Thanks for all the awesome comments on my last video. I hope you like the tones - I am loving this amp! I'm so glad I finally found an old USA Peavey in good condition! You might be able to find them on Reverb or eBay 😄🎸 🛒 Reverb - tidd.ly/4dCxOxl 🛒eBay USA - ebay.us/wS3l2O Watch More Like This: ► ruclips.net/video/nnIHhfbYnI8/видео.html ► ruclips.net/video/nvUDcJTW5IE/видео.html ► ruclips.net/video/_3Sy3rX9SYY/видео.htmlsi=x7BVFPq_20S7srRy (affiliate links to Reverb & eBay)
Nice mate. Peavey is criminaly underrated. Got 4 myself. My main Peavey is the Valveking2 50W combo (1x12") dunno if tested that one? Its about the same sounding as your Classic. Thanx for the video although i hoped for a lengtier video there you just jammed some licks etc.
@intheblues, Hi Shane great amp I used to have a tweed version of your amp. Only annoying thing when you play at home you can hear that fan in the back that cools the el84 tubes
I had two Classic 50 2X12 amps. One with 16ohm Celestions wired in parallel , the other with 8ohm Texas Heats wired in series. Both sounded awesome but the only drawback was they weighed 67lbs each ! Had to sell them cause they got to be too much to haul around. I do have 2 special edition Classic 30 1X12 amps. They weigh 37 lbs each which is more reasonable. Great sounding amps that take pedals well.
I rescued one of these a few years ago for $75. It started life as a 4 x10. By the time I purchased it someone converted it to a 1 x 12. I changed it back to a 4 x 10 and scrounged 4 mismatched 10 inch speakers, 3 Jensens, and 1 Weber. This amp is magic!
Have a classic 50 212 since 1993. Have tried many others even Marshall and Fender, but Always come back to my peavey. It can do so much. And the footswich comes with the amp. Hello from France
Ran a commercial studio in the late 90's and bands brought in every kind of classic and boutique style amp that was available, more often than not my PV classic head or my 4x10 combo is what made it on the records. The ones that weren't embarrassed by the name plate ended up buying their own. Since the original versions were tweed, some players just unscrewed the logo and played them live...... Guitar players are a strange bunch.
Most people are into the new modelling amps or existing brands that are basically clones of everything else. No one talks about these old amps anymore@@michaelyolch79
@@michaelyolch79 They were big in the Usa/Canada, not so much in Europe (Australia+the rest of the world) and they took a big dive down in the eightes there their guitar amps barely survived and they kept going on their pa systems/mikes etc until their really heavy guitar amps came. So who you said-the world is the answer. You are looking from an American perpective I think and not even them all liked Peavey and went to Fender/Mesa or Marshall/Vox/Orange/Laney etc.🙄
@@intheblues No one talks about these old amps anymore?!?! Maybe not in Australia. Huge amounts of people still play, buy, sell, and trade Peavey amps in the states. 🤷♂️
@@intheblues, I purchased an old classic 50, 4x10 tweed model today! Shane, I tried it because of your recent video, and was blown away! So was the store manager. SRV, and Albert Collins were loud, and clear, with great sustain. I rolled it out of the door, and lifted it into my SUV.✨😎💎😎✨
The 2x12 is a great amp too. Just heavy, made to last, tube amps. The Delta Blues 1x15 is a killer gigging amp as well. I’d just turn the reverb down if it goes out, or take it out altogether, as I use pedals anyway. I’ve had a lot of amps, with actual spring or plate reverbs, and they all eventually have a problem, if one plays a lot, and especially gigging. I have one Fender from the late 90’s, that still has a working spring reverb, and it’s a solid state amp.
I have to say, Shane.... Many many years back I was looking for my first tube amp and I stumbled across your page and you reviewed the Peavey Classic 50 2x12 in tweed. Your review is the reason I bought that amp and still have it to this day!! Many others have come and gone but I could never get rid of my big baby. It's good to see the 4x10 version on your channel. Peavey Classics are the best! 😁
I have a 94 classic 5410 and absolutely love it has all the clean headroom you’ll ever need and you’ll never have to worry about a Drummer drowning you out.
I had one back in 2005, for live gigs, I had a chance to play it at 10 all the time! It SCREAMS! Best sound was clean channel cranked to 10 (master at 10!) 'til it self-distorts! I'm always a fan of EL84s melting.
Peavey used to make great amps here in the US. They’re all I play cuz I can’t justify paying twice as much for a fender or Marshall when these are so damn good.
Dear Shane: I could have told you this over 30 years ago. Had to sell mine, and I've been looking for another ever since. Damn near the perfect blues/rock amp.
I have a 1991 Peavey Classic VT Series with 12 X 2 drivers sitting right next to me. I use it as a speaker cabinet, and use small 5 watt tube amps. 50 Watts is too much for my space and wife's tolerance...so a spare cabinet - it remains.
Glad to see the video. I have a Classic 30. Great amp UNTIL it needs repair. Every person that has worked on my amp can't believe how hard they are to fix given how poorly the insides are laid out. May be different in new ones. Having said that, they are great workhorse amps. When it's not being used, I've loaned it out to a lot of well known jazz guitarists in NYC for smaller gigs & the response is always how much they love the amp. That's why I use it more myself-it was their reaction that sold me on my own amp. Easier to schlep than a Twin for sure. Perfect clean tone.
I have an older Classic 30 that is in need of a brave soul to fix. The newer ones (the ones with the detachable power cord) apparently don't have the folded PCB nightmare so should be easier to fix.
Agree one of the best sounding amps ever made... but I've had issues with mine too... but the sound is too good compared to almost anything else that I can't depart from it
Haha, agreed, i have a 20 year old classic 30 which sat broken in my loft for 10 years... Did manage to find a great amp repair dude though a few years back who repaired it twice in 2 years and now seems solid again... They run hot but are 🔥
In 1984, I bought a Peavy Musician 400w amp w/ 2 channel head. and double stack speakers, but often just use one speaker. Been running smooth all these years...love it.
