tev Posted May 25, 2003 Share Posted May 25, 2003 hey- wondering if i can get some advice on purchasing a new head. I've been playing bass for 16 years, and until about a year ago have always had crap gear. now I've upgraded my bass, and cabinet, and I want to invest in a nice amp. Ideally, I'd like a vintage 70s SVT, but as most of you know, they're hard to find, heavy to lift, and expensive as hell. I've seen a few on ebay, but they always go for about $1200. My linit is about $800-$900. I've been looking into buying a new SVT Pro-3, I wondered if anyone has any advice about these that they can offer. I've seen quite a few of these on ebay as well, but I'm wondering if that's a bad sign, like they suck and everyone wants to get rid of them. I'd appreciate it if you can tell me what you know about these. Also, if anyone knows where I can find info on the web about "Acoustic" brand heads, I'd appreciate that as well. thanks! -tev Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeremy c Posted May 25, 2003 Share Posted May 25, 2003 Ampeg is one of the most respected names in bassampdom. (is that a word?) The only reason you're seeing a lot for sale is because so many people have bought them. You're not going to find much about Acoustic amps on the web. The company went out of business many years ago. I have a "lifetime warranty card" as a nice souvenir. I could sell you my Acoustic 150B, but I don't think you'd want it, it's been on about 6 hours a day in my studio for the last 30 years. And of course Jaco was famous for using Acoustic 360 and 370 amps. But that was then and this is now. Free download of my cd!. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wally Malone Posted May 25, 2003 Share Posted May 25, 2003 tev, welcome to the Lowdown! Not sure of the pricing on this one but I played the Mesa Boogie WalkAbout and it is only 13 pounds and gets a good classic rock sound. Wally I have basses to play, places to be and good music to make! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saxofunk Posted May 25, 2003 Share Posted May 25, 2003 Welcome to the forum! Acoustic360 This is about the most comprehensive Acoustic page I have found, and I have searched extensively. They offer pictures and info on many models, but its not definitive, and not even very complete. I have an Acoustic 140 head and 402 cabinet. My 140 has been rewired a little, and I haven't figured out what has been changed other than the switch was bypassed and a toggle was installed using one the existing "boost" output. - Matt W. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
earljam Posted May 25, 2003 Share Posted May 25, 2003 i use an svt-III which is similar to the 3pro in that it has a three tube pre-amp. it is a heavy rascal but it has been bullet proof for the three years i've been using it. it pushes two 1x 15 yorkville cabs without a strain and seems more powerful than its rated 350 watts @ 4 ohms. money spent on ampeg is usually well spent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
... Posted May 25, 2003 Share Posted May 25, 2003 The SVT Pro-3 is a good, solid amp. They don't sound like the none-more-heavy SVT Classic, but they don't sound like utter poo either. If you can, play one before you make any decisions! The SWR 550x and 750x amps are also very nice and aren't out of your price range. I'd suggest checking them out as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StoneKnife Posted May 25, 2003 Share Posted May 25, 2003 I saw an Acoustic 360 top sell on Ebay in April. They do come up occasionally. I had a 360/361 system in 1971 and feel reasonably confident in saying that the 360 pre-head would be a key element in capturing that sound, as the powered 361 bottom seemed to have a pretty transparent amp section in it that would be easier to replace with a nice huge modern power amp. As to the folded horn- there are some great sound reinforcement 18" boxes available that would do you pretty nicely. I do miss the 360, but gawd what a monster to lug. :-) I know for awhile Victor Wooten was using an SVT 4 Pro -and he gets pretty good tone. "We are the Federales... You know, the Mounted Police..." ---"If you're the police, where are your badges?" "Bodges?..." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cup Posted May 26, 2003 Share Posted May 26, 2003 The svt3 pro is idiot proof. I should know, I'm an idiot, own one and love it. I'm not a big one for adjusting dials too often, but the good people at ampeg even give you a sheet of suggested settings (an insult to intelligence? )....I don't stray too far off those. Have fun. CupMcMali...this monkey's gone to heaven Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Sweet Willie_ Posted May 26, 2003 Share Posted May 26, 2003 SVT-3 Pro is a nice amp. Reasonably priced and available via eBay (as you've noticed). Never owned one, but I've always enjoyed playing them in the shops. spreadluv Fanboy? Why, yes! Nordstrand Pickups and Guitars. Messiaen knew how to parlay the funk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wraub Posted May 26, 2003 Share Posted May 26, 2003 I have owned and played an Acoustic 370 head for many years, it is my secret weapon of mass tone (WMT). It is, IMO, kinda like a solid state SVT (no flames, please). Tone for days,really heavy. NuB-Bass, thatAcoustic link you provided did not work for me... As for Ampeg, I have recently been playing through a borrowed vintage SVT head/8x10 cab, and there is truly nothing else like it. However, lifting it is akin to what I imagine it would be like to deadlift a water buffalo, that had been eating lead weights. In a parka. The SVT3 is a fine amp, without the weight penalty. Do try to hear one in person before you buy, YMMV. Peace, wraub I'm a lot more like I am now than I was when I got here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Fonz Posted May 26, 2003 Share Posted May 26, 2003 wraub can tell you all about acousttics, he has one and loves it. as for the svtIII, that thing RAWKS. ampeg tone, peavey price. all things considered, you won't find a better amp. when, oh when are the ampeg people going to come to this forum and read my posts? i want a new amp!! Eeeeeehhhhhhhhh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saxofunk Posted May 29, 2003 Share Posted May 29, 2003 Originally posted by wraub: NuB-Bass, thatAcoustic link you provided did not work for me... Sorry - it works for me, and I have tried 3 times to post another link and failed to make one work. I saw there was a new thread about Acoustic 120b and the link got reposted - so I hope you found your way. - Matt W. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xhawk4 Posted May 30, 2003 Share Posted May 30, 2003 Try an Ampeg SVP Preamp and a Crown CE1000 poweramp. Together they will reproduce almost any classic tone imaginable. 1000 watts bridged (4 ohms)and Tons of headroom also. I use a 4x10 cabinet with my setup. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PETE_COMBS Posted May 30, 2003 Share Posted May 30, 2003 Try any Hartke bass heads ther the best ive played on so for but the Hartke bass heads are good for sound qaulity,they have solid state preamps some have great punch, low end and piano like tones they have high qaulity eqaulizer bars on them for tone shaping and setting your sound. Pete Combs... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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