Peavey Classic / Delta Blues Thread

[Nelskie]

Recently got word that another Fretter has joined our small, but enthusiastic brethren of Peavey tube amp players. I wish I could say I am surprised, but having been a Classic 30 player for nigh on (11) years, I know how fantastic these amps sound - esp. with a few mods, and running through various pedals. That, and the fact that about myself and about a billion other guitarists / bassists have owned a piece of Peavey gear at some point in their playing career.

When I initially bought the amp, I traded in a Yamaha 112II solid-state in on it, and was entering into relatively unchartered territory. I had played SS amps pretty much since the beginning ('83), and after reading several Guitar Player articles on vintage tube amps, decided that it was time to see how the other half lived. Even as a brand-spankin' new amp, the Classic 30 was pretty reasonably priced at $400 (back in '95). My Epi Les Paul sounded dynamite through it (and that was bone-stock), so it wasn't a very difficult choice. Money, at that time, was a factor in my world, so the Peavey option provided me with a great-sounding, all-tube amp, and enough money left over for food and rent. As well, it was about as close to a Fender-sounding amp (which is what I really wanted) as one could hope for at the price.

Now that I've had the amp for awhile, and my playing style and musical tastes have evolved even more, I've really come to appreciate it. Even in nstock form, the cleans are rich and musical, and the OD tones wide and crunchy. Add some hot-rod tubes (J & J's), and a different speaker (Celestion Vintage 30) - voila', even more fantastic tone. I was also lucky enough to score a matching Classic 112E extension cabinet about a year or so ago, which further enhanced the overall sound of the amp, not to mention its usefulness as a live rig. Adding a contrasting aftermarket speaker (12" Eminence Swamp Thang) has added a newfound complexity and character to the overall sound of the amp / cab combo.

About two weeks ago, I won a Tonebone Classic distortion pedal on an Ebay auction, and have once again been amazed at the tonal territory the Classic 30 can cover. Without a doubt, this amp will be with me for the full duration of my playing days.

I always see a lot of Classic 30's on Ebay, and for the $$, they're a fantastic option for players looking to get into a good tube amp without breaking the bank. The Delta Blues are basically the same amp, but with a couple of different twists (15" speaker vs the C30's 12"; built-in tremelo effect). The Delta's are not as common on Ebay, though they do pop up from time-to-time. Both of which get me to thinking that: 1.) these amps are finally getting the much-deserved credit that they are due; and 2.) that they aren't that much of a secret anymore.

Besides waving my flag for these great amps, I also thought it would be cool to have a place for other Peavey players to congregate, and share some info on mods, amp settings, pedals that sound good through them, etc.

[Robert****]

Thanks Nelskie, those are great amps for sure. Now for the allmight question - how do they compare to the new Peavey Valve King? It is getting really good reviews.

Cheap too - $400! See -
http://www.zzounds.com/a--885181/item--PEVVKING112

[duhvoodooman***]

Well, I've commented on this subject here before, but always happy to sing the praises of my Peavey Delta Blues! I got this amp used but in truly "almost new" condition off eBay for a bit over $300, and I consider it to be borderline grand larceny, at that price. This was my entree into the world of all-tube amps, and I'm happy I took the plunge. Clean or dirty, you can't beat that warm, rich tube tone. And you wouldn't believe how loud 30W can be! The tweed tolex makes for a retro-cool look, too.

I find the overdriven channel perfect for a nice raunchy blues tone, but if you want to use this amp for Grunge or Metal, look elsewhere. I also like the clean channel, either as is or with my Tone Driver or Bad Monkey pedals in front. The latter is particularly nice for a warmer, smoother overdrive. The amp has both Reverb and Tremolo, the former of which I use constantly, and the latter, almost never. But if I ever have a serious Dick Dale attack, it will come in handy. Seriously, I've read a couple of places where the DB's tremolo is considered to be a very good sounding one. This amp also has an effects loop, which is very desirable, especially for time-based effects like delay or chorus.

In addition to the 1x15" speaker configuration I have, they also make a 2x10" version. I've seen both up for bid on eBay, for about the same price. Mid-$300's is typical.

