Peavey Classic 30: Review, Tone Tips & More

[@juana1483]

I just saw one on offer up San Diego listed for $250. I contacted them right away and went to see it. It worked perfect. No hissing, or other bad noises. All the controls work. I waved 2 hundred dollar bills at the lad, and he took it!!! Dang, $200 for a great amp??? I'm beyond stoked!! Yah

[@2309612]

Great job lowballing! You should be proud.

[@michaelb.42112]

You just bought one of the most reliable, best sounding tube guitar amps EVER made.

[@DavidPerez-hi6ko]

Fantastic purchase! what year is the amp?

[@jimbojonezplanet]

Amazing amp, put your delay, modulation in the effects loop, and a volume box in the fx loop makes a great master volume for bedroom shredding

[@kevinvoisine152]

Guess he didn’t know what he had.

[@voxpathfinder15r]

My experience is when I was dating my last gf whose dad is a jazz trumpeter, his guitarist brought this amp to the gigs along with his big box jazz guitar. So it works great for jazz guitar

[@Boogieplex]

It’s been my experience that the absolute best tone out of a Peavey Classic 30 comes from the normal channel with the volume knob around noon and reverb at around 5 on the dial. Notes bloom and sustain and punches you in the gut.

[@HHHAAA111222]

I agree. Most of the time when I want dirt, I still use the clean channel with my Paisley pedal. You can get some 'classic' mid tones on the dirty channel with the mid boost depressed, bass all the way up, treble about 10:00 and mid at 11:00. Then, I convince myself that it's not all that and don't play it for months. Always come back tho!

[@DavidPerez-hi6ko]

Nothing quite like the voice of experience. Thanks brah!

[@annunacky4463]

I can’t run my 30 like that. It’s too loud and bright in a small room. I run clean at 3 ish and use the dirt channel with gain on 6-8 and volume down to keep it manageable. Works pretty well for me. I may try a volume pedal in the effects loop as some have said…

[@istvandejesus]

I would just be soooo happy if someday I could own one of those blue Telecaster on your wall. Just amazing.

[@shawnglass108]

I’ve had a Classic 30 for about 10 years now. My main amp is a Marshall 1962HW which is the best amp I’ve ever used. It, however is very hard to lug around. I have it in a road case on wheels which really helps but often I just grab my Classic 30 and go. It kicks ass! It will hold its own against almost anything for what it’s designed for classic rock and blues. Made in the USA too! I finally just had to have it completely retubed after a decade. Had them put JJ’s in it. Picking it up tomorrow. I can’t wait..

[@erikhartley2494]

I have an older USA model with the Blue Marvel speaker. I actually really like the tone; it seems a bit smoother than the stock speakers in the newer models. I have yet to gig with it but I have recorded it a few times and have been impressed. It’s a unique tone for sure. Takes pedals extremely well and is always tight in terms of feel.

[@lesjohns4359]

I had the Classic 20 when they first came out back in the 90s. It was a great little amp!

[@JimWalkerMusic]

YESSSS! FINALLY!!! THE JACK FOSSETT REVIEW I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR!!! #peaveyrocks #peaveyswangs #peaveyworks #peaveytwangs If I lived closer I would bring both my Classic 50s (410 / 212) and let you review them as well. I've tried other brands and do own a couple tube amps from Fender and Ibanez but if it's a "Paid Gig" the Peavey's have my back. Always have, always will.

[@ditchgator1]

Had one of those when they 1st arrived on the market. Had my amp tech install a half wattage switch so overdrive could be had easier at slightly lower levels. Can't remember what I did with it... Probably traded it sold it...?😉😎👍 Never gave me any trouble.😎👍

[@andyhightides]

The top mounted control panel collects too much beer, but other than that....

[@JackFossett]

That’s why so many of them have rusted out spots

[@MrMcflanigengaming]

Get the classic 50 or 100 head lol😂

[@RoyvanRikken]

Amps like this like beer.

[@DavidPerez-hi6ko]

This video is so helpful. I've had my Classic 30 since the early 90's. It's a tank! I've only had to change out the tubes. No other maintenance and it still sounds great!

[@michaelweinman9051]

7:06 roll back the volume knob on your guitar just a little bit .- makes a big difference - (especially a les paul) for a much sweeter sound. yep . love that. just love that.

