Peavey Tube Head CHEAP in La Mesa

[pedro]

Tim,
I called MF and they did indeed do a price match for me. They credited my card back $180 ( and wished me a happy holidy- nice touch!)
I would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU for your advice. This helped me alot. Thank you and thanks again.

Pedro, I would be interested in knowing more about your VB2 experience. I do have a 45 day return on the amp if it's not what I want. Own a V4BH that is sweet, just wondering what 225 of tube watts sounds like compared to the 100 Ampeg SLM quality watts I get from the V4BH. I want to do a match-up and post results. I had a 200W tube Marshall Major back in the day and miss that extra power sometimes. I'm hoping the VB2 can bring some of that back and I can be satisfied with my tube amps now for awhile.

Thanks again, Tim ,Pedro, Talkbass.

I ordered one from GC and tried it out at home. It sounded and worked great the first day and then died on me the next day. Took it back and ordered another one and the same thing happened. I canceled the order at that point. But at $400 its kind of tempting.

 

[henryjurstin13]

I had the big Classic 400... and as much as I liked it, that head was very sketchy. Pedro's story reminds me of my experience. I guess as ROCK SOLID as some Peavey gear is, other stuff is not as much. Still, at $399 I'm trying my best to not buy this head...

 

[Rugaar]

BbbyBld (he's an amp engineer at PV, I believe, and a fellow TBer) has posted that the initial run had an issue with fuses, causing them to blow, but the issue has since been rectified. I'll see if I can find his post explaining the situation.

 

[stingray56funk]

I had the big Classic 400... and as much as I liked it, that head was very sketchy. Pedro's story reminds me of my experience. I guess as ROCK SOLID as some Peavey gear is, other stuff is not as much. Still, at $399 I'm trying my best to not buy this head...

Dude...for $399 you can't go wrong. Do it before GC sells them completely out.

 

[BbbyBld]

BbbyBld (he's an amp engineer at PV, I believe, and a fellow TBer) has posted that the initial run had an issue with fuses, causing them to blow, but the issue has since been rectified. I'll see if I can find his post explaining the situation.

RoHs is a certification that all new electronic devices have to have. It has to do with lead, chromium, cadmium, and a few other dangerous metals. All new components have to have controlled amounts of these substances. Sometimes, the new, "environmentally friendly" parts do not perform the same way as the old ones. This was the case with one of the fuses inside on about 100 of the early VB-2s.

We have since found a reliable fuse. I'm am sorry if this caused inconveniences. I know how frustrating it can be for new gear to break down.

 

[pedro]

RoHs is a certification that all new electronic devices have to have. It has to do with lead, chromium, cadmium, and a few other dangerous metals. All new components have to have controlled amounts of these substances. Sometimes, the new, "environmentally friendly" parts do not perform the same way as the old ones. This was the case with one of the fuses inside on about 100 of the early VB-2s.

We have since found a reliable fuse. I'm am sorry if this caused inconveniences. I know how frustrating it can be for new gear to break down.

FWIW, it sounded great and looked to be well built but not knowing what the problem was I was left uncomfortable about the amp.

 

[Rugaar]

Thanks, BbbyBld. I knew it was something relatively minor and that PV had taken care of it.

Wish I had the cash to jump on this deal right now. I'd be all over it.

 

[OxJohnson]

FWIW,

The Atlanta, GA store and the Marietta, GA store both have one each @ $399. They are marked at $699, but they are in the computer at $399. I have confirmed this today.

Ox.

 

[ModulusFan]

RoHs is a certification that all new electronic devices have to have. It has to do with lead, chromium, cadmium, and a few other dangerous metals. All new components have to have controlled amounts of these substances. Sometimes, the new, "environmentally friendly" parts do not perform the same way as the old ones. This was the case with one of the fuses inside on about 100 of the early VB-2s.

We have since found a reliable fuse. I'm am sorry if this caused inconveniences. I know how frustrating it can be for new gear to break down.

How about a heads up on what the heck is going on with these?

 

[Famous Shamus]

FWIW,

The Atlanta, GA store and the Marietta, GA store both have one each @ $399. They are marked at $699, but they are in the computer at $399. I have confirmed this today.

Ox.

Picked up one today..How could you resist?

The Manhattan store had it on the floor for 499.00...I casually mentioned to the salesman that I read on TB that these were going for 399.00.....BAM...price drop, no questions asked.

BTW normally I don't get service contracts on stuff I buy in GC...but for 70.00 bucks and two years of coverage, how can you afford not to? Highly recommended.

 

[pedro]

Nice score.

 

[JumboFriendly]

I am having one shipped from the GC in San Antonio. I had to do some calling around last night to find one, since my local store displays absolutely zero Peavey stuff.

As of last night, there were two in San Antonio (now 1), 1 in Manhattan (may be the one Shamus bought), and 2 in Chicago (Central). I'm sure there are more in different parts of the country, the ones I listed are just the ones closest to me.

 

[OxJohnson]

I am having one shipped from the GC in San Antonio. I had to do some calling around last night to find one, since my local store displays absolutely zero Peavey stuff.

As of last night, there were two in San Antonio (now 1), 1 in Manhattan (may be the one Shamus bought), and 2 in Chicago (Central). I'm sure there are more in different parts of the country, the ones I listed are just the ones closest to me.

So I guess that Atlanta sold out then?! Well, at least someone got a steal!

..How could you resist?

The reason that I didn't get the Peavey was that I went for the MarkBass TA 501 for $499!

I actually went down bent on getting the PV.

Ox.

 

[nad]

So is there a reason why this amp, which is less than a year old now, is going for so cheap?

I bought a new one last year, but since it crapped out on me in a week, I sent it back. It was awesome until it started buzzing like mad for reasons unknown. At this price it'd be worth a second chance, provided it comes with a return policy of course.

 

[OxJohnson]

It supposedly DOES come with the normal return policy and warranty.

The story I got was "It is just a blow out price". It is one of the seasonal loss-leaders. I questioned 3 associates at 3 different stores looking for the stipulation.

AFAIK, there isn't one...

Ox.

Edit: Make sure that you check with your store before buying... obviously. If they say that you are good-to-go, I don't see why it wold not be the case...

 

[bassvi]

My VB2 arrived yesterday and I tried it out extensively with no one at home so I was able to crank it- initial impressions-

I paid about $700 for this after my MF 15% discount. That is a lot of money for me, and I expect quality if I am paying this kind of money.

I hooked the amp up to my Ampeg Bxt 115t cab, powered up and listened...... my first thought was, "my God this amp sucks!" Then I started fiddling with the eq. The amp is
voiced with really aggressive midrange, IMO. Amazing difference once
you explore the Presence and Resonance controls.. The amp starts to sound good. Then it starts to sound REALLY good.. I am wondering if I have found the lost Marshall-Orange-Boogie-Trace Hybrid one can only dream of in rock bass toneland. My only problem- I'm currently playing in a funk band, will this amp cut it?


Being a long time fan of tube amps, I decided to A/B the VB2 with my Ampeg V4BH, which I think is a really sweet amp; the results were interesting. The SLM Model V4BH is rated 100 watts. With the presence switch engaged, ultra high and ultra low engaged, the V4 projected a much more modern, full clean sound than the VB2, through the same cabinet. Hard to explain, but the VB2 has way more headroom and can get stupid loud- but the V4BH seemed to have a more refined, clear sound at 100w than the VB2 at 225w. It is primarily the ability of the V4BH to get utra high and low frequencies at a farily robust volume at only 100w vs. the VB2's massive power but less subtle (?) harmonic nuance that suprises me.
The VB2 however screams rock to me, and strikes me very distinctly as an American Marshall Superbass 100 or to be more accurate, a Marshall 200 Major. The Peavey impressed me alot with its awesome power and aggressive mids. It is an amazing amp.

I have to deviate with some of the other opinions regarding the distortion channel on the VB2. I found it very musical and usable given attention to the eq section of the amp when distortion mode is engaged. I liked it. It sounded as good as my Sansamp BDDI, to be honest. The key seems to be in working with the eq section of the amp while in distortion mode. Maybe not for everyone, but I could see real possibilities for using it with my style of playing.

In summary- I think the VB2 is an awesome amp. Love it. Is it an SVT? No. The V4BH still has a depth and balls I cannot explain but it produces a very different sound than the VB2. I still think it has more clarity, yet breaks up sooner because it's only 100 watts. But the sound is quality.
The VB2 is however an awesome amp. I like the aggresive midrange bark it produces, and I would argue this thing is loud enough with a 1x15" to play just about anywhere. It is a serious amp.
Bottom line: I'm keeping both amps. Each has it's strong points and the voices are unique enough I think I should own each one. Now the problem is deciding which one to use, LOL. I feel lucky to have such a problem! But I highly reccomend both amps to any one who is a fan of tube amps. The sound of both of these amps is incredible.

 

[JumboFriendly]

So I guess that Atlanta sold out then?! Well, at least someone got a steal!

I'm not sure if Atlanta sold out; I called them first since they're so close. The guy who I talked to said one was showing up in their computer, but he went looking for it and couldn't find it after about 10-15 minutes. He took my number and said he'd call me back if he ever found it which means he either didn't find it, or more likely, got busy doing something else and it slipped his mind.

 

[kissmybASS01]

This thread brings tears to my eyes - and not in a good way.... I thought I made a smokin' great deal for a VB-2 for just a hair over $1000Cdn - the cheapest on-line price up here in Canada. ($934 before taxes) I even got the (brick and mortar) store where I bought it to extend their traditional 7 day return policy to let me get some real world experience with this amp. I have a gig at a smaller venue this coming weekend, and a larger gig venue for New Years Eve - perfect to try out my new head. If I like it, great! If not, back it goes (as long as it still looks new...)

I guess with these blow-out-priced PVs being sold like hotcakes, it's now a race to see who gigs first, and provides an "after-action" report.

After a positive band rehearsal, and several hours of solo practice with this amp, I've fallen in love with this sound. However, it still saddens me about the huge price diference.
Even with our CDN loonie currently in the toilet, my amp would probably be about $400 cheaper. Someone please help, I'm feelin all down.

Sorry for the vent!

 

[bassvi]

I called my local GC and tried to see what's going on with these blowout prices, because MF says they will match any sale price for up to 45 days after your purchase. My local GC manager looked it up on the computer and said it comes up at $899, so all he can figure is that some stores who carry them (mine doesn't) must be selling floor models or returns. The MF price match doesn't apply however to floor models, so I don't know if I'll be getting that refund on my card from them.

I would have been all over one for $399 if I could have gotten it for that! Right now I am not unhappy though about spending $700 for this amp which I think is a fine piece of gear. Mine is brand new out of the box, new smell and super clean. The $300 difference may ultimately be worth it. I have a gig tomorrow night and plan to use it. I can still return for a refund if I want to, but right now I am digging it and don't see that in the cards. Congrats to everyone who got theirs for $399, but I'm still a happy camper at this point!

 

[OxJohnson]

First off... Merry Christmas to everyone!!!

This thread brings tears to my eyes - and not in a good way.... I thought I made a smokin' great deal for a VB-2 for just a hair over $1000Cdn - the cheapest on-line price up here in Canada. ($934 before taxes) I even got the (brick and mortar) store where I bought it to extend their traditional 7 day return policy to let me get some real world experience with this amp. I have a gig at a smaller venue this coming weekend, and a larger gig venue for New Years Eve - perfect to try out my new head. If I like it, great! If not, back it goes (as long as it still looks new...)

I guess with these blow-out-priced PVs being sold like hotcakes, it's now a race to see who gigs first, and provides an "after-action" report.

After a positive band rehearsal, and several hours of solo practice with this amp, I've fallen in love with this sound. However, it still saddens me about the huge price diference.
Even with our CDN loonie currently in the toilet, my amp would probably be about $400 cheaper. Someone please help, I'm feelin all down.

Sorry for the vent!

Here is the deal... if you got it and you like it, then who cares what everyone paid?! You can't look at things that way, it will drive you nuts!

Also, you live in Canada... prices are going to be different. If I lived in the UK then I could probably get Trace stuff cheaper, but I can't so I have to be cool with that fact.

In short... enjoy what you have. If you thought it was a good deal when you got it, then it was! There are so many factors (in this case geographical) that affect a price, you can't always get the rock bottom price!

You got a good head... now go enjoy it!

I called my local GC and tried to see what's going on with these blowout prices, because MF says they will match any sale price for up to 45 days after your purchase. My local GC manager looked it up on the computer and said it comes up at $899, so all he can figure is that some stores who carry them (mine doesn't) must be selling floor models or returns. The MF price match doesn't apply however to floor models, so I don't know if I'll be getting that refund on my card from them.

I would have been all over one for $399 if I could have gotten it for that! Right now I am not unhappy though about spending $700 for this amp which I think is a fine piece of gear. Mine is brand new out of the box, new smell and super clean. The $300 difference may ultimately be worth it. I have a gig tomorrow night and plan to use it. I can still return for a refund if I want to, but right now I am digging it and don't see that in the cards. Congrats to everyone who got theirs for $399, but I'm still a happy camper at this point!

As stated above, if you liked it at the price you got it for then it was a good deal. Sure saving some money would have been nice, but that does not change the fact that it is a great head at a still great price (225W tube head for $899 is still a good deal!).

I hope that everyone has a good holiday season and enjoys their new toys!

Ox.