I seem to remember you reviewing a Classic 50 many years ago and liking it. My early 90s Classic 50 410 has been the constant in my rig for 25+ years. Great all around amp!
I had the tweed 410 for 22 years. It was such a great amp. It was my work horse. I had to sell it cause it got too damn heavy to take to rehearsal and gigs. It will always have a place in my heart!
Classic 50 is a great sounding amp. I agree with the comments re the dirty channel: it's very useable, particularly if you're happy riding the vol control on the guitar. Points of caution: 1. The reverb driver (solid state) is a common point of failure. It's readily repairable, but it's a pain when it recurs. 2. It's a bastard to work on when it comes time to recap it. It's not that it's difficult as such (for a competent tech), but it will take them more time to deal with awkwardly-arranged boards connected by short, rigid jumper wires, and you end up paying for that.
I bought the Classic 50 4 x 10 Tweed when it first came out - great amp! Then I got the C50 head with two 1x12 cabs. Finally, used the C30 for many years, but it failed 4X due to heat issues. I now use a Supro Delta King 12, which is lighter, and a perfect clean platform for pedals.
What a great amp, I owned one, the tweed version, when I played in a blues/rock band back in the '90's but sold it when I stopped gigging. I have regretted selling it ever since.
Growing up, everyone in St.Louis played through Peaveys. When I got my first amp it was (of course) a Peavey 65 Bandit. Solid and versatile. Great reverb , bright channel , and great saturation. Thanks for reminding me to try another Peavey
It is interesting that you chose the Classic 50, I used to own the 2x12" version and I loved that amp, you are right re: the EL84 tubes, they have more grit in them than the 6L6 Fender options. I like this 4x10" config, great amp bro!
I had a 1990 Peavey Classic with Eminence speakers. I picked it up at a pawn shop for 150 USD. It needed repairs but "usually" worked fine (sometimes it would squeal a bit - probably just needed new tubes). It was an amazing amp! I ended up donating it to a church because it was just too big to haul around. But, if you don't mind the weight and size, that is one of the best amps you can get and they typically come in under 500 USD used.
Killer playing! Peavey Classic's are all great amps. I currently use a 93 Classic 50 and a 95 Classic 100 head with a Marshall 1960a 4x12 cab. A/B together. The 50 is dry and the 100 is the gain side. Daily I am blown away with how great my rig sounds. Hopefully someday I will learn to play like you.
I rocked an old school USA classic 30 for years, it was used abused and beat to hell. I usually just cranked the clean channel. No pedals. It was a great gigging amp. I had a strat with mid boost and active tone, like a budget version of a clapton. And guys with big stacks would laugh and ask do you want to use one of ours? I would say no I think Ill be ok. Yeah I was heard. Poked right through that mix and the cranked clean tone was great. Smaller to medium bar gigs or at home the gain is very blues breaker ish with more gain on tap. For a PCB based amp these sound great. Thanks for vouching for the new ones.
I own a Classic 30 & classic 50. Both are stock, apart from replacement pre amp valves (tubes to our American cousins) i put in the 30. I usually play a Strat/Tele or a Les Paul/Humbucker equipped guitar through them. I’ve lost count of the times other guitarists have complimented me on my tone and then asked me what mods I carried out to get that sound. I’m sure they don’t believe me when I reply “Nothing” Just plug in, hit a chord, adjust the controls to suit-job done! The 30 sounds especially tasty(Think Jimmy Page) with my Les Paul plugged into it. No need for pedals, just keep the volume backed off until it’s time for a solo. Luvverly Jubberlee!
Hi Shane, Congratulations on the PV 4x. It is one killer amp. Glad you have one, they really work well. If you are recording or playing out a lot, you'll find this baby to be a great companion. I enjoyed a long and happy love affair w/ PV and over the last 30-35 years had several of them. My go to was the Delta Blues w/ 15". Must have owned 4 of 'em in the '90s. (you know, always searching) Again, congrats, Buddy, Sure enjoy your channel. PS: Your 50a x 4 is probably the best sounding choice out of all of 'em. 😀
💯 agree... I have a classic 50 2x12 and a classic 30. My 50 has a 1 blue marvel speaker and another other USA speaker in it. My 30 has a blue marvel... and my previous 30 had a celestian speaker. They are hands down a couple of the best sounding amps ever made. I've brought cash to the guitar store endless times to buy a deluxe reverb, twin reverb, Princeton, Marshall, vox, etc. and always come back to the Peavey for my tone and playing style. They have all the clarity of a twin reverb but much more "meat" and punch as you said. It's like they cut all the other frequencies from most other amps... and this one has them all... from bright to mids to bass... everything. Cleans sound fuller, cleaner, and rounder than most amps... clean tones are epic. I think if more people really opened their ears versus blindly going by brand and popularity alone they would never pass up this amp over others. But let's keep it that way....better so the rest of us with better hearing can get these for cheap. With all of this said I have had issues with both my 50 and 30 that cost me quite a bit to fix... so they aren't without problems... but what tube amp isn't. Also the hiss level of my 50 is much lower than on my 30. Both the 30 and 50 sound very different because of the cabinet size difference... I'm not sure which I prefer. I agree the stock blue marvel speakers are insanely good. Again I had a celestian on my old 30 and my 50 has two different speakers and I very much prefer the blue marvel to the other speakers... blue marvel has all the right frequencies and balance.
Peavey makes some great amps. I’ve owned a few and then try some other brand but always end up back to a peavey. The cleans are great. Lead channels definitely depends on the amp
Not bad. I have never liked any of Peavey’s products, but I have a feeling a lot of that was due to the toxic management at the company and how they treated their employees for years, and I just don’t like the way the logo looks. But if I can force myself to get past the company management, I can see why their products have a following.
