THE BEST SOLID STATE TONE EVER - PEAVEY RED STRIPE BANDIT

[@RickyReillyMusic]

2:07 CORRECTION: The Tube Screamer is not an asymmetrical clipping device. The article I attached gets that wrong and led me astray. The OD-1 had asymmetrical clipping. Sorry for the confusion.

[@albinoviper2876]

my very first amp 2nd was a line 6 Spider 2 2x10

[@richardlasner7653]

I was the Amp Product Manager at Peavey when we developed the Transtube silver stripe lineup. When I first started in '92, James Brown, Peavey's amp designer, who had just come off of designing the 5150 amps, wanted to see if I had the "ear" to work with him on the Transtube amps. He had me play through a pile of solid state and tube amps and tell him what I heard. He was looking to see if I could pick up on the essential after-thump or resonance from a tube amp- that "suck-in" of the low end after you hit it hard. His ear was and is amazing. He hears stuff no on else I know can hear. He's currently the amp designer at Fender for the 5150 line of amps. BTW, an industrial designer at Peavey back then, Bob Hopkins and I developed the silver stripe cosmetics that debuted with the Trans Tube line. I wish I had video of all the fights and shouting matches we went through as Hartley was rightly concerned that changing up the look from the old chicken head logo and wide aluminum vertical slates on the front would make his amps look too much like everyone else's.

[@RickyReillyMusic]

No way that’s amazing!!! I have so many questions for you. How long were you there?

[@richardlasner7653]

I was at Peavey from 1992 through August of 1995, when I left to run Modulus Guitars in San Francisco. At Peavey, I was in charge of the guitar and bass amps and guitars and bass development.

[@TheXxPSYCHO]

Did you know an electrical engineer called Paul Stevens?

[@hartlee1160]

The sliverstripe transubes and ultra 112 combos are my favorite looking combos

[@RichLasner]

Doesn't ring a bell. Back when I was at Peavey, we had many engineers who helped bring an amp to market. It's been a while, so I'm not surprised that his name didn't register.

[@nj1255]

2:07 The Tube Screamer had/has symmetrical soft-clipping. It was the Boss OD-1 (and later SD-1) that had asymmetrical clipping.

[@RickyReillyMusic]

You are correct, thanks for the correction. Apparently old Hartley peavey got that wrong in his article and led me astray.

[@vespass225]

Also, tube amps do not clip assymetrically like some kind of default. If you take for instance a well tuned Class A amp, it will not clip assymetrically.

[@hipihei]

Yea..standard 'fender' tube amp amplifying stage always emits some 2nd harmonic overtone even though driven squeaky-clean. The harder one drives the cascaded stages the more they emit harmonics. Eventually some stages eg. phase inverter hard clips. Power amp compresses and powersupply sags..also the output transformer does it's own peculiarities in bandwith and saturation domain depending on how hard it's driven. And all have their time constants. It's the complex combination of 'badness' of the circuits that gives tube amps their dynamic characteristics. Also, on the next day they'll be slightly different.. They have properties that are truly hard to mimic.. The sound can be had from many solid state circuits but they have different dynamics. I think it's mostly personal preferences whether one or the other fits one's playing style. Both can have very good sound. Also if one goes into metal preamp high gain sound territories, the differences between tube amps and ss amps are mostly size and weight related..and in that case i would go gigging with good in-ear monitor system and fully ss preamp and a cabinet sim.. However, if i'd need to go for more bluesy/hippie/roots/etc. gig then most likely i'd take some nice sounding dynamic tube amp.. On a limited amount of hauled equipment and smaller gig (no good iem mix available) i'd might just go some ss amp route..well why not some lighter end tube combo amp like eg. some 5w dsl marshall as well..😅

[@obdmpod]

I just bought one of these again, a few months ago. They are a great bang for the buck. Put an EQ in the FX loop and you can really dial in pretty much anything

[@RickyReillyMusic]

That’s a pro move right there!

