Issues with the Ampeg Heritage 50th Anniversary SVT

[thedovewarlord]

Nothing but issues so far with the Ampeg Heritage 50th Anniversary SVT.

I'll spare the gory details but here's the brief rundown: My first amp arrived via UPS and sounded great playing at practice volume for a week or two, then channel two made seriously load scratchy-noises when I adjusted the volume dialed at around 9am. Sweetwater sent out a replacement, again I continued to treat this amp like gold, and not even cranked-up with my band, nor move it from my practice area greater issues out of the blue - loud noises screeches and rattling. I though my cabinet was going to blow out. Sweetwater, this time told me to bring to a certified shop. The repair technician who is knowledgeable and I can feel highly confident he's awesome at what he does immediately noticed bolts were loose and said "he'll fix it". He did. I picked it up and he said everything (contacts/connections) were loose. It sounded great in his shop and when I got home I hooked it up and later that night I was finally able to play for an hour or two. Relieved.. temporarily.

Yesterday, during my practice I heard a rattle/vibration when playing a a few particular notes, I move the head off of the cabinet, and noticed the head box is looks completely warped on top.

If you look at this picture you can see clear in and out of the thing.

Thoroughly disappointed and no idea at all what to do next.

 

[Bent77]

There does have to be some gap on the mechanical part of the sled or it can’t be pulled out to service.
In dry or winter climates you might see where the wood case will warp or move, just like a neck
Unless you’re savvy to pull it apart and find/fix the rattle safely, ask your tech

 

[thedovewarlord]

There does have to be some gap on the mechanical part of the sled or it can’t be pulled out to service.
In dry or winter climates you might see where the wood case will warp or move, just like a neck
Unless you’re savvy to pull it apart and find/fix the rattle safely, ask your tech

Is this common? At this price point and considering they are touting the quality for their Heritage line, normally I'm very tolerant and patient but I can't help feeling disappointed in making this choice. Should I demand a refund or a new unit? The repair shop is close to 2-hours drive each way. I wrote Ampeg support also.

 

[jnewmark]

The vibration you heard could have been something in the cab, in the room, etc. Does it still rattle on those notes when you separate head from cab ?

 

[Bent77]

Is this common? At this price point and considering they are touting the quality for their Heritage line, normally I'm very tolerant and patient but I can't help feeling disappointed in making this choice. Should I demand a refund or a new unit? The repair shop is close to 2-hours drive each way. I wrote Ampeg support also.

Well Ive had a few of them apart. But I typically pull the chassis out and reseat all the tubes when new. Then I check all the connections and add foam or orings on the top cover shield to keep it from vibrating. I also pull the cover off my cabs and snug the screws. I’m probably the wrong one to ask

 

[beans-on-toast]

Put a good straight edge or ruler, at least as wide as the cabinet, on top of the cabinet and see it it’s warped. The preamp is drawn up to the top of the cabinet to secure it in place. Maybe the preamp’s metal top plate is not installed correctly or the screws on the top of the cabinet are not tightened correctly. As was mentioned, there is supposed to be a small gap between the cabinet and the preamp.

 

[slagheap]

there's no question to me - demand your money back or possibly, if you've got the stomach for it, try a third replacement. i've had two 70s svts that were well used when i bought them and then i played the snot out of 'em including constant sf bay area load ins & load outs and never encountered those type problems. i would not tolerate any more crap - they're sending you lemons or maybe the factory today is just worthless.

 

[thedovewarlord]

Thanks for all the replies!

The vibration you heard could have been something in the cab, in the room, etc. Does it still rattle on those notes when you separate head from cab ?

Yes, the technician suggested I try this. The rattle does not happen when it's on my desk. Unfortunately, the only and ideal spot for the amp is on top of the cabinet (cant keep it on my desk, takes up a lot of room.)

Put a good straight edge or ruler, at least as wide as the cabinet, on top of the cabinet and see it it’s warped. The preamp is drawn up to the top of the cabinet to secure it in place. Maybe the preamp’s metal top plate is not installed correctly or the screws on the top of the cabinet are not tightened correctly. As was mentioned, there is supposed to be a small gap between the cabinet and the preamp.

I understand a small gap, but this appears to be warped. It literally bows up in the middle. Does this mean the technician may have re-installed things incorrectly or is the damn thing shot?

there's no question to me - demand your money back or possibly, if you've got the stomach for it, try a third replacement. i've had two 70s svts that were well used when i bought them and then i played the snot out of 'em including constant sf bay area load ins & load outs and never encountered those type problems. i would not tolerate any more crap - they're sending you lemons or maybe the factory today is just worthless.

Thank you, I am reaching out to the place I bought it tomorrow. Problem is I'm loving the way it sounds, and I also realize there are bigger issues in the world, but this is nuts.