[@thadlogan51]

Great video! I have a classic 50 2x12 and absolutely love it... very warm and clear... and strong. It's very heavy though so I am buying the 30 today. These are great for clean tones... very warm and clear... night and day compared to lets say a vox tube amp. They sound very similar to a fender blues deluxe but a little clearer sounding to my ear.

[@petarzutic1165]

Are they good pedal platform?

[@thadlogan51]

@@petarzutic1165pedals sound awesome through it. I also bought a classic 30 for practice since it's 10 times lighter and it is phenomenal. I honestly think they are a couple of the best sounding and well made non-boutique amps ever made. They have all of the right frequencies, punch, and clarity you could ever want. I just sold a blackstar HT 20 studio because it sounded dead fish in comparison..oh and a Boss katana 100. The classic 50 has a fuller more open sound because 2x12 and classic 30 more focused... both insanely good. And I've played every amp out there. My good friend bought a very expensive Marshall tube amp and still prefers his classic 50... and he can afford anything...has four Gibson custom shops, etc. The peavey classic amps sound very similar to the Fender blues deluxe or blues DeVille amps which are great too... but I don't think you are getting any more for your money with the fender...blues deluxe only has 1x12 which doesn't sound as full as the 2x12 on the classic 50... but still sounds great.

[@petarzutic1165]

@@thadlogan51 Thanks for the reply and the more than helpful review, I have to agree with everything that was said, the amp sounds great. i only had the opportunity to play it for a short time, it sounds better to me than the hot rod deluxe I tried a while ago, it just sounds right quality tube amplifier with a somewhat vintage sound, in other words, perfect, and the price at which it can be purchased is really low. It's definitely on my list.

[@thadlogan51]

@@petarzutic1165 I know a lot of people rip on the fender hot rod deluxe because it's a popular low price production amp... but I actually like them too... not as much as the peavey classic 30 and 50 or blues DeVille or deluxe for my playing style... but a lot of records have been recorded with them... they have some power, punch, warmth, reverb, and depth to them... but maybe could use a bit more clarity.

[@petarzutic1165]

@@thadlogan51 I agree with everything, it just lacks the clarity of a more classic vintage fender amplifier, and I actually realized that I like something that draws on the vintage more than the modern. The second thing I didn't like was how it received fuzz pedals, because I tried a friend's pro reverb silverface and I was amazed how it works with all kinds of pedals. But yes, hot rod is a modern good tube amplifier that does a job in every field.

[@JohnMacAulay-wc7gx]

Hi Jack. just a note that I really like your tone tip videos. I think I've watched them all. I appreciate the pros and cons and overall suggestions on how to dial them in. looking forward to your videos as always.

[@shawnglass108]

A lot of people do speaker swaps in this amp and I had planned on doing this when I bought it to hopefully eliminate the Spikey treble I knew was because of the speaker but I didn’t because this was my backup and I thought I would get by with it for a while. I started using the amp more and more because it is much more convenient than hauling around my Marshall 1962HW in a road case. As the Blue Marvel speaker has broken in the Spikey treble is almost completely gone and it sounds great on both channels. Try breaking the speaker in before you change it. I think it is a great speaker.

[@karambaai5619]

when i saved money for an nice tube amp, was searching for marshall and orange, tried all i could find around shops, and never found that sound i always wanted, until one day i found this gem, the guy in store told me its not even worth trying , when i did try even he was suprised of the tone , this amps has really some fun tone , plus it was pretty cheaper then the rest 30-40 watt tube amps, using pedals on it, i go with the modulation delay and reverb pedals in the fx loop , gain stage before , it works amazing , even tho it gets really rally hot, it never let me down and i heard the same from people who had it it longer time, love this amp think every guitarist need one

[@updem]

I used to have a 70's fender twin that I lugged to gigs and never needed a pa lol. I sold the twin and a few years later bought a classic 30. It's incredible. I love that I can run the clean channel with pedals that give me total tone control, or plug right in to the amp on the gain channel and get everything from bluesy drive to full rock gain. For a single speaker 30 watt you can still get a rumble you can lean back against. Excellent amp.