[@geraldpinkerton6412]

In the late 90’s I had some financial trouble & had to sell my Marshall half stack. After I got my finances straightened out, I needed to buy a new amp, but my funds were limited. I went to my local shop & tried out a bunch of combos, but the tube ones were too expensive. They asked me to try the new Peavy Bandit. My first amp was a Peavey solid state & I knew the distortion in it sucked, & a former band mate had an older Peavey Bandit, & the distortion sounded bad on his too. But I tried this new Transtube amp & couldn’t believe it! The distortion sounded great! It sounded just like tubes! So I bought it, & it became my gigging workhorse for years! I even bought the Transtube Supreme half stack. I’ve moved on to different amps over the years, but my son still has my Bandit. Best solid state amp I’ve ever had. I think they were the first to really nail down proper tube tone in a solid state amp!

[@RickyReillyMusic]

That’s an awesome story thanks for sharing it! Those bandits and supremes can really hang with the best of em!

[@The2ndProtectsTheRest]

I've had my Script logo Bandit since 2000, and it lives comfortably with all of its tube amp roommates in my collection.

[@billyarbrough291]

My Peavey Studio Pro 112 amp, from late 90’s, still sounds killer today. Especially, with a Boss e7 band EQ in the effects loop. This amp produces some great hard rock metals tones too. Thanks for sharing.

[@RickyReillyMusic]

No problem! Is yours the silver stripe?

[@billyarbrough291]

@ yes

[@vinlander8484]

Does yours have the blue marvel speaker?

[@billyarbrough291]

@ yes it does.

[@msh6865]

​@@billyarbrough291do you think there is any benefit in changing the Blue Marvel out for a Celestion or Eminence?

[@Gayden9090]

I had the studio pro version of this amp. Was my first real amp and served me well for over a decade.

[@RickyReillyMusic]

I’ve got one of those too! Gonna review it soon as well. Awesome amp.

[@hartlee1160]

@@RickyReillyMusic have you tried the same speaker in both the studio pro and bandit? I'm trying to decide between the two in my area right now

[@dragan4658]

I've had this red stripe model and a USA made silver stripe also. Both were/are very nice amps. I sold both and replaced them with a Fender hotrod deluxe and a Catalyst 60 which I replaced with the Catalyst 100 watt, love the 100 watt amp! Anyone with the bandit series amps has a gem! Thanks for the video!

[@RickyReillyMusic]

No problem thanks for telling me about your cool amps!

[@picazzo5150]

I had a Bandit in the 80s. Was great.

[@RickyReillyMusic]

Right on man!

[@twosons5290]

My first amp was a Bandit 112 That thing took a beating and always worked.

[@RickyReillyMusic]

They’re solid as anything man!

[@johnfields8745]

This was the first Bandit that I was fortunate enough to work on. We basically took the Silver Stripe and took about 10dB of noise out of the preamp. We also made it as homely as possible on purpose. It was the last American made Bandit and it was the first amp that I got an award for at NAMM with James Brown, Ronnie Goss, and Mark Hays.

[@varixclub]

I've got this same amp (bought it sometime in the nineties) and it has never let me down. I do all my recordings with a mike in front of it and I've always been satisfied. And thanks to your video now I even know why! 😊

[@RickyReillyMusic]

Man I’m so glad to help and spread the bandit appreciation! I bet your recordings sound epic.

[@chucklee347]

Yep yep and yep. I have a red stripe Peavey Envoy 110. And a teal stripe Peavey Bandit 112 with stock scorpion speaker. I'm 55 yo been playing guitar since I was 10 yo. Over the years especially back when. So many have heard me playing this or that. Or have seen video on cell phone. Not one has ever said that sure sounds solid state to me. Most can't believe it when they compliment my tone and ask what is it.😮

[@RickyReillyMusic]

That’s some Bill nye the science guy stuff!

