Epic Bass Amp Shift: I've Moved To Ampeg

[@martythebassplayer7006]

I jumped for joy when Yamaha bought Ampeg. Got my SGT-DI just this week and it is AWESOME as well!!!

[@madhatter7862]

Didn't realize they did. I was disappointed when they stopped making in the USA, casue I would talk to guys at music stores and they would tell me they could see the decline in quality, this was about 10 years ago.

[@EverythingBass]

Congratulations on your new relationship with Ampeg! Dino at Ampeg is simply the best and will treat you well. (He was the best man at my wedding!) I wish you all the best and am excited to see where your new album takes you!

[@madhatter7862]

I had an Ampeg SVT 410HLF and the B2R head from SLM electronic days made in USA. I took it for granted the air it pused, the cab never clipped at high volumes in a metal band, just pushed so hard so many gigs. They make great gear!

[@tedayre]

Have you tried the Ampeg Rocket combos yet Janek? Would love your opinion on them for beginners or intermediate players starting to gig.

[@rkshores]

Congratulations brother. See you on the road.

[@royvogt5086]

Just switched. The Venture V-7 and 112 Neo Cab is great for most gigs I do. Adding a second 112 and I'm good. Clear tone and SVT or B15 when I want it. A winner!

[@AdrianoStAubyn64]

Isn't an amp with twice the power at 8 ohms of the cabinet, dangerous? Maybe the V3 would be better.

[@IvanBassist]

Tried them at the Guitar Summit the last month. The amps and cabs sound great. I liked the 2x12 and 1x15 cabs the best

[@nicholasburrows5716]

I played with one of the 2x12s….but I hooked up the Darkglass Microtubes 500v2 head with it….sounded awesome! A lot more stuff I could do (EQ-wise) through the Darkglass

[@AdamBrewell]

Have my tickets booked for masterclass and show in Notts - can't wait to hear the new Ampeg. See you there!

[@joseluizbarbosadossantos1973]

I firmly believe that the reasons are yours and that no one has anything to do with it. Keep giving us your beautiful music!

[@waynematthews8165]

Congrats on your Ampeg deal! That's a bold move and if it suits your needs, then go for it! I had that eureka moment with Bergantino Cabs, they gave me MY sound and I have yet to hear it surpassed. I hope to catch you at Peggy's. I'm actually in a band with Paul Deats. Peggy's is one of the best jazz venues in the UK.

[@schwoebel]

Man, your Aguilar video led me to you and I have half a basement full of Aguilar equipment and now this? Haha. But I think Ampeg is ok too. So to some degree. ;-) (Had the chance to test the V-series at the Guitar Summit in Mannheim some weeks ago - sounded great over headphones, no chance to play them loud.)

[@janekgwizdala]

I'm hoping to be at the next guitar summit in 2024, I heard it was a great event.

[@schwoebel]

@@janekgwizdala That would be fantastic! Really a great event, love it! 😊

[@bangpow00]

Very cool. The new Ampeg/Yamaha product that won me over was the RB-210 - it's been a great fit for one of my trios. I've just bought the SGT-DI to replace my old and slowly failing VT Bass DI. Expect to go full Venture head series this year or next. So another Ampeg/Yamaha fan boy here 🖐 Thanks for the inspiring and interesting video

[@KarelCapekTrutnov]

I think I’ll keep my Aguilar AND add some Ampeg into the mix in a very near future… different gigs, different needs, both great :)

[@chriselton1915]

So much great gear out there. Congrats on finding what works best for you!

[@MrKermitt71]

I have an Epifani amp for 15 years. I Love it and never change ! These amps are so vrsatiles

[@michaelmosley1385]

Just got my hands on a ampeg SVT 410HLN cab it's a beast. Little on the heavy side but thanks to the casters on the rear. Fender rumble 800 head. Thinking on getting that same ampeg head you have.

[@chrisbardolph]

I recently switched to a lightweight single 15 and Markbass head. Seems to be the sweet spot. Nice on the Ampeg deal - I think that warm sound suits your playing.