[@TooLooze]

I Loved my old generation classic 30, but it blew fuses regularly, and the chassis had to be pulled to change them. I bought a beater Delta Blues 115 and have loved it for about 5 years now.

[@ThePagus]

I own one of the early USA made. I use to run it adding a closed back extension cabinet, with strat and semi-hollows, always a blast.

[@jameskaihatu6209]

I have one (my second) and am getting it worked on right now. I agree with your assessment regarding its simplicity and straightforwardness as a gigging amp. The only thing that would give me pause taking it on the road as my only amp is its relative fragility. Unlike Marshalls or even Bugeras (where the tubes are sunk into the chassis housing somewhat), the tubes on the Peavey aren't mounted in a robust way and are subject to a lot of vibration from the speaker as well as from transit. The tube sockets can become damaged as a result. The older models also have a folded PCB that are horrific to work on.

[@TonyODonnell]

I have the Classic 30 and run it thru a Marshall 1960a 4x12 cab, it changes the sound completely. very much 80's Marshal sound light/heavy ROCK IF YOUR LOOKING FOR THAT SOUND, using it with an attenuator to unlock the full potential of the amp at bedroom levels, highly recommend it for anyone chasing a retro sound.

[@thedirtboys9139]

Are you using something like a JHS Black Box in the effects loop, or a real attenuator on the speaker out? If using a real attenuator, how are you disabling the amp's speaker?

[@TonyODonnell]

Ah yes, I'm using a real attenuator, Harley Benton PA 100, and there is a wire connection on the Blue Marvel speaker which only needs a screw driver to disconnect from the head, it now sounds very much like a Marshal but with a sweeter tone, it really unlocks the Classic 30s potential and I believe the new Classic combos come with a celestion speaker.@@thedirtboys9139

[@jjfjeff]

@@thedirtboys9139I also use this but with a 1960b. Just detach speaker wire. done

[@jeffcenters2073]

Enjoyed your video I purchased a Peavey Delta Blues 210 about 1 year ago it is USA made and I love it sounds great hidden gem in my opinion I paid 485 used I think I got a Great deal on a great American made amp 😎

[@JackFossett]

Very cool!

[@wz1musik]

I use this as my main gig amp. Really like it. I don’t use the OD channel as my foot switch doesn’t work so I use the clean channel and run pedals into it. Interestingly mine doesn’t have a standbye which I found odd for a tube amp.

[@yourmother3207]

Can't you get a new foot switch?

[@JuanReyes-ht1bd]

❤Love the review

[@ralphy6526]

I like the tone where you had the pre turned down and used the boost. Sounded good. I will try that on mine. Mine is a 2013 made in USA, really like this amp.

[@jimbojonezplanet]

I have a Classic 30 head, paired w a matched tweed single 15” Peavey Cab. it’s like a Delta Blues in that regard. Utilizing the fx loop for my delay, verb, chorus and phase 90 it’s a great amp. most of my tone shaping happens in my gain stage and I’m an always on compressor nerd. I like this amp because it’s not ice pick top end like most fender tubes I’ve played. maybe it’s the 15” 🤷‍♂️

[@HeleneLogan]

Great review. Bought a Classic 30 used years ago, and love the sound; it has a boutique amp presence to it-creamy, with loads of ‘breath’, imo. However a big concern to me is the design of the pc board- it’s ‘folded’ at a 90 degree angle with jumpers; just not what I would consider a good idea for something that gets hauled around! So I always bring a little Orange micro terror as a backup to gigs. Other design nits for me are: No standby switch Speaker connections are soldered, not clips (pia) No cage protecting the tubes (I bought one and installed as soon as I got the amp) The handle screws have loosened and fallen on the pc board, causing shorts (and happening in a recording session was really annoying). Dumb design there. So it’s a bit of a diva amp (like my old Not Rod Deville 4x10 was), but the fantastic tone keeps bringing me back. 😜

[@IGmeanwell]

I have a V1 Classic 30 that I bought in 1997, I gigged it for about 8 years and while the tubes need changing the amp has held up perfectly even though it’s been largely neglected for 26 years.

[@ondrejstedry6480]

perfect review, thanks

[@Bassguitarist1985]

The tone circuit is unchanged, but the reliability in the power section is improved such as 4 screen resistors instead of two resistors that were too small of a value. Also no more L shaped circuit boards, all on one board. The last USA made with the updated board design are real gems to have!

