Peavey Classic 20 Demo | First Look

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Smart tweaks make this Mississippi tweed clubbing stalwart more flexible than ever.
Introducing the new Peavey Classic 20 watt 112 combo with an all-tube preamp and power amp, providing the distinctive sonic punch of the larger, iconic amplifiers on which it is based, but in a more compact footprint (7.25" x 14" x 7.75"/185mm x 356mm x197mm) weighing significantly less (34.7 lbs/15.7 kg). This latest addition brings new life into the legendary product line by now providing players that iconic tone in a package better accommodating to today's smaller stage and bedroom performances.
Boasting two channels that mirror the same voicing and gain structure of its bigger Peavey amplifier siblings, in addition to a specially designed boost function, the Classic 20 112 Combo is a versatile, powerful unit that is equally suitable to virtually all musical styles.
Two EL84 power tubes and three 12AX7/ECC83 preamp tubes deliver the rich, warm tube-amplifier tones that are so sought after by players and engineers. Each of the Peavey Classic 20 112 Combo's channels shares EQ, an effects loop, and reverb (all footswitchable), while the amp's rear panel features Microphone Simulated Direct Interface (MSDI) with XLR output and USB out, 3-position power attenuator switch allowing for 20 watt, 5 watt or 1 watt operation, and speaker defeat switch.
The Classic 20 112 Combo's front panel includes a ¼" INPUT jack, VOLUME knob, CHANNEL switch for selection of 'LEAD' or 'RHYTHM' channels, PRE-GAIN to control the input level of the lead channel (i.e. overdrive and gain), POST GAIN to balance the sound between the two channels, BASS, MIDDLE, & TREBLE EQ controls, REVERB to dial in the amount of ambience, a Pilot Light indicating when AC power is being supplied and the Classic 20 112 Combo's POWER SWITCH is in the "ON" position, STANDBY switch, and OUTPUT TUBE STATUS INDICATION (T.S.I.) LEDS that illuminate red or green, depending on the status of the output tube they are monitoring.
The Peavey Classic 20 112 Combo: genuine tube power and tone - no emulations or simulation - in a smaller, more manageable package and at an attainable price point.
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[@premierguitar]

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[@ericwalters5382]

Well they've got to pay for shipping from China

[@toygigante]

I love the fact that it has the older Peavey Logo. Sounds amazing. 😮

[@brandonfindlay2249]

The intro was like a lo-fi 90s trip through Steely Dan's King of the World ... and it was lovely!

[@duncanfrere2656]

I played a Classic 30 combo w/12" for years. Great amp!

[@2GoldensTosa]

I have a ValveKing 20mh head with a 1x12 extension Peavey cab. Sounds great for 98% of casual and club gigs, plus it’s lightweight and easy to transport. Thank you Hartley! Still great after all these years!

[@jst601]

Reissue that head!!!

[@tfajsh]

The best guitarist I ever knew played through a tweed peavey classic 50. I’ve had one for 22 years and wouldn’t trade it for anything. The tweed classic 20 will be awesome

[@michaelmaier7262]

Love my Delta Blues. Pretty sure it's a Classic amp but with a 15" speaker.

[@tfajsh]

@@michaelmaier7262yep they are

[@thadlogan51]

Agreed... I've played every amp under the sun and always come back to my classic 50 2x12 as the best amp ever...warm, clear, punchy, full.... the best hands down. Most other amps sound thin in comparison... especially clean...

[@thadlogan51]

@@michaelmaier7262 I think it's exactly what you said... the same with a bigger speaker..

[@mmiller6873]

I love the XLR Mic'd output and being able to run the amp without the actual speaker being on with the XLR out. The tones sound awesome so thanks for playing and demoing the amp.

[@vwharman]

Goodness gracious, Bohlinger’s phrasing on that intro jam was fantastic. The dude is so tasteful.

[@WaRLoKWYATT]

Nah. As far as the things hes played. This was bottom tier. I love John too.