One last note--the tubes are super-easy to get at on this amp, hanging down from the bottom of the chassis and readily accessible due to the open-back design (see HERE. There are a total of seven tubes--three 12AX7 preamp tubes and four EL84 power tubes. I replaced the stock Sovteks (a ubiquitous Russian tube that tends to lack warmth and clarity) with JJ's from Eurotubes.com. AAMOF, they offer several different retube package options for the Peavey Classic/Delta Blues series of amps, depending upon the sound you're looking for. But I've also swapped in some other NOS tubes and played around with different gain factor variations of the 12A_7 tube family, like a 12AT7, a 5751 and a 12DW7, to see the tonal effects. It's fun to play around and see what you get!

[Nelskie]

Thanks Nelskie, those are great amps for sure. Now for the allmight question - how do they compare to the new Peavey Valve King?

You're right, Robert - the VK's are some really nice amps. I've played through a couple of the 112's down at my local shop, and I like what I hear. Without getting into a whole lot of detail, here's how I would compare the differences:

1.) Tone - The VK has a patented feature that blends the tonal characteristics of Class A & A/B architecture. To me, the VK has more of a "British" flavour than my Classic 30 - as in tones more akin to Vox and Marshall amplifiers. Also seems to be a bit darker on the bottom end, again al-a Marshall amps. Moving the control towards the Class A side yields a brighter, more mid-rangey tone. All-in-all, there's tons of usable sounds in this amp just waiting to be let out.

2.) Speaker - The factory speaker that comes in the VK has a very nice overall balance, not yielding to one variance over the other. Again, I think this was done to enhance the A/B blending feature of the amp, which was wise choice from the production end of things. Given your musical preference and playing style, the speaker change-out would offer loads of interesting options on this amp. For instance, if you liked the Marshall sound more, a Celestion Vintage 30 or Eminence Governor / Wizard might really make some cool things happen in the tone dept.

3.) Aesthetics - I love what Peavey did with this amp from the aspect of visuals, which are reminiscent of the classic Fender Blackface look, though still with a modern feel. This amp would look great behind you on any stage, or perched in a prominent place in your home studio.

4.) Power - 50W of all-tube power sounds good any way you cut it. However, this amp really shines with the volume level up, esp. with that tonal blending feature. I recall one of our Fretters doing a post awhile back, and he mentioned the same. This amp literally begs to be played live, and LOUD! The Classic 30 also has this same "play me loud NOW" vibe going for it, but only at the 30W level - which is still very loud for a tube amp.

I equate my Classic 30 to a poor man's Fender-style tweed amp, and that's still saying a lot, because it does have a sound all its own, although geared in the classic Fender vein. The Valve King might be considered a poor man's Marshall / Vox combo, with a smattering of Fender vibe thrown in for good measure. And at $400 bones, it's certainly a lot of amp for the money. And being a piece of "made in the USA" Peavey gear, you can be assured that it's designed for rugged use, and frequent high-volume playing. Like I've stated before, I'd have one of these already if it weren't for me owning a very capable Classic 30 rig.

That being said, I'm hoping that Spudman will do us all a favor and get one, so we can hear some sound clips of it in action. There's a rumor floating around that the Post 90's Amp Wing at his Gear Warehouse is relatively empty.

[Robert****]

Well maybe I should get a Valve King to replace my Vox AD50VT?

I'll see if I can find one to try out. They seem like a great GAS medicine (temporary relief only, of course)!

[Spudman***]

That being said, I'm hoping that Spudman will do us all a favor and get one, so we can hear some sound clips of it in action. There's a rumor floating around that the Post 90's Amp Wing at his Gear Warehouse is relatively empty.

Oh you are one wise acre. If you are really so clever then you would know that the 90's/2000 wing is not finished. My supplier ran out of mahogany paneling.

If I do find a 'killer' deal on a Valve King I'm sure going to get it, but I'm not sure that I can improve much on what I already have. That being the Marshall 50 watt and Crate Vintage Club 50 watt. I might just skip it all together...unless...

I started out with a Classic 20 that I picked up in 1998 and was in fact playing it with a Rat while reading this thread. That amp has no reverb and does sound more 'British' to me than the C 30. Great tones for lower volume house playing albeit dry sounding. I got the C30 within a year of the C20 and actually prefer the C30 around the house.