[@jr0706]

Six classic 30 was my very first tube amplifier and I regret trading it away for a blues junior. Hopefully I can find it a good used one for the right price.

[@littlerhodyguitar2169]

Good review I'm actually interested in one I seen used and this video really helped. Of course I gotta play through it and hear it in person but this was very helpful. Now I'll subscribe. ☮️❤️

[@To.Si.Ma.]

Nice one. Thanx Jack. I d love to see the Delta Blues with 15" too. They should only re-design the look of it.

[@texasbootlegger3752]

Nice review Jack! Tried a used one a few years back and a Palomino V32. I bought the V32. Both amps sounded good and both were in great condition.

[@JackFossett]

Those were great! I always got a ZZ Top vibe from them.

[@texasbootlegger3752]

@@JackFossett Not bad for a Crate.

[@TheBeachHound]

Traded a guitar for a 92 C30 with the foot switch back in the early 2000's. Used it for a good number of years. Giged it a few times. I actually used the full on lead channel for leads only. For rhythm, on the clean channel with the volume at 4 the amp does something strange and it gets ever so slightly dirty. Put a compressor before it to simulate a bit of sag and it was perfect with my PRS SE and the 92 MIM Frankentele. You could cover a lot of musical ground with these. Only stopped because the Katana came out and it was a lot lighter to haul to jams and I didn't have to worry about leaving it in the car a -20 or 110 F.

[@maurizioferegalli6850]

I got to know the Peavey amps through the sound of the famous Lynyrd Skynyrd and then through some guitarists who played the legendary Deuce VT212... Now I was just looking for a smaller, more versatile tube amplifier with these characteristics... After seeing this wonderful video I think the "Peavey Classic 30" is perfect for me!!! :-) Jack, you are great!

[@lorenzo6mm]

Love the Gold Top With the thin PUPs. Classic Thirty is All early to mid nineteen 60's. Kiig Curtis Jimi Hendrix Motown British Zep Who Beatles You name it In Stereo AMAZING!!!!!

[@leeasbury7273]

I have a classic 20 head run through an original matching tweed 115E cab and sounds awesome 👌. Got a classic 50 4x10 also. Owned a classic 30 about 15 years ago...my first tube amp. Love them all. But also love my Vox, Supro, Fender, Orange...some have come and gone but the Peaveys Vox Supro have stayed. Recently added a PRS HDRX 20. I think I'm good👍 now

[@waltjames407]

I have a 2003 Classic 30 that I got about a year and a half ago, it replaced a Classic 50 that I got tired of lugging around and getting yelled at for it being too loud. Classic 50 was a workhorse, but as for the 30 being a workhorse, it's already been damaged from a cable getting caught on the tubes due to the lack of any protection for them. I have since installed a piece of wood going across the back to protect the tubes, like almost all the old amps have. Hopefully that will solve the fragility problem. I call it the "DUH mod." As in, you need to protect the tubes, so put a piece of wood there like everyone else has already figured out...DUH. Also, the reverb is almost useless on mine due to the non-fixable 60Hz hum that comes from an extremely noisy power transformer being too close to the signal cables going to the tank. I had a tech spend as much time as he could stand on trying to tame the noise, but it's pretty much incurable and a known issue with the amp. I can sometimes use the reverb up to about 3 or 4 but beyond that, the hum is too noticeable. I like reverb for home practice, but I don't use it otherwise, so it's no biggie for me for the reverb to be janky. The tech I use is quite familiar with Classic 30s and is happy to work on them, but I hear they're actually a big pain to work on for a lot of techs due to the 3-dimensional PC board array. Which I've seen and would dread to mess with.

[@jonbauer4598]

Great review, put an Eminence private jack in my 30... the celestion vintage30 speaker I felt was too much speaker for this amp. Clean channel doesn't collapse, great for pedals... I just could never get the drive channel to sound good across a tele, strat and les paul. Definitely a great amp

[@green323turbo]

I had a classic 30 and found it muddy with a humbucker , never could get a good tone. Sold it and built a small custom el84 ( 2 tube) amp , and its amazing

[@MarkEBKNY]

You mentioned that the boost is footswitchable. I believe that’s incorrect. Thanks for the review, I’m watching after picking up one of these used and loving it so far

[@JackFossett]

It was footswitchable on mine. Possibly not on every model.

