Ampeg SVT-VR Bass Amplifier Head (300 Watts)
Plug into Ampeg's reissue of the vintage 1970s all-tube monster! The SVT-VR is authentic from tube preamp to tube power section -- with all SIX 6550 tubes.
Overall User Ratings (based on 9 ratings)
Submitted July 29, 2012 by M J
"Harmonious, sweet and thunderous"
This is THE bass guitar amplifier. From sweet, musical ringing resonance, crystal clear yet mellow highs, unmatched mids on command at three frequency ranges, to incredible thunderous presence when cranked, there has never been an amp that matched the original SVT until now - the vintage reissue. I have had mine a week and I am still gobsmacked. If you are looking at spending serious dollars on a bass head, there is absolutely nothing else worth looking at.
Sound
Even at quiet settings the rich yet restrained harmonies from the 4-valve preamp are alive. This amp has the most incredible musical sounds that a bass amp can give. And when cranked it sounds thunderous, no other word for it. Even at its most heavily distorted it is pleasing on the ears. Yet the beast can also play the cleanest, sweetest sounds with incredible accuracy.
Features
2 channels can be blended for even thicker tube sound and greater tonal control. The rocker switches give instant tonal changes on the fly, great for gigging, while keeping it all very simple.
Ease of Use
Turn it on, get incredible sounds. Only a handful of knobs and switches means that any player can access the right tone with little effort.
Quality
Great quality, the thing will last for ever. However as with most new tube amps it ships with fairy average sounding tubes. The tubes are where the sound is made, so do yourself a favour and get some good quality preamp and power tubes. You'll need 14 tubes in total!!
Value
This amp is worth whatever they decide to charge for it. It is simply incredible. By all accounts it sounds exactly like the original, and that is something that has never been beaten.
Manufacturer Support
I sent them a technical question on retubing but didn't receive an answer that day; however I haven't had any real problems to deal with them.
The Wow Factor
This is like being invited into the real musician's club. Or having your first beer. Or like hearing music from your bass for the first time.
Musical Background:
Bass guitar (20 years), guitar (bit longer)
Musical Style:
Rock and/or roll
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Submitted February 25, 2014 by Cliff Dohrer in Statesville, NC
"Ampeg SVT-VR Amp"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
The SVT-VR amp Rocks, plain and simple. Been playing 50 years, owned many amps, but this is by far the best sounding of them all, BUT let me tell a story.
I bought the amp on the payment plan. No hassles, smooth deal. Amp arrived the next day (Wow). Uncrated it and set it up on the 810 box, It kept looking crooked!
Figured out the grill cloth was installed cockeyed. Contacted ZZ and Ampeg.
The return emails were flying. Apologies, offers, concerns, techs calling (again, Wow!)
Come to find out the grill was affixed with Velcro pads. I pushed it loose and reseated it. That simple, but the support and concern by both ZZ and Ampeg was outstanding. These people are straight up honest, and dedicated to their customers.
The amp is expensive, you can't say it isn't. But after playing this beast, you will soon understand why you did it.
Musical Background:
expierence 50yrs, Old professional, Now, just jam on occasion or get talked into a set in a bar
Musical Style:
Rock and Roll, Old Country
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Submitted January 27, 2008 by a customer from thewho.com
"Amp-ed Up For Life?"
Until I cannot handle it anymore, it will be my gig amp. After that...well, it will sit in my basement and be my practice amp until I die or cannot play any more. Life's too short, why settle for less?
Sound
The sound all cabinets aspire to. That classic tone from the past, that nothing else can touch.
Features
The wheels and handle help manage this beast. Without them it would be almost impossible. Still...this cabinet is not for the faint.
Quality
Pay less...get crap. Your choice, not mine.
Value
With everything else I've owned (Hartke, Sunn, Carvin, Fender), you "pays your money you takes your chances." Not with Ampeg,
Manufacturer Support
Hasn't broken yet...the best support I know of, not needing any. :D
The Wow Factor
If you're looking for hot chicks...this thing will help you work out and build muscles, but it won't attract any. It's an amp, not a magic lamp.
But if you're looking for the best sound around...if tone and musicality is what you're trying to achieve, this cabinet paired with an Ampeg SVT-VR is a sure thing.
Musical Background:
Active Musician
Musical Style:
Classic Rock
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