I've been jamming with friends that use the Delta Blues with a 15" speaker. It's actually the house amp for the gig place. Who ever plays that amp is always the loudest no matter what. Even compared to a Marshall 100 watt with 2x12 cabinet. I've never looked where the volume knob ends up but I'm sure it's probably half way or more. The tone is almost always the best on the stage out of 3 sometimes 4 guitarists. Even with my Classic 30 I'm still not in the same tone league with the Delta. Close but a little different. I think it might be the 15" speaker.

That said, the C30 is indeed a wonderful, portable and respectable loud amp for any occasion. Metal...nope. Great tone and smooth satisfying grind...yes! With the master volume down low and the pre volume up full it does have more of that LA hair metal sound, but when the master volume comes up it just turns into that wonderful gutsy soulful tone. Maybe in a recording situation it would work at low volume, but they are best turned up. I have yet to try mine with another cabinet. I sold my last extension cabinet. I had to say that to prove that I do have gear going out as well.

I have been reading some information on modifications being done to the C30's, but I think I'll keep mine as is because it sounds so great. The only thing that I will even consider is tube selection and possibly a 1x12 extension cabinet.

[Tone2TheBone]

Man I wish I could back up my claims with some photos of my NEW PEAVEY CLASSIC 30 AMP! Well used actually....but new to me...and still in layaway land. Hopefully she'll be singing sweetly in her new home within the next week or so. From first seeing it and playing it in the store I was smitten. I'm glad Nelskie started this thread because I plan on adding a lot to it once I get mine....but I also want to stoke the fires of my desires by hearing more about all your Classics guys so....post post post!

[Nelskie]

. . . but I also want to stoke the fires of my desires by hearing more about all your Classics guys so....post post post!

Tone - my intentions all along. Your recent amp acquisition was indeed the seed that started this thread, and I knew you'd need some type of fix to sustain yourself until you bring your Classic 30 home.

I'm not sure if anyone is aware of this little mod, but there is a retailer on Ebay (dan*electro) that sells a really nice metal tube guard for the Delta / Classic series amps. It's $20 + $6 shipping, and the dude who sells 'em is a great guy to deal with. The guard comes nicely packaged in a Priority Mail shipping box, so no worries about it getting whacked / bent by the postal gorillas on its way to you. Best part is that it's an easy install, and looks factory-applied. I've had mine on for a year or so - installed it right after I put in my new J & J's. Being that the tubes are unprotected (or at least on the older models like mine they are), the guard is a good idea - esp. if you're like DVM, and have a bunch of those fancy NOS tubes. Anyways - you can check one of these guards on Ebay by doing a search on "peavey tube guard". I've attached some snaps below.

[Spudman***]

Hey! Isn't that just the front grille from the Vox AD amps?

[Robert****]

Tone, so you went shopping now did ya!? Awesome! I feel like I must get, must get, must get, must get, must get (oh the mantra snuck up on me) another amp too now...!

[Tone2TheBone]

Ahhhhh SWEEEEET Nelskie thanks for showing me that tube guard I'm definately gonna Pay Pal one of those!

Spud - *poke*!

Rob - I beat you man. Sorry!..but you still have time to get a new amp if you hurry!!! I honestly think you would like either the Classic series or the new Valve King based on your good ear for sweet tone. Go out and play some!

[Katastrophe]

Ya know, I was gonna post this in another thread, but this seems appropriate to put my comments here.

I now understand what you "tubeheads" mean about tube amphs and that elusive quality that we call "warmth."

I was working a second job this past weekend, at a big festival that we have in our area every year. At any time on Saturday, there are at least two bands playing, of quality entertainment. One of the bands was a Cajun / Zydeco style band, complete with a dude playing accordion, and another playing a washboard strapped to his chest.

The guitar player was playing what looked like a Les Paul Studio, with a very cool weathered brown finish, and what *looked* to me like a Classic 30, based on photos I've seen.

I was VERY impressed by the volume level this relatively low wattage amph put out. The guitar players tone, however, was phenomenal. It wasn't what I would call mind blowing metal distortion. The sustain in his sound was coming from the guitar, not by gain levels set to stun. It was, for lack of a better term, warm. Dude's playing wasn't bad either.