[@spinomarxist2688]

Nice. Would love a more in depth video of how you set up the amp, and play around a bit with it! Cheers

[@wanmorgan]

Hey Janek, I think this is a good move. I'm endorsed by Mark Bass & Ashdown but every time I play through an Ampeg I always think they're the best.

[@Tattoed_soul]

Congrats Janek. I have an Aguilar DB750 but also have the Broughton P15 wich is based on an Ampeg B15 and really love it. The black color and Ampeg logo on your amp head looks classic as always.

[@felixweber6593]

I totally understand what you lived during the Gary Willis clinic and during the Ampeg tests. I am usually a GK player and own a MB500 with a CX410 and they sound great. But a few weeks ago, I went to the new premises of my music school for the first time. I attend a rock workshop with my brother in law and two friends. There was a new amp because they changed the whole gear as they changed to new premises. This amp is a Laney Digbeth DB500 with a 4 x 10 cab (4 ohms). I was floored by the sound. The settings are so easy, so intuitive. I was trying for many years to find THE sound for rock with just the right amount of overdrive to kind of "pop up in the mix" without being too loud. And I think I found it.

[@marginalgains8477]

Hope to see you in London then!!

[@HondoFelder]

Sick. Got me thinking about this new series. Can't wait to hear you rock this stuff live🤘

[@NickGranville]

Great stuff Janek! I see Ampeg amps all over the place here in NZ, so it must be time you came back here to play some trio gigs again. Cheers NG

[@andrejpliaskin9444]

i found that 80% sound belongs from cabinet and 20% from amp

[@6minus3minus2]

I have to agree on the shift at Aguilar. I LOVE what Aguilar make, but I was getting a product from them repaired during the Korg shift and the customer service got much more impersonal after Korg fully took over. It seems small, but that genuine connection with people when using something for musical expression matters a lot. I'll definitely look at the Ampeg too. That Venture head is a great price and seems to be super versatile.

[@_B_E_A_D_G_C]

Congrats on your move forward ,Janek ! It totally makes sense about the tour support aspect. Maybe one day you’ll be on the Bergantino or Trickfish roster :)

[@ppal9963]

I wish Janek would try the Bergs…never look back 👍🏻

[@_B_E_A_D_G_C]

@@ppal9963 love my berg amp and cab. Top tier gear imo

[@BassStevie]

Nice one. Looking forward to hearing this on the UK Tour. I’ve been using an Origin Effects gigrig recently - the SVT version and I really like it…. plus I played a heritage SVT at a recent gig and it was LOVELY. Go Janek!

[@bassdirect]

We have just had this rig in our shop and it does sound good! Nice and light, I like the cover on the cabs and the amps feel good quality - a nice vintage vibe on the amp.

[@weschilton]

Wow, congrats! I used to play through an SVT head and 2 4X10s many years ago. I switched to Aquilar back in 2017.. mostly due to the ultra light weight and the cabs ability to handle a low B so much better than the older Ampeg cabs... so I have been mostly happy with it... but I think I need to check out these Venture series cabs if they are really that good. You do make that 1x15 really sound enticing!

[@ericplummer4089]

If its anything like the new d.i., then l understand. I use the sgt-di and absolutely love it. But since l'm not as in demand as Janek , l'll hold on to my Aguilar AG700 for now. It works with any cab but l've always loved ampeg's solid state tone and the cabs.

[@danieldoherty1063]

Congrats man. Thanks for being so transparent how the whole thing works also, its interesting from the outside looking in. Looking forward to seeing and hearing the new gear

[@Bassic778]

Congratulations on your move and I pray that it's a lasting relationship and the gear continues to be a joy to play through!

[@BassPlayerNcl]

Congratulations, Janek! Exciting news 🙌

[@Music73777]

How does it compare to the Origin Effects Super Vintage when using it as a DI?

[@67NewEngland]

- What the model Ampeg 15” cab that you tried and loved so much ?

