampeg,
but I a/b'd one and an SVT-CL and it nailed the tone,
and then some.

I wanna A/B one with an original SVT.

 

[AlstottMVP2]

great stuff. i'm taking notes and adding/removing potentials based upon the feedback I read!

 

[twistdpair]

I needed a big amp, had about $1200, and seriously wanted another Mesa amp, like my Walkabout. Then, I found an SVT 6Pro. It changed my life. Seriously great tone, loud as hell, and so far, quite dependable. Mine is a few years old, made by SLM in the USA, and rocks as hard as I ever wanted an amp to rock. It's obviously not an all tube amp, but I like the hybrid bass amp thing, all into Mesa's MPulse line before finding this gem. And it's not just a token 1 or 2 12AX7's in the preamp, either.

I've had my SVT 6Pro for close to 2 years and beat the hell out of it. Loud as sin, great tone, versatile, zero problems. But...HEAVY, fans are loud (at my volume it is not a consideration ) and expensive @ retail price. Got my USA-made 6Pro on ebay new w/ warranty for about $800 though. Now I just need to mate her up with an SVT 410 HLF...

 

[BassmanPaul]

Something else.

Absolutely!

Paul

 

[SixString]

My problem is once you have an ampeg you always have the ampeg sound where as with better amps of different make you can often get the ampeg sound and more with a few knob twists. You just can't un Apmeg and Ampeg.

There is only one ampeg. Take a look at all the threads saying how can i get the svt tone. The ONLY way to do it is to get an SVT.

 

[Warpeg]

I can relate a little here. I've got $1k to spend on an amp. After much tone-searching, I've arrived at getting an SVT-CL tomorrow morning. I've done an early 70's SVT, 400+, Big Block, SVT-4 Pro, SVT-2 Pro, and several different power/pre setups, etc...I prefer a newer USA-made SVT-CL to all of them.

A word of advice: go play all the amps and then decide. Remember, you're asking a bunch of guys with strong pro- or anti-Ampeg biases to tell you which Ampeg amp to get.

 

[svtb15]

if it had to be Ampeg , my vote would be for an late 1980s first generation SVT II non-pro... i have seen them on ebay for about 700 to $800.... you would have some money left over too

 

[gotmule?]

I have never owned an Ampeg, but have always liked that classic Ampeg tone. I recently bought a Fender Bassman 250 and I can get that classic Ampeg tone without the reliability issues. So far, the amp has held up very well for me, and I've only read good things about Fender amps compared to Ampeg.

 

[anonymous_111514]

buying an amp is something you need to do in person if possible. I followed the advice of TB and ended up with a GK700rbII that I didn't care for the tone. I returned it and bought an ampeg.

WARNING! I'm not saying ampeg is better then GK but an amp is like your favorite color or your favorite song, your opinion is the only one that matters and whatever your tastes are will determain the right amp. you may hate the ampeg or you may love it but its up to you.

 

[lowendgenerator]

A used MIA SVT-CL is definitely my choice, if it has to be an Ampeg. For the haters, I suggest a Mesa 400+, my current love for all things destructive.