I bought a TNT 160

drummer5359 · #1 03-11-2011, 05:36 AM

Bass is not my primary instrument, but I'm improving every day and decided that it was time to buy an actual bass amp. (For the past couple of months I've been plugging in to a Roland KC550 keyboard amp.)

Yesterday I came across a Peavey TNT 160 in super clean condition for $150. It just seemed right. I'm aware that it's far from ideal, but the tone seems pretty good for what I'm doing and the price was definitely right.

What do you folks think of it? (Other than the fact that it's 85 freaking pounds!)

Hellbastard · #2 03-11-2011, 05:39 AM

TNTs are really nice amps. The tone is very good and the Black Widiw speakers sounds very good. For rock and roll is a really great amp. People looking for a more modern, hi-fi tone won't find it good since the top end isn't really that great.
It sure is heavy built it will last for a long time, it probably is about 20 years now.

drummer5359 · #3 03-11-2011, 07:03 AM

I just took a couple of pics...

And, here it is next to the Roland KC550 keyboard amp that I was using.

rockscott · #4 03-11-2011, 07:05 AM

I have an old tnt that lives at my buddies house, we have played together for decades and he turned his basement into a nice studio. I keep this amp there for any bassist that happens to be in the house! Having owned several peavey amps over the years including a little max 126 i use for practice, i can tell you they are indestructable! They tend to be heavy, basic, reliable amps. Good luck with it!

raybone · #5 03-11-2011, 07:12 AM

I had two of those back in the 90's (1 fell victim to a flood, but still worked, insurance covered the new one). Those TNT's really pump it out. I really liked the chorus effect too. Crank the pre knob all the way to get a good fuzz/distortion, if thats your thing. Nice score.

smgleitch · #6 03-11-2011, 07:19 AM

That was the first amp I ever owned and it did the job just fine. Have fun with it.

Standalone · #7 03-11-2011, 08:06 AM

Recommend you set all the EQ sliders to 0-- the middle, and maybe bump up the second from the lowest a little, then work from there.

I have the precusor to that one, the TNT 130. I love this picture of it:

I paid $200 for it in 1995 or 6. I think $150 for one of these combos is a great price. It's a combo that could handle pretty much any rock party or bar gig, as long as you know how to EQ for low mids and cut the deepest bass. Peavey wattage ratings are conservative. Leave the deepest tones to the kick drum through the PA and make sure the bass player is sitting right on top of each kick. No need for 500 or 1000 watts.

drummer5359 · #8 03-11-2011, 09:23 AM

Thanks for the advice. The previous owner had the EQ set as you saw it in the picture. I set them all to flat and pressed in the "Punch" button. I'm very pleased with how it sounds.

Now to upgrade my bass...

It never ends.

Standalone · #9 03-11-2011, 04:17 PM

Right on. The 130 has a punch function too. I keep it off usually, but then I mostly use it for keys duty in my rehearsal studio. I'm sure it deserves better -- real bass duty -- but I never want to get rid of it!

Good luck on the bass upgrade! Hopefully you can find as solid a deal on a bass as you found in an amp! Cheers.

Jazzdave · #10 05-20-2011, 06:47 AM

I've had my TNT160 over 10 years and it's been utterly reliable. The weight and poor top-mounted handle are the main problems. Having it on castors helps. Lately I have used it for an upright (acoustic) bass and the 9-band graphic helps to tune out the inevitable feedback- usually on the open D. Otherwise I use a Mex Jazz and a Vintage active 5-string, with, sometimes, a Boss MultiFX. The tone is good and deep and easily fills a small theatre. Good luck with it- sounds as though you picked up a bargain.

SteveC · #11 05-20-2011, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jazzdave

The weight and poor top-mounted handle are the main problems. Having it on castors helps.

A nice amp that will last forever. Wheels will help - a lot.

**ccbass71** · #12 05-20-2011, 07:19 AM

My first amp was a PV TNT 130. Had if for years. Almost bullet proof.

1n3 · #13 05-20-2011, 01:24 PM

Another former TNT 130 owner here. Great amp; loved the tone controls. Yeah, heavy. Dittos on the casters suggestion!

Those Roland amps are also nice, though; not just for keyboard. I've used them for bass, even PA on small gigs.

dhsierra1 · #14 05-20-2011, 01:28 PM

I've used several versions of TNTs over the years and have the same comments as everyone else has posted: heavy, but solid and reliable, just get some casters and you're good to go. Just picked up a TNT 130 as a back up and rehearsal amp. They're a great deal, you picked a good amp.