[@edwardshields2777]

What is it about the 15” that you’re hearing? Deciding between Venture and SVT410HLF Heritage. Thank you!

[@janekgwizdala]

I think it’s a really personal thing, and we could probably sit there listening to the same cab and have a different opinion about it. My impression when k played the 15 was that it had a ton more range than I was expecting. More like a cab that had multiple speakers in it rather than a single 15” cone.

[@edwardshields2777]

Great! Thanks!

[@gunthertobias3909]

Congrats ! I have to be honest I have always struggled with Aguilar as a company for decades. Since Alex left it changed then David and David kept it quite cool. Its really a fender - Ampeg hybrid anyways. I feel this Ampeg is a much cooler re-visit for all of us. I dumped my Aggie ( with glorious joy ) and feel way better. Now since takeover iam out for good. Good Call Janek, no going back after Ampeg!

[@JesusisLord7877]

I've got ampeg SGT-DI. Absolutely amazing.. You can switch between cabs. Incredible to play on a live setting or at home.. Please bass player.. You should try it. Trust me you'all will love it.

[@HappyChillmore]

I just got an Aguilar ag500 to go with my db112 cabs. The amp fan is so noisy in my studio I’m considering returning for something else. Looking at the venture v7. Would you recommend doing so? Also is there a loud fan on it? Thank you!

[@janekgwizdala]

There's no loud fan at all. It's to the point where I often forget to turn the amp off after use because it's so quiet and I forget it's on.

[@impasta5700]

Well this was pretty unexpected. Also on topic of amps have you tried/used SWR or Markbass heads? If so what are your opinions?

[@janekgwizdala]

I used to use an SWR when I very frst started as a professional bass player. I had a workingmans 12 I think... But that was many moons ago when the earth was still cooling. I haven't tried the modern heads of either of those companies in a long time.

[@thewaldfe9763]

Is SWR still around at all? I thought Fender buried them years ago.

[@impasta5700]

@@thewaldfe9763indeed they have been buried however the used stuff is still around

[@cameronbradley9828]

I played Peggy’s skylight earlier this year such a cool space!

[@madhatter7862]

I have a Warwick Corvette Proline 5 and Schecter Model T PJ Bass. I just upgraded the electronics on the Warwick to Nordstrand Split Coils and there 2B Boost only preamp. But while that has been under construction I bought that Schecter as a backup. It sounds great, and plays well after I performed a proper setup. I want to go to something with wider spacing that the 16.5mm string but can't pull the trigger on a $5K + bass. This would help my XXL hand while working on double thumbing. What would you recommend? Cort has some nice looking basses not sure how they hold up. Wish I could buy an F Bass or Mayonnes but $$$. Plus I can't justify it with being Amateur and play for church only. I have 20+ years experience but coach under Jason Foster (T-Pain, Don Moen, Ludacris). I built a board with the Effectrdoe LA-1A (UK) limiting amp for Comp, HX Stomp, Boss ES5 and Noble Preamp. Since using the Noble for preamp, I didn't want an amp to color my tone so went onto Talkbass and heard about the Baby Sumo from Guitar Sound Systems in France. The Baby Sumo is great clean tone. For the cabinet, I was torn, almost went back to an Ampeg casue of the PN115HLF(don't need a 410 anymore but ❤). This thing is just built solid! But after I did a lot of research, for the size and technology, the Phil Jones really impressed me. They have top notch quality control which was my concer (materials, build quality). Anyway, I know its not on topic, but really wanted the feeback on a wider string spaced 5 string that was realy good for the money. Cause for the right bass I would gladly get rid of my others, (even thought I am emotioanlly connected to Warwick I've had for 20 years.

[@kosmos1448]

What kind of spekon did you use. Idk why they decided to make things difficult

[@jeffreylopez8317]

Got my two sl112 and th500 back in 2013 just because of you janek 😢😢😢

[@janekgwizdala]

And do you like the sound? If you do, then why be sad about it? That’s ten years and counting out of a rig. A solid investment I would imagine.

