Bass Gear Review

Reviewer	Chcuk Deitrick
Experience	20+
Email	bonkers@ev1.net
Review date	June 21 2001
Manufacturer	Ampeg
Model	SVT-350H
Price	$350 used

Dimensions	See Ampeg site
Weight	45 lbs.?
Power	275@ 8 ohms, 350@ 4 ohms
EQ	Bass, Ultramid, Treble, 9 Band Graphic EQ
Other	Gain and Master volume, input L-pad, DI (selectable pre and post eq),
	effects loop

All solid state bass amp head with Classic SVT look. Typical features for the price range. Power is adequate for most venues (up to and including outdoor gigs). This is not a hifi or real versatile head. But if you are looking for medium powered head that delivers big, meaty tone for a modest cost, then this may be it. I use it with either an Ampeg SVT 1540HE cabinet (1 x 15", 4 x 10" plus horn)or with either or both of my SWR Workingman cabinets (1 x 15T and 4 x 10T). It has more punch and volume with the Ampeg speakers, a little more crispness and details with the SWR's. Lack of a tube front end does not seem to be critical - MOSFET power amp and discrete SS preamp deliver classic tone without the tubes. I use this head with a SANSAMP Bass Driver DI and a Tech 21 Bass Compactor compressor to thicken the tone even more.

I'd recommend this amp to anyone looking for a medium power, resanably priced head that has boatloads of classic tone and Ampeg reliability.

Cosntruction	90%
(Very well built - tolex less durable than carpet)
Clarity	85%
(Classic tone, not hifi)
Versatility	75%
(Good for most electric music, particualrly rock and blues)
Volume	90%
(Seems loud for the rated power. Never have driven it hard.)
Customer Service	85%
(Ampeg tech support has been helpful several times via Email)
Value	90%
(Very good value, especially used.)
Overall	90%
(For a good all around amp or for classic rock/pop/blues, hard to beat.)