[@glenclifton4563]

I've got one just like yours and i love it!! A music store in Dayton Tn. put it on line about five years ago for $150. So I drove straight up there and brought it home. Can't beat it.

[@RickyReillyMusic]

Not a bad deal at all! I miss the days when everyone unanimously hated peavey so everything was $100. Sadly those days are gone 😕

[@Bryan-jd7os]

​@RickyReillyMusic i remember those days! 😂

[@frankwren8215]

I still have a Rage 158, it was my first amplifier as a kid. Brilliant amp. I've even used it as a backup at rehearsals.

[@RickyReillyMusic]

I bet that thing still sounds great!

[@frankwren8215]

@@RickyReillyMusic Literally auditioned a bass player while using it 2 days ago. Still going strong!

[@JamesDavis-jq3yi]

Great tones! The key to this amp and the earlier silver stripe is how you use those sweeping t-dynamics and presence knobs together in the different settings. I was sad to see that feature gone from the most recent Bandit.

[@RickyReillyMusic]

It really is a shame they went to the three way switch for the t dynamics. I still want a newer silver panel bandit though.

[@pythonflying]

I had a Peavey Musician amp from ‘81, a decent ss head and very loud. It had the phaser built in. The other guitarist in our band had a Peavey Mace with six power tubes. The Musician kept up with that amp.

[@lukam3699]

Very good explained ! at the age of 69 and playing many tube amps over the years , I would like to tell you my experience. I have 3 Bandits, 2 Red Stripe, one with the unlabled stock speaker, one with the Eminence Texas Heat ( thank you Shane ;-) and one Silver Stripe the newest one with an Celestion Green Back. These amps sounds really great and you can play from nice clean sounds to ACDC, Van Halen whatever you want without a pedal only using the volume knob my Wolfgang guitar. The Silver Stripe I'm using with a Boss GT100 and a Vox AC30 simulation in the return input and the sounds get's very close to the original played on my old japanese Strat. I sold all my amps, except my JVM205.......... but it's not fair to compare these both amps. But all in want to say is Thank you for the music Mister Hartley Peavey well done Lutz

[@cavanray5327]

One other thing is the transtubes like volume and the feel changes according to volume and where you set T.Dynamics. This affects both channels, not just the clean. Don't just rely on the pregain, set the T.Dynamics and crank the post. I put a celestion redback in my redstripe and it's a monster, thick and smooth with punch and that celestion grind.

[@RickyReillyMusic]

You are correct!

[@Nothing-zw3yd]

Peavey amps were big in my neck of the woods in the late 80's and early 90's. I had a Peavey Minx bass amp I got in I believe 1986, traded it for a Backstage 110 about 5 years later, what a great little guitar amp. My favorite by far though was the XXX I got in 2002, just killer. Another amp I wish I'd held onto. My best friend back then (still to this day) got a Renown 400 around 1988, everybody was jealous. I've been trying to find one locally for a little while to surprise him with.

[@RickyReillyMusic]

I’ve got a renown I’m gonna review. Killer amp dude!!! I believe they were jealous haha.

[@baabaabaa-El]

I bought a Renown from a Cash Converters in Australia 15yrs ago... The spkrs are a bit sterile (imo) sounds great with a tube pre-amp in the front end.

[@junbu8958]

My friend had a Peavey amp and it sounded so good to me the distortion was just what you wanted, I play the bass but definitely remember that amp

[@RickyReillyMusic]

Nice to get a little love for the peavey stuff from the bass players! Peavey made wicked gnarley bass amps back in the day.

[@milohoffman274]

The 1980s Peavey Renown is one of the best rock amps ever made.

[@RickyReillyMusic]

I’ve got one and I can agree to this! Love that amp. Gonna review it soon.

[@randypittman4994]

I had one of those big ol suckers also it sounded dang good. I believe mine had a 15 inch speaker in it.

[@dorzsboss]

You misunderstood a lot. Tube screamer clips symmetrical, and the essence of the tubescreamer is the frequency dependent current feeback in the poweramp section. That does the magic.