They are a bit harder to set the sound on than an Fender also. Think its error from the user who think its just another "Fenderish" amp and set it like them. Think you gotta take some time and effort to get it right. Was a bit surpriced that he just set the sound dials at 1 o' clock.
The best recorded guitar tones I've ever had was produced by a Peavey amplifier.... to the point of the engineer saying " I can't believe you're getting that sound from that amp" Cheers and good health to you.
Great video Shane, having watched a heap of your videos, this to my ear is the best tone I have heard from your guitars. Your enjoyment whilst playing was obvious and that's what it all about. Well done!
I had a Classic 50 212 with tweed covering right after they first started making them. It was a sweet amp. I mostly ran my '61 reissue Strat or my original '62 Gibson ES330.
Yeah, I gigged the tweed 2x12 version throughout the 00’s. Awesome amp. Loved pedals . I actually ended up just using the clean and dirt channel and riding the volume with my Les Paul and it just ruled.
Excellent amp. I bought a USA Classic 50 212 but found it more than I needed so I bided my time for an opportunity at a USA-built Classic 30 112, which brings with it everything I need including a really great spring reverb and more usable volume, but is still is plenty loud when I need it.
I played into a Peavey Classic 50 once at a jam and was more impressed than my main amp I was using at the time. It's funny, Peavey was a big name (at least where I live) back in the 80s. Several guitarists owned a Bandit back in the day and some steel players still use the Nashville 400 to this day. It's a shame that over time, it earned the reputation of being a budget brand for beginners. The Classic series imo is a great amp! The 5150 EVH is a great amp too although not my genre.
If this has been mentioned before ignore my comment, but you preferred normal to bright input and i agree, however if you want even more gain, you can plug a dummy jack into the normal input and plug the guitar into the bright input for a noticeable boost and then just roll back the treble
I've used a Blues Classic for 20 years. That's the same amp but with a 15" speaker. Basically the Delta Blues' big brother at 50 watts vs. the Delta's 30. Plus the bigger cab.
i bought a classic 30 back in 1999 and sold it about 1 year later and regretted it . i recently found a 2003 model and snaped t up straight away. i love the sound of peavey amps. this amp sounds great
I had a C30 that absolutely killed. Put in a Celestion G12H 70th Anniv speaker and matched JJ Tubes.. that sound still takes over my head from time to time.
I have a Peavey red stripe Blazer 158 and it sounds good, but when I turn it on I get a loud "thud" noise. One time it stopped working at a rehearsal, so I bought a Fender Mustang LT25 which is plenty loud enough. I keep it on setting #1 and use pedals for effects. Now I just use the Peavey at home when I want to hear a different amp for a change. Interestingly, it always works at home. I would not use a larger Peavey to gig with because they're too heavy. I have a lightweight 40-watt Fender Mustang II to gig with and it works fine.
I have a 2013 Peavy Classic 30 in my collection. The first thing you notice about this amp is how good it sounds. The next is how well built it is compared to Fender. Mine has a cream back in it. It has become my goto amp in the studio. The 2013 is US made with a std PCB.
Great tones ! Loved the original video too as I had been looking at a Pro Sonic and the Peavey . There’s a great Peavey on reverb but it’s £150 delivery so guess it weighs a ton !! The clean sound with the Tokai sounded like Robben Ford so congrats !! 😀
Even the Peavey "Vypyr" series, using _analog modelling_ for the amps, digital for FX, sound great, whether for "louder" (metal) or more timid stuff, there are the iconic amp models in there (with slightly obfuscating names) ... Hartley Peavey understood in much more detail what makes tube guitar amps sound the way they do than most offering "modelling" of it 10+ years ago, where all the digital stuff basically sounded pretty brittle.
I had a tweed Peavey Classic 50 4x10 in the 1990s when I had a blues band. I upgraded to a Fender Blues DeVille 2x12, which I liked better than the Peavey, but the Peavey was a great amp.
I had one of these for years and then went on my "search for tone" and traded it for next to nothing. The stupid gear decisions we make in life. Good buy Shane, it sounds great.
Love the tones you're getting on the Peavey, and I thought is was the best of the 3 Amps you tried. The high fidelity and clarity in those sounds and tones reminds me of what I can dial up on my HX Stomp and why I like it so much.
Very nice review. Many years ago I had a Peavey MX with a 12” Black Widow speaker… it was a killer amp and like this one the clean tone was outstanding. They make great but under rated products.
I've been playing the Classic line and the Delta Blues for years I think they're great. I've had all kinds of amps and the tones of the Peavey's are as good as any.
Had a '94ish Classic 50 2x12 for years. Gosh talk about shimmer and chime! You gotta love the old USA Peaveys don't you. If you said "raise your hand everyone who grew up with a Peavey" there would be a hell of a lot of arms flapping
Interesting timing. I have been thinking about this amp and talking myself into liking my bkues deluxe. The peavey seems sweeter and drive more usable. Do you think it is less pokey that blues deluxe?
I bought one of these just because of your videos... In the states.. sam ash is going out of business... i scored the same amp in tweed with clestion speakers... it rips... and i got it for $500...