[@madhatter7862]

So are you using a looper are really playing two parts at the same time 😮

[@rickenbrotherjoey307]

I just got the Ampeg Venture V12. I'm underwhelmed. For a 1200 watt head, it's not all that loud. After setting the gain well I have to turn the volume knob to at least8 to get a decent gig volume.

[@TerryD23]

Nice! While it’s certainly important to have a confident rig, we also need to keep in mind that it’s the painter, not the paintbrush.

[@Doublebassblake]

Curious if you got to try out the Trickfish amps and what your thoughts were compared to the ampeg? But I can imagine Trickfish didn’t have the support you need for touring.

[@janekgwizdala]

I tried almost everything out there, including the trickfish stuff. There's so much great gear available these days. I was really happy to find the new Ampeg range and be able to play something that truly checked all the boxes from music to support.

[@natehaiden]

I'm watching this as I take apart my V4B tube head for a transformer upgrade. Don't sleep on the V4B :)) its a lot of smooth tube magic

[@RadityoPramAdi]

I've been on an ampless rig for years.. last Sunday I went to a church gig, and played through an Ampeg for the first time. An old, discontinued BA 115. It struck a chord (or slap a string lol) with me. It makes whatever on my pedalboard sounds even better. Probably gonna get one myself.. congrats on your new amp !!

[@chrisbardolph]

There's no substitute for a real speaker moving real air. Even if low stage volume is required, real amps for guitars and basses are where it's at. It's as much a part of our coveted tone as pickups, pedals, instruments, and of course technique.

[@madhatter7862]

That's my experience had an Ampeg at church, now have a Phil Jones 4*7 with a Baby Sumo by GGS since I run through the Noble. In the Worship band enviorment, the sound engineers don' t like bass amps so I use it for a little stage monitor since I play with one IEM in.

[@CathalOBrien2014]

I hear the B15 sim on the DI pedal they did recently sounds awesome. I’d imagine same tech is used here?

[@janekgwizdala]

yes and yes.... it sound awesome!

[@GaryBouch]

wow - that's some news!

[@cavetroll666]

what would be a good amp for a 5 string bigger speaker 1x15?

[@yourbassplayer]

Congrats Janek! I was stoked to endorse both Mattisson and Aguilar alongside you. Like the music we play, we must be malleable to grow. It’s such a pleasure to hear the “why”, but more importantly that you are enjoying the journey. Do you think you will be drawn to using that new line or also using the vintage Ampeg stuff? My experience traveling around, and getting back line, usually brought out the battleships of the SVT world.

[@janekgwizdala]

Will try to stick to this line for my own stuff when it’s available, and I’m sure availability will get better the longer it’s out there. The vintage stuff is great for the studio though when you want that specific sound.

[@deanirwin3645]

I hope it's not a warmed over PF series amp. Good Luck with the journey!

[@kristiangonzalezmusic]

I have an ampeg combo (BA 2x10) for about 7 years. It's still my favorite amp. Also, have a fender rumble 1x12 and a micro markbass 1x8. And the quality of the ampeg still tops.

[@kuan1085]

I really love this new amp when I get to tried it sadly the cabinets are a little too expensive for my budget for now. It got me thinking though should I just get the SGT-DI preamp since the amp is made with that? Cheers and love the video

[@vodekz1534]

I stay with my Aguilar since I like the weight and sound. I have my old tube SVT and home too since 1990. Probably I will never sell it, due to a classic Ampeg sound

[@luka5555-c2m]

I need help on the topic of Ampeg's Venture series cab and head compatibility. If I want to pair V7 Venture with VB-410, would that be sufficient? I am asking that because V7 head is 4 Ohm 700 watts, while VB-410 is 8 Ohm 600 watts. Is VB-410 sufficient? I am puzzled, how anyone who is a amateur is able to navigate and make a right decision. Why won't they post a compatibility matrix or something. Why would Ampeg produce within the same series two different ohm settings for their heads and cabs? So V7's 700 watts, become around 350 watts when converted to 8 Ohm? On the internet it states that, this transformation losses power.

