Sparky Mark

[quote name='dood' timestamp='1475090178' post='3143032'] I'd love to have a look inside - my SVT2 Pro (an older model) could easily withstand knocks and drops throughout it's life on the road. I'd be concerned where the cost cutting was made in this copy. Cheaper components? Poor soldering? Weak PCB boards? [/quote] Cheap labour is the main saving, which is why Ampeg now makes its amps including the SVT in the far east. If you want an SVT assembled in the USA from almost the same parts (Heritage) it'll cost you £500 more. These amps are extremely labour intensive and I don't see how Bugera (Behringer) made a profit on them; which could be why they don't seem to be making them anymore. I have investigated mine internally as far as I felt safe and all the parts are of good quality. I doubt that it would survive life on the road as long as the proven over nearly 50 years SVT though.

[quote name='lowhand_mike' timestamp='1475058159' post='3142643'] does sound pretty nice, thing that i find strange is that he has the master volume on 10! surely that would be mega loud, he must live out in the woods. like the way the camera starts to shake when he ups the gain [/quote] You can drive the output valves harder by turning the master full up and controlling the volume with the gain/input control. A lot of valve amp users like the unique sound that driving the output valves harder gives. It doesn't sound the same as overdriving the preamp section.

Don't assume anything. Which version of this combo do you have? I have just Googled the user manual for your description and it gives the output as 60 watts RMS into 4 ohms. It could be there is no extension outlet because the internal speaker is 4 ohms to get the maximum from the amplifier. It may also be because the amplifier section will overheat if you add an extension speaker.

I was GASing for an SVT but the new price and potential servicing costs put me off. I saw one of these new for approximately £350 and really liked the idea that you didn't need to use matched valves or worry about bias adjustments; so no routine service costs. I bought it just to see if the hype surrounding all valve amps is justified and I have to say that even this Bugera sounds amazing. There is an almost three dimensional (can't think of a better way to describe it ) character to its sound; depth and clarity in abundance. I've had a couple of minor issues around transit damage to a couple of output valves but the infinium circuit worked correctly and simple swap outs fixed it. I doubt I will gig this amp regularly as it is too big and heavy for my typical venues but for this price I couldn't resist scratching my valve GAS itch.

The handles are heavy duty and shouldn't be a problem assuming that you are strong enough to lift 35kg.

The Bugera valves are pretty good, made by Shuguang.

Just received a pedal from Mike. Packed very well and condition as described (as new). Excellent communication throughout. Cheers.

To see Walk on the wild side played by Herbie on his double bass, Dave using Herbie's stack knob jazz and John on guitar and vocals was priceless and for me quite moving. Herbie's son lent me a bass and combo 40 years ago at school and started my life long love of playing bass. Amongst the many musical lessons we could learn from Herbie, the fact that he still uses his original tuba,double and electric basses should be remembered each time GAS tempts us. Many, many thanks to the organisers of, and contributors to this brilliant day.

[quote name='Sammers' timestamp='1474382320' post='3137532'] You're paying for the customisation options rather than upgraded hardware, surely? That's what I've always thought the custom shop was, essentially just an American Fender but with the option to change a few bits [/quote] Plus, as has already been mentioned, selected higher grade woods.

I'm not sure that I entirely agree that the 2012 and later are any better than 2008 through 2012 American Standards. I have a few examples of these vintages and the only significant difference is the custom shop pups fitted since 2012. The standard pups that were fitted from 2008 to 2012 are slightly more modern sounding (clearer and hotter output) whilst the custom shops are warmer old school. Both sound great and I wouldn't have a problem with using either. The hardware, other than the latest machine heads have remained the same since 2008 to date. The fit and finish has been excellent since 2008 and the USA high mass bridge with through body stringing option is as good as any. The cheaper cast and BBOT bridges fitted to non USA Fenders just don't have the same build quality (probably sound just as good though). For me the most desirable Fenders are the USA standard series, not the higher specification deluxe/elite models that they have released through the years and I am sad that Fender might be ceasing production of this iconic series.

Good choice. Two NY121P and a LM3 is a brilliant and flexible set up. Sounds way bigger than it looks.

I used to own 90's made 410XL and 115XL. Back then the hartke cabs were made in the USA which I guess was the main reason for the higher prices. Had mine for 15 years through house moves, storage in the garage for baby breaks and always worked like new. I have a real soft spot for those cabs but don't miss the weight!

Played two gigs last weekend with a Spector USA Coda Deluxe with Aguilar 60s pups and OBP2 pre. Absolutely stunning bass a bit more than your budget but if you are looking for a super Jazz it should be on the shortlist.