I have an old 1990s tweed classic 50 timesfortens, I also have a tweed, Deltablues, and a tweed classic 30.. I have had black face and silver face, super reverb’s, vibrolux reverb, deluxe reverb, and a tweed fender Bassman. The fender Supers were more powerful, but I like the switchable channels my PV amps have.. my old super reverbs and my classic 50 with the 410 inch speakers is tall and heavy. Going on gigs going up steps, I had to carry it with both arms up to my chin so I wouldn’t bang the hell out of it going up steps with both the fender and the Peavey 24” tall ones.. The Peavey weighs 70 pounds. I’m sure the super is close to that because they are the same size.. I don’t know about the new Peavey‘s classic 50 A, but mine has a built-in whisper cooling fan.. I bought my Peavey classic 30 not working for 50 bucks. I took the chassis out and sent it to Peavey in Mississippi USA for repairs. The minimum charge is $50. The tech called me and said he found the problem within five minutes. So he was going to spend the rest of the hour minimum charge time cleaning all the tube sockets , all the input jacks, all the pots, and generally cleaning and inspecting the wiring. They sent it back. repair parts cost me $2.37, plus $50 service, plus $27 shipping.. so for under $130, I have a sweet Peavey classic 30 tweed that really cranks, and it has beautiful tone with pre-and post game so I can make it growl at low volume which you cannot do with fender amps like the super reverb, and the deluxe reverb and the other smaller amps. You have to crank them to get them to growl. and, the fender’s do not have switchable channels.. all three of my Peavey‘s were made in USA. by the way, my Deltablues does have that feedback issue once the reverb is turned up past the 12 o’clock position. I use a Yamaha DG stump pedal preamp, and it has three different types of river built into that. So I will use those reverbs to avoid the Feedback issue with the Deltablues…
Hey, that sounds really nice, but I'd definitely replace the reverb tank it if it's only a two-spring. It makes a big difference in the depth and smoothness. You can get a nice 3-spring for it for ~$30. Peavey also cold biases their tube amps to maximize power and reduce tube wear. It does seem to have some harsh crossover distortion in the overdrive clips. You can look up how to change the power tube bias resistor/s to set it to 60~70%. The el84s won't last as long, but it might be worth it to you.
Tried a Delta Blues and loved it. But didn't take it home as a bit too big. but sounded really good. However, apparently they are horrible to work on and therefore expensive when works needs doing. EL84's and telecasters are a very good match IMHO
Okay, I don't know how i missed this one but I just finished watching the shootout video and I liked the Peavey best of the three. Now I see this video and it confirms my choice. It's a great sounding amp. Nice tight, thick tone.
Yeah. This was one of my first “real” amps. I wish I still had it, but in reality it was ungodly loud for what I do now. It was awesome cranked back in the old days tho.
Peavey has always been the working pro's amp. Lynyrd Skynyrd used them exclusively back in the day, they were the go-to country amp for pedal steel in the 80s, Eddie Van Halen went with Peavey for his signature amps and likewise Joe Satriani.
I've been playing a Fender Super Reverb for a while now, but I got me a Peavy Classic 50 4x10 Tweed. Jeez, this amp is amazing, it beats the Super Reverb, the cleans are awesome, the drive is awesome, 🤘
Great video! My fav modern amps. I have many classics roll across my bench on a weekly basis and the Classic 30/50 series amps never pale in comparison.
I’ve got a classic 50 212 that I’ve used for about 5 years, was about to sell it but I know I love that damn amp too much. It’s nice to have around as a backup
I have a 90s Classic 50 in tweed that I got in a trade for a Blues Jr. Yep. It took a full disassembling and 3 weeks to get the smoke smell out but I definitely came out on the better end of that trade.
Nice 1 Shane, sounds great! 👍 I'm often scouring Found Sound and others. Great being able to switch channels for gain. Something Fender doesn't seem to do well. This sounds better than the hot rod deville I used to have.
I won an auction on a radio program and it was for a Gibson Les Paul from the private collection of George Lopez the comedian. After about 6 months it arrived but it was a Peavey Hp nos in moon burst! At first I was disappointed but then I plugged it in and it is a top notch guitar! The only experience I’ve had with Peavey is a big clunky combo amp from the late 70’s / early 80’s. My brother had it and It sounded flat and lifeless but I guess you can’t judge a company by a single product.
The Peavey Classic and Delta Blues amps sound great but they have the most horrific board construction and near fatal repairability ratio - see other YTubers for this
Thanks for all the awesome comments on my last video. I hope you like the tones - I am loving this amp! I'm so glad I finally found an old USA Peavey in good condition! You might be able to find them on Reverb or eBay 😄🎸
🛒 Reverb - tidd.ly/4dCxOxl
🛒eBay USA - ebay.us/wS3l2O
Watch More Like This:
► ruclips.net/video/nnIHhfbYnI8/видео.html
► ruclips.net/video/nvUDcJTW5IE/видео.html
► ruclips.net/video/_3Sy3rX9SYY/видео.htmlsi=x7BVFPq_20S7srRy
(affiliate links to Reverb & eBay)
Nice mate.
Peavey is criminaly underrated.
Got 4 myself.
My main Peavey is the Valveking2 50W combo (1x12") dunno if tested that one?
Its about the same sounding as your Classic.
Thanx for the video although i hoped for a lengtier video there you just jammed some licks etc.
@intheblues, Hi Shane great amp I used to have a tweed version of your amp. Only annoying thing when you play at home you can hear that fan in the back that cools the el84 tubes
Even more than your DSL40 Marshall ?
@@hutchfrombaMississippi Marshall!!
I had two Classic 50 2X12 amps. One with 16ohm Celestions wired in parallel , the other with 8ohm Texas Heats wired in series. Both sounded awesome but the only drawback was they weighed 67lbs each ! Had to sell them cause they got to be too much to haul around. I do have 2 special edition Classic 30 1X12 amps. They weigh 37 lbs each which is more reasonable. Great sounding amps that take pedals well.
I rescued one of these a few years ago for $75. It started life as a 4 x10. By the time I purchased it someone converted it to a 1 x 12. I changed it back to a 4 x 10 and scrounged 4 mismatched 10 inch speakers, 3 Jensens, and 1 Weber. This amp is magic!
Have a classic 50 212 since 1993.
Have tried many others even Marshall and Fender, but Always come back to my peavey.
It can do so much.
And the footswich comes with the amp.
Hello from France
And the Classic 30, really good amps. Cheers Shane.
Ran a commercial studio in the late 90's and bands brought in every kind of classic and boutique style amp that was available, more often than not my PV classic head or my 4x10 combo is what made it on the records. The ones that weren't embarrassed by the name plate ended up buying their own. Since the original versions were tweed, some players just unscrewed the logo and played them live...... Guitar players are a strange bunch.