[@RickyReillyMusic]

You are correct about the tubescreamer, but that’s what Hartley wrote in the article 🤷‍♂️ guess he was confused.

[@briandietrich1373]

Peavey made great gear and people always just piled on them. Made in USA, affordabel, great tone , and people just beat the heck out of them. Love Peavey USA!

[@RickyReillyMusic]

Couldn’t agree more.

[@charlesharper7292]

Lead with modern gain at 25 sounds really good.

[@RickyReillyMusic]

Agreed! I’m biased though haha

[@bobrush4217]

I had an early 80s Bandit 65 solid state amp. Its only shortcoming was the lead channel. When I hooked it up to a TS-9 it sounded phenomenal. Years later, in the 90s, i got a tweed Peavey Classic 50 2x12. My Gibson SG sounded so good without any pedals. I regret selling that amp. It was perfect for classic rock.

[@DR._PAUL]

The early eighties Bandit with the blue pull knobs and a Scorpion was one of my first good amps. Obviously that was before transtube, but I loved that amp, and Peavy brought it in at a price I could afford. I went from that to Marshalls, but I can't say enough about how glad I was to have that amp before I could afford a Marshall. It was inspiring, and two guitarists sporting that same amp was a kicking sound for a rock band. The overall tone had a lot to do with the Scorpion. Its overall frequency focus was not high treble, but, I thought a bit more lower mid range than a lot of amps. In my opinion, it wasn't in the way of the vocals and could really tackle rhythm sounds with a good bass thump, as back picking was pretty common in the eighties and it held an exceptional rhythm with muting and back picking a bass note. I can remember people listening and saying, how are you getting all of that sound out of that little amp? It might just have a lot to do with the fact that I am just that good!!!....LOL. Seriously, it was a great little amp, and I was glad to have it.

[@RickyReillyMusic]

The Scorpion speaker definitely made it unique!

[@AllofJudea]

I had the silver strip. Loved it. Also I don't mind if they identify as tubes, just stay away from the baby amps.

[@RickyReillyMusic]

😂 I sold my silver stripe and regret it honestly. I had the extension cab too.

[@joerobertson795]

Well payed Sir. Very well played.

[@kellytostada9949]

Transtubes don't prey on baby amps, you're thinking of churchtubes.

[@Dawnseeker]

Hilarious

[@davidmaho]

I have a Renown last 80s, a Envoy and Bandit both red stripe...i love all, are great for all Country styles!

[@RickyReillyMusic]

Right on!

[@TheTwangKings]

I used to look down on smaller versions these amps, until i tried one. Bought another one right away. Love them 💕 ❤️ 💓

[@GRBAquatics]

Very Cool, Thankyou. Awesome Demo/Review video and Awesome Amp. I got into electric guitar at 50 about 10 years ago (played occasional acoustic before that). Was completely blown away at awesome quality of gear available, Budget, New or Used on marketplace etc. Picked up a Peavey Rage 158 super cheap local to me and was Instantly a Peavey fan. Co-incidentally the next week or so a Peavey 'Red Stripe' Bandit became available local to me for even cheaper. OH MY. The Bandit is Just Amazing. Such an Amazing Sound.... I have never experienced anything like that. Maybe too loud for my 'Suburban' home practice amp, (lol) BUT .... SO awesome for 'special' occasions lol. All The Best. Cheers

[@RickyReillyMusic]

Right on! Just just turn the volume down and let it rip! That’s the beauty of solid state. They sound good at any volume.

[@APlagueOfButterflies]

I wish i had this one when i was 15, but back then for me it was a DOD American Metal pedal in front of a Peavey Bandit 65. It's still around too, no matter what I did I couldn't kill that Scorpion speaker.

[@RickyReillyMusic]

They’re indestructible dude!

[@davidqueen5098]

I was given one of these beauties in the’90s and you have totally taught me a lot, cheers. I can’t wait to try them 🎸

[@RickyReillyMusic]

That’s what I’m talking about man!! Glad to help. Let me know how it goes with the amp.

