• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Peavey Amps Club

#502
Well I don't have them any more - but I bet someone is still using them!

(yeah, I was pretty fat back then) :smug:

UJBpg38-1.jpg

UJBpg38-2.jpg
 
#503
The 412 TVX is a big, loud, heavy beast of a cab, that's for sure.

My band's prior bassist used one, before he got a job in Japan.
He left it at our drummers house, so I use it for rehearsals.

I've also owned an Aguilar GS-412, and I liked the offset-vertical form factor of the Aguilar better, but the Peavey sure dominates on "bang for the buck"...

The form factor is a serious consideration, though. A taller cab can be TILTED into your vehicle or up onto a stage.
A square like the 412 TVX has to be lifted, and it weighs in at 120-130 lbs.

Works perfect for me because I don't move it.
 
#505
One of my favorite things about TB is searching the archives; lots of great first-hand info from players out there. I wanted to add a couple of thoughts about 3 Peavey bass amps I've had significant experience with in case people come across them or want other perspectives.

Peavey MegaBass [ca. 1990]

This was my main bass amp when I played out full time between college and grad school. I remember getting funny looks from gear snobs about this head... until they heard it. I read somewhere here on TB that this unit was a favorite among people who worked at Peavey. I know that bass players loved it--guys would come and talk to me between sets to say what a sweet amp it was. The stats are all easily found online, so I won't go through them. I ran it bi-amped with two cabinets: a Mesa/Boogie 1X15 and a Hartke 2X10. It was easy to dial the crossover to get a great tone. Despite being rated at 200w, the thing was loud as all get out. It was the absolute perfect head for club gigs. I carried it in a 2-space rack bag (it was very heavy) and left one of cabs where the band practiced. The only negative thing about this guy was the XLR direct outputs. I always wanted sound guys to use them--and they tried--but they could never get what they wanted and I had to use a different DI box. Oh, and the chorus was a little "wet" for my taste, so I just used it dry. But honestly, when I was playing out in the early 90s I wouldn't have traded this head for anything else, and I got to play lots of cool (and more expensive) gear. The MegaBass was a fantastic head. Period.​

Peavey Microbass [ca. 1996]

A pal gave me this thing for free several years ago. For what it is, you can't beat it. It's got to be the perfect "bedroom" practice amp. Headphone cuts out the signal to the speaker. The 20w amp into 4 ohms 10" speaker is nice and punchy for the low volume. Throw it in the corner and turn it up a bit, and it can almost sound like you are practicing through a much larger rig. Very simple and tonally transparent--just what you want in a practice box. Might cut it for playing with a piano player or acoustic guitarist, but better leave it in the bedroom, as it just can't make enough noise to play with other instruments. Still, that's not what it's for. I think they nailed this one, and I'm still surprised by the tone for such a cheap and small amp. I read somewhere on TB that some of these were made in China and don't perform as well. This one is Made in USA and really sounds quite fine for what it is. We'll never get rid of it.​

Peavey Basic 50 [ca. 1985]

This is the oldest one I've owned, and I just got it recently. It came with a bass we bought and it's in mint condition. Still, this is my least favorite of the bunch. It has many of the characteristics that I didn't like about Peavey amps in the 80s before I got my MegaBass. For what it is, I suppose it's okay. It is basically a larger practice amp, but the size and greater wattage (50w) makes you wish it could do a bit more. The built-in clipping is smart, as I am sure the Peavey folks knew this would be the smallest amp that anyone might try to play in a band setting, where the amp will just not cut it. Even by itself, the sound is flat and the cabinet lacks a lot of bottom end. Honestly, at comparable volumes the Microbass sounds significantly better. That smaller amp is more defined, punchier, and believe it or not has more "boom" on the lower end. Still, this is an amp that my son will be able to leave at the "band house" if he starts playing in a band.​

Well, I wanted to add those experiences to the "collective thoughts" here on TB. Ever since my very positive experience with the MegaBass, I've always thought Peavey makes great stuff. If I were to play out again, I might try to find an old MegaBass. I sold mine several years ago, and it sold right away on eBay--guys know about these amps and still want them.

--Steve

images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTgpjVdFr5GfTr3w2O0-wo_7b8ZZrL5zChrBOvPgHyEva0C40Li.jpg


peavey_microbass_amp_100_fort_collins_10786491.jpg


images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ7i5tTBMzijOwiGqrlrvm9lrmJfbrjk48qZTzr5tnrb1_qenMd.jpg
 
#511
As most bass players I have owned Peavey stuff and still own Peavey gear because of it's quality and sound. I currently have two 4/10 cabs, one 115 cab, a 1974 Festival Head, a 1974 Century 120 series head, and a 1991 Mark viii head. They all work as new and I wouldn't doubt that they'll last another 100 years! I wish my phots would upload to this page so I could show them! I really don't know what I have to do to get it to work!:hmm:


Could I get a number please?
 
#512
I have a T-max 500 watt head that I will never part with ... I gig with it every week & if it dies I will try to find another one if it can't be fixed.

I also have a very old Microbass ... that little thing is a tank!

I have a pristine Carvin R1000 head I would trade for a T-max if any on is interested :)
 
#516
I have been using a Peavey Tour 450 amp for about four years and I love it! Tons of EQ options and it delivers every time I need it to with no problem. Sounds great when paired with my Mesa PH 6x10 cab.
 
#520
I have a Peavey Vintage 6X10 guitar amp that I modified for bass. It runs about 120 watts output and has 4 6L6 GC in its output section with a solid-state preamp. Modifications were extensive (and expensive): $462 4 x10 Carvin neos + 2 x 8 Carvin neos (necessitated by the cabinetry to enclose the speakers but allow the amp and tubes access to air), $250 cap replacement with larger value to suit a bass signal, $124 matched set of 4 6L6 GC tubes and my time to modify the cabinet. I kept the stock look and it sounds like I have always dreamed basses should sound. 120 "tube watts" for small venues with limited stage areas where not a lot of volume is necessary is perfect.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back