Same with guitars - seems 80% would rather play a shit Fender or Gibson than a cheaper and BETTER Japanese guitar.
😂
What records did you make
Peavey amplifiers are so underrated! I’ve owned 3 of them and they never disappointed !!
Underrated by WHO? They sold tens of thousands of them all around the world for decades! 🙄
Most people are into the new modelling amps or existing brands that are basically clones of everything else. No one talks about these old amps anymore@@michaelyolch79
@@michaelyolch79
They were big in the Usa/Canada, not so much in Europe (Australia+the rest of the world) and they took a big dive down in the eightes there their guitar amps barely survived and they kept going on their pa systems/mikes etc until their really heavy guitar amps came.
So who you said-the world is the answer.
You are looking from an American perpective I think and not even them all liked Peavey and went to Fender/Mesa or Marshall/Vox/Orange/Laney etc.🙄
@@PXR5-PXR5 Do some research. Peavey distributed over 2,000 products to over 130 countries.
@@intheblues No one talks about these old amps anymore?!?! Maybe not in Australia. Huge amounts of people still play, buy, sell, and trade Peavey amps in the states. 🤷♂️
My Lord! Probably the best sounding amp I've listened to on a RUclips demo! Wow! This brings out the strat tone with unmatched smoothness.
Thank you! I was stunned how nice this sounded in person. :)
@@intheblues, I purchased an old classic 50, 4x10 tweed model today! Shane, I tried it because of your recent video, and was blown away! So was the store manager. SRV, and Albert Collins were loud, and clear, with great sustain. I rolled it out of the door, and lifted it into my SUV.✨😎💎😎✨
The corksniffer in me would have completely dismissed this amp. This thing absolutely slays
The 2x12 is a great amp too.
Just heavy, made to last, tube amps.
The Delta Blues 1x15 is a killer gigging amp as well. I’d just turn the reverb down if it goes out, or take it out altogether, as I use pedals anyway.
I’ve had a lot of amps, with actual spring or plate reverbs, and they all eventually have a problem, if one plays a lot, and especially gigging.
I have one Fender from the late 90’s, that still has a working spring reverb, and it’s a solid state amp.
I have to say, Shane.... Many many years back I was looking for my first tube amp and I stumbled across your page and you reviewed the Peavey Classic 50 2x12 in tweed. Your review is the reason I bought that amp and still have it to this day!! Many others have come and gone but I could never get rid of my big baby. It's good to see the 4x10 version on your channel. Peavey Classics are the best! 😁
I have a 94 classic 5410 and absolutely love it has all the clean headroom you’ll ever need and you’ll never have to worry about a Drummer drowning you out.
I would have never thought of ever trying this amp. Sounds great!!😎🎸🎸👍🏾👍🏾
I had one back in 2005, for live gigs, I had a chance to play it at 10 all the time! It SCREAMS! Best sound was clean channel cranked to 10 (master at 10!) 'til it self-distorts! I'm always a fan of EL84s melting.
After watching this I was hooked. I bought one directly from Peavey that had been sitting in their warehouse for years. Magical..
Peavey used to make great amps here in the US. They’re all I play cuz I can’t justify paying twice as much for a fender or Marshall when these are so damn good.
Around a college town with a big music scene, Peavey were commonly used. Always was considered a working person's amp/gear
I've been running a peavey classic 50 2x12 for years! Not just with blues but with all genres
Dear Shane:
I could have told you this over 30 years ago. Had to sell mine, and I've been looking for another ever since. Damn near the perfect blues/rock amp.
Same, an amazing amp but just too big to keep at home after I stopped gigging.
I have a 1991 Peavey Classic VT Series with 12 X 2 drivers sitting right next to me. I use it as a speaker cabinet, and use small 5 watt tube amps. 50 Watts is too much for my space and wife's tolerance...so a spare cabinet - it remains.
Glad to see the video. I have a Classic 30. Great amp UNTIL it needs repair. Every person that has worked on my amp can't believe how hard they are to fix given how poorly the insides are laid out. May be different in new ones. Having said that, they are great workhorse amps. When it's not being used, I've loaned it out to a lot of well known jazz guitarists in NYC for smaller gigs & the response is always how much they love the amp. That's why I use it more myself-it was their reaction that sold me on my own amp. Easier to schlep than a Twin for sure. Perfect clean tone.
I have an older Classic 30 that is in need of a brave soul to fix. The newer ones (the ones with the detachable power cord) apparently don't have the folded PCB nightmare so should be easier to fix.
That's exactly it! it's that damn folded PCB they have the hardest time dealing with. @@jameskaihatu6209
I can confirm it, I modified mine multiple times and it was very difficult to open it and reassembling it
Agree one of the best sounding amps ever made... but I've had issues with mine too... but the sound is too good compared to almost anything else that I can't depart from it
Haha, agreed, i have a 20 year old classic 30 which sat broken in my loft for 10 years... Did manage to find a great amp repair dude though a few years back who repaired it twice in 2 years and now seems solid again... They run hot but are 🔥
Wonderful tones, especially the cleans! Glad you're still around after all these years, rock on
Thanks for the kind words mate, Cheers! I hope you're well.
In 1984, I bought a Peavy Musician 400w amp w/ 2 channel head. and double stack speakers, but often just use one speaker. Been running smooth all these years...love it.
I seem to remember you reviewing a Classic 50 many years ago and liking it. My early 90s Classic 50 410 has been the constant in my rig for 25+ years. Great all around amp!
I had the tweed 410 for 22 years. It was such a great amp. It was my work horse. I had to sell it cause it got too damn heavy to take to rehearsal and gigs. It will always have a place in my heart!
Classic 50 is a great sounding amp. I agree with the comments re the dirty channel: it's very useable, particularly if you're happy riding the vol control on the guitar. Points of caution:
1. The reverb driver (solid state) is a common point of failure. It's readily repairable, but it's a pain when it recurs.