[@Manfor18x]

Janek See u tmr in cy leo show, from a fan in hong kong

[@JDeloggia]

I hope You can come back to México soon!

[@trunks828]

Congrats man! Been a svt user for a few years just switched to a tech 21 rbi with a power amp for lighter transport haven’t been happier it does that svt sound very well. It does the recording at home easier and if I’m ampless at a gig just gotta turn on the rbi and I’m good. Thinking about getting that new ampeg 2x12 since you switch I’ll probably do it. My Aguilar db212 has been a wonderful thing but transporting that around has been a issue.

[@Grumdot]

I am intrigued by the new gear and would be interested in hearing the 410 and 15 played together. Is that going to be part of the experiment? And are you finding the V3 sufficient for the type of gigs you play?

[@guymalka1248]

Hey Janek, great video!! Excited for you :) How do feel about the new rig in terms on portability. Is it relatively easy? Thanks.

[@janekgwizdala]

I'll tell you for sure after tonight's gig... 😉but the amp is so small and light it could go in a large coat pocket, and the 410 is astonishingly light for its size. I don't see any issues arising with portability.

[@weschilton]

@@janekgwizdala Yeah a 40lb 4x10 is incredible!!!! My old Ampeg 4x10s from the 90s weighed 85lbs each!

[@EddieG1888]

*Extremely* sceptical of celebrity "endorsements". There are bassists and guitarist out there with seven or eight "signature" models, and some of them seem happy to smile, hold a bass in the magazine ad and give them a buzz quote to get a freebie. To be honest Janek, talking about so much stuff you're getting for nothing kinda smacks a little of that, whether you mean it that way or not.

[@coffeest]

I've been thinking of buying an amp from this series the last weeks, and this video really helped to push me in the right direction. You have the V3 here, but I'm afraid that this might be not enough wattage? And for my playing (club gigs), I think the V12 is just too much. So that leaves me with the V7. Have you tried the other amps in the series, and what is your thoughts on them (if you have any?) I also like the cabinets Ampeg has build for this series, but I'm kinda bummed out that they build them with 8 ohm. But you liked the 15" cabinet? I have never heard about you, but I will follow you, and your videos from now on! Keep up the good work. P.S. What bass are you playing? Seems like a killerbass!

[@janekgwizdala]

Appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment. I think the V7 really is the sweet spot. I've played the V3 on smaller club gigs and it's phenomenal. Don't be afraid to crank the volume and gain knobs either, they're trimmed way different from any other amp I've played before. The bass i'm using in this video is a custom instrument I had made by Anders Mattisson in Sweden. Welcome to the channel. 👍

[@greedygringoprospecting6941]

why not the v7. 👍👍👍

[@janekgwizdala]

Cos it wasn’t out yet when I made this video. Will be using the 3, 7 and 12 eventually.

[@greedygringoprospecting6941]

@@janekgwizdala 1,200 watts pretty serious. ,i use a svt 7 pro with a 4x10 neo cab. on detachable casters. ,take the casters out sits on the ground. tell ampeg to make you a cab like this. it will handle the 7 pro. (1,200 watts continuous at 4 ohms). the jg 4x10 cab nonvented lots of mids. ,look at old carvin cabs 4x10 neo at 4 ohms. handles 1,200 watts continuous. have a good day. i live in orange county ca if you want to see it. you live in LA. just saying. 👍👍👍.

[@rivetrobot338]

Does anyone out there have a good experience with a mini bass combo 30 watts under say $50 ? I'm still looking for that elusive practice amp to have at the side of the sofa

[@Alexpaka1111]

Wish they’d make a V5! 300 watts don’t cut it. 700 is kinda too boomy.

[@carabata64]

Pelate Janek! Saludos crack

[@celiomota7603]

Maestro pero como es eso?

