Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Hi folks,
I thought I'd seek the opinions and input of my fellow Ric owners here at the Forum.

Yesterday I picked up an absolute bargain by scoring an Ampeg Classic series 1x15 and also a matching Classic Series 4x10, both in immaculate condition for $500 the pair. I'll post pics when I get them.

So, the tough question before me is this:

I'm looking to add a valve amp to this and the short list is a simple one.

Ampeg SVT 300w all Valves
Ampeg SVT-Re-issue Classic, again all valves, but with the old school Ampeg look and 4 inputs, I like this to run my Rics in Ric-O-Sound.!!

Then, as a further consideration I'm also looking at a Traynor YBA-200, which is a 200w valve amp from Traynor/Yorkville.

I've played through an older Traynor YBA-1 and loved it. It's very close to my AMpeg B-25 which also I love.

I realise the Ampegs are both 300w, compared to the Traynors 200w, but the extra 100w isn't too big a deal for me. The Svt is $1400, the Classic is close to $2000, and the Traynor is $800, however at the end of the day the cost is the least important factor for me, nor is the weight

What I'm looking for input from you guys is anyone had a chance to play through either or both an Ampeg SVT's valve amp, and also the Traynor, I'd like to try to hear a reasoned argument for either or both.

Discuss - Debate !!

Look for a used SVT-2 Pro. Got thump and jump factor. Get one of these to make it easier on your back.
http://www.skbcases.com/music/products/ ... &c=80&s=80#

Funnily enough I've been offered two SVT-2 Pro's for about $800 - $900.

Jim, FWIW, I have one and it treats Ricks really nice - heck, they're good enough for Mr. Squire!

I think The Ampeg would be the best choice. Squire is now playing through a SVT if its good enough for him Then I think the discussion is over IMHO.

By the way I own a old trayner mono block head and 1x 18 & 4x10 cabs. Awesome power, big and heavy to move.

I like the SVT as well not quite as heavy My buddy has a vintage SVT again great sound classic looks.

no love for the traynor? my best friend in high school played his brand new maple glo rick 4001(circa 1970) through the traynor tube head into a 2-15 orange cabinet-he was one of the loudest bass players i had heard outside of a who concert back then....

I vote Traynor!

Hi Guys,
Thanks for all the input.

I was really torn between the two, however despite my liking the look and power of the Traynor, and, having seen one up close, the build quality, all the research I did turned up more and more issues with the Traynor YBA-200, specifically, alarming numbers of catastrophic failures and electrical meltdowns.

Several extend reviews I read from bassists with 20+ years playing all seemed to point the same way, they were all attracted as I was, by Traynor's old reputation and also with initial auditioning. That said they all expressed disappointment with the overall tone after a few weeks of playing, and as I said before electrical meltdowns.

In the end I opted for Ampeg, and was able to secure (all via local Craiglist) a very nice 1996 Apmeg SVT-2 Pro, matched to a SVT-1x15 and a SVT 4x10.

Jim, You made the best choice. Ampeg SVT's are the best sounding bass amps I have ever heard I am sure you will be happy with your choice. My Traynor equip is very old like early 70's vintage. That's when they were made the with highest quality IMHO. Since I still have them and they work well proves my point. Good luck & enjoy