[@MarkEBKNY]

@@JackFossett interesting. I am actually waiting for a foot switch to arrive and hoping mine works this way as well, as I purchased without one. Do you remember how it switched? I believe the foot switches designed for it only have 2 buttons. Thanks !

[@annunacky4463]

My classic 30 (dual button) pedal only switches clean to dirt channel. Never got it to engage boost? It also says reverb on one button, but it doesn’t affect reverb either? Maybe I need to check it closer…

[@MarkEBKNY]

Following up: I have a 2-button footswitch now, and it changes channels with one button and toggles reverb on/off with the other button. The boost isn’t foot-switchable. I believe I have a 2009 model Classic 30.

[@JackFossett]

My model had multiple footswitch jacks - one was for reverb and the other was for channel/boost. I imagine that may not have been standard on every Classic 30 iteration.

[@TheOldFlyguy]

Having the hardest time finding a bedroom amp that can deliver both a good crunch and full out distortion. I'd use it in a smaller studio (not bedroom) so it doesn't need to be terribly loud unless I take it out. I've read it get 'harsh' when the gain is dialed up. True? The type of distortion I don't care for are Fender and even orange amps. Do you find the distortion and crunch tone similar to other amps? Hard to get a real sense on youtube. You do a GREAT job. Keep it up.

[@graemero5532]

Great demo Jack. I always think cheap metal when I think Peavy, but I like the voice of this amp.

[@JackFossett]

Yeah I think alot of people have that reaction -- even the logo just screams "80s weekend warrior," but the classic and Delta Blues amps are really good. Actually some of their higher gain tube amps are great too just not my cup of tea.

[@johnperiard9594]

Any thoughts of the Classic 50 410? Great video!

[@kq6up]

Pretty much nailed my Peavy.

[@glendoggett9670]

Nice playing!

[@ryj2848]

I have a Peavey valve king and considering a trade for a 90s model of a classic 30. Decisions!

[@alexledford4747]

Oh gosh, that Tele needs a black pickguard! It's so beautiful with the white/gold but a pop of black would make it look like a Tuxedo 🤙🏼

[@fatsuperfly]

Been looking at an amp that can cover lots of basis, I think this is the one. I do like high gain, but I feel I can put a pedal in front and get in the realm of it. But mostly want some cool cleans and break up. Didn’t want to buy another tube amp that 100 watts and one trick pony, plus I’ve gotten older, and can’t blast it, so lower wattage is also what I’ve been looking for. Just saw they released a new version, has 2 vs 4 tubes I think, but you can record with it too. Idk if it will sound as good, som I’m waiting for more reviews on it. Haven’t seen em around my shops, so just waiting to snag one, but I kinda want one as my next tube amp. Been playing with vsts, they are cool, but sometimes you want that organic thing, easier. Just let me plug and play.. I’ll note I did play these and always impressed, like I do love my high gain, but I loved the sounds!

[@gregzen7896]

at 9:48 what was going on there? super static

[@craigchapman6613]

Great amps, I prefer my Wampler Ego compressor on 40%, and 4 gain pedals all leaning into each other through the clean channel. Dan Huff and Jeff Carlisi played most of their 80/90s recordings with Peavey Classics and even Eddie Van Halen developed his 5150 brown sound from this amp

[@ferpirata76]

Hi. I have a peavey valve king royal 8 (5 watts). It sounds very good. There’s a guy selling the classic 30 at a very reasonable price. I play in my house and I have neighbors so I cant play loud. If I have to play at a low volume will I notice a difference in quality?(specially in clean tones). Thanks a lot for your time and help. As always, great review.

[@JonRayRunawayVealMusic]

I want to temporarily try an external speaker . How would Keep the clips from touching each other and use only the output jack on the back of the classic 30. Both speakers would make sound unless I disconnect the internal speaker. Any method you can think of to keep those wires safe for re-use /reconnecting the internal speaker after trying an external speaker cab only ! Any help is appreciated. I don’t want to put sticky tape on the internal speakers wires …just need a method to keep them from knocking into anything inside the amp ??

