Ampeg SVT CL reliability/tech recommendation

[andrewt]

I'm thinking about picking up a used 90s SVT CL (SLM, made in USA) for live and studio use. If I can pick it up for $800 or less (which I think is a good deal), I'll use the CL until I find a good deal on a 70s SVT.

I'm reading through all the SVT threads on here and I'd like to get your informed opinions on the general reliability of these (vs, say, a 70s SVT). My experience with amps is limited to working on my blackface Fenders and rebuilding a Hammond preamp and Leslie amp. I've never worked on a PCB before, or an amp this complex, so it might be awhile before I'm comfortable working on the SVT by myself; therefore I might have to take it to a tech to have it initially checked out.

I know there are a number of service bulletins--would a tech generally be aware of these, or would I have to print them out and show them to him?

Could you recommend me a tech in the metro Detroit area who does good work on these? (Or if any of you experienced members would like the job as well... I wouldn't mind driving to Lansing to see someone like Enzo, if you're taking on new work) Also, would it be considered rude to ask if I could watch the tech work, just for my educational purposes? (assuming he can look at the amp when I bring it in. Obviously I've never been to see a tech haha)

Thanks!

[Enzo]

A zillion SVTs are out there working every day. A popular amp will see more people online with trouble. A rare amp will turn up less often. Don't judge reliability by internet footprint.

Any competent tech can check for service bulletins. You can politely ask that he "make sure any service bulletin updates have already been applied."

I don't know any good amp techs in Detroit myself, but I am sure there are a number of them.

Thanks for your interest, but I have closed my shop and am not taking on work.

Please don't ask to watch. I myself have given away countless hours of free tech advice and guidance, and have occasional learning visitors to the shop. But while doing a cash repair, it is distracting, and having to take my head out of the process to answer questions or point things out or explaining some circuit or troubleshooting process, takes me away from the reasoning path I need to be on. I am sure you could pick up some hints, but I also bet a lot of what I would be doing would register as a mystery. And then we are back to, "Now why did you just do THAT?"