[@WladekFoltynski]

There was an Aguilar's slogan once, going... "Aguilar: Get Amped". It should be "Aguilar: Get Ampeg" now :D

[@janekgwizdala]

Brutal.... 😂

[@ivyxhazel]

I’ve been playing ampeg for 20 years and is the sound is always right! Do you feel a lot of difference with this amp and when you tried the DI? Is the overdrive the same?

[@janekgwizdala]

i haven't experimented with those elements enough to comment yet, but I'll be sure to make some more videos the deeper into the process I get. So far I'm loving the built-in DI on the amp for recording.

[@BenMifsudJoslin]

Next up, Yamaha signature bass!

[@julianfairall2722]

All the best with this next chapter in your music journey mate. To be fair, you could play a Hoover and make it sound great!

[@bassmonk2920]

What is the difference between 4-10s, 12s and 15

[@janekgwizdala]

Huge differences sonically between those speaker sizes. Every company has a slightly different sound, even with identical dimensions, and the selection of which size suits your playing is very personal.

[@compucorder64]

It's different in person, but I heard a pretty decent recorded demonstration recently by Philip Conrad. I think using Ampeg Venture Amp and Ampeg cabs. It's very subjective, but broadly, 15 is deeeeep looow bass that you as much feel as hear; but it's softer and woolier, less defined note start stops and less well defined pitches. 10s is tight, focused musical bass, melodic and tuneful but that you more hear in your ear than feel in your legs. And 12s is the in-between those two. If I was playing progressive styles, melodic fast bass, I'd prefer 10s. If I was playing dub / reggae / ska, 15s all the way. If in doubt, probably choose 2x12? Your neighbours would probably prefer you didn't get a 15, it moves inanimate objects around. 10s stay more well contained in a room, but still record very well. Then there's the consideration of the group you play with, if it's a 4-piece with a rhythmn guitarist that plays lots of high gain E-string power chords, could be best to get out of their way and stay in the deep bass with a 15. If it's a 3-piece and the guitarist is playing a lot of lead, slashing away on a bright Telecaster, and you are filling in the low mids, living where a rhythmn guitarist might normally be grinding power chords with a gnarly driven/distorted bass sound, then 10s might help you fill in the low mids in a melodic way - an example being say a group like Kruangbin where the guitarist is playing trebley surf guitar, and the bassist is doing something very melodic in the mids.

[@boomerbutler7569]

Dude Ampeg, to me is like the SM58 because it's been battle-tested and stood up tall over time.

[@davidrobertson5881]

Is it made in AMERICA ?

[@janekgwizdala]

Does it matter?

[@gregdefazio1478]

First I heard about Krog buying darkglass and Aguilar.

[@celiomota7603]

Come to Dominican Republic maestro we have any back line here from Ampeg to Aguilar or Markbass, Epifani whatever you want, but come here and bring your jazz… we have here one of the biggest schools of music, it’s very related to Berklee… did you hear about Juan Luis Guerra and Manhattan’s Transfer? Now we are talking about jazz fans and venues here

[@sammadden5540]

I normally use a TH500 but at a festival there was an SVT as backline, honestly wasn't a huge tonal shift. Very much in the same ballpark of each other.

[@sonicassassin4131]

Ampeg will be easier to getz on tour. I have a Glockenklang Bass Art amp - for me the best amp in the world.

[@tuzni2677]

glock is built like tank!! i hade ampeg, mark bass, t.c... ebs, all class d amps and i hate they are all made in china.. sams components not reliable and not of good quality.. each of them broke down and there were similar failures and repairs. I am very disappointed with the d class amplifier, however light it is and great for transport. mosfet forever!! old swr, ebs, glock, old gallien krueger... those were excellent amplifiers and of course tube... timeless technology!! and never made them china again!!! Enough!!

[@OCCAMZRZR]

Sounds like you solved the riddle; 1x15 and a head. P-bass BEAD.

[@peterjanjanin9883]

Is it made in China? I was disappointed to find out my Pro 8 is made in China 😢

[@peterjanjanin9883]

It has many problems with the circuitry.

