Swart AST Pro w/Celestion Creamback Speaker
From Swart:
Designed in conjunction with guitarist Greg V, this is the no holds barred answer to the professional musician's need for an AST built for the road but without any loss in Swart style and élan. Introducing the AST PRO, which offers everything the AST is famous for, plus the following mods:
• Deeper Cab w/Recessed Chassis for Protection
• Chassis Elevated to accommodate Larger Speaker
• Celestion G12H-30 ~ *Anniversary or UK Version
• Celestion GOLD 12 for that Alnico Sound
• Rear Panel w/Switchable External Out/In & Enlarged Port
• NEW! Rear Panel now includes Night Light Input!
• Dark Lacquer w/Dual Piping & contrasting Light Grill
• Extra Large Rubber Feet for Vibration/Protection
• 15 1/2" W x 10 1/8" D X 18 7/8" H ~ Weight @ 31lbs
So what does this all mean?
Well, sound-wise, you're looking at the move to the UK "Heritage" version of the Celestion G12H-30 or the G12H30 Anniversary. The UK version brings a slightly more refined top end then the Mojo with subjectively more extended bottom. The Anniversary version seems not quite as stiff with perhaps a more pronounced top end. It's a matter of preference. The AST PRO sounds a tad "bigger" than the AST. The cab is 3/4 an inch deeper to allow the recessed chassis for additional knob/switch protection. This might add just a bit more heft to the bottom as well. The enlarged port in the PRO panel, now standard on all AST, gives a slightly more open sound. And the new switchable external output makes it easier to drive another cab, bypassing the internal speaker (8ohm output). I still would give the stock AST with BV-25 a thought unless you really want the difference in cabs.
Looking for the famous Alnico sound? Then consider the AST PRO ALNICO which is the creamy breakup ultimate. We had been using the Celestion Blue, but at 15w, the Blue is a more fragile speaker. We have found the Celestion Gold to have most of the low level tonal quality of the fabled Blue, while surpassing it at higher levels where the Blue can sometimes lose some control. If you are looking for the signature Alnico sound that many love, the Gold is a great option within the AST Pro. If looking for the ultimate headroom with something like the 6L6 family, you might prefer the G12H-30s. But if you love that Alnico sound that really cant be duplicated, the Celestion Gold might just be your ultimate tone solution. And truth be told, many have loved other options as well, such as various Tone Tubbys, Scumnico/Scumback, and Webers. We do stock the options and have cabs with each but can often source your speaker of choice.
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3-Day / 15-day Return Policy If you are not completely satisfied with any product, return it for a full refund of the product purchase price, full credit, or exchange of your choice. We give you 3 days from the shipping date on Vintage instruments, and 15 days on New instruments. Credit card returns are issued a credit for purchase price. Refunds are made for product value only, excluding shipping and handling charges. New, Unopened items: You may return most NEW, untouched, unopened items within 15 days of delivery for a full refund. if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.) we'll also pay the return shipping costs. AmEx credit cards: Note that if your order was paid using an AmEx card we may pass on a 3.5% fee of the purchase price to process your refund. Vintage, Used items: We have to evaluate vintage and used guitars, amps, and other items on a case by case basis. We spend a lot of time with you and the item before your purchase to try to avoid any surprises after your purchase. AmEx credit cards: Note that if your order was paid using an AmEx card we may pass on a 3.5% fee of the purchase price to process your refund. You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, we strive to issue your refund sooner. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days). Send your return to: Chicago Music Exchange 3316 N Lincoln Ave Chicago, IL 60657 The following items are returnable only if defective OR unopened or unused: strings, harmonicas, microphones, cleaners, polishes, and polishing cloths. Software/soundware, cassettes, CDs, DVDs, and videos may be returned for credit only if they are in their original, sealed packaging. If defective, these items will only be exchanged for the same product. For complete details on our guarantees, shipping, and return policies, please contact our Customer Service Department at 773-525-7773; fax us at 773-525-2775; visit our website at www.chicagomusicexchange.com, or write us at Chicago Music Exchange, 3316 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60657.