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Backup amp

Kipp Harrington

Kipp Harrington

Feb 8, 2018
6,138
8,979
62
Wauseon, Ohio
#1
i swore I would never buy another combo after dealing with the rattling my current combo has. However, I will need an amp to rehearse with while mine is in the shop. And who knows, it may be there for a couple weeks or more. So, instead of renting an amp for $60/week, I decide to put that money toward a backup for rehearsals. I can’t afford a separate head/cab rig at the moment, so I decided to look for a decent (used) combo. It doesn’t have to compete with a crazy loud guitar player or drummer (in the current band I’m part of). I’ve done some research and I’m really interested in the Peavey Max 112. I was initially going to look into the Max 115 but read some reviews indicating there was little difference in the power output/tone...and in some cases, reviewers claimed that they liked the sound of the 112 better after playing both. Thoughts or suggestions are very welcome. Budget is $250.
 
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#2
Kipp Harrington said:
i swore I would never buy another combo after dealing with the rattling my current combo has. However, I will need an amp to rehearse with while mine is in the shop. And who knows, it may be there for a couple weeks or more. So, instead of renting an amp for $60/week, I decide to put that money toward a backup for rehearsals. I can’t afford a separate head/cab rig at the moment, so I decided to look for a decent (used) combo. It doesn’t have to compete with a crazy loud guitar player or drummer (in the current band I’m part of). I’ve done some research and I’m really interested in the Peavey Max 115. Thoughts or suggestions are very welcome. Budget is $250.
Click to expand...
Well your budget seems reasonable for the used Peavy.
What is your normal setup?
 
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#4
Kipp Harrington said:
I just edited my thread slightly. It’s the 112 I’m interested in. Some people claim there is neglegable difference in output and power compared to the 115. I am currently using my Squier PJ (SD Quarter Pounds) through an Ampeg BA210v2.
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So more than half the power and almost half the speaker surface area between the BA210 and Peavy 12.
That’s if everyone is using the same method for power ratings and not fudging, and the speakers are of comparable efficiency. I’ve heard the the ‘peg is pretty damn loud for it’s power rating.
IDK, I think I’d go for at least the Peavy 15 if you can find one.
Good luck.
 
#5
Old Garage-Bander said:
So more than half the power and almost half the speaker surface area between the BA210 and Peavy 12.
That’s if everyone is using the same method for power ratings and not fudging, and the speakers are of comparable efficiency. I’ve heard the the ‘peg is pretty damn loud for it’s power rating.
IDK, I think I’d go for at least the Peavy 15 if you can find one.
Good luck.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the response. Still doing a little searching. I would love to get a used GK amp. I know that would be bumping the budget a bit, though.
 
#6
Ought oh... just ran across this. May pull the trigger. What do you guys think?
 

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#7
Used Peaveys are super cheap for what they can do. They are workhorses.

I tried to sell my old ‘80s era TNT130 15” with Black Widow for $75 and no one bit. I ended up donating it to a private school who was thrilled to have it.

As a backup, it’s worth looking at Craigslist or Facebook marketplace to see if there are any for sale. Don’t discount older ones; they are just as good now as they were when new.
 
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#8
Kipp Harrington said:
Ought oh... just ran across this. May pull the trigger. What do you guys think?
Click to expand...
Nice...
A couple of things to consider.

The GK sound can be quite distinct compared to say a Rumble.
Not bad, just different.
Don’t know how the sound compares to your ‘peggie or a Peavey.
So something to look at (listen for actually).

Check to see if this can accept an extension cab.
They do use the Chain out which lets you add any number of other MB Powered cabs.
So while you may have the option to add a second cab, are you restricted to an MBP or can you also jus5 plug in another passive 8 Ohmer and be good?
 
#9
Have you considered that there are hundreds of thousands of combos that don't have rattle problems and that you may be overreacting on this?

That realization might open you up to other combo options that fit your needs better.
 
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#10
agedhorse said:
Have you considered that there are hundreds of thousands of combos that don't have rattle problems and that you may be overreacting on this?

That realization might open you up to other combo options that fit your needs better.
Click to expand...
No, I have not considered that. And you make a valid point. I just feel that there is a true propensity for a combo amp to experience rattling. It makes sense when the “guts” of the amp sit in very close contact with the vibrating speakers.
 
#11
Kipp Harrington said:
No, I have not considered that. And you make a valid point. I just feel that there is a true propensity for a combo amp to experience rattling. It makes sense when the “guts” of the amp sit in very close contact with the vibrating speakers.
Click to expand...

Which is why manufacturers of combos do spend considerable effort in reducing the possibility when developing products. The higher priced the product, the more resources available to do so.

Rattling is not just a combo problem, it's a problem with amps that sit on the speaker, with the speaker cabinets themselves, and also with things in the room that are the most common cause of rattling noises.
 
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#14
Kipp Harrington said:
No, I have not considered that. And you make a valid point. I just feel that there is a true propensity for a combo amp to experience rattling. It makes sense when the “guts” of the amp sit in very close contact with the vibrating speakers.
Click to expand...

Is your combo entry level, mid level, or pro? I have used and abused GK 700RB/112 and SWR RedHead combos and never had any more trouble with rattles are reliability than I have experienced with separates. I consider both of these combos pro level.

Most people place their amps right on top their speakers, so the amp is exposed to exactly the same vibrations in head form as it would be in a combo.
 
#17
I have a peavey max 112. It was my first amp. There was a problem with it within the warranty period and peavey replaced it without much hassle. While it was in the tech shop (for months) I sprung for a BA108 to ‘hold me over’. I also tried a few other amps and purchased a few other amps since then (a few years ago). For me, the peavey sounds a little boxy and not rich enough. As it was a gift from my wife and daughter, I will never get rid of it but, it doesn’t get much use and won’t unless I need a backup. If you’re looking for something to hold you over I wouldn’t spend mor than a hundred bucks. You are likely going to discover other gear for another couple hundred bucks that will give you a much thicker and richer sound.
But, I got no skin in the game, no dog in the fight and no horse in the race. It’s your $$$
 
#18
If I needed a backup amp and wanted a combo, I'd probably be looking at Fender Rumble. 112 100 watts brand new for $299. I've played through them and they are perfectly adequate amps. used ones pop up in my area for maybe 150-200. Or save up money and work your way towards a better modular (non-combo) rig.
 
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#19
bherman said:
If I needed a backup amp and wanted a combo, I'd probably be looking at Fender Rumble. 112 100 watts brand new for $299. I've played through them and they are perfectly adequate amps. used ones pop up in my area for maybe 150-200. Or save up money and work your way towards a better modular (non-combo) rig.
Click to expand...
Would a rumble 112 be adequate for rehearsals with a drummer, guitarist and keyboard player? Classic rock tunes.
 

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