[@janekgwizdala]

I have no idea. All I know is it sounds great, and I haven't encountered any issues. I don't think something being made in China is a marker of anything these days. A large portion of good consumed by the western world are made there, and a lot of them are essential elements of every day life that work great.

[@peterjanjanin9883]

I had a Vietnamese made 810 AV and VR head that were amazing! I wasn't trying to say everything made in China is garbage, but it does seem many companies are shifting production to make more profit. I remember when Markbass used to use Italian made speakers. The Pro 7 did have many issues, apparently. I did purchase the head used, I should have read up on it before purchasing. I also thought the Pro series was still made in the US, I had a Pro 6 that was.

[@hztjtao]

Many amp companies are struggling in this age of players going ampless , no surprise that they choose to drop Artist endorsement which mostly belongs to the cost center. Unless the artist name is Steve Vai or Geddy Lee.

[@JackZucker]

probably good you left aguilar since they were bought by korg and the service is non-existent. I have a dead TH-500 sitting in my closet because korg gave me 4 repairmen who wouldn't even take the amp in for repair, citing poor support. So it's just an $800 paperweight...

[@jamescoker2773]

I love the Ampeg sound, but the reliability is questionable. I've had 3 amps go out on me, and each one happened after the warranty ended.

[@AmilcarBaxo]

How cool! You're a guy who always deserves the best! One of the few musicians he shares! And that in itself is already something commendable. Congratulations!

[@adamwalcott_official]

I read somewhere that Ampeg's Asian-made stuff is better quality than the stuff made in St Louis 20-30 years ago. That being said, I only use an Ampeg Heritage 4x10 cab paired with a Trace-Elliot head that's 30 years old. I also have Bergantino Cab driven by an Acoustic Image Focus head. Neither of these rigs can be transported without a hatchback or van, and I use them both simultaneously in a dirty/clean bi-amp Frankenstack.

[@jasondorsey7110]

The slm ampeg gear has the classic sound, but they're often plagued with reliability issues, just like their sibling brand crate...if yamaha retained the sound and also nailed down the reliability, that's awesome

[@adamwalcott_official]

@jasondorsey7110 Yeah, I can relate. In 2006, I traded in my SVT-classic for an SVT-6 Pro that was a killer amp. But the innards had to be re-soldered in 2010 I think. In hindsight, I should've just kept the classic beast. However, my Trace-Elliot amp from the 90s is unbelievably efficient and ridiculously loud with the Ampeg Heritage 4x10 cab.

[@jasondorsey7110]

@@adamwalcott_official I got a trace elliot too, but I have an old peavey for backup because those things are tanks

[@BR4D_A]

Don’t sell yourself short. Van Halen featuring Janek Gwizdala… I’d pay to see that.

[@janekgwizdala]

I think I'd probably pay to do it also....

[@dwarden3]

YAMAPEG!

[@andretobing1418]

My name is Giovanni Giorgio, but everybody calls me Giorgio ...

[@nunyabidnez7857]

Congrats. I don't dig aguilar as a product or company at all.

[@bruceturner305]

I've been playing for 40+ years. Big shows, little shows and everything in between. I'm a lover of tube amps but I also own numerous Class D amps. So C'mon let's face it. A great bass player is a great bass player because they're committed to their craft. The instrument in their arms is a conduit to produce music, the emotion, the passion and all that makes us musicians in the first place. But: These days, a class D is a metal and plastic box full of mass produced electronic components that are largely all in common across all manufacturers. There are crappy Class D amps and less crappy Class D amps. But they're all the same in most every way, they're all commercially and economically manufactured and mostly all as crappy as each other. So much of a big deal to change amp endorsement when no one would ever know except you. Remember they're all crap and there is nothing "artistic" about a box of plastic and cheap generic electronic components. No unique soul in Class D ..