[@charlesb7831]

I had this amp, I liked it, I sold it because I also have the Teal stripe and honestly preferred the Teal stripe. I also have a Peavey stereo chorus 2x12 Teal stripe as well, and that is a fantastic amp, one of my favorites and took me 25 years to finally get one lol. I mix my amps together through a Radial JD7 Injector rack unit. So from the pedalboard, to the JD7 injector, I have a 1990 Carvin X-50B with 4x12 cab, 1989 Marshall JCM800 4010 combo, Peavey stereo chorus 2x12 and the Peavey Bandit. Together they all sound fantastic and the frequency spread is amazing!

[@RickyReillyMusic]

That sounds epic! I’ve got the teal stripe classic chorus and it sounds killer. It needs some love though. Still kicking like 40 years on though!

[@charlesb7831]

@RickyReillyMusic oh my Stereo chorus was in rough shape, the guy use to gig it for years up northern Manitoba, then he had it in the garage for storage for a few years. Clearly some damp storage and really dirty. So I stripped it down, spray out the pots, put it back together and it's just an awesome amp with some history. My Marshall JCM800 4010 combo, that one I was lucky enough to have Zakk Wylde signed it, another fantastic amp. Cheers!

[@RickyReillyMusic]

@@charlesb7831that’s so rad! How did you get him to sign it?

[@charlesb7831]

@RickyReillyMusic it was a "meet & greet ". The security at the store were being a-holes, said he wouldn't sign it and told me to put it in the corner till I was done, so I did. They also said no pictures. So as soon as he seen my son, he put him on the table and told us we were taking a picture lol. So when I was walking away after we "meet", I picked up my amp and walked by making sure he seen it, I stopped us and said, I'll sign that lol. That was back in 2007, still have it and I swapped out the Celeston Wolverine speaker for an Eminence DV-77 speaker. Sounds wicked!

[@mikerevis6439]

LOVE Teal stripe era. Have several. The Supreme is fun, everything looks bandit, but 160 watts into a Scorpion with the biggest dang magnet assembly... those high power scorpions are amazing. Find a pair for your stereo chorus, it will still be way to heavy, even heavier now. But omg...

[@ksimm1986]

Agreed...that's the one i used for guitar lessons. I couldn't believe how good it sounded..

[@RickyReillyMusic]

It’s insane right? Such value for money.

[@TheLexluthier]

I like the red stripe Peavey TT amps. I usually run the gain channel in vintage mode as that mode aligns with my tastes. The old Lab amps were also cool sounding. The Peavey is capable of more drive than the Labs (input #2 is hotter than input #1 on the Lab amps). Old Pearce SS amps like the G1/G2 were really cool too, but they were really expensive back in the day. I had a G2 back in the late 80's and sometimes miss that amp. Dan Pearce worked at Moog as an amp engineer, he started working on the G1 design as a replacement for the L series, but that was when the plug got pulled on the Lab amps, so he went on to make the G1's himself. There was a time when all the USA tube production shut down, and before Russian and Czech tubes were available in the US. There was some concern about the viability of tube amp production for a time.

[@RickyReillyMusic]

I agree with you. I prefer the vintage voicing.

[@mudcreekblues]

I recently bought a Red Stripe Delta Bandit that was listed in great condition by the seller, which was a Guitar Center somewhere. Called about it before hand, he said everything looks great and all original. When it arrived it was packed upside down in a very flimsy box with no tape on one end. The carrier did their usual abuse on it as well. When I finally got it unpacked it did look great. Except for the fist size hole punched into the left side of the cab!! I played it before taking it back the next day. I almost bought one when they came out. A few years ago I bought a new Chrome Knob Bandit and absolutely love it. It's like 3 amps in one! Recently I got a Red Stripe Delta Blazer. I'm tellin' ya....that's one wicked little amp!

