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Peavy T-max

R

r05c03

Jul 21, 2005
403
1
Lafayette, IN
#1
Got a question. I have been looking in to getting a rig together. I have a local seller that is getting rid of Peavey T-Max head a Peavey 410 tx and Peavey Black Widow 1x18 for 400. Dollars. Assuming that everyting is in working order, is this as good a deal as it seems to be (it seems like it to me).

BRIEF REVIEW OF PURCHASE BELOW
 
#5
JUMP ON IT! As said earlier in this thread, if it's in good shape, it's a great price.

I'm getting rid of an Ampeg B500DR with a 410 cabinet because the T-Max sounds better. I'm getting Peavey 115 and 210 cabs in the next few days. The tone (and volume) of the T-Max is MUCH better than the Ampeg, at least to my ears.

The only problem I've ever heard with a T-Max is that the cooling fan may be noisy to some people and it's very important to keep the fan clean. The guy who gave me this T-Max head (yep, gave) wanted to get rid of it because it overheated once and the protection circuit shut it down. The fan was clogged up with dryer lint because his practice space also contained his washer and dryer. Cleaned out the lint and the head has been trouble free ever since.

Please post your "review" of this rig if you buy it.
 
#6
I thought that I'd follow up on this rig, post purchase. Basically it is great. I had to sell my Ampeg BA115HP (220 watts) combo to purchase this equipment, but it was worth it because the ampeg just was not loud enough for actual gigging.

So what have now is the Peavey t-max head, a Black Widow 1x18 cab and a TV 410. It is loud and powerful. There is now doubt there is a bass player in the room when the 1x18 thumps and the 410 kicks. Running my EBMM Bongo through it I can get a very wide spectrum of sounds. This rig actually can handle the lowest that the Bongo can go, which is saying alot. I am totally pleased with the purchase, and consider it a steal. I guess though now I have more than I need, and the peavey cabinets are heavy. Even the 410 will be more than I need for much of what I do (Ampeg = not enough, Peavey rig = too much. It will look a little silly for me to walk into a smaller venue such a coffe shop struggling with a 90 lb 410. I am thinking about selling the cabs, keeping the T-max and picking up a smaller cab(s). This is my first rig (non combo set up) I am pleased, but I have learned that I own more sonic power than I can use at this point.

So this brings me to my next inquiry. What cab(s) should I get. I can afford about 450 dollars and want something smaller, lighter, but loud. The pieces I am considering are the Aguilar GS 112, GK 210 BLXII (or 115), Ashdown MAG series (210 or 115) or Nemsis NSP 212. Basically I need something that I can use in small more acoustic volume level (and that will sound nice at that level) and then bring to rehearsal with the "loud" band that I am in and have no trouble being heard (I squish them now with my full T-max rig, but was drowned with the Ampeg). I know that I can pick up more cabs in the future for a fuller sound but right now I need one good loud, nice sounding, light cab. I am most drawn to the Nemesis NSP 212 because it is 4 ohms and will get more power from the T-max. Inputs and suggestions gratefully accepted.
 
#9
Paid $100 for a "busted" one of these that would cut out during shows.

Hand-tightened the nut on the front input, has worked perfectly ever since.

Best amp ever. Also its got tons of nifty features. The only "request" I would have per se is that the crossover was powered
 
#11
I know cats who have 3 or 4 of these heads. And no they are NOT interested in selling them. The T-Max and the Kilobass came out when Peavy really went all out. They at the time even made tube compressors and mic preamps that are pro quality. Serious pro quality.

make sure the fan works...thats the only real bad thing about these heads.
 
#12
Mine T-max came as a package deal with a bass. It was broken but I fixed it. My intent was to sell the amp and help pay for the bass.

To be honest, when I think of Peavey I think of beginner cheap solid state amps from the 80's that sounded like crap. "Hey I just bought a Peavey!" "Oh I am so sorry. When did your dad lose his job?"

That said I have played through my T-max head into SWR 4-10 cabinet and I REALLY like the sound. I may have to swallow my pride and keep it.
 
#13
Consider a modular approach with your cabs...one for the smaller gigs, and two for the larger ones. A single 4 ohm cab will give you 350 watts for your quieter gigs and a pair of them will give you the full 500 watts from your TMax. Just bring what you need.

BTW...sometimes 'squishing' the others is fun! :D

Kim
 
#14
Yahoo! You've got the big-rig scenario totally covered, but I'd say do some shopping for the smaller setup. Lots of good smaller cabs around - the neo's are certainly worth a look - that will make decent sound with a small footprint and also be portable.

If you just get a small cab, that means that the only thing that will make your sound is the T-Max. The good news there is that you like what you're hearing from it and it's dependable (go Peavey!). Even a 1x12, 1x15, or a 2x10 can take up relatively little space and make really nice tone and volume. That's a great option when you're in that low key venue or practicing with the guys and they take out their acoustics, right?

I personally love 2x10's, but I've also been really impressed lately with the Genz-Benz M-Line combos after recently finding one of their older 1x12 models. You can do fine with either a wee cab or a half decent combo for the smaller occasions, but try a few things out and pay attention when something grabs you by the ears... something you can afford.
 

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