[@jamiemascola6614]

I tried one of these out at length years ago. I was looking for something smaller than the 50W BF Bassman I'd been gigging at the time. And a friend of mine recommended one of these. It was cool. They have their own sound, and could cover a fair number of bases. But ultimately I passed because though it could create a number of workable to good tones, there really isn't a single great sound in the thing. It always sounds and feels over-refined and kind of idiot-proof (aka compressed). The shared EQ between channels effectively makes this a 1-channel amp. Because each channel requires fairly different EQ settings to be viable. One lesser known goblin about these amps is that they are painfully difficult to service (awful 3 board layout). So much so, that many techs will simply refuse to work on them. If you can find one, the OG classic 20 combo is a much better amp in all regards.

[@colkrakers1987]

Anyone else hear that high pitch buzzing in the background when overdrive channel was selected, Was that the amp or the recording?

[@clemdog76]

They have this elusive depth and 3 dimensional effect. A Gretsch would sound epic with this rig

[@arthurnawrath6701]

Great Amp! Peavey Delta is also Fantastic!

[@TommyRogersAlabama]

I have a V1 Classic 50. Does this one have the original speakers?

[@sixtofranco6248]

Hi, I have the classic 30 and it sounds great, but when I'm at volume four it starts to clip, it's supposed that if it's a tube amp it doesn't clip until volume #7, I want your opinion on it, I don't know if return it or not.

[@waltjames407]

The fact that a Classic 30 begins clipping at a lower volume is what I really like about it. Gives me the sound without having to go to ludicrous volume. Starting to clip around 4 sounds about right. It's not for everyone, but it suits me nicely as someone who prefers not to use pedals most of the time. It's a nice, tubey organic compressed sound on both channels.

[@thomashaley5284]

Make a video on the Peavey Renound from the late 70's, early 80's. They were heavy, but they had balls. Why doesn't anyone make a video on the Peavey drums? They were only made for 6 or 7 years here in Mississippi. I have one of the earliest sets, the RBS-1s. Don't even worry about the cheap crap that was made over seas, show us some of the kits built here in the US. They were different, but they were great!!

[@maxwellbowden9961]

Hi Jack. Is that the Blue marvel in your amp mate? Nice tones. My C30 still has the original BM, seems to sound good to me and others. I also had a small mod done where the tech changed the cap at C18 in the tone circuit?. Good look at the old girl. Thanks

[@joeinterrante7873]

Jack do you think the Peavey sounds sweeter than the Fender amps? Make sense?

[@JeremyLeech]

Put a Creamback in mine. It rips. Got a great deal at music go round like 5 years ago. Traded in some stuff and ended up paying $15

[@TomaszKalusMusic]

I've just bought one a couple of months ago, I don't have it at home because I don't want to transport it every time to the rehearsal space, especially at winter when there would be significant temperature shock, probably not great for the tubes etc. I've played a gig with it once and I like it, but one thing that bugs me is that the high end sounds very harsh, have you noticed it? I play my Jazzmaster through it and I'm using Boss GT-100 as a pedalboard (amp sims bypassed) in four cable configuration, but I'm having like bass on 8, mids on 8, and highs on 2, and it stills kinda pierces my ear. Is it the speaker or is it a matter of EQ pedal? Or maybe it's supposed to sound like that (tbh it's my first tube amp, and I've been playing Boss GT-100 amp sims like 99% of the time).

[@Stratisfied22]

Sounds like a better speaker may make the difference.

[@El-Scorcho]

I've been really curious about these! How do you think they compare to the Fender Bassbreaker? I'm torn between these two as my next amp

[@JackFossett]

I only have limited experience with Bassbreakers, but what I've played I was very impressed with -- I think it would be a great comparison

[@stratosexual1329]

The Bassbreaker is a cool amp but they are extremely noisy. Also for some reason they seem to have quality issues. However they sound great while playing. And the 30w has a effects loop.

[@voxpathfinder15r]

Bassbreaker amplifiers are awesome, they’re just a mess to work on. The repair bill will probably be as much as the purchase price

[@e1Skeleto]

I have Classic 30 USA, Bassbreaker 15w and 30w. I thought I'm going to sell my Classic 30 after I got Bassbreakers. I've changed my mind. They are all good amps, it depends what music you play. Classic is a true workhorse and is perfect for gigging. Cuts well through the mix and it doesn't sag that much like Bassbreaker. If you want Fender classic clean and high gain Marshall sound, go for Bluesbreaker 30w but it's bigger than Classic 30 and somehow it doesn't cut through the mix as Classic. But to be honest nothing compares to Classic when it comes to that.

[@mattgilbert7347]

I have a Bassbreaker15. It *sounds* great but is extremely difficult to service, barring basic stuff like tube change, speaker swap, replacing input jack, FX loop jacks, etc. Fender designed the Bassbreaker series along the Blackstar business model for affordable amps. Sounds good, will last a few years, if it goes on you - landfill.

[@orjanolsson9577]

The only amp that gave me moore than my Peavy 30 was the Fender cyber twin. But the cyber twin was to big and heavy, so I sold it.

[@mattgilbert7347]

How does this compare to your Laney VC30? I always thought those two amps had quite a bit in common, the EL84 "thing" being one of them. We used to see Classic 30s everywhere here in Australia, not so much anymore. They are becoming sought-after combos, prices increasing accordingly. I grabbed a couple of VC30s (one a clone, the other a UK 2x10 model) and couldn't be happier. Really inexpensive, quality amps. Love that white Tele!

[@JackFossett]

I’d actually think a closer comparison to this is the Mesa Studio 22 - even though it’s EL84s it still sounds more American clean and more Marshall like on the drive channel. The Laney to me is 100% Vox. Like, what Vox should be making.

[@mattgilbert7347]

@@JackFossett That's *really* interesting. Never had the pleasure of that Mesa Studio 22! I have a UK-made VC30 2x10" and those Jensen speakers make a significant impact on the tone. In comparison, I also have a "Strauss" branded clone of the VC30 with their take on a 70/80 called a "V-Lux" speaker. It's the same amp Harley Benton released several years ago, just rebranded as HB. Henning Pauly did a demo. The Jensens give the 2x10" a bright, airy, Fender-ish feel on top of the Vox core clean tone. The clone with the 70/80 sounds like what I imagine The Edge uses in his bedroom :) There's a growl to the 2x10, when overdriven, that resembles a few tones I'm hearing in this video.

[@mattgilbert7347]

I got to play through a Mesa Studio 22! Loved it.

[@spider5001]

Hey I used to have one once upon a time. Mine used to get ridiculously hot.

[@kevindurkin3864]

Mine too, and it was noisy. Some great sounds though.

[@AlphaPackBoi]

I kinda see what you're trying to do with the tone just trying to get some breakup for some bluesy riffs. I use an orange but that thing should do the job just fine. Sounds very bright and very hot sounding. Definitely can tell the difference between British tone and american tone

[@Lowtech14]

For a non-recording amp this video sure sounded good 🙂

[@twoguncorcoran4733]

I tried a Texas Heat speaker vs Blue marvel with good results. Also, others seem to hate the drive channel but I've found that keeping the preamp drive back around 9 o'clock, then putting keeley red dirt overdrive pedal in front set at ZERO drive (or lower drive) for a little boost... It colors the drive channel nicely and doesn't get grainy whatsoever. I have also tried a TS9 but the keeley is hands down better. to me at least..... For home use try a JHS little black box volume pot in the effects loop, you can then crank the post gain up to 2-3 o'clock or more... Really fills out the sound at modest volume. Happy wife, happy life...Great video!

[@aldito7586]

This amp sounds killer. Hartley Peavey has always made great quality, great sounding amps at a Human beings price. I have a Peavey VB-MA Michael Anthony bass amp. You want to talk tone?

[@Bassguitarist1985]

Very rare amp to have! How did you acquire it and how do you like it? What tubes you running?

[@ianfatbudgie]

The Classic 30 was a great little amp,but for recording. It’s 100% not “a gigging workhorse.” As others have said, they’re very delicate. They sound brilliant, but won’t withstand being thrown in the back of the car, tripping the fuses in some badly wired pub, or the drummer switching it on without checking the volume is turned down first. As a repair man who deals with name acts on the pro circuit told me, “leave it set up in the studio, and don’t move it. Switch it on at the start of the session, and leave it on ‘til the end of the day.”

[@kuttermclaughlin3631]

What?!?!? You mean the ones made overseas right? I live in Mississippi where these things were originally made and there’s an absolute ton of them around for basically nothing-could always easily find them for a couple hundred bucks. Absolutely everyone had them coming up, every guitarist I played with had one(including myself). We treated them like an afterthought, throwing them around not ever even dreaming of buying a road case for a peavey amp! We were leaving them in the bed of trucks overnight, got rained on, dropping them regularly, spilling beer and soda on the control panel…. Yet I never saw one die and this is hundreds of hours of playing live and many many more practicing.

[@motoki1]

I had a Classic 50 212 and while it was tough, the amp never sounded right to me. I once ran a Marshall preamp through it and it sounded glorious, so I’m not a fan of the tone stack on the Classic 50.

[@aknevrnky]

Any option to change output power? Some amps have 1W, 10W, 30W switch. Asking for something like that. Thanks

[@Germanmarkar]

For this, an attenuator is used. Connected between amplifier and speaker.

[@leeasbury7273]

The 20watt head has those attenuator options on back

[@voxpathfinder15r]

Put a compressor into the effects loop!

[@FransvandenBergeMuziekschuur]

It even does the Marshall tone. OMG.

[@ewljr]

Is this the made in China one?

[@bakkels]

As we all know, Peavey makes great sounding, great quality amps. And at reasonable prices. But my god, even when using tweed, they really just can't help themselves and make em look tacky, even borderline ugly as well 😄

[@JKM395]

Let me reiterate something he said but glossed over. This puppy is loud. Anything short of a stadium, and you're probably good. I bought mine from a guy that got it looking for an amp to play in his apartment. That is not at all what this amp is for.

[@xuclemens4816]

Is this made USA or China?

[@blackdogleg]

Close to 30 years with my classic 20 combo. Never will part with it.

[@GreggBennett-j3p]

I have a more ‘classic’ peavey classic 30. Early 90’s, I think. It has always sounded like shit. Like really shitty. Here are my complaints. Muddy lows. Ice pick highs. Muddled sounding chords. Usually amps tend toward mud or ice pick, but this baby manages to be both muddy and ice picky at the same time. Nice job peavey. Biggest complaint is that chords sound almost out of time. Really ugly. It’s also super sensitive to power tubes. Don’t get me started on all the tube swaps I’ve done. Currently using JJ’s. I’m considering a speaker change. Clean channel is less ugly, but still ugly. For reference, my amps throughout my life have been predominantly fender and Ampegs. Current amps are an early 70’s Princeton, early 60’s Ampeg Reverberocket 2, and a 60’s Vibroluxe. I play mostly cleanish tones, but do rock out often enough. I’m honestly at a loss as to what to do with it. Amp tech I know (A list tech, so don’t even go there) said ‘it sounds like all classic 30’s’. Maybe I’m just not a classic 30 guy.

[@dangitdan9938]

They’re great till it needs a repair or service. Damn near impossible to get to the PCBs in it, poorly designed.

[@scottraycraft5151]

rebuild the entire amp, hardwired...or its nothing but problematic...at least with the TWO that ive owned...proprietary caps are CRAP...

[@Alfgunnarp]

Great sounding amp, it`s just not very reliable :(

[@e1Skeleto]

I never, ever heard such statement regarding Classic 30. In fact people buy it mostly because they are indestructible, loud and relatively small. They also sound fantastic in a band setting. A lot of amps sound fantastic in your bedroom, but once you are at the stage, you are lost in the mix. This bad boy will never let you down

[@Alfgunnarp]

@@e1Skeleto I might just have been unlucky with mine, but I have also read a lot about it failing. And that is not to diss on the amp, because I think it sounds great!

[@RickFoxx777]

No offense but too much talk not enough review. Also, I really like peavey amps but after seeing what the company did to their employees on underCover Boss (I checked it and was all true) I will NEVER buy another peavey item again...I also sold what I had. BOOO Peavey Boooo.

[@papadavewatson]

It is a piece of crap! Get you wallet out and be ready to fix it often.

[@MarkEBKNY]

Thank you for clearing that up! @jackfossett