[@RickyReillyMusic]

Man that's a bummer about the shipping!

[@guitareMTL]

We have here a guy that speaks very well about gear, bravo!

[@RickyReillyMusic]

Thank you very much!

[@lambjab9832]

Mines noisy as can be, not sure why, but if I turn up the pre-gain forget it radio stations the whole thing and that's after cleaning, though I don't think I tried cleaning them from the inside, if that's even possible. Perhaps the reverb tank connectors need to be cleaned, but that means having to remove the speaker.

[@RickyReillyMusic]

It might be time for a cap replacement. They get old and dry out and the amp gets noisy.

[@jonwanrocks]

oh DANG i had one of these and LOVED it when i was a kid

[@marcomendez1277]

I own the 2-12 version of this amp with the built in digital effects and i absolutely love it. Found it on Craigslist 7 yrs ago for $60! I also bought a brand new Renown 400 back in '86. I regret selling it about 12yrs ago. I replaced it with a Stereo Chorus 400 head that i found also on Craigs but it needs a little reconditioning.

[@RickyReillyMusic]

That’s an insanely good deal dude!!

[@rocketsauce5067]

I have a peavey special 112 solo series 112 wedge and it's pretty much a bandit before a bandit and it rocks. Really a rare amp made for a very short period of time I think in 1988.

[@RickyReillyMusic]

I've never seen one of those! So cool!

[@csells458]

Still playing a silver stripe special 212. Its all I've ever needed Skynyrd to Pantera, Buddy Holly to Metallica. Thanks for your input on these.

[@boblanning1732]

Nice review! I have an old bandit from 1981 (with the scorpion speaker). It's interesting to see how far the Bandit amps evolved over the years. Yours seems like a super versatile amp!

[@RickyReillyMusic]

Thanks! They really nailed it with this generation of bandits. I’d like to get my hands on the newer version as well to see how it stacks up.

[@consentofthegoverned5145]

My first amp was a Bandit 65 from 1984. I wish I still had it.

[@RickyReillyMusic]

@@consentofthegoverned5145I want one of those so bad, waiting to find the right one.

[@oldschoolpatriot3236]

My first amp was a bandit 112 , it had a Black Widow speaker. The Saturation knob was the bomb . 50 watts was enough for most gigs .

[@RickyReillyMusic]

Looove those scorpions!

[@dddd717]

I think the peavey supreme from the 90’s is the best trans tube amp. The output transformer adds something else and gives you 100 watts with any 4x12

[@RickyReillyMusic]

Great amp as well! I have the old teal stripe supreme 160. Used to have the 90s supreme but it died 😢

[@matzer8846]

Thanks a lot for this great explanatory review and the link Great sounding amp ...

[@RickyReillyMusic]

Hey no problem!

[@aaronlarsen7447]

I had this amp. It just sounded great. It was lightweight, inexpensive, and reliable. Solid state has its merits.

[@RickyReillyMusic]

I couldn’t agree more. What did you replace it with?

[@aaronlarsen7447]

@@RickyReillyMusic I didn't. I only played acoustic for nearly 20 yrs and I really couldn't play much at all back then. I've been rediscovering electric for a couple yrs now. I have a Vox AC10, but I just bought a Nux MG 30 processor, and it can be nearly any amp I want it to be, for what ever style. I use it through my Roland acoustic amp and plug a bass/keyboard amp through the sub out that is in the back of it. It divides the frequencies. I use a cheap Moore drum simulator pedal, a channel for my acoustic. My electric guitar processor goes into the back of the Roland. my friends keyboard, or a bass guitar. It's just extra portable and flexible for practice and can be expanded.

[@mr.d.572]

Lightweight? I have one and the thing is quite heavy.

[@aaronlarsen7447]

@mr.d.572 I suppose by today's standards. It doesn't use neodymium batteries. The circuit boards are probably bigger. It was lightweight for the time.