[@666soso]

Can't believe this amp is coming back and I had one back in the day to combo with a fender hot rod deville

[@MichaelWeathersby]

Used peavey amps for years 30 watt classics , special 130, Bandits encore 65, triumph 60. All great amps. Peavey was the last guitar and amp builder to go to china , he held off to long , and it killed his business , he couldn’t compete with the Asian imports prices .

[@tommyfoley]

That sounds like a great amp. Thanks, John.

[@liquidsmokemustang1537]

I have the Classic 20 MH and both 112 and 212 ext cabs. Has always sounded great. I really love that Peavey installs V30 speakers in the cabs as well. One of my favs.

[@raystory7059]

I got one of these puppies twenty years ago and its one of the best sounding and most reliable amps ever made. Buy one and you won't regret it. I do like the upgrades as well.

[@Scott__C]

Nice! John busting out the classical. Getting that Roy Clark variety in. Awesome!

[@jetphone1974]

Excellent review. Simple, informative, great playing.

[@gregmize01]

Great intro Johnny!

[@planzed.2]

Maan, I love John’s playing!

[@johndoyle325]

Great review, as always, John! I've had the Classic 20 mini head and matching 112 cab for 6-7 years. I'm sure they've improved the circuit in this new version, but the feature set seems similar, if not identical. It also sounds very similar to my ear. The overdrive channel is not my taste, but I love the clean channel and it takes pedals fabulously. It's the amp I use the most at home, in 1 watt mode.

[@rusty6314]

That amp sounds killer and you did an awesome job reviewing it.

[@maeveofthelongbows9552]

What awesome playing!

[@DoobTube71]

Awesome TONES!

[@leeasbury7273]

The 1 watt option is LOUD! I have had the mini head for 5 or 6 years. I was demoing a guitar at a shop and that was the closest amp. It was used, but really it wasnt....paid $350, bought it on the spot and forgot about the guitar. I happened to have a matching tweed 115E cabinet from the 90's and I run it through that and it's really great. The overdrive channel even sounds great. Especially when you push it with another pedal. It has the exact same features as that combo. It's a really great amp. I don't know what they cost but I like mine.

[@benlogan430]

I’ve got a Classic vintage 4/10, Classic 30, delta blues 2/10 and a classic 20 head and all are excellent. All are old US made except for the head which is Chinese and does just fine.

[@briansmith2163]

I have a first gen (American) Delta Blues 210. Love it.

[@inigomiscellaneous]

What a great intro!

[@sorencin11]

Outstanding playing

[@mikethomson4290]

I would Love to see Peavey succeed to the level they did in the eighties

[@robertiola88]

turn it up John. I have two Mace's at home and they sound best loud!!! The Classic can handle it. Crank it!!

[@brianbouman661]

This vid gave me the desire to uncover my Peavey Classic 50 410. It's been a while. Thanks John!

[@riffcodgerpetermcaleer8638]

Great stuff John. Thanks.

[@GuitarBailey]

Own the classic 20 head with matching cab I love this amp

[@peaceman7321]

THAT is one good sounding amp!! Much better than my SS Peavey from the '80's!! Love it!!

[@StratES335]

Sounds great and John is a Great player.

[@davemorgs7635]

Excellent stuff Mate !!

[@DowntownHerbieBrown]

Sounds excellent for blues, country, or southern rock. Wattage switch makes it plenty versatile. I think I'd like to get one for those tones.

[@mattjazz3]

John Bohlinger shootin straight! Love how personal he makes this stuff feel. Keep it up!

[@jonwanrocks]

dynamic and responsive! i been looking for a cool tweed lately too!!!

[@AlJohnsGuitar]

Peavey has ALWAYS had great amps.

[@jerryhorton5708]

Mississippi Marshall…great description, John!

[@lukehearn1341]

I saw a dude shredding on a classic 50 cranked in Nashville last weekend at Garth Brooks' bar. All he had was a boost and EQ pedal. Best tone of the weekend, I was surprised

[@weinderdog1184]

The classic 50 is one of my favorite amps of all time, my 410 combo kills my back as I get older though

[@DMSProduktions]

I have the old Head version! A GREAT amp! 1 of the BEST sounding out there!

[@pseudonym4034]

30 years ago, I saw the Peavey Classic 50 stack with 4x10" and 1x15" guitar speaker cabinets combination in a store. It was pure magic and an unaffordable dream.

[@DMSProduktions]

@@pseudonym4034 CRAP 'reverb' & emulated out!

[@bradconklin2878]

Nice playing, John.

[@bigdaddystinkeye]

Those were cool amps when they came out 35-40 years ago. A real bargain. I like your playing style, John 😀

[@6stringcodger450]

Always a fan of Peavey! It was the poor musicians answer to Marshal back in the mid-70s. We played outdoors a lot and the Roadmaster paid for itself after just a few of gigs! (remember when musicians actually got paid!) With 6 power tubes and well over 100 watts, it could heat my livingroom in the winter too! The demo of this little amp is awesome!

[@Emperorjones]

That slide tone is right on target.

[@lesjohns4359]

My first good tube amp was a Peavey Classic 20 back in the mid 90’s. Those had a 10” speaker. Wish I still had it.

[@dr.gregoryweisswassernd7251]

Me too but luckily I still have mine.

[@nicknixdorf]

I actually love the logo.still love my bandit 65

[@tjnugent62]

They brought back the much-coveted Peavey Classic 20. James Brown says it is his favorite of the Peavey Line to play.

[@theuserthatishere]

always tastey! thank you

[@drewdunn2066]

John's playing is so underrated.

[@FenderGreg]

Oddly I grew up with a Peavey then went through a stage of wanting anything but a Peavey to now only owning Peavey's.

[@dmn23]

Funny timing, I just had my old 15" Delta Blues brought back to life after years of sitting unused and I'd completely forgotten what a great amp that is.

[@kindredwinecoff]

Love mine. So unique yet familiar.

[@misterarthur]

I had one, too! Should never have sold it.

[@stringlocker]

That's the best amp that PV ever made. And I never owned one my friend had one.

[@CoryHawthorneCharmGames]

In 94 I had a Boogie DC-3 on order at the store I worked at. For a joke (Yes, I was biased as a young man) I plugged into a Classic 50 Head. I immediately cancelled the Boogie and took the Classic 50 home. I still have it and it's the most underrated amp ever made. You can buy them used, American made from the 90s, for under 500 bucks. Then I bought a Clasic 30 and matching 112 cabinet and that was my gigging rig for years and years. I still have that too. Incredible amps. I have a bunch of amps now but those Peaveys still get used a lot. The dirty channel sounds super expensive and the clean is as clean as clean is.

[@Scott__C]

Dan Huff used one for years, maybe he still does.

[@bobbyarthur-yf3yf]

Ya it’s still the amp I use now ( 50 head )with a vintage Marshall 412 cab grey front with 30s green backs … I toured in early 90s with this amp and it’s still my main rig today !!

[@vadenk4433]

That 52 is awesome! I absolutely love how you modified it. Normally a modified vintage Les Paul would be a bad thing but 52's are pretty useless in stock configuration.

[@G-Point-EU-AU]

Gibson mini-humbuckers are the cleanest sounding neck pickups. The best for testing amps.

[@bbowjazz]

Intro tune sounds like it could be the soundtrack for True Detective Season 5

[@applehead252]

Chris Issac ish . Good stuff. Got a classic 30 . Used to have 2 but one had a transformer go so it was given away for parts . Great amp overall.

[@ToddTheJoker]

Sounds great eh? that could be that cool gold top of yours John! I like it! I play Ode to Joy on guitar too, always loved that, love Beethoven!

[@alexledford4747]

I just bought a used Classic 50 a few days ago. For the money, you can't beat the amount of tone and mojo these amps have! It does amazing cleans, but they're NOT fender cleans. It has really vibey chime, but it's NOT Vox chime. It's got some great grunting growls, but it's NOT Marshall crunch. It is its own sound and it is good!

[@t33zy30]

Yooo same! $350 on fb market for the 410 tweed 😮 got it like a week ago. Thing rips

[@dmarkj22]

Yeah I think it’s silly to compare it to those amps. Just let it be itself!!

[@EclipseAtDusk]

The Peavey Sound really is its own unique thing that’s not often brought up, when it comes to amp sounds - it’s become my favorite, tbh

[@alexledford4747]

@@t33zy30 dang, that is awesome! I grabbed mine on marketplace too. It's got the two 12" Blue Marvel speakers and some NOS tubes for $400, and it sounds fantastic. I had originally planned to snatch up a Classic 30/112 and a Delta Blues 115 to run in tandem as a wet/dry rig, but I was a little concerned about phase issues. Then I saw the listing for the 50 and had to jump lol

[@joeinterrante7873]

Johns a great guitarist

[@derekgenre8057]

Peavey made a ton of killer amps … and they were tough as nails… you could throw em down a flight of stairs and then plug em in and they worked…. The Butcher was great, the VTM 60 & 120 were bad ass , then the 5150 ones were crazy high gain beasts …. They also had great mellow amps too. To me they are all highly under rated…. Real working musicians reliable amplifiers…. Night after night, year after year

[@adams4244]

Peavey is the workinman's hero

[@TeddScheckler]

Oh yeah. $1199 amp for us regular Joes. 🙄

[@adams4244]

@@TeddScheckler no worries, I'm sure Guitar Center will sell you a nice Boss Katana within your budget! For the rest who know, Peavey has been delivering reliable and affordable sound for decades

[@brandt69420]

My Classic 20MH is my main gigging amp. I have tried them all and this amp is my favorite.

[@DMSProduktions]

I have 1 as well. GREAT amp!

[@PC85X]

Same. Sold my Hughes & Kettner and Blackstar. The classic 20H with a Vox 112 cab is my house rig. Love it.

[@DMSProduktions]

@@PC85X The only thing with the old 1s is the 'reverb' totally SUCKS!

[@leeasbury7273]

I have the 20mh also. Love it. Use my matching tweed 115E cab from the 90's. Reverb sounds good to me.

[@therewasascene]

Idk if it’s the same as the C30 reverb but if so then I love it. Traditional spring reverb it is not - but it’s very spacious.

[@BrianOboylemusic]

Sick open bend string at one minute five seconds

[@jnh73]

People gonna hate the amp because of the logo in spite of what comes out of that speaker. My goodness that sounds amazing! Have Peavey Classics always sounded like this and I just missed the boat? That said, not sure if this amp is worth $1,000 USD. Hmm...

[@mawhite5127]

I’d pay $1000 in a second if it was made in Meridian. Unfortunately, it’s not.

[@slartybartfast6526]

Are there other new all tube amps for less than $1,000? I noticed Gibson just released a 20 watt tube amp as well. The asking price is about $1,800.

[@thadlogan51]

I collect high end guitars and money is not an issue. One of my best friends collects guitars too... several Gibson custom shops, etc. and both of us primarily use Peavey classic 50 amps. I also have a classic 30. There are lots of great amps out there but not many that sound as full, warm, punchy, and clear as the classic 50. I like the 30 too because it's small, portable, and he plenty of clean headroom. I would take my 50 over my 30 but the 30 is great for portability. I'm interested in trying a 20 now for even greater portability. These amps since fairly similar to fender amps like the hot rod or blues DeVille... but I think the Peavey sounds less compressed... more natural... and mine were made in the USA... though the newer Peavey amps are made in Asia. I don't think you can get a better tone than you get in the Peavey just different depending on the tone you want...

[@Kaisermb1]

My first tube amp was a Classic 30. I played the crap out of that thing and wish I still had it.

[@jackprice7828]

Wow an LP with a Bigsby!

[@DougMen1]

This is basically the combo version of the Classic 20 Mini head that's been around for a few years now.

[@soonerscooter3249]

I had one of the old C20 combos it was a great amp I hope they fixed some of the design flaws

[@tonyhills2112]

I wonder if it ever seems ironic to John that he is a much better guitarist than some of the people he interviews.

[@stanknugget]

It never seems ironic to me when I’m interviewing someone I’m much better than.

[@jdfolbre]

John is a humble cat and knows we all love his tasteful playing

[@tonyhills2112]

@@jdfolbreAbsolutely!

[@billhannum4117]

He is better than most of them

[@tommckeown6970]

I was thinking the same thing. I don't know him personally but he must be a real good guy. He interviews many moderately talented people and makes them feel like a million.

[@jst601]

Looking forward to some chassis pics. Very curious as to *how* it's built.

[@cameronspears1386]

Dude that intro jam was sick

[@BaronsDuju]

Dude that intro song wad beautiful and amazing

[@TheLadsBandLive]

Was hoping to hear more about that LP. Dig the Bigsby and the mini humbucker in the neck. Also, where is the guitar strap connecting behind the heal of that tele?

[@koda1960]

Excuse me, sir! At 11:40 was that a little bit of "Humming Bird" riffery I heard? Fantabulous!

[@srh361]

12ax7 and ecc83 are the exact same tube.

12ax7 is ecc83 on the other side of the pond. only 3 of them in total

[@1man1guitarletsgo]

Is the covering real tweed, or patterned Tolex? I was disappointed to find the latter on a Classic 30 that I bought several years ago. I don't want to put Peavey down (I have a great 1989 Bandit), but if it looks like tweed, they should use tweed. That delay volume jump is something I've encountered with many different amps, both valve and transistor. Thang goodness for effect loops!

[@DreaNEO]

Bolinger does the best reviews and is an exceptional player

[@DDPAV]

I have the original 50 watt head and the 4x10 combo from the first year of production I picked up new. Out of my dozen other amps I've had since then, they're the only ones that have never been in the shop. The 4x10 still has the original tubes......... Not sure about the quality of the Chinese models, but the USA models from my experience were untouchable for reliability.

[@nmv881]

John looks like Dana Ashbrook aka Bobby Briggs from Twin Peaks, particularly season 3 (The Return).

[@timwzk1139]

Woo!

[@chucksguitarshop]

John, I have really enjoyed watching you coming up over the years but I have to ask? How do you make looking like you just woke up in the morning so cool?

[@The_Ricardo_Sa]

I have a Peavey Mini-Head 20 - with similar features. How does this compare? Any thoughts? Thanks

[@reijerlincoln]

Does it surf?

[@Cucumber_Jones]

I didn't know Steve Martin could shred! 🤘🏻

[@JV-nj1sb]

SM can on banjo!

[@jeffcooper3433]

You sould put transcripts for these. Do you have lesson book out?

[@darwinsaye]

That Deluxe is Sweeet too.

[@helpyouinfluence]

tone is like Blackberry Smoke in a box.

[@hansbricks6086]

Wish they would bring the Classic 50 back

[@linleechiun]

Peavey Classic 5, please 🎉

[@williamknell864]

With the front facing controls, is the chassis and circuitry of the amp more service friendly? The Fender Tweeds styled original classic series were pretty tough to deal with.

[@gooseabuse]

I was wondering the same thing, that taco shaped circuit board was a nightmare.

[@douglasaxtell]

What is the classical piece on the play out?

[@vadenk4433]

ECC83 is a 12AX7

[@zerosoma33]

I think I’m gonna legit trade my DSL20 in for this

[@heavynov]

Given that the amp sounds the way it does and John plays the way he does, I'm absolutely baffled by the choice to have abacking track of that quality at that volume all over the intro jam...

[@NotLeftarded1]

I have two amps a mesa boogie ace 112 and a peavey Delta Blues with a 115. I play the peavey more .

[@internetmoney221]

Handwired in Petaluma CA

[@johnkleeman2801]

Wonder if it’s the same factory building the new Gibson amps??

[@davidwoods358]

I think it was a Classic 30 I had about 35 years ago. I was to young and too stupid to realize what a great amp it was.

[@Clrwatrtom]

Is your tele equipped with a string pull? The upper boutique strap button looks like it might be a glaser.