It is currently Mon Mar 16, 2020 10:18 am

All times are UTC - 7 hours



Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 12 posts ] 
Author Message
Post subject: It would be nice if Ampegs were still good.
Posted: Tue Oct 20, 2009 11:50 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Tue Oct 20, 2009 8:57 pm
Posts: 6
But they're not. A classic USA SVT through 4 10s and an 18 should take you anywhere, somewhere other than here.


Top
Profile
Fender Play Winter Sale 2020
Post subject:
Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 2:21 pm
Offline
Amateur
Amateur

Joined: Sat Aug 29, 2009 2:09 pm
Posts: 145
Location: Central Florida
I think the problem with Ampeg is that since Loud took over they are now produce overseas and the QC during the first year was terrible. From what I am hearing on the other forums and from friends in the biz is those issues are more or less resolved. The main problem I have with Ampeg now is that the production costs are now pennies compared to what they were when they were made in the USA but Ampeg is still charging the same and at times higher prices for their gear. The customer service is almost nonexistent compared to the St. Louis Music days. I love the sound of Ampeg gear and its ashame that the holding company that owns and runs Ampeg is more concerned with profit then continuing the proud tradition of the American icon of bass amplifiers.


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 1:22 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Tue Oct 20, 2009 8:57 pm
Posts: 6
Yes, I agree. The peak price for an American SVT was $1500 new. The Vietnamese model currently costs $1300. So American expertise is worth what, $200? The soldering and framing on the oversees version has been described as substandard, I wouldn't risk owning one. the reviews are poor and the two friends I know that took the risk are dissatisfied. Buy used, buy American.


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 1:22 pm
Offline
Amateur
Amateur

Joined: Sat Aug 29, 2009 2:09 pm
Posts: 145
Location: Central Florida
Thats not to say there are not any quality overseas amps out there. I'm giving serious consideration to buying an Orange Bass Terror which is a Korean made Orange tube/hybrid design. Also from what I understand GK although produced in CHina are pretty decent amps as well if you like solid state amps. Time will tell if Ampeg ever regains any of its former reputation as THE bass amp standard.


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 1:45 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist
User avatar

Joined: Wed Oct 14, 2009 8:19 am
Posts: 18
Location: Alabama
Had to add to this post. I bought a Ampeg BA-115hp about a year ago. You name a component and it was defective. After three replacements they finally refunded my cash. I agree with all of you, buy used and make sure it is made in America!!!


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2009 3:30 am
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Thu Aug 07, 2008 3:12 pm
Posts: 6355
Location: Albemarle, NC
I will NEVER buy another new Ampeg amp until they are made in the USA again.

I predict either Ampeg will die a slow and painful death or they will resume USA production. My money is on a slow and painful death. It will be ugly but sort of a mercy killing.

AFAIK that leaves Mesa, Carvin and Peavey's pro line as the last of the mainline USA bass amps. There are botique heads like ELECTRIC and MOTOR CITY. Are there any others?


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2009 9:07 am
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist
User avatar

Joined: Sun Nov 02, 2008 12:20 pm
Posts: 7
I wonder how the company is still in business with all of the negative feedback. Does anyone own one of the new Chinese/Vietnamese SVTs? I played through one in a store once and was blown away...but I am curious as to how they hold up for owners who have put them through the paces.


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Tue Dec 01, 2009 12:40 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist
User avatar

Joined: Mon Nov 30, 2009 9:17 pm
Posts: 7
Location: Between Philly and Pittsburgh
My friend,
Ampeg is nothing more than a 5 letter word. I've had Ampeg owner first laugh at me when I went to a gig with a bassman 100, and a no name, ridden hard and put away wet 2 x 15 cabinet. After the gig, they were crying because they spent thousands of dollars on that 5 letter word, when I spent less than $800 and had a better sound than them. The secret? Confidence and 2 15" EVs in that ugly cab.

"Sure, the guy with the expensive gear and the great tone is cool, but the guy with the junky gear and the great tone is awesome."


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2009 9:50 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist
User avatar

Joined: Fri Mar 06, 2009 3:11 am
Posts: 13
Location: Newport, RI
I used to have an SVT 3 Pro that I bought new with a trade (A Fender BXR 300 combo, oddly enough) back in the early 90's. To be honest, I never really cared for it. I always had to constantly tweak it. The problem for me was it didn't have the "oomph." It seems like the only amps I ever played though and really cut through were Peaveys. I know the tone on them can be hit or miss, but they were very reliable and I never had any trouble with them. Plus, they're dirt cheap.

I wish Fender would put out a bass amp with around 400 to 500 watts with the price point of the new Hartkes or even Peavey. I know they could because they have guitar amps around that price. I love the tone of Fenders, but I don't know if I can really justify spending $1000 for a 350 watt combo amp when I can get a beefy stack for that which sounds just as good. Maybe when I'm making a ton of more money it might not matter as much, but right not that's not happening.


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2009 10:01 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist
User avatar

Joined: Mon Nov 30, 2009 9:17 pm
Posts: 7
Location: Between Philly and Pittsburgh
I've been gigging with an SWR400S for quite a while. There is a lot of good talk about the SWR350 also. The 350 is easy to set up and works down to 2 ohms. They're affordable too. I do agree with you on the Peavey. I have a Mark VI for a back up and practice amp. Never had to use it as a back up, but certainly give it credit where it's due.


Top
Profile
Post subject:
Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2010 2:31 am
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician
User avatar

Joined: Fri Jan 30, 2009 11:30 pm
Posts: 378
Location: melbourne 'rock city' australia
I'm shy of Peaveys since I blew up two Mark IVs back in the 90s. Last year I bought a new GK 400RB, seemed cool, but after a couple of gigs I took it back and plugged in my 1975 Ampeg V4 guitar head instead - it just sounded better, and it's not even a bass amp.
Why is it that a 120 watt tube guitar amp from the 70s sounds so much better and louder than many 300W hi-tech modern bass amps?

_________________
"...Compared to the flowers and the birds and the trees, I am an Apeman."


Top
Profile
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 12 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 7 hours

Fender Play Winter Sale 2020

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to: