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Peavey BW 215D

J Posega

J Posega

Cat Dad and Dingwall Enthusiast
Inactive
Suspended
Jul 16, 2005
11,796
17,172
38
Portland, OR
#1
I'm looking at one of these as a leave-at-rehearsal cab. They're asking $150, which seems average. Reviews are pretty favorable.

It's 180° difference from my main rig (3-way LDS 1x12"). I just need something mega-cheap and loud enough to practice with. The Fender Rumble 350 combo at the space just sucks and can't really handle the Dingwall low B.

I've read a good deal about the various Peavey 2x15s. I think this cab will work for my needs, until I can order another LDS to match my current one. My tone ranges from Motown P bass fat to Geddy grindy, and I used a Bass Muff. I haven't played with a tweeterless amp since I owned a Crate combo amp.

Is the Peavey with Black Widow speakers gonna do more than mega dub bass? Can it put out some highs? I'm sure I can flip the cab for the same price if I don't like it, but I don't want to waste anytime if its just going to suck.
 
#7
I'm expecting a different tone from my amp and the POS that's at the rehearsal space. The only reason I'm on the lookout for a cheap cab is because I don't have a car, I need something I can leave at rehearsal that can get a little beatup or, god forbid, stolen.

I've read that these aren't lined. Should I pull the speakers if/when I get it and stick some foam in there?
 
#8
I haven't played a 5 string through my 215D but I find that it doesn't have a ton of low end nor does it have a lot of high end. It is a bunch of mids, mids and more mids and that is the reason it does cut through a mix.

It will do the Motown thing just fine. Not so sure about the Geddy sound though. I also have a Bass Muff and I have to crank it to hear it more so than on my tweetered cab (not surprising but something you must do).
 
#12
walkerci said:
Mine didn't do well with the B string.

I put in a pair of Eminence Deltalite 2515 and it sounds great now.
Handles a lot more power and is MUCH lighter too.
Click to expand...

Did you just guess with the Deltalites or are the close enough to the BWs to not matter.

Then again I don't think a whole lot of "design" went into these older cabs. Not like some of those that are on the market.
 
#14
I gigged with a lot of BW's. I've got one old PV 2x15 I got for free. I believe the speakers were garden variety CTS from the era. Driven with my GK1001RB, it did a good job. I did add a Foster horn and wired the cab for the horn amp of the GK, so high end was never a problem. I later decided I liked a TL606 with a Kappa Pro better.
 
#16
BobbyBld's got a damn good point. I started with a Peavey 215, ended up with a sawn-in-half and re-ported and fully lined 1x15 with a Kappalite 3015LF that's the best cab I own by far, on a sound per unit volume basis.

To the question whether lining makes a difference: BIG TIME. I tried Parts Express 2" foam all around, worked fine. Swapped it out for Roxul which is still in there. Held in place with 2" squares of cardboard stapled to the walls. Using Roxul is definitely an off-label use, and there is potential for its breaking apart and/or small pieces of it firing out the vent, but it hasn't happened to mine yet, and going back to foam would be only a 15 minute job anyway.
 
#17
I'm still leaning towards the 215, but I was just offered a Peavey 810 TVX for $250.

Not that I need a fridge, but I've read favorable reviews of the 810 TX. Is the TVX a good cab?
Click to expand...

It's not like a typical 810 because it's ported and uses 410-style drivers, so you get more real low end output, but it doesn't sound like a classic 810. It's the 810 for people who want more of a 2-410 sound in one box. It may be more desirable from a resale standpoint if all the speakers work and it's in good cosmetic shape.

BTW...every bass player needs a fridge.
 
#19
I'm thinking of getting the 215 now and then once I've freed up seem bass funds, picking up the 810. The guy isn't actively selling it, he just rarely gigs it and heard that I need a cab.

BbbyBld - thanks for the info, I don't dig most 810's, but your description makes the TVX sound appealing. Thanks!
 

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