Which ampeg is better for a Ric?

bobcat · Post by **bobcat** » Sun Mar 19, 2006 9:59 pm

Do SVT-3 Pro amps sound anything like the Ampeg combo amps? Because I was unimpressed/let-down by the tone of those, unfortunately, and I'm wondering what the Ampeg heads sound like . . .

highway_star · Post by **highway_star** » Mon Mar 20, 2006 2:52 am

I'm not impressed by the SVT-3 head. I had one and I sometimes think the power ratings are a bit generous. It doesn't seem that loud compared to other amps in its power category. Its tone is OK, though. The graphic EQ gives you a lot tonal possibilities.

I would probably recommend the SVP-CL preamp and a power amp first. It comes closer to the SVT-CL sound IMHO and doesn't weigh or cost as much.

Also, take a look at the Ashdown ABM500 EVO II. It's very flexible tone-wise and costs about $800-900 new.

simonmole · Post by **simonmole** » Mon Mar 20, 2006 10:27 am

has anyone else here experienced a Trace Elliot V8 all valve head? after years of transistor amps which suited many (not me), they suddenly turned out some all valve amps, culminating in the 400w V8. Then, they pretty much disappeared. My question is, any Ampeg users who've tried both?? The Trace is the best head I've ever owned, but I've no experience of the Ampeg range...

bobcat · Post by **bobcat** » Mon Mar 20, 2006 3:09 pm

If I ever become dissatisfied with my Genz-Benz, I may look into a nice Ashdown . . . I just wish more companies would put headphone outputs on their amps and combos and such . . . they've gotta realize that playing a tiny 10W combo in your dorm room doesn't really cut it when playing live or recording.

johnallg · Post by **johnallg** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 6:20 pm

I know this is an old thread but there were unanswered questions so here is my take. I have both the 3 Pro and a 2 Pro. The preamp sections are almost identical and both amps sound tonally very close. The 3 Pro is more sterile sounding to me, lacks the last tightness and punch, whereas the 2 Pro's 300W of tube outputs gives that final punch to bring it home. There is a solidity and rightness, a connection to the strings on the bass that make it the choice for me. Now the weight...

With the 3 Pro (into the same 4 ohms) puts out 450W and the 2 Pro only 300W, but there you are, the 2 Pro is the more present, solid, and punchy (jump factor) of the two.

As to how the 3 Pro compares to the Ampeg combos, there is no comparison. Tonally and just volume-wise the 3 Pro has it all over the smaller combos. I had the BA115 first. For home practice it was adaquate, but get in the practice room with drums, keyboard, and a guitar and you get lost in it all.

Don't get me wrong - the 3 Pro is a great sounding and performing amp and I can put it under one arm and book with it. On a budget it is perfect - you can get one on eBay from the early 90s for around $500 and that is money well spent. Also, with ANY tube amp, the tubes inside make a BIG difference. I have moved to NOS early 70s RCA 12AX7s (made in G. Britian - either Mullard or Brimar)in the V1 position on both amps because of the more accurate (to me) sound - the GT-graded Sovteks (Ampeg standards) were more trebly - very clear but upper mid/treble emphasis in a clicky way. I also use a NOS RCA 5963 in the 12AU7 driver position(s) in both amps. A lot more solidity and punch. These are industrial 12AU7s. My 2 Pro was just retubed at the factory before shipped to me but I like the NOS sounds better. FWIW, IMHO, YMMV, etc.

I hope this helps...

johnallg · Post by **johnallg** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 6:24 pm

To add to the previous info, I believe the better characteristics of the NOS tubes (especially the punch and drive) I hear are due to much larger plate assys on the NOS tubes compared to today's remakes. They can deliver more current.

soundmasterg · Post by **soundmasterg** » Tue Apr 11, 2006 12:23 pm

The biggest difference between NOS tubes and stuff made today would be the lower vacuum on modern tubes and also the greatly inferior metallurgy on modern stuff. This results in cathodes that don't put out as much current in modern tubes, and also in tubes that don't last as long as old stuff.

Different models and brands of tubes through the years have had different plate sizes and materials, but that doesn't contribute as much to the difference in longevity and amplification as the other things I've mentioned, and seeing one tube with long plates or short plates doesn't exlemplify quality or not one way or another. Long plate preamp tubes tend to become microphonic easier when exposed to vibration, but they tend to have a wider freuency response too.

johnallg · Post by **johnallg** » Tue Apr 11, 2006 12:50 pm

"Long plate preamp tubes tend to become microphonic easier when exposed to vibration, but they tend to have a wider freuency response too."

Wider freq. response - that has been my experience.

dean712 · Post by **dean712** » Wed Apr 12, 2006 7:04 pm

Sorry, I joined this thread late, too - been busy with stuff.

Here's mine ('96 Ampeg V-4BH Reissue 100w, with 4x10 and 1x15 cabs):

It has been my gigging amp for 10 years now. I'm very happy with it - it gets a sweet tone at the gigs I play. I push it very hard - at most gigs, my gain is around 6-7, and my master is around 7-8 out of 10. It has 4 power tubes (currently Mesa 6L6's, but it also takes 5880's). The clubs I play typically have about 150-250 people, sometimes more. We play 20-30 club gigs a year. For larger gigs, I'll run a mic cable out of the back of the head (it has an XLR out) to the PA. Actually, there have been a couple of times when I've craved more juice on stage, but for the sake of my hearing, I'm glad I didn't have it - standing in front of this thing is plenty loud. I do not use it for band practice (I have a 1x15 combo amp for that), so the only wear and tear it gets is at gigs. I've replaced the tubes now twice.

I hope that gives a good picture of one bassists' experience with the new V-4BH's.

It's been a reliable workhorse that I squeeze like hell every gig, and it sounds great. If you consistently play bigger gigs than about 200 people or don't want the tube wear and tear, a bigger amp might be in line for you.

I have had many compliments on my sound - the most gratifying coming from non-rock bassists who love the 'real' feel of the sound. It's hard to describe the difference between tube and solid-state, but you probably already have an opinion on that.

I don't have any experience with older Ampegs, although the luthier that replaces my tubes has worked on a ton of them and says that this head is cool in its own right, but different - it's lighter and has a board, different wiring, and less weight. The tube sound is still killer, though.

My 2 cents...

billy_sacco · Post by **billy_sacco** » Thu Apr 13, 2006 12:58 pm

Damn you! Now I am gassing for a V4BH! The thought of ampeg tube tone with half with weight of my SVT sounds nice. Probably way easier to push the amp into breakup too dangola there is not even one on ebay right now.

blaire · Post by **blaire** » Thu Apr 13, 2006 3:14 pm

Well..hi again...I have a couple favs..i had an old '72 ampeg G412 loaded with altecs that i loved..since blown up and gone..i still have the cab..it was a transistor but nice and warm and a lil dirty when i wanted too...sealed cabinet so your fine until you ripped a speaker..no back pressure and problems right away.I still have the cabinet..have it wired two 4 0hm outs..and use a 1971 V-9 on ot...its beautiful..i have to admit that i like a midier tone then a lot of people..but the fretless just loves tube distortion and spring reverb..the reverb gives you the presence for the singing solo tone voice..4002fl has it in spades same pickup placement basically as a fender jazz..