MatthewKeys

Hey! Choosing between the two.. I don't know much about either; apart from the fact they make hybrid and solid state amps sound like a fully valve amp. So please let me know what you think of the two products and which you would recommend and why! Thanks in advance!

[quote name='rodl2005' post='977946' date='Oct 5 2010, 06:53 AM']I wouldn't swap out ANY tubes. They're pre amp tubes & will virtually last forever. IF, tho, you've totally exhausted ALL possibilities of EQ & STILL don't like the tone THEN maybe try swapping a 12AX7 or 2. I had the exact same rig as you- SVT3PRO > SVT410HLF cab. It's a darn fine rig. As the cab is 4 ohms you cannot ADD another cab to it with that amp- as it goes to 4 ohms minimum. But that shouldn't be a prob- as they go together very well. 1st- you GOTTA realise the "CLIP LIGHT" on the 3PRO is really NOT a clip light... IME the BEST way to run this amp is to run the gain HIGH- not worrying IF the clip light is on nearly all the time. It's a tube pre amp anyway so you'll only overdrive the tubes & wont hurt anything. Well I DIDN'T anyway. I ONLY used the Graphic EQ really when I needed a real extra BOOST. & really the LEVEL control on this can add another 1/4 overall volume to the amp. Sure the 410HLF is a LOW tuned cab- but it goes plenty HIGH also & really you SHOULD be able to get a fine tone simply using the 3 rotary EQ's Bass, Mid & treb. Set the MID FREQ switch on 3 -or 4 if U need a high boost, then dime the mid level control. IF you can't get a decent tone outta it like this- then sure- try the Graphic EQ- start with it all flat, then in small increments raise/lower the freqs relevant. Tho as stated- SHOULD be fine without using this, & just using it as a boost/feature for solo's, etc... As stated also- make sure the buttons are ALL OFF- EVEN IF YOUR BASS IS ACTIVE - dont use the 12dB pad, dont use the ultra high/low buttons- etc I found they all were basically "TONE-SUCK controls" As general measure- TRY- BASS- 11 oclock. MID- 2 oclock (mid freq select- pos 3 ) Treble - 1 or 2 oclock & see how U go. Let me know how U go. Oh & BTW- If U really wanna get a screaming Overdrive outta it. Engage the Graphic EQ, push IT'S level slider to it's MAX, (leave all the other Graphich EQ levels alone-unless U WANT to change your tone) Push the GAIN up high(past 12 or 1 oclock) & adjust volume for your level. FUN FUN FUN!!! Goodluck- hope this helps! Rod[/quote] ah thankyou this has helped alot! I'm starting to like this amp, especially when I solo my precision pickup. However I just wish it wasn't so grindy, and that it had the ability to do nice clean tone.. oh well.

[quote name='chris_b' post='976645' date='Oct 4 2010, 03:18 AM']Remember, if you change the tubes, do it one at a time. If you take them all out at once you'll forget which one goes where! It's been done here before![/quote] ha, yes I will make sure If I replace them do I have to buy a 12AU7 as well or can I buy 5 12A7X? Also, any recommendations for a good active p-bass pickup? Thanks

[quote name='mazdah' post='975004' date='Oct 2 2010, 01:56 PM']I think you've bought a great cab. And a very good amp. Check the tubes - I don't like Sovteks 12ax7WA , and I loved JJ ecc83s and GT 12ax7C - full, ballsy, fat and crystal clear. Also fiddle the EQ and crank the tube gain (you can safely use it "fully open")[/quote] phew, thought I made a bad purchase there! Did they use Sovteks as the stock tubes in svt3s? if they did, then they probably are, as they have never been changed. But I will open up my amp and see what tubes they are when I get the chance.

[quote name='mazdah' post='973382' date='Oct 1 2010, 12:25 AM']Try boosting the 2nd or 4th mid frequency and set the tube voltage to 2 o'clock. Should work 410HLF is boomy, pillowy cab, so you have to compensate by adding high-mids and highs. Also you should check tubes in your amp - If you have Sovteks 12AX7WA inside that may cause the problem - they are muddy and "lo fi" sounding.[/quote] Ah have I bought the wrong cabinet then? I know nothing about valves, this my first valve amp. All I know is that it is three years old, USA made and the valves have never been replaced. And that is exactly how it sounds, muddy and lofi, couldn't have said it better myself. I bought the svt3, as my second choice as there were no svt7s secondhand, but I don't think it sounds as good. [quote name='JTUK' post='973590' date='Oct 1 2010, 09:26 AM']Did it sound like this when you demo'ed it? It sounds like a gain thing to me... Turn all controls down and go from there..gain and master at 12. and then start bringing the EQ in one by one so you get a feel of how much these knobs affects the sound. After this simple startup...if it is no better, you have plenty of other thngs to pursue as posted above.[/quote] The only time I demo'ed this amp was whilst I was in the states at my visit to guitar centre. I can't remember it that well but I'm pretty sure it sounded better than my one does (got mine off ebay).