 

[Old Fart]

I am an Ampeg fanboy, but this is a disappointing list of problems. I find this surprising. And yes, if that upper edge of the head cabinet is not straight, then it is not straight. The preamp is not going to cause it to bow upward. If it is curved, it would be curved after the electronics are removed. This would be a deal-breaker for me. But I am a fanboy and love these amps and find the problems surprising and I would keep trying to get a problem-free SVT.

 

[Mastermold]

Thanks for all the replies!



Yes, the technician suggested I try this. The rattle does not happen when it's on my desk. Unfortunately, the only and ideal spot for the amp is on top of the cabinet (cant keep it on my desk, takes up a lot of room.)



I understand a small gap, but this appears to be warped. It literally bows up in the middle. Does this mean the technician may have re-installed things incorrectly or is the damn thing shot?



Thank you, I am reaching out to the place I bought it tomorrow. Problem is I'm loving the way it sounds, and I also realize there are bigger issues in the world, but this is nuts.

I’ve got the SVT-CL Heritage, from several years ago. Wouldn’t tolerate the issues you have. I’d exchange it for one without issues. Mine has been perfect since day one as yours should be.

 

[TTA]

Get one made in china. :-\

 

[MobileHolmes]

The vibration you heard could have been something in the cab, in the room, etc. Does it still rattle on those notes when you separate head from cab ?

don’t discount room stuff. When I was a kid, my dad had a pile of scrap lumber in the basement that resonated violently at F#

 

[beans-on-toast]

Thanks for all the replies! I understand a small gap, but this appears to be warped. It literally bows up in the middle. Does this mean the technician may have re-installed things incorrectly or is the damn thing shot?

If it really is a bow in the cabinet, it shouldn't be there. Did the tech install it in a way that it caused a bow? They would have to take another look at it and see, this would involve loosening or removing the preamp and inspecting it

A bow in the wood isn't normal. I've seen SVT cabinet tops deform if they were stored on their side. Call the retailer and ask how it can be resolved.

 

[denton57]

Well I’m considering pulling the trigger on one of these tomorrow (MF), and I’m curious if others have been experiencing issues?? I know sometimes you get one with issues ( which is why I’m going with MF and their 45 day return policy).

 

[Old Fart]

..... Did the tech install it in a way that it caused a bow? ......

Structurally, if the top chassis had a fight with the top cabinet panel, I think the latter would have won.

Well I’m considering pulling the trigger on one of these tomorrow (MF), and I’m curious if others have been experiencing issues?? I know sometimes you get one with issues ( which is why I’m going with MF and their 45 day return policy).

I have to believe these problems are just very rare occurrences. Two American-made units in a row with problems....that's disturbing.

 

[thedovewarlord]

Agree, disturbing. Definitely not what I expected when I bought it, I'm hoping this will work out.

 

[denton57]

Mine is on the way. I guess I’m not too old for an SVT after all

 

[Old Fart]

Agree, disturbing. Definitely not what I expected when I bought it, I'm hoping this will work out.

I am too. My SVT, a 1980 model, is my best head. By a wide margin.

 

[Music Man Dan]

I had similar issues as the OP had with his first 50th Anniversary SVT head....loose parts! When I unpacked my first 50th Anniversary SVT head I knew I had problems on my hands. A couple of flat washers were laying underneath the head in the shipping box. All of the screws that hold the amp chassis inside the cabinetry were in their proper place, but most of those screws were loose. Also, as I gently turned the amp upside down to inspect those screws, I heard the sound of something metallic (another washer or two?) tumble inside the head. I never plugged the amp in, it went directly back to where I purchased it from.

I took a gamble and purchased amp #2 with the credit from amp #1. That amp got speared by a forklift during its shipping transit to me. Needless to say, that one went back, too, without ever being plugged in.

I took a gamble and purchased amp #3 with the credit from amp #2. That amp never made it to me.....lost in transit at first, but eventually made it back to the retailer.

I took a gamble and purchased amp #4 with the credit from amp #3. This time, I went to the retailer during a business trip to a.) inspect the amp, plug it in, and play it, and b.) bring the amp home myself.

Amp #4 has been incredible. In hindsight, I can say that I'm glad that I persevered. Good luck to the OP in your journey to find a 50th Anniversary SVT amp that meets your expectations.....I think it will be totally worth it to you in the end.

 

[thedovewarlord]

I had similar issues as the OP had with his first 50th Anniversary SVT head.........
Amp #4 has been incredible. In hindsight, I can say that I'm glad that I persevered. Good luck to the OP in your journey to find a 50th Anniversary SVT amp that meets your expectations.....I think it will be totally worth it to you in the end.

Holy cow!!! I know this will work out somehow, like I said there are bigger issues in the world. Hearing Music Man Dan's story, as crazy as that sounds (and I am so glad it ended well for you) Im feeling like this will be resolved good. Amp sounds so kick ass it's unreal. If King Kong's potatoes was an amp, it would be this amp.