2. It's a bastard to work on when it comes time to recap it. It's not that it's difficult as such (for a competent tech), but it will take them more time to deal with awkwardly-arranged boards connected by short, rigid jumper wires, and you end up paying for that.
Been there, cussed that. Fender bass breaker series similar structure.
Fabulous Shane! The bridge pick-up on the Tokai was perfection.
I still love my Peavey Bandit 112...when it decides to work anyway ☺️
I have a well road worn tweed Peavey Classic 50. The clean channel pushed is MAGICAL. Four EL-84’s 💪💪💪💪
I bought the Classic 50 4 x 10 Tweed when it first came out - great amp! Then I got the C50 head with two 1x12 cabs. Finally, used the C30 for many years, but it failed 4X due to heat issues. I now use a Supro Delta King 12, which is lighter, and a perfect clean platform for pedals.
This sounds awesome!!! I am impressed with both channels!
What a great amp, I owned one, the tweed version, when I played in a blues/rock band back in the '90's but sold it when I stopped gigging. I have regretted selling it ever since.
Growing up, everyone in St.Louis played through Peaveys. When I got my first amp it was (of course) a Peavey 65 Bandit. Solid and versatile. Great reverb , bright channel , and great saturation. Thanks for reminding me to try another Peavey
I had a PV classic 50 back in the 90s. It was a sweet amp. your playing makes it even sweeter.
The Peavey sounds great. Glad that you were able to find a keeper.
That Tele and amp combination sounds great!!!
I was thinking something similar but it was loud. It blew out the Strat and Paul copy.
These amps are absolute classics!!!!
The Peavy is a great amp. It was a very sought after amp because of Eddie Van Halen. Very underrated.
Peavey Delta Blues amplifier!!
It is interesting that you chose the Classic 50, I used to own the 2x12" version and I loved that amp, you are right re: the EL84 tubes, they have more grit in them than the 6L6 Fender options. I like this 4x10" config, great amp bro!
Mine was a 2-12 😊
I had a 1990 Peavey Classic with Eminence speakers. I picked it up at a pawn shop for 150 USD. It needed repairs but "usually" worked fine (sometimes it would squeal a bit - probably just needed new tubes). It was an amazing amp! I ended up donating it to a church because it was just too big to haul around. But, if you don't mind the weight and size, that is one of the best amps you can get and they typically come in under 500 USD used.
Killer playing! Peavey Classic's are all great amps. I currently use a 93 Classic 50 and a 95 Classic 100 head with a Marshall 1960a 4x12 cab. A/B together. The 50 is dry and the 100 is the gain side. Daily I am blown away with how great my rig sounds. Hopefully someday I will learn to play like you.
Yeah man, those are great amps. I had one but in tweed. And it sounded great. Wish I still had it
Man, you definitely picked the right amp, it sounds killer
The original 4x10 w/o FX loop absolutely slayed.
Congrats Shane, it's amazing when brands like this outshine their larger or more famous competitors
I rocked an old school USA classic 30 for years, it was used abused and beat to hell. I usually just cranked the clean channel. No pedals. It was a great gigging amp. I had a strat with mid boost and active tone, like a budget version of a clapton. And guys with big stacks would laugh and ask do you want to use one of ours? I would say no I think Ill be ok. Yeah I was heard. Poked right through that mix and the cranked clean tone was great. Smaller to medium bar gigs or at home the gain is very blues breaker ish with more gain on tap. For a PCB based amp these sound great. Thanks for vouching for the new ones.
Yeah Shane, I watched your video at Found Sound and I knew as soon as you plugged into the Peavey, you'd buy it! Cheers from the states!!
I own a Classic 30 & classic 50. Both are stock, apart from replacement pre amp valves (tubes to our American cousins) i put in the 30. I usually play a Strat/Tele or a Les Paul/Humbucker equipped guitar through them. I’ve lost count of the times other guitarists have complimented me on my tone and then asked me what mods I carried out to get that sound. I’m sure they don’t believe me when I reply “Nothing” Just plug in, hit a chord, adjust the controls to suit-job done! The 30 sounds especially tasty(Think Jimmy Page) with my Les Paul plugged into it. No need for pedals, just keep the volume backed off until it’s time for a solo. Luvverly Jubberlee!
Hi Shane, Congratulations on the PV 4x. It is one killer amp. Glad you have one, they really work well. If you are recording or playing out a lot, you'll find this baby to be a great companion. I enjoyed a long and happy love affair w/ PV and over the last 30-35 years had several of them. My go to was the Delta Blues w/ 15". Must have owned 4 of 'em in the '90s. (you know, always searching) Again, congrats, Buddy, Sure enjoy your channel.
PS: Your 50a x 4 is probably the best sounding choice out of all of 'em. 😀
💯 agree... I have a classic 50 2x12 and a classic 30. My 50 has a 1 blue marvel speaker and another other USA speaker in it. My 30 has a blue marvel... and my previous 30 had a celestian speaker. They are hands down a couple of the best sounding amps ever made. I've brought cash to the guitar store endless times to buy a deluxe reverb, twin reverb, Princeton, Marshall, vox, etc. and always come back to the Peavey for my tone and playing style. They have all the clarity of a twin reverb but much more "meat" and punch as you said. It's like they cut all the other frequencies from most other amps... and this one has them all... from bright to mids to bass... everything. Cleans sound fuller, cleaner, and rounder than most amps... clean tones are epic. I think if more people really opened their ears versus blindly going by brand and popularity alone they would never pass up this amp over others. But let's keep it that way....better so the rest of us with better hearing can get these for cheap. With all of this said I have had issues with both my 50 and 30 that cost me quite a bit to fix... so they aren't without problems... but what tube amp isn't. Also the hiss level of my 50 is much lower than on my 30. Both the 30 and 50 sound very different because of the cabinet size difference... I'm not sure which I prefer. I agree the stock blue marvel speakers are insanely good. Again I had a celestian on my old 30 and my 50 has two different speakers and I very much prefer the blue marvel to the other speakers... blue marvel has all the right frequencies and balance.
