GB Shuttle 9.0 vs. Peavey Tour 450, say it ain't so!

[AMp'D.2play]

I've been kicking around the idea the last few weeks of getting a 2nd amp head, something a little grittier than my current Puma 500. Yesterday, I took my Stingray into the local shop & tried out several from their used inventory: GB Shuttle 9.0, Peavey Tour 450, SWR 350x. Also, threw a Traynor YBA 200w tube head into the mix.

I started w/ the SWR, but compared to the GB I tried next, my impression was "meh". The SWR would've only saved me $100 compared to the Benz, so from a tonal & cost view, I crossed it off my list.

I was totally expecting to walk out w/ the GB, but the Peavey surprised me. Playing through either an Aguilar GS112, GS212, or an Eden D210XLT (at home I have a Berg HT322), the Peavey sounded plenty loud and even slight adjustments to the graphic EQ made a noticeable difference in tone. I'm going to go back today for round 2. The Peavey has half the watts, but is also < half the price. My primary concern w/ the Peavey would be the Triac issue some of the earlier models had, which caused the volume to cut out (this one is an '07), but even that seems to be an easy fix. I need to play around with the tube preamp on the Shuttle. From what I've read, the sound I want should be in there somewhere.

Will be adding a used TC Electronic Classic 450 into the mix today. That could be fun. The sound from the Traynor all-tube amp was in a league of its own, but it's the most expensive, Plus, it's 40 lbs.

I've read a few threads here where folks say the Berg HT322 sounds better the more it's pushed. Which is why the Shuttle and its 900w at 4 Ohms is still on my short list.

I almost feel like I should have my head examined ... or my ears ... to lean towards the Peavey as I am at the moment.

[MikeBass]

Originally Posted by AMp'D.2play

I've been kicking around the idea the last few weeks of getting a 2nd amp head, something a little grittier than my current Puma 500. Yesterday, I took my Stingray into the local shop & tried out several from their used inventory: GB Shuttle 9.0, Peavey Tour 450, SWR 350x. Also, threw a Traynor YBA 200w tube head into the mix.

I started w/ the SWR, but compared to the GB I tried next, my impression was "meh". The SWR would've only saved me $100 compared to the Benz, so from a tonal & cost view, I crossed it off my list.

I was totally expecting to walk out w/ the GB, but the Peavey surprised me. Playing through either an Aguilar GS112, GS212, or an Eden D210XLT (at home I have a Berg HT322), the Peavey sounded plenty loud and even slight adjustments to the graphic EQ made a noticeable difference in tone. I'm going to go back today for round 2. The Peavey has half the watts, but is also < half the price. My primary concern w/ the Peavey would be the Triac issue some of the earlier models had, which caused the volume to cut out (this one is an '07), but even that seems to be an easy fix. I need to play around with the tube preamp on the Shuttle. From what I've read, the sound I want should be in there somewhere.

Will be adding a used TC Electronic Classic 450 into the mix today. That could be fun. The sound from the Traynor all-tube amp was in a league of its own, but it's the most expensive, Plus, it's 40 lbs.

I've read a few threads here where folks say the Berg HT322 sounds better the more it's pushed. Which is why the Shuttle and its 900w at 4 Ohms is still on my short list.

I almost feel like I should have my head examined ... or my ears ... to lean towards the Peavey as I am at the moment.

Dude, some Peavey gear is under-rated IMO.
The old Peavey Mega-Bass is still one of my all time fav amps.

Get what sounds good to your ears.
Also see if they'll let you return the amp after you buy it.
That way you can try it at home through you cab, maybe a rehearsal and see what works.

Don't be swayed by the name (either good or bad), be swayed by the tone you are going for. Peavey or GB or TC or whatever....get what sounds the best.

[Bassdirty]

Originally Posted by MikeBass

Dude, some Peavey gear is under-rated IMO.


Don't be swayed by the name (either good or bad), be swayed by the tone you are going for. Peavey or GB or TC or whatever....get what sounds the best.

+2
Peavey always seems loud for their wattage rating
I have a Peavey Mark VIII (Got it on the cheap at GC a couple yrs ago as a backup)600 watts at 2 ohms,350 at 4.I run a Goliath III (8 ohms) and haven't had to crank it past noon.

+ their virtually indestructable.

The only con is, some people will assume they are better than you.

[bucephylus]

+1 to Mike's comment. Peavey makes some really good stuff.They just aren't boutique for the most part. You just have to get past that. The crowd doesn't know.

[jeff7bass]

The Peavey Tour series are great bang-for-buck amps. The problem they had in the intitial models was cleared up some time back, according to posters-in-the-know here at Talkbass.
I would be VERY interested if Peavey came out with a micro-head comparing to Carvin's, Eden's, GB's and GK's. Like a 500w head with pre-amp tube and some good overdrive sounds.

[rpsands]

+1 to MikeBass on the Megabass. Definitely a glorious sounding little amp