rainsinvelvet Posted July 15, 2003 Share Posted July 15, 2003 So I want to buy an Ampeg bass head. It's either a new svt classic or a 70's ish version of it.. Do they REALY sound that different? I'm under the impression that they use the same tubes.. I'm sure there is a difference,BUT how big is it? Will I be totaly bummed out if I don't get the vintage one? Sound wise I like good 'ol rock n' roll with a british flair ie:Catherine Wheel if that helps.. Thanks, ERic SQUIRRELS WILL rule the earth !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
... Posted July 15, 2003 Share Posted July 15, 2003 Some will argue that a good vintage SVT sounds better than a new SVT Classic. I had an SVT Classic for several years and never had a problem with it. The tone was outstanding and having the reliability of a newer piece of equipment was well worth any minor tonal differences that you may or may not be able to hear when A/Bing the two. My biggest reason for selling it was transporting the damn thing. It's heavy. Really heavy. The head alone weighs in at almost 100 pounds, then you have the refrigerator with speakers in it that is the cab. I just got sick of moving it all the time and went with something lighter. Plus, it's a little ridiculous to show up at a small jazz gig with a friggin SVT. Buy an SVT Classic. It will make you happy as long as you can dig hauling the beast around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Selecter Posted July 15, 2003 Share Posted July 15, 2003 I played a SVT just fer kicks when I got my new amp last weekend. I honestly could not tell the difference between a SVT playing thru a 1 X 15 cab and the amp that I wound up with, the BA115HP....but I could not turn it up enough to test the volume difference on either one without killing my ears. The 6 X 10 sounded different though. More bite and less rounded, which seems to be the style right now. Tho the cabs of that size still have wheels, SVT's must really be a pain to move about at 100 pounds. My combo wieghs 80 and thats about the limit for my 40 year old creaky back. AND IT'S COMPACT! I suspect when I start playing out that last fact is going to be paramount. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Banta Posted July 16, 2003 Share Posted July 16, 2003 Having owned 4 of the '70s SVTs and currently owning 2 SVT-CLs, I can emphatically recommend either one if the deal is right. An old SVT in good condition will sound great and prove to be dependable, and the SVT-CL sounds just as good. The main differences are that the old heads lack a pregain, so the tube-overdriven sound is only there when you crank them up, and the SVT-CL has very user-friendly power tube bias adjustments on the rear panel. It's nice having the capability to blow the roof off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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