You gave us a great comparison demo between the Strat, Tele and a Les Paul
Peavey makes some great amps. I’ve owned a few and then try some other brand but always end up back to a peavey. The cleans are great. Lead channels definitely depends on the amp
Not bad. I have never liked any of Peavey’s products, but I have a feeling a lot of that was due to the toxic management at the company and how they treated their employees for years, and I just don’t like the way the logo looks. But if I can force myself to get past the company management, I can see why their products have a following.
They are a bit harder to set the sound on than an Fender also.
Think its error from the user who think its just another "Fenderish" amp and set it like them.
Think you gotta take some time and effort to get it right.
Was a bit surpriced that he just set the sound dials at 1 o' clock.
The best recorded guitar tones I've ever had was produced by a Peavey amplifier.... to the point of the engineer saying " I can't believe you're getting that sound from that amp" Cheers and good health to you.
Great video Shane, having watched a heap of your videos, this to my ear is the best tone I have heard from your guitars. Your enjoyment whilst playing was obvious and that's what it all about. Well done!
I had a Classic 50 212 with tweed covering right after they first started making them. It was a sweet amp. I mostly ran my '61 reissue Strat or my original '62 Gibson ES330.
Yeah, I gigged the tweed 2x12 version throughout the 00’s. Awesome amp. Loved pedals . I actually ended up just using the clean and dirt channel and riding the volume with my Les Paul and it just ruled.
Excellent amp. I bought a USA Classic 50 212 but found it more than I needed so I bided my time for an opportunity at a USA-built Classic 30 112, which brings with it everything I need including a really great spring reverb and more usable volume, but is still is plenty loud when I need it.
I play a Deltablues 115 for more than 20 years now and its still amazing!
I played into a Peavey Classic 50 once at a jam and was more impressed than my main amp I was using at the time. It's funny, Peavey was a big name (at least where I live) back in the 80s. Several guitarists owned a Bandit back in the day and some steel players still use the Nashville 400 to this day. It's a shame that over time, it earned the reputation of being a budget brand for beginners. The Classic series imo is a great amp! The 5150 EVH is a great amp too although not my genre.
If this has been mentioned before ignore my comment, but you preferred normal to bright input and i agree, however if you want even more gain, you can plug a dummy jack into the normal input and plug the guitar into the bright input for a noticeable boost and then just roll back the treble
Thanks for the tip! 👍
I bought my DSL 40 based on your review and it's excellent . Now I'm considering a Peavy Studio pro . I've found one for £100 in superb condition .
I've used a Blues Classic for 20 years. That's the same amp but with a 15" speaker. Basically the Delta Blues' big brother at 50 watts vs. the Delta's 30. Plus the bigger cab.
i bought a classic 30 back in 1999 and sold it about 1 year later and regretted it . i recently found a 2003 model and snaped t up straight away. i love the sound of peavey amps. this amp sounds great
That’s a great rig for blues man! Freddie King used to play a Super Reverb. Gotta love the four speaker combo!
I had a C30 that absolutely killed. Put in a Celestion G12H 70th Anniv speaker and matched JJ Tubes.. that sound still takes over my head from time to time.
I have a Peavey red stripe Blazer 158 and it sounds good, but when I turn it on I get a loud "thud" noise. One time it stopped working at a rehearsal, so I bought a Fender Mustang LT25 which is plenty loud enough. I keep it on setting #1 and use pedals for effects. Now I just use the Peavey at home when I want to hear a different amp for a change. Interestingly, it always works at home.
I would not use a larger Peavey to gig with because they're too heavy. I have a lightweight 40-watt Fender Mustang II to gig with and it works fine.
I have a 2013 Peavy Classic 30 in my collection. The first thing you notice about this amp is how good it sounds. The next is how
well built it is compared to Fender. Mine has a cream back in it. It has become my goto amp in the studio. The 2013 is US made
with a std PCB.
Great tones ! Loved the original video too as I had been looking at a Pro Sonic and the Peavey . There’s a great Peavey on reverb but it’s £150 delivery so guess it weighs a ton !! The clean sound with the Tokai sounded like Robben Ford so congrats !! 😀
Shane, been watching you for years brother... this is one of the best..next to the bandit.
Even the Peavey "Vypyr" series, using _analog modelling_ for the amps, digital for FX, sound great, whether for "louder" (metal) or more timid stuff, there are the iconic amp models in there (with slightly obfuscating names) ...
Hartley Peavey understood in much more detail what makes tube guitar amps sound the way they do than most offering "modelling" of it 10+ years ago, where all the digital stuff basically sounded pretty brittle.
Used to own the 410 classic 50. Really miss it. It was a tank. But I ended up with the classic 30 112. The original classics are so underrated.
I had a tweed Peavey Classic 50 4x10 in the 1990s when I had a blues band. I upgraded to a Fender Blues DeVille 2x12, which I liked better than the Peavey, but the Peavey was a great amp.
I had one of these for years and then went on my "search for tone" and traded it for next to nothing. The stupid gear decisions we make in life. Good buy Shane, it sounds great.
Love the tones you're getting on the Peavey, and I thought is was the best of the 3 Amps you tried. The high fidelity and clarity in those sounds and tones reminds me of what I can dial up on my HX Stomp and why I like it so much.
Very nice review. Many years ago I had a Peavey MX with a 12” Black Widow speaker… it was a killer amp and like this one the clean tone was outstanding. They make great but under rated products.
I've been playing the Classic line and the Delta Blues for years I think they're great. I've had all kinds of amps and the tones of the Peavey's are as good as any.