At that point, I wanted to ditch the Digitech, toss the SS amp out the window and go buy one of those Classic 30's. I think I'm starting to go through a sea change here in terms of equipment, to match the change my playing style has gone through recently. It just may be time to sell off the ESP, Digitech and Crate and go for a more organic sound.

Keep up posts like these, guys. Good stuff for me and the others to check out!

[Nelskie]

. . . I think I'm starting to go through a sea change here in terms of equipment, to match the change my playing style has gone through recently. It just may be time to sell off the ESP, Digitech and Crate and go for a more organic sound . .

It happens to all of us sooner of later, Kat. In my case, I was a SS player for nearly (12) years before I bought my first tube amp - my Classic 30. And it was more out of a case for curiosity than me knowing anything about the organic warmth and tone that an all-tube amp offers. That I found out later.

Solid-state amps offer players dependability and consistency as far as amp performance goes, and being a PODxt player myself, I won't knock SS tone-wise, either. But there's something totally different about playing a tube amp vs. a SS amp, and some of those things you've already pointed in your previous post. That being said, perhaps a tube amp is what you need to take that next step in your own playing. Or at the least, explore it further. That way, you'll have firm basis to decide whether all-tube or SS is the way to go for you.

Like I said in my original post, there's always loads of Classic 30's on Ebay - it might be a good place to begin your search. There's also the Classic 50 model, which comes in both 2x12 and 4x10 flavors. My buddy has the 4x10 version, and it's a gigging machine with loads of killer tone. Epiphone also offers a nice-sounding tube combo in the Valve Standard / Deluxe, though you might need more wattage since you're gigging. The Fender Deluxe / DeVille series amps are a little spendier, but those extra bones will get you into that pristine Fender tube tone. Long and short: play a bunch and see what you like.

[duhvoodooman***]

Like I said in my original post, there's always loads of Classic 30's on Ebay - it might be a good place to begin your search. There's also the Classic 50 model, which comes in both 2x12 and 4x10 flavors. My buddy has the 4x10 version, and it's a gigging machine with loads of killer tone. Epiphone also offers a nice-sounding tube combo in the Valve Standard / Deluxe, though you might need more wattage since you're gigging. The Fender Deluxe / DeVille series amps are a little spendier, but those extra bones will get you into that pristine Fender tube tone....

One other amp to mention here--the "MIA" Epiphone Blues Custom. I've yet to see where anybody has actually played one of these things, but they look GREAT on paper. The fact that they were announced so long ago and still aren't available smacks of design or manufacturing problems during model launch, but maybe Gibson is just trying to generate pre-release interest? In any case, I'm dying to read what the first Fretter who buys one has to say about it!

[Robert****]

Yeah Kat, go try some different tube amps in a store and see what you like. Amps to try - Fenders, Peavey Valve King/Classic/Triple X, Crate V-series, Traynor YCV40/50, Epiphone, Gibson, Rivera Clubster/Pubster, etc...

[Nelskie]

. . . The fact that they were announced so long ago and still aren't available smacks of design or manufacturing problems during model launch, but maybe Gibson is just trying to generate pre-release interest?

DVM - My take on it is that it is purely a marketing ploy initiated to capitalize on the huge success of their Valve series amplifiers. Intelligent marketers know that anytime you can reach customers who are already familiar with, or own your product(s), there is a better-than-average chance that he / she will be willing to take a step up to a better, more expensive product. And with the new Blues Custom having the benefit of a rectifier tube, chances are pretty good that these amps will fly out of warehouses just like the Valve series amps did.

By the way, these amps are due to hit most of the larger online music retailers on / around 7/5/06. Or, at least that's what the e-mail I received from Music123 said.

[duhvoodooman***]

By the way, these amps are due to hit most of the larger online music retailers on / around 7/5/06. Or, at least that's what the e-mail I received from Music123 said.

I assume they'll probably show up on the floor of my local Guitar Center about that same time, then. Guess I'm going to need something at GC about then, and will just have to stop in and check it out for myself....

[Tone2TheBone]

Update: Picking up Classic 30 in less than an hour. Photos will be forthcoming.

[duhvoodooman***]

Update: Picking up Classic 30 in less than an hour. Photos will be forthcoming.

And sound clips, too, we hope!!!