Re-connecting to my amp again

klejst · #1 09-19-2011, 06:52 AM

I have been GAS'in for about the last month or two for a new amp. I have constantly found myself looking into, reading up on, and also playing amps...everyone likes a shiny new toy. But the whole money thing did limit me because I did not have a lot to spend. I almost pulled the trigger on a nice Mesa/Boogie Buster 200 tube amp, however none of that matters because last night at band practice when we started to write new material I had a "re-connection" if you will and a greater love for my Peavey Tour 450 I use now. It really puts out my signature sound that I love and has been doing so for years, but also it is what I know and has never let me down. So it's kinda like a "if it is not broke don't fix it or get something new" kind of thinking. I could sell my Peavey and then end up with something I thought was going to be better but could turn out to be a huge dud. I know my Tour 450 may not be considered a massive powerhouse or "pro gear", however it sounds awesome when paired with my Mesa PH6x10 cabinet. Just thought I would share this with everyone, GAS can be a pain sometimes, however you just have to appreciate what you have.

bassgod0dmw · #2 09-19-2011, 07:32 AM

I completely agree! Reading all of this stuff makes it tough not to wonder what it may sound like it you owned it, but in the end if what you've got does everything you could ever want or need, you're all set!

georgestrings · #3 09-19-2011, 08:30 AM

Yeah, I can see that happening - as an example, I have a 700rb-II that I gigged for years, and managed to hang onto when I started playing Mesa heads... Now and then I'll trot out the 700rb-II and play it instead of the M-pulse 600 I normally play thru, and am reminded every time why I liked the 700rb-II in the 1st place - it produces a sound that I like... I'm sure something similar is happening to you and the Tour 450... I've played those and the Tour 700s, and thought both were great sounding heads - well made, too...

My advice would be to see if you can keep the Peavey if/when you get something else - after all, having more than one amp isn't bad...

- georgestrings

klejst · #4 09-19-2011, 08:48 AM

That is exactly how I was feeling. Unless there is some amazing deal that comes up I plan on using the Peavey for a while yet.

Jayhawk · #5 09-19-2011, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by klejst

So it's kinda like a "if it is not broke don't fix it or get something new" kind of thinking ... GAS can be a pain sometimes, however you just have to appreciate what you have.

Great post and I couldn't agree more. There's always going to be newer, better and more expensive gear. But every so often I force myself to step back, look at what I have and appreciate how well it all works for what I do. My current main rig is a Peavey Tour 700 with an Ampeg SVT-410HE. Without much effort, I could find 100 TB posts that might lead me to believe that this is an inferior set-up ... but then I play it and I love the way it sounds. For me, like you, that's enough for now.

klejst · #6 09-19-2011, 10:02 AM

Thanks for the reply posts guys! I am happy to hear there are others who are or were in my situation also. How do you like your 700? Did you run into that resistor issue that caused massive and obsessive clipping with it?

Jayhawk · #7 09-19-2011, 10:18 AM

I've had the 700 for a little more than two years and have no complaints, mainly because it works and does exactly what I need it to do. Mine was made after the clipping issues were resolved & I have had no issues with it.

klejst · #8 09-19-2011, 11:13 AM

I gotcha, that's good. Yeah the Peavey amp's are pretty solid work machines...I know mine is as well.

zaten · #9 09-19-2011, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by klejst

I have been GAS'in for about the last month or two for a new amp. I have constantly found myself looking into, reading up on, and also playing amps...everyone likes a shiny new toy. But the whole money thing did limit me because I did not have a lot to spend. I almost pulled the trigger on a nice Mesa/Boogie Buster 200 tube amp, however none of that matters because last night at band practice when we started to write new material I had a "re-connection" if you will and a greater love for my Peavey Tour 450 I use now. It really puts out my signature sound that I love and has been doing so for years, but also it is what I know and has never let me down. So it's kinda like a "if it is not broke don't fix it or get something new" kind of thinking. I could sell my Peavey and then end up with something I thought was going to be better but could turn out to be a huge dud. I know my Tour 450 may not be considered a massive powerhouse or "pro gear", however it sounds awesome when paired with my Mesa PH6x10 cabinet. Just thought I would share this with everyone, GAS can be a pain sometimes, however you just have to appreciate what you have.

+1 All the way. I say never ever sell an amp you love. Especially one that's been reliable and had a defining influence on your sound and the way you play. Save up for a new amp if you must.

Learned that the hard way: I sold my 1987 Marshall Super Bass 100 Watt with matching 4x12 cabs coz it was "not practical" and wanted a "modern" sound. I way young and foolish back then but not a day goes by without me regretting that stupid decision..

Hold on to that amp!

klejst · #10 09-20-2011, 06:52 AM

Right on man and exactly. Sometimes you don't know really what you have until it is gone. I have learned those lessons outside of bass gear too.