Sounds great with single coils and humbuckers without fiddling with the EQ. Great find. Some very tasteful playing too
Had a '94ish Classic 50 2x12 for years. Gosh talk about shimmer and chime! You gotta love the old USA Peaveys don't you. If you said "raise your hand everyone who grew up with a Peavey" there would be a hell of a lot of arms flapping
Interesting timing. I have been thinking about this amp and talking myself into liking my bkues deluxe. The peavey seems sweeter and drive more usable.
Do you think it is less pokey that blues deluxe?
Four 10" speakers give a nice sound...not overwhelming but certainly fills the room with a robust tone...another nice amp from Peavey.
I bought one of these just because of your videos...
In the states.. sam ash is going out of business... i scored the same amp in tweed with clestion speakers... it rips... and i got it for $500...
I have an old 1990s tweed classic 50 timesfortens, I also have a tweed, Deltablues, and a tweed classic 30..
I have had black face and silver face, super reverb’s, vibrolux reverb, deluxe reverb, and a tweed fender Bassman.
The fender Supers were more powerful, but I like the switchable channels my PV amps have..
my old super reverbs and my classic 50 with the 410 inch speakers is tall and heavy. Going on gigs going up steps, I had to carry it with both arms up to my chin so I wouldn’t bang the hell out of it going up steps with both the fender and the Peavey 24” tall ones.. The Peavey weighs 70 pounds. I’m sure the super is close to that because they are the same size..
I don’t know about the new Peavey‘s classic 50 A, but mine has a built-in whisper cooling fan..
I bought my Peavey classic 30 not working for 50 bucks. I took the chassis out and sent it to Peavey in Mississippi USA for repairs. The minimum charge is $50. The tech called me and said he found the problem within five minutes. So he was going to spend the rest of the hour minimum charge time cleaning all the tube sockets , all the input jacks, all the pots, and generally cleaning and inspecting the wiring. They sent it back. repair parts cost me $2.37, plus $50 service, plus $27 shipping.. so for under $130, I have a sweet Peavey classic 30 tweed that really cranks, and it has beautiful tone with pre-and post game so I can make it growl at low volume which you cannot do with fender amps like the super reverb, and the deluxe reverb and the other smaller amps. You have to crank them to get them to growl. and, the fender’s do not have switchable channels.. all three of my Peavey‘s were made in USA.
by the way, my Deltablues does have that feedback issue once the reverb is turned up past the 12 o’clock position. I use a Yamaha DG stump pedal preamp, and it has three different types of river built into that. So I will use those reverbs to avoid the Feedback issue with the Deltablues…
Hey, that sounds really nice, but I'd definitely replace the reverb tank it if it's only a two-spring. It makes a big difference in the depth and smoothness. You can get a nice 3-spring for it for ~$30. Peavey also cold biases their tube amps to maximize power and reduce tube wear. It does seem to have some harsh crossover distortion in the overdrive clips. You can look up how to change the power tube bias resistor/s to set it to 60~70%. The el84s won't last as long, but it might be worth it to you.
Tried a Delta Blues and loved it. But didn't take it home as a bit too big. but sounded really good. However, apparently they are horrible to work on and therefore expensive when works needs doing. EL84's and telecasters are a very good match IMHO
Saw one on Facebook marketplace for $250 but the reverb didn’t work. Almost bought it. Kinda glad I didn’t.
That amp with That Tele are a marriage made in Tone Heaven to my ear 👌
Okay, I don't know how i missed this one but I just finished watching the shootout video and I liked the Peavey best of the three. Now I see this video and it confirms my choice. It's a great sounding amp. Nice tight, thick tone.
i own a 100 watt beast with 8 el84's/ 3 12ax7's and grew up playing the 50's with 2 12's. It's a great amp.
Peavey Classic 50s were the late and great Andy Gills live amps of choice for Gang of Four and he was a boss so cant be bad!
had a classic 30 for years, I modified a bit and changed the cone, but it was a workhorse!!
Yeah. This was one of my first “real” amps. I wish I still had it, but in reality it was ungodly loud for what I do now. It was awesome cranked back in the old days tho.
Peavey has always been the working pro's amp. Lynyrd Skynyrd used them exclusively back in the day, they were the go-to country amp for pedal steel in the 80s, Eddie Van Halen went with Peavey for his signature amps and likewise Joe Satriani.
I've been playing a Fender Super Reverb for a while now, but I got me a Peavy Classic 50 4x10 Tweed. Jeez, this amp is amazing, it beats the Super Reverb, the cleans are awesome, the drive is awesome, 🤘
Great video! My fav modern amps. I have many classics roll across my bench on a weekly basis and the Classic 30/50 series amps never pale in comparison.
What issues, if any, do you see in the Classic line when they come in. Good PM tips?
i agree, it sounds killer. All i can say is i wish they gave some stylish looks, it looks cheap but sounds amazing.
Recabbing it would be sweet
I’ve got a classic 50 212 that I’ve used for about 5 years, was about to sell it but I know I love that damn amp too much. It’s nice to have around as a backup
I have a 90s Classic 50 in tweed that I got in a trade for a Blues Jr. Yep. It took a full disassembling and 3 weeks to get the smoke smell out but I definitely came out on the better end of that trade.
Peavey made incredible guitars too. I have a bunch of them.
Nice 1 Shane, sounds great! 👍 I'm often scouring Found Sound and others. Great being able to switch channels for gain. Something Fender doesn't seem to do well. This sounds better than the hot rod deville I used to have.
I won an auction on a radio program and it was for a Gibson Les Paul from the private collection of George Lopez the comedian. After about 6 months it arrived but it was a Peavey Hp nos in moon burst! At first I was disappointed but then I plugged it in and it is a top notch guitar! The only experience I’ve had with Peavey is a big clunky combo amp from the late 70’s / early 80’s. My brother had it and It sounded flat and lifeless but I guess you can’t judge a company by a single product.
Sounds amazing! Although its not really comparable, how would you say the Artist Tweed Tone 20R sounds compared to this?
The Peavey Classic and Delta Blues amps sound great but they have the most horrific board construction and near fatal repairability ratio - see other YTubers for this