[quote name='dood' post='972250' date='Sep 30 2010, 12:06 AM']What EQ settings are you using out of interest. Are you boosting the bass control and pulling down the mids much? The Bass control on the Ampeg is set to 40Hz (and everything) below which is quite a low centre. That coupled with a P bass pup can sound quite 'pillowy' if the mids are scooped out. Mebbe start at 12 o'clock on everything and instead of boosting top and bottom controls, try pulling out a little mid instead. *hopefully, because you won't be boosting those sub frequencies, the bottom end will sound tighter. You could remove 'boxy' frequencies by cutting around 300-400Hz on the graphic. Finally, to add bite (especially to new strings) add some boost around 4-6k on the graphic.[/quote] Hello dood I had tube voltage at around 12'oclock, was on mid frequency 1, boosted to around 3oclock, bass flat, and treble around 1oclock, gain 12oclock and master 12oclock. all switches out. Thanks

[quote name='chris_b' post='972277' date='Sep 30 2010, 01:18 AM']Try: On the amp: all the buttons out, gain, bass, mid, treble between midday and 1 o'clock, frequency on 2, tube gain on 3 o'clock, master on full, eq off. On the Cab; set the horn to 2 o'clock. On the bass: (DR Lo-Rider strings optional), check battery, all tone settings flat and the volume set to what you want. If you get muddy out of that then you need to change your pickups or it's ear syringing time! Or do what I did, get a Mesa Boogie cab.[/quote] Thanks for the help everyone, will try the suggestions asap. And I was actually considering changing the p pickup, but I wouldn't know what to upgrade to, as this is my first active bass. What pickups would you suggest? And also, would I need to replace the valves? The head is 3 years old.

Hey My svt3 pro arrived today, and to be honest i'm not wowwed by the tone. Was just wondering is this me not having the right settings or what? I've changed my strings recently, but it just sounds abit muddy. Is this normal or not? I am playing through a 410HLF and a fender MIM active special precision. Thanks!

[quote name='phil.i.stein' post='968864' date='Sep 26 2010, 09:36 PM']there are cheaper options, but this one is for life rather than just x-mas. [url="http://www.dv247.com/studio-equipment/markbass-compressore-bass-guitar-effects-pedal--64093"]http://www.dv247.com/studio-equipment/mark...ts-pedal--64093[/url][/quote] if i can find one cheap enough secondhand i will be bang on it! But out of interest, what are the cheaper options?

[quote name='phil.i.stein' post='968706' date='Sep 26 2010, 07:13 PM']nice fat warmed compressed tone.. as mentioned, mainly from the desk, input also important..fingerstyle jazz or even telecaster bass ? edit .. doh ! yep, jazz, didn't read your post thoroughly, sorry..[/quote] the svt3 does not have a built in compressor, do you know of a good compressor I can buy? Thanks for your help everyone

[quote name='umph' post='968492' date='Sep 26 2010, 04:08 PM']you shouldn't have a problem just use the bridge pick up and play near the bridge[/quote] really, the bass player plays on the neck pickup though?

Besides the fact that this band are an indie pop band, I really like the bass players tone. [url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XECTGXi0dDc"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XECTGXi0dDc[/url] I was wondering what sort of amp would get this tone, and what settings, and other pedals I would need to get it. As far as I know he uses a fender jazz bass and either an svt2 or an ampeg classic; it varies between shows. I currently have an ampeg 410hlf, with an svt3 on the way (just waiting for it to be delivered). I use an active precision special with both a p and j pickup. So basically, would I be able to get this tone with my setup, and how? If not, what else can I buy to help? thanks in advance!

[quote name='chris_b' post='936111' date='Aug 25 2010, 04:16 PM']If you're buying in the US (I'm assuming that you live in the UK?) you'd better check that any equipment you buy can be easily converted to 240 volts from the US's 110 volts. Also you won't have a valid guarantee in the UK if anything goes wrong. If you can I'd seriously suggest that you check out a Thunderfunk 550B or 750A, if you can find one. They are dead cheap in the US and really are worth a listen. In fact bring a vgc 750 back and I'll probably buy it off you.[/quote] ah i'm back in the UK now, just got back today. There was nothing out there that would be worth buying unfortunately.

[quote name='chris_b' post='935768' date='Aug 25 2010, 11:13 AM']The 3PRO has a 5 valve pre and a better, more flexible EQ. It's "old fashioned" technology but inspite of that has been Ampeg's best selling amp for decades. The 7PRO has a 1 valve pre, a digital power section and has less EQ. I haven't a clue how they match up sonically. The 3PRO might sound better but won't be as loud but Ampeg is pretty good at getting the "company sound" out of most their products. Without listening to them first it seems to me that the main difference is the EQ, weight, power and price. You've got to hear them before you decide.[/quote] i've played them side by side about 6 times now because i'm in the USA at the moment and there are plenty of guitar centers. But seeing as this is my first valve amp I don't really know what to expect so I thought i'd get advice from the more experienced pllayers. Also, how often do you have to change the valves in the SVT3? That's another thing i'm abit bothered out. Thanks!

i'm going to be buying one of these very soon to match with a 410hlf svt cabinet. Wattage aside, what head gives the better tone? Volume isn't really an issue (for now). Any other pros and cons about each of the heads is appreciated! I need to make a decision very soon thanks!!!

