Sorry to bring this thread back, but I am wanting to get the best possible bass tone/amp for recording only. No large live shows, giggin, etc... BUT did want to mic the bass. I am a vintage tube tone nut.... Styles would be most like 70's music, some 80's like. And hip hop, fusion, rock, funk, etc.. Basically that tone of the bass on that song Magic Man from Heart. Or Brick House from The Commodores, etc..
So thats my goal (recording) and style(s).
So anyway, lots of research steered me towards a early 70's BLUE LINE (made in Lindin, NJ, NOT Magnavox) Ampeg SVT. Ok, no prob. Price, No prob... QUESTIONS THOUGH...
#1 -I notice they are like 300watts !!! Now that may be cool for people that rock arena's or just a live show period, or need to cut through a band, but I don't need 300w for track recording. Now I don't mind having it and never using all the volume, BUT I ask, is it like Marshall's and I will never get the secret Ampeg tone unless I have it cranked ? Or is it still the best tone/thing even at normal recording volumes ?
#2 - Is there anything special about the Ampeg SVT cabinets ? Do I need them for "that tone" ? Or would I still get that tone I'm looking for by getting the vintage head, BUT a custom made cabinet with newer age speakers that handle bass better ? Would a custom made cabinet actually be better due to the fact I could get more modern speakers, but have them run through the vintage circuitry ? For guitar I know the vintage speakers are actually better, but for bass, it seems the older speakers weren't made to handle modern bad ass bass.. ?? yes, no ?
#3 - If 300w is not recommended for recording, is the Ampeg B-25 the same tone, but just less watts ? Or no ? Was the SVT just plain MAGIC ?
Thanks for all input --