JapanAxe

My questions and comments about your setup were inspired by an idea that crossed my mind, namely whether my Bose L1 setup (accompanied by me ) would suit your requirements. Feel free to PM me if you wish to discuss this option.

[quote name='moonbass' timestamp='1398037383' post='2429834'] Can I get SVT3 owners thoughts on the Tube Drive control? As people say, it does run counter-intuitively in that it is supposed to be more 'tubey' turning anticlockwise, but really all mine seems to do is make the volume quieter and slightly more dull! I'm certainly not complaining, as the head sounds generally valvey anyway, but wondered if it's something wrong with my head? I've had it serviced and new valves (and biased) but it's just the same. Anybody else find it useful knob? Also, while I'm at it, I tend to run the gain so that the peak LED comes on nearly all the time. It doesn't distort unpleasantly, in fact it sounds great, but am I damaging the head or shortening the valve lifespan by doing this? A. [/quote] The 'Tube Gain' control adjusts the plate voltage of the driver valves. Fully clockwise they are getting the highest plate voltage, so you have maximum headroom. At 0 the plate voltage is at its lowest. This will make little difference at home practice levels, but as you increase the overall volume you should start to hear some compression or overdrive. My advice would be to set this control where it sounds best to you and then leave it! Regarding the peak LED, this relates to the signal level coming out of the preamp. It's hard to see how you could do any damage by making this light up. Loads of amps are set up to intentionally overdrive preamp valves. If it sounds good, do it.

I don't think you're supposed to link to your own eBay listings, but I suggest considering the following:[list=1] [*]What did it cost you, and how long ago was that? You are probably looking at 50-60% of that figure tops, unless it's 'now considered vintage/collectable/desirable. [*]Log into eBay and do a search for your bass, then select 'Completed Listings' - what prices did they sell for (green figures), what asking prices didn't sell (red figures) - aim for a figure in between. [*]What are people asking for the same or similar basses on Basschat? By all means ask for that but be prepared to be haggled down - buyers generally expect this, and expect that you will expect it too! [*]Have a look on prepal.com to see if your bass is listed, and whether its value is rising or falling. [*]Ask yourself - what would I be happy getting for this, and how low would the price go before you would rather keep it? [/list] If I have stated the obvious then at least no-one has been killed or injured!

Admit it, you're just being awkward now aren't you?

I believe andyonbass got one for his daughter recently. Andy?

[quote name='Handwired' timestamp='1397995024' post='2429282'] It's a common misconception that SVT 3 Pro's are under powered, the're not! the problem is the added graphic, there's additional headroom built in so you can switch it in so a boost is available, to use it like a conventional amp and get full power, switch in the graphic, move all the sliders fully up and eq as normal with the rotary controls. [/quote] Even with the graphic flat there is 10dB of boost available from the level slider.

If it's a small social club, you probably only need to put vocals through the PA, plus any keys or acoustic instruments if they don't have dedicated backline amps. What is your full line-up, and what backline are you using?

[quote name='RhysP' timestamp='1397997450' post='2429323'] I'm sure they'll find a ready market with the irritating hipster crowd - if ukeleles can become popular then it proves that some people really will buy any old sh*t. [/quote]

For me, the pre on my amp sets the basic sound range, and the controls on the bass (whether active or passive) allow me to operate within that range. If a particular preamp gives you something you can't otherwise get, then go for it, but there is a risk of ending up with a very lumpy response that may sound fine soloed, but fails to find its place in a band mix.

[quote name='goingdownslow' timestamp='1397984575' post='2429125'] Yes. I set it myself giving the pot slightest turn and checking the mV each time with a mutimeter. At one stage I had 40mV, so shows how sensitive the pot is. My 3Pro had a sizzle from new, could only hear it at low volume, I thought it was part of the sound till I read the posts on [url="http://www.talkbass.com/threads/svt3pro-bias-setting.437406/"]HERE[/url]. I hesitated for a while before doing it as I wasn't sure if I was going down the right track as it being a new (USA) amp I didn't think it would be the bias, then I thought no harm in checking the voltages. I was surprised but chuffed at what readings I found, knowing then that this was the cause. Armed with a small screwdriver and being wary of what I had read about the pot being sensitive I took my time. Did it with amp cold with no signal and no load on. I stopped when I got the average reading as posted above as I thought it being close enough, set the amp on my cab plugged in bass and the amp was clean as a whistle, and with what I thought was more punch on gigs. Reading up the SVT Bias threads on TB gave me the confidence to have a go. It is also possible that a batch had been set wrong at the factory as it hard to think that it drifted that far out. Good luck with whatever you do. Edited to say, whatever others have posted, I turned the pot clockwise to increase the voltage. [/quote] Huge thanks again Pete, particularly on the bias pot direction. I have read some 3 Pro bias threads on Talkbass, but not the one you linked. As you say, it costs nothing for me to check those voltages. I have an electronics-savvy mate with a signal generator and an oscilloscope, so I may well draft him in if it seems like bias adjustments are needed. If that bit ain't broke then I won't try to fix it, but there is also the option of fitting a multi-turn bias pot that is easier to set accurately, and less prone to drift through vibration etc. [quote name='kennyrodg' timestamp='1397985951' post='2429145'] I could here the fizz on my 3 at all volumes, moreso when quiet but it was still there when it was cranked. Having the bias done sorted it out and the amp sounded sweet after that. I never had any problems with it not being loud enough either. [/quote] OK that puts bias well and truly ahead in the running as a possible issue. Enough waffle from me, off to the amp and multi-meter!

