Ampeg’s SVT is quite possibly the most respected bass amp of all time and now the company have announced the SVT-VR, a vintage reissue of the highly sought after 1970’s ‘blue-line’ SVT head.
With the new SVT-VR, the Ampeg engineering and product development teams had one primary goal—get as close to the coveted tone of the ‘classic’ SVT as possible. As a result, the preamp stage, power section, and even the rocker switches of the new SVT-VR emulate the exact signal path, tone, and vibe of the original rock ‘n’ roll workhorse.
Ampeg Product Manager, Tommy Wilson told us, “The original ‘blue-line’ SVT has a tremendous legacy. It remains one of the most respected and sought-after Ampeg products of all time. For years, artists at all levels have been asking us to re-issue the vintage design. Of course, we didn’t want to take on such an important project until we were absolutely confident we could recreate the tonality of the original.”
So important was their desire to recreate the classic SVT sound, that the Ampeg development team enlisted the help Dennis Kager, a member of the original Ampeg QC team and operator of a New Jersey-based restoration facility specializing in vintage SVT heads.
“Having been affiliated with Ampeg products for nearly four decades, I’m very encouraged by Ampeg’s commitment to the original design and their desire to accurately recreate its sonic signature,” commented Kager. “I’ve long known that there is a tremendous market for this product and I’m honored to have been involved in the development of the vintage reissue.”
The all tube SVT-VR amplifier is driven by a total of six 6550 power tubes for massive power and tone. In addition to the 70’s style dials and rocker switches, the SVT-VR’s preamp circuitry has been faithfully recreated to match the original. Even the classic blue graphics are there.
Price and Availability
The Ampeg SVT-VR is currently available and carries a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $2,799.00.
More info:
www.ampeg.com