[@flogginga_dead_horse4022]

I hope these don't shut off in the middle of a gig like some of their earlier models ;)

[@thomasbreene893]

You're a good dude, Janek. I almost think that your video totally calls into question the whole "endorsement" thing. I don't doubt for a second that your motives are not purely musical. But like, what kind of position have THESE PEOPLE put you in (and other great artists), where on the one hand you believe in what they are producing, but then after a certain number of years, that landscape changes under your feet? To me, the take-away from all of this is: Listen to the person who has been through that process. And it just may very well be the case that we all have to "switch teams" when the need arises. I'm a hobbyist, and I have two truly gorgeous Aguilar 1x12 cabs in Bossa Blue. I'll never give them up (until I have to). BUT, I bought a Tone Hammer 500 with that rig, and the fan noise was super loud! I returned it, I asked customer service about it, I sent an .mp3... For as brilliant as the Tone Hammer series is, that particular model DID NOT suit my needs. No fault of Aguilar, but for a hobbyist with a home recording studio where miking amps might be a cool option? Hearing this Dynamo Hum in the cans was NOT cool. So I looked elsewhere. Point is, as an individual musician looking for a certain (individual) sound, you're reminding us that we need to pursue that sound, despite "endorsements" or "relationships" or whatever, however painful that might be personally.

[@compucorder64]

Ampeg's amp lineup has plenty of noisy fans too. Though maybe not this new Ampeg Venture which does seem a couple of steps forward. But, I think bass amp manufacturers across the board should put behind the days of noisy fans. With Noctua and the like making super silent fans, and their cheaper competitors too, there's no excuse for it in 2024, other than foisting cost cutting onto the customer.

[@jarczan]

Because they paid you for switching to ampeg?

[@janekgwizdala]

So you didn’t watch the video then…?

[@jarczan]

​@@janekgwizdala i did i could do much more during those 18 minutes brother of christ, you saying bla bla bla partnership, bla bla bla support during the road bla bla bla doesn't mean nothing, people lie, politicians lie, everybody lies placeholder words for making an 18 minute ad for a recently released line of stuff from ampeg ;) now i will go to music and ask her to give me food on my plate ;)

[@allpass91]

That's weird? My comment is being deleted. In short, 2:12 three masterclasses you've mentioned will be held in China rather than Taiwan. Anyways hopefully someday you can come over Taiwan to have some masterclasses. Thanks!

[@janekgwizdala]

I'm not giving masterclasses in China or Taiwan... I'm giving them in London, Bournemouth, and Nottingham in the UK in November.

[@allpass91]

@@janekgwizdala I'm sorry Janek. My bad. I mean the show with Cy Leo’s “Free Dimension” is in China, not Taiwan (which you said in the video 2:12). But yeah, anyways it's great to see that you will perform in Asia. I know the business in music industry isn't easy but hopefully it will happen every couple of years.

[@janekgwizdala]

@@allpass91 I actually said "time while I'm there" referring to the UK... I can see how that might be heard as Taiwan. It's been a while since I've been in Taipei... maybe 2015? Definitely time to come back soon.

[@allpass91]

​@@janekgwizdala I do apologise profoundly for my miserable English. Back to school days, you gave a masterclass in bass department in Boston. It was the very first time I got the chance to see my favourite electric bass player in person and I quite enjoyed it. The last time I saw you was in 55 bar when you played with Mike Stern. Yet unfortunately I didn't have the opportunity to see your playing in Taipei when I came back to Taiwan. I understand the (jazz or instrumental music) market is relatively small in Taiwan compared to Japan and Korea but it's getting there. Developing and growing gradually.

[@xquesmuah]

Sounds a bit crispier. Still you tho Fact is , you pretty much transcend equipment

[@LRDF_O]

Both Ampeg and Aguilar are excellent companies! but the former, of course, are more popular, and accordingly, it is more convenient to find your sound almost everywhere at concert venues. Thanks for the review and for the music you make! 👍👏

[@GianmarioScotti]

They sent you free gear and you get free support while on tour "but they are not paying you". BS.

[@janekgwizdala]

You make it sound like a football transfer from Real Madrid to PSG. Everyone sends artists free gear and supports them on tour if the artist is well known enough and endorses the product. That’s the arrangement. Always. But no money changes hands in the process.