SVT-CL vs. SVT-VR

[Hansomatic]

I'm going to get one of the two. Your opinion, please!

[The Everlove]

Sweet! The bassist that we used to play with used the Classic, you can hear it recorded on our site: www.myspace.com/adelphi (http://www.myspace.com/adelphi)

Our new bassist, however, uses the VR and I must say that it is MUCH better than the CL. The CL has can be muddy or mushy at times, and the VR is CLEAR. The two separate channels and inputs makes for much more tonal variety. It's loud, raunchy, ballsy, punchy, and sexy looking. Go play them at guitar center, the local one here has one in stock on the floor. Best of luck in your decision!

[mainsale]

+1 for the SVT-VR. I tried them both but bought the VR.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/Mainsale/SVT-VR.jpg

[Hansomatic]

Any loss in the edgier slap/funk tones in the Vintage Reissue (VR)???

[The Everlove]

Oh no, definitely not, I think its a great overall bass amp that can cover a lot of ground. But it also depends on your definition of edgy slap/funk tones... I think "bright, attack, punch" when I read that, but some slap that I'm into (Flea) has a generally dark tone. It obviously depends on the bass though; on By The Way, his slap was dark with the Modulus bass... and on Stadium Arcadium w/the jazz bass (phenomenal, IMO) it is brighter and edgier.

[Hansomatic]

That's a good point... I like a heavy saturated tube growl, like flea's recent tone on Stadium Arcadium. I definately DO NOT like bass distortion. I can't quite put my finger in the techniques or gear to differentiate what I mean, but I know it when I hear it.

I bought a Budda Phatbass expecting it to impact the tone in the way I was hoping, but all I got was distortion. I tried again last night with an Avalon U5 and got much closer to the tone I want.

My (pre-fender) SWR Super Redhead responded well with the U5 but my '67 Ampeg B15 really came alive - but at 40 watts, it lacks the power for live use. It got me thinking about an SVT-VR. That way, my main live rig has the power and the tone.

Does this logic equate for you guys? Other ideas?

[big mike]

I'd go with the classic. The new VR is more of a transtional head...might not actually be made in the US. Can't confirm or deny it is or isnt.

Nothing like the Classic IMO.

[Hansomatic]

I'd go with the classic. The new VR is more of a transtional head...might not actually be made in the US. Can't confirm or deny it is or isnt.

Nothing like the Classic IMO.So... I ordered the Vintage Reissue... if it shows up with a "Made in China" sticker (or any other non-US location) I am going to leave it sitting on the floor in GC.

I called LOUD Technologies and they could not even tell me where it was made. Their standard line was "we change production lines quickly - like within months - and send our products to be made in workcenters that do well making a specific technology. The SVT-VR could be made in the US and it could be made elsewhere." They can't tell me where a $2000 amp (street price) is made????? WTF?

hey LOUD Technologies... I DON'T WANT a very well made communist Chinese bass head. I want a red-blooded AMERICAN made bass head.:FM If it breaks, my amp tech (Mike) will correct any design flaws or poorly assembled components you guys left behind.

[big mike]

It's worse than that Hans. It ain't chinese. It'll be Vietnamese.

Nothing against them, but I want my Ampeg to say MADE IN USA as well. Loud put a LOT of workers out of jobs.

I can tell you at 100% fact. There is NO usa production for Ampeg at the current time. None. And I'm NOT speculating. They closed the Yellville factory first of april.

[Hansomatic]

It's worse than that Hans. It ain't chinese. It'll be Vietnamese.

Nothing against them, but I want my Ampeg to say MADE IN USA as well. Loud put a LOT of workers out of jobs.

I can tell you at 100% fact. There is NO usa production for Ampeg at the current time. None. And I'm NOT speculating. They closed the Yellville factory first of april.Well Mike, that leaves me with two questions:
1) Did the Yellville factory make SVT-VR heads?
2) If so, is the head I ordered at least 2.5 months old? i hope so.

[big mike]

I 'believe' so. I'm not 100% sure of that fact. I saw some at NAMM in January.
I suppose it's possible it'll be MIA but my guess is that it wont.

Personally, when I get some dough I'm going to be on the lookout for a used classic head, or earlier. Just to have one for recording and such (i'm not much of a bassplayer). There's just something about that tone.

Either that or find the SVT PReamp and put it in a rack with a big assed QSC.

[fastvicar]

There is something great about that old-school Ampeg tone. I used to play them but now I play a Bass 400+ and like it even more. Too bad it doesn't have that classic look to it, because the tone part is there. Still, nothing wrong with an Ampeg tube head.

[Boomer]

I came across a '69 (I think) SVT a few weeks ago. It needed some major TLC so it's in the process of getting a restoration.

I love my Thunderfunk but I couldn't resist the thought of having a buttload of 6550's heating the house ... especially at this price!

Now I just need a roadie!

[Hansomatic]

I 'believe' so. I'm not 100% sure of that fact. I saw some at NAMM in January.
I suppose it's possible it'll be MIA but my guess is that it wont.

Personally, when I get some dough I'm going to be on the lookout for a used classic head, or earlier. Just to have one for recording and such (i'm not much of a bassplayer). There's just something about that tone.

Either that or find the SVT PReamp and put it in a rack with a big assed QSC.I just got a call... NOT american made anymore. I cancelled my order and now I am looking for a bass amp to go with the stupid SVT-610HLF I just bought.... argh.

[mainsale]

That really is sad! I hate to see a great American name like Ampeg go down the crapper. I'm glad I have my American made Ampegs and I'll be keeping them for a long time. On the otherhand, there is now an opportunity for someone with an enterprising spirit to produce a good American built tube bass amp and make some money. One door closes and hopefully another door will open. By the way, I think you did the right thing cancelling the order. That kind of thing, if enough people do it, will get their attention. Also, I hear that Loud has announced that they are discontinuing all Crate Tube amps. It looks like their plan is to sell cheaply produced Asian lowend amps for high prices, riding on the back of once good names like Ampeg/Crate.

:Devil

[disaster]

they could at least make it (the blue line) less than $2000 retail if it's gonna be made in china.

[Hansomatic]

So... I ended up finding a new American made SVT-CL and a clean used American made SVT-VR. I am going to keep the VR and sell the new CL fro $1500 shipped US if anyone is interested.

[mainsale]

I agree that there is a place for "off shore" built amps if they are priced accordingly. However, charging USA production prices for "off shore" built products is a rip off, at best.

[devinb]

I had a Classic and loved it, but finally sold it before moving a year ago, having not used it more than a couple times in a few years...I'm more of a guitarist now.

[Jason Myers]

Peavey Classic 400!!! I just got mine today and so far I love it even tho I've only spent 15 min. or so with it. And the best part...$655 shipped. I know it's a "Peavey" but if you get a chance check it out.

[freeho]

Hello guys-

I'm looking to buy an American made SVT VR.

If anyone has a lead, please send me a personal message.

Thanks. :D