Bass Gear Review

Reviewer	Rick Huff
Experience	32
Email	hawkhuff@msn.com
Review date	July 24 2001
Manufacturer	Ampeg
Model	SVT III
Price	350 (used)
Item owned for	2-5 years

Dimensions	19” x 4” x 17”
Weight	35 lbs.
Power	200 watts RMS @ 8 ohms, 350 watts RMS @ 4 ohms both rated at 5% THD
EQ	6 band graphic type with overall equalizer blend level control,
Other	flat profile (for a rack) but comes with short rubber legs for non rac
	k applications.

I purchased this unit used because the price was right. I owned one of the old all tube giants (the SVT I) in the past and knew that Ampeg meant quality. I was right about this amp too. This amp head is a solid and durable work horse and weighs a ton. Virtually any bass sound you want is at your finger tips. Thunderous house shaking lows and midrange are easily obtainable with a single cab as a stand alone. However, the Ampeg SVT III’s equalizer and versatile midrange adjustment knob can get you all the punch you need for popping and slapping, if that's your thing.

The SVT III would suit the needs of any kind of bass player from the classic pocket and reggae player to the slapper and any style in between.

I was truly lucky to have found this amp used. I changed out the three 12AX7 tubes in the preamp (I didn't know how old the existing ones were) vacuumed the chassis and that was it. I am very happy with this amp.

Construction	98%
(Typical Ampeg quality - rugged.)
Clarity	98%
(Very. This amp can do most anything.)
Versatility	98%
(The only down side is it lacks a compressor.)
Volume	100%
(Will frighten women and children. Sound pressure can break windows)
Customer Service	95%
(Contacted them once for parts and they responded immediately.)
Value	100%
(Excellent value at twice the bucks paid for this unit.)
Overall	98%
(Great amp that can do anything you need it to do.)