AMPEG SVP-PRO Bass Preamp *115V/230V *USA Made *Classic Ampeg Tube Tone

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This is a NO RESERVE AUCTION for a used Ampeg SVP-PRO Preamp in very good condition. This is the earlier version of the preamp that has the grey chassis and the white “SVP Pro” lettering on the front.

The SVP-PRO is the essentially the same preamp section of Ampeg’s legendary SVT-2 PRO amp. This is a tube preamp with 5 tubes that offers a harmonically rich and classic tube sound. It has the warmth and dynamic range that only an all-tube preamp can give you . . . and it has the punch and clarity that is sought after by professional bassists. The fit and finish of this preamp is on par with the very best (and extremely expensive) preamps.

Ampeg isn’t making this preamp any more, so if you’ve been looking for one of these, you can score a really nice one in this auction. And just to be clear, this is a USA-made SVP Pro preamp. Ampeg is now building their amps in China and Viet Nam, and this isn’t one of those.

ATTENTION: SPECIAL BONUS FOR EUROS & AUSSIES AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL VOLT GUYS: This is a dual voltage preamp which has a 115V/230V line voltage selector switch on the back panel, which means it will work in Europe, Australia and the entire universe (as long as there is a 115 volt or 230 volt power source).

This preamp is in proper working order . . . everything works just as it should. Cosmetically it is in very good condition. There are a couple of very light scratches on the preamp, but as you can see from the pics, nothing bad. The faceplate is quite clean, so the preamp will look really good when racked. The sale includes the preamp and a power cord.

You can check out the Owners Manual at the Ampeg website by clicking HERE.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

Four 12AX7 tubes and one 12AU7 tube
Tube Drive Control
Switchable input jack for active or passive basses
Mute Switch
Ultra Low, Ultra High and Bright Switches
5 position Midrange Selector
9 Band Graphic EQ
Transformer balanced out
Effects Loop
Two “Preamp Out Jacks” to run both channels of a stereo amp
115/230 Line Voltage Selector Switch

THE SOUND

This is a high quality, extremely reliable preamp that has an incredible amount of tonal flexibility. In addition to the Bass, Midrange and Treble controls, there is a 9 band graphic equalizer and Ultra Low Boost, Ultra High Boost and Bright switches . . . you can sculpt your sound to fit any kind of music.

The Drive control gives you precision command over the tubes . . . you determine how hot those babies burn and how much warmth or overdrive you want to dial in. In the fully counter-clockwise position the preamp is in the cleanest, traditional SVT position. As the Drive control is rotated clockwise, the tone of the signal is changed to provide a smooth overdrive. The five tubes/valves provide the true, rich, tubular tone only a genuine multivalve signal path can generate.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Here a 6 very good reasons to buy this preamp:

(1) It has that signature Ampeg tube tone, plus other sweet tube tones.

(2) Ampeg doesn’t make this wonderful preamp any more, and there aren’t many floating around in the used marketplace.

(3) While Ampeg’s current line of bass amps, preamps, cabs, etc., are made in China or Viet Nam, this preamp was built in the USA.

(4) It is simple and straightforward to use.

(5) You can use it with 115V or 230V.

(6) You can get that Ampeg SVT-2 Pro tone with a preamp that weighs under 9 lbs. Just pair it with a powerful and light power amp and you’ll have a killer rig.

The suggested list price when Ampeg was producing these preamps was $700. The prices for these preamps have been heading up, so grab a nice one while you can.

Aloha and thanks for looking.