[quote name='howieee' post='931677' date='Aug 21 2010, 09:48 AM']Hey dude. Just thought id put my 2p in!..... I played a heritage svt through a heritage 410svt HLF... (i was just trying a guitar out at the time) i noticed it felt alot quieter than my rig....svt vr head with 2 cabinets. Obviously with the hlf cab its 4 ohms so u get full power from the amp.... But in my opinion having more cabs gives tonnes more presence. So what id sugest is buying a head and an 8ohm cab with the money you have now.... Then get another cab later on down the line. .....After trying that guitar throught herritage stuff i decided i wanted an 8x10av so i got that instead! Im now running ampeg svt vr with svt410 svt115 and svt810. I barely need much volume anymore. There is sooo much presence having more speakers... The bass gets everywhere but at a nice volume. Not too loud... But definately not too quiet either! Hope any of that essay will help you in your chioce! Glad you like Ampeg![/quote] hey! yeah before all threee of these choices i was going to get the 410HE cab which is the 8ohm version, but then i got some extra cash and thought id get the better cabinet.. i don't know if i need two 8 ohm cabinets yet, i think it will be way too loud for the gigs i will be doing, and not to mention alot more to carry about to gigs! Anyway i'm getting the 410HLF for a cheap price so i will be able to sell it on for the same price if i decide to upgrade to a 410he with a 115. thanks for your advice!

ah i wouldn't get one if i were you, save up for a real musicman. I played one of them sterlings in a guitar shop the other day, side by side with a stingray (not plugged into an amp) and you could really feel the quality difference between them.

[quote name='basshead56' post='928819' date='Aug 18 2010, 05:16 PM']Why would there be a loss of tone? If anything, it might be slightly better-higher build quality. buy second cabs to keep the cost down (Ampeg have increased in price again recently) and buy USA Ampeg everytime! (eventually the USA made stuff will dry up and become more sought after) [/quote] ah i don't know to be honest, just thought i would check ah good, i've got a 410hlf USA made cab in good condition on hold for £350 pounds at the moment, because i'm currently on holiday! I will be picking it up as soon as I get back... then the search for a cheap svt7 head begins! I've been looking at guitar centers in america and on american bass forums to find a secondhand svt7 but I can't seem to find any within driving distance.

Thankyou for all your opinions, I think I have decided on the SVT 7 with the 410hlf! I will probaly be getting this within the next 3 weeks and I will let you all know about the svt 7 (that's if I manage to find a used on for sale!!) also, is there any harm in buying a USA made svt 410hlf that was made roughly 5 years ago? (assuming it isn't broken etc).. like will there be any loss in tone? the seller has said it's in very good condition. thanks!

[quote name='basshead56' post='927311' date='Aug 17 2010, 10:42 AM']The 7 PRO and 410hLF would be my top pick from that list. This is due to the fact that I really dislike 3PRO´s-you´re right, they are massively underpowered, or at least they seem to fall well short of their suggested ratings. From the few reviews I´ve read of the 7 PRO, it seems to be great. Very Ampeg sound, loud and lighter than most of the PRO series-what´s not to love? The 410HLF is a gem of a cab! One of the best 410´s on the market IMO. Has everything you need power wise and looks class too! Good luck with your choice man and let us know what you go for, Cheers[/quote] yeah that's probaly my top pick at the moment but i'm still abit skeptical about the 1 tube in the pre-amp, it just doesn't seem like something ampeg would do.. so i'm going to wait and see what everyone else says about it. Thanks for your advice! [quote name='chris_b' post='927450' date='Aug 17 2010, 12:19 PM']I don't know the 7 PRO, but I must have owned the only NON underpowered SVT3PRO! I used 1 or 2 Mesa Boogie cabs and was never too quiet, even in very loud bands! Always use the input that gives you most volume, even if you plug an active bass into the passive input. The SVT3PRO is best played with the Master volume on full and there is also a volume control slider on the EQ if you need more.[/quote] Yeah when I was trying it out in the shop, it wasn't peaking when i had the passive switch on so i thought 'why not'... until i turned the gain up, thats when t started peaking badly. But yeah, I tried boosting the gain to the full 8db on the eq and it made the tone even less clean! Thanks for your help! To be honest, i like the both the 3 and the 7 but i would prefer the 7 because it's louder... BUT it's going to be hard to find a good secondhand 7 pro seeing as they only came out early this year! So if there are no 7's available I might have to settle with the svt3 and just wait for a 7 to come up for sale. If anyone is reading this and has a svt7 for sale please PM me!

hey, you should look into getting a nice trace elliot combo! theres a 1210 (a twelve band combo with two 10inch speakers) but they are 500 pounds secondhand but worth it. But theres also combo with a 7 band eq and one 15inch speaker, which is 500watts i believe but without an extra speaker you will get around 250watts (which is still loud). It's definately good enough for the the odd jam and rehearsal! There is a 715 on sale on the sales forum for £300 pounds. [url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=96344&hl=trace+elliot"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=...hl=trace+elliot[/url] goodluck