Very useful Kiwi. The full list is [url="http://www.ovnilab.com/"]here[/url].

[quote name='goingdownslow' timestamp='1397947137' post='2428998'] Regarding the bias, it is worthwile measuring the voltage across the resistors just to rule it out. Costs nothing. I checked mine and found... Initial readings, (mV) 1.6 - 3.0 3.7 - 2.8 3.6 - 2.4 3.2 - 3.2 average 3.025 - 2.85 and after adjustment... 14.9 - 26.1 30.4 - 23.5 27.3 - 20.1 22.5 - 23.4 average 23.775 - 23.275 It sounded ok before but was like a different amp after adjustment. [/quote] Cheers Pete that will be incredibly helpful. I take it those are the voltages across the eight big chunky 0.47ohm 5W resistors that sit in the middle of the heatsink? I have read that those voltages should be around 25mV (although elsewhere on the Interweb I have read that the current through them should be 25mA, making the voltage 11.75mA!) Did you set the bias yourself using a 10kHz signal and an oscilloscope, or did a tech do it for you?

[quote name='hamfist' timestamp='1397941620' post='2428961'] Coolio. Enjoy ! Fiddling around with amps is fun. Never played a 3Pro myself but the design of the tube gain control seems very odd and counter-intuitive. Good old Ampeg ! [/quote] It is a misnomer. It should be called 'Plate Voltage'. I will try measuring the voltage range at some point. In the meantime, here is my rig pictured next to Mr Axe junior's new [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/235006-ashdown-mibass-20-1x10-combo"]Ashdown MiBass 2.0 combo[/url]. Note Mrs Axe's excess cushion stockpile. How dare she go on at me about having too much kit! EDIT: Sorry, this is possibly the blurriest wonkiest pic I have ever taken. Will try to do better!

Subscribed!

[quote name='lee4' timestamp='1397933599' post='2428831'] Why not a Warwick? [/quote] Because they are fugly?

[quote name='vicar' timestamp='1397926113' post='2428735'] That would be the build quality I assume? [/quote] These combos both date from a time when a 100W bass combo was seen as perfectly adequate for gigging, and said combo inevitably weighed as much as a walrus. Things have moved on somewhat, and we bass players now have lighter and louder kit available to us. I am conscious that this is not helping with your original question, so I will quietly withdraw

Although my current fretless is surplus to requirements, I have no regrets at all from trying it out. There are plenty of decent inexpensive fretless basses on the market, including Squier Jazz and Precision models, and usually loads of used examples to choose from here on BC. Personally I wouldn't go straight for a new one, as you stand to lose quite a bit if you don't get on with it.

On the way out of posh marquee gigs (yet another former band), I used to have fun by shouting 'gangway!' before ploughing through the Hooray Henries with my 2x12 on casters. They were too hammered to realise what had just taken out their shins, and they'd had fair warning anyway!

IIIRC they are both weighty beasts! That was my only point really. I'll get me coat.

I reckon we are a similar age. I am playing more than ever, but on the country circuit and in WM clubs, and only occasionally in pubs. I was playing the pub circuit regularly up to about 5 years ago, and the things that got me down most were: 1. Difficult loading in/out through narrow doors and p!ssed-up punters into tiny and unsuitable spaces; 2. Risk of damage to self and kit from drunken eejits; and 3. The bunce hasn't gone up in 10 years! I did a stint in a tribute band which was better on all the above points. I suppose the common factor, and what got me down the most, was the feeling that the people booking the band just didn't give a toss. On the country circuit, organisers make you feel welcome, and most will at least get you a cup of tea when you arrive. I guess it comes down to being valued for what you do.

Are you perchance bionic in all your limbs? And do you have a titanium alloy spine?