SWR SM-400 Head

The amp has interesting features, if they sounded better that would be a plus.

The thing about earlier SWR amps is if you don't have a high end bass they usually don't sound that good (high end meaning: Warwick, Alembic, MTD, Pedulla. Like most of the ABM school of electronics which was the breading ground for this type of amp, it sounds better if you play a fretless or high end bass. Plus, without Active electronics the sm-400 is probably the least punchy amp in exsistance, seriously. If you play a freted fender jazz you can get tons of bottom, sure... lots of sloppy flippety floppity bottom.

They're dependable. Although, have a tendency to overheat if kept in a rack. If you have a rack leave some space in between devices when using this amp. But other then that it's solid.

never needed it.

It all depends if you have a high end bass and like jazzy tones it's great. It's also good for prog rock and fusion stuff; it can growl. If you're looking for classic james jamerson tone, punch, and mids that make your stomach queezy, this amp is going to let you down big time!

i think the first SM400's came out in 1985 or so, being the predecessor of the SM400-S and SM500. The 4-band parametric EQ is GREAT, particularlly with an old passive bass with variable dead spots and boom spots around the fretboard. The aural enhancer is nice (even though I don't know what it really does). I have used the effects loop with a dbx160A compressor, and that seemed to work fine. At first I used with a SWR TriadI, which sounded sweet. Over the years, I switched to an old Acoustic 2x15 cabinet, and it's been working equally well with that. I'd say the worst thing about the amp is the lack of a fan, since it gets to hot (warms up my beer), but they fixed that problem with the fan in the SM400-S.

i've used it with both a J-bass and P-bass. great tone. everyone says so.

i've been using this amp OFTEN (usually at high volumes at least once a week) for *10* years. I've never had a problem. Although, I eventually noticed a strange distortion at very low volumes. Supposedly, according to SWR, a part in the power amp circuit goes bad eventually due to the heat. I had them replace it once, and it fixed the problem, but only for so long. The case for the amp is not rock solid, since it's been in a rack forever, and now the front of the case is tearing. I'd like to remount the circuit board in another case, but i'm too lazy.

i did have one repair done long ago, and it was only $35. not bad. later I sent them a few notes asking if I could buy a replacement case for the SM400, but no reply. They probably want me to buy a new model. ;)

well, for $500 used in 1992, this amp has served me well. 100's of gigs and practices, and not once did the SWR give me a problem, and always sounded great. but, looking at the prices of a new one at Guitar Center, you've got to be kidding!!