Peavey Combo 300 Speaker Questions

LennyP · #1 07-29-2010, 03:18 AM

I've picked up an old 80's Peavey Combo 300. The amp itself is powerful and appears to have plenty of EQ options. From other posts and reviews, this appears to be a reasonably good combo and I bought it reasonably cheaply, so not afraid to experiment.

However, the Scorpion has a terrible tone IMO. It can take plenty of volume, but is a bit harsh to the ears. As an experiment, I fitted an old Eminence 15" 100w PA speaker and the tone was a major improvement - really nice - great warm mids. Obviously, this won't do, but it got me thinking of what I could replace it with to get a good tone with some punch.

Anyone tried anything like this before? What would you recommend? Is the BW replacement the answer or waddya think??

Alternatively, anyone tried to change the baffle and install 2 10s? Now there's a thought....

Opinions welcome

MIJ-VI · #2 07-29-2010, 03:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LennyP

I've picked up an old 80's Peavey Combo 300. The amp itself is powerful and appears to have plenty of EQ options. From other posts and reviews, this appears to be a reasonably good combo and I bought it reasonably cheaply, so not afraid to experiment.

However, the Scorpion has a terrible tone IMO. It can take plenty of volume, but is a bit harsh to the ears. As an experiment, I fitted an old Eminence 15" 100w PA speaker and the tone was a major improvement - really nice - great warm mids. Obviously, this won't do, but it got me thinking of what I could replace it with to get a good tone with some punch.

Anyone tried anything like this before? What would you recommend? Is the BW replacement the answer or waddya think??

Alternatively, anyone tried to change the baffle and install 2 10s? Now there's a thought....

Opinions welcome

Have you fully explored these before deciding to spend more money on fixing that which may not be broke?

How does your amp sound in a band? You may find that the original speaker's response is what defines well in a live mix.

.02

silvertones · #3 07-29-2010, 05:32 AM

I've owned 4 of these at different times. One had a Scorpion, 2 had BW and one I put in a JBL D140 I had. The JBL was the best for Country but these amps just don't have it.
Funny this comes up as I was thinking of my favorite small amp. It was a TL606 with an EV EVM15B series 2 with a 70's SVT head. At one point the SVT started giving me trouble so I dumped it for the new and wonderful Peavey Mark IV head. God I hated that thing.

thumpbass1 · #4 07-29-2010, 08:33 AM

BW 15's are very good in my own personal experience. They have a nice fat full tone range in my book. Your Peavey combo ain't a bad amp by the way. It might not be the latest and greatest from as far some tone geek's opinions are concerned, but it's a helluva solid work horse with good tones from an old school perspective. Yes I have gigged through a few of them before in the past on occasion.

jastacey · #5 07-30-2010, 12:17 PM

Remember ..... those speakers need to be 4 ohms . to get the wattage out of the amps ... then they will give that Mississippi Mud Sound !!!!

silvertones · #6 07-30-2010, 12:31 PM

Peavey old combos are great value, reliable etc. Just don't have that sound but I've used them for many years cause that's all I can afford and they get the job done.

patman01 · #7 07-30-2010, 02:24 PM

Am gigging twice this weekend...both times on an ancient Combo 300...

It gets the job done fine. I've got 2.

For weekend warrior gigs, they're cheap, reliable, and sound o-k.

silvertones · #8 07-30-2010, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patman01

Am gigging twice this weekend...both times on an ancient Combo 300...

It gets the job done fine. I've got 2.

For weekend warrior gigs, they're cheap, reliable, and sound o-k.

Exactly

patman01 · #9 07-30-2010, 02:56 PM

+1 to the gentleman above who pointed out that the bass/amp that sounds good in your bedroom or rehearsal space may not sound good on stage...

on stage is a whole different ball game....if the scorpion is the original speaker, the cab is probably tuned for it.

mello_bedwetter · #10 02-14-2011, 08:11 PM

I just picked up an old Peavey 300 combo. It looks like the speaker cone has dents in it but it sounds fine. I guess I may get the urge to replace the speaker sometime. Any ideas where to get a replacement or what other options there are for speakers? I see that it needs to be 4 ohms.
I notice this is an older thread but I thought I'd give it shot. I don't have a clue how a cone can have the dents and still sound good. I know the guy has been gigging with it though. Thanks.

mello_bedwetter · #11 02-15-2011, 06:34 PM

So the BW speaker that comes with the Combo 300 is 4 ohms?