[@michaelteems5813]

Still have my silver stripe Express 112...Sounds as good today as when I got it new. Running it through a 2-12 Bag End cabinet, with a BK Butler hand built 5 knob Tube Driver. Smooth and creamy all the way! The David Gilmore sound for sure!!

[@RickyReillyMusic]

That's a killer set up!

[@BassRacerx]

these amps have that 80s rock / Ballad sound all in a box. its really decent for the money!

[@RickyReillyMusic]

Agreed man

[@ERiCtheBuLL]

The Bandit 112 was my first "real" amp as well. Still have it to this day. Like you, I've never understood the hate for the Sheffield speaker. I think it performs perfectly fine. This amp was used on a bunch of now classic black metal records that were made at Grieghallen studio in Norway. That sound isn't for everyone of course, but this amp is very versatile for what it is. You just need to be patient with it and experiment. I find the reverb to perform exceptionally well given the original price point of these things. A clean boost into that modern lead channel makes it a fire breather!

[@RickyReillyMusic]

Right on dude!!! I love hearing stories like that. I definitely believe this thing could doom too.

[@ERiCtheBuLL]

@@RickyReillyMusic oh absolutely. I don't use fuzz that often, but I think Drop B and fuzz would have this thing firmly in doom territory very easily.

[@ITigerbaum]

Yessir. On a pawnshop guitar amp hunt, with a $100 bill I ran into one of these. Knew nothing about it, plugged it in, (oh yeah!) no pedal and some Tolex gone, I complained a little, and walked out with a $10 bill. Excellent amp! Especially the cleans, and POWER. nice LOUD amp with zero hum! Made in USA. Sheffield 8 ohm 12. Following week I found a Nashville for around $125. Glad to see others are finding these! I like to take "cheap" gear to gigs like Squiers, Epiphones, and Peavys. Then play the tits off of em! Leave the AC30 and MIG-50 at the house. My favorite 6-electric is an Epiphone 1961 Les Paul (SG Standard) and I have 4 Gibson SGs. (to be fair I had it Plek'd and Klusoned) "Underdog!" (sleeper)

[@ike2010]

I decided I wanted to learn guitar in the mid 90’s. A Guitar Center guy told me to get a Peavey (silver strip trans tube) amp. Still have it in my office when I need a little break. Good memories.

[@davidcaro8217]

I have it's little brother, the red stripe Envoy 110. I swapped out the ten inch peavey marvel speaker for a 12 inch Celestion greenback. I did have to remove the front grill cloth to cut the speaker hole bigger which was a hassle, especially having to re-staple the grill cloth which was a complete pain in the ass, but I'm so happy with the results! And of course it sounds fuller in the lows and silky smooth in the mids and highs!

[@RickyReillyMusic]

Greenvacks are my favorite speakers! I bet it’s epic.

[@hunkydorian]

I put a ten-inch speaker in my eight-inch Rage, and you don't really have to enlarge the hole. The sound comes out fine.

[@davidcaro8217]

​@hunkydorian yes I was thinking of leaving the hole small but my perfectionist tendencies wouldn't allow it lol !

[@jdwild1698]

My Silver Stripe Bandit is on par with any of my small tube amps 5-15 watts ,and it’s indestructible and the price can’t be beat ! Takes pedals very well and is loud AF . Tube amp snobs won’t admit how good those old Bandits are but I know better so It’s all good ! Thanks Peavey and all associated with them !

[@jcwm01]

Tube Screamer is a symmetrical clipper. SD-1 is asymmetrical. I have two of these amps. Sold all my tube amps. Cheers!

[@RickyReillyMusic]

You’re right! Thanks for the correction. It said the TS was asymmetrical in the article I linked so I guess old Hartley was wrong about that one too. But when I googled it everything I saw said you were right.

[@jcwm01]

@@RickyReillyMusic Liked and subbed by the way ☺️

[@RickyReillyMusic]

@@jcwm01right on! Thank you. 🙂

[@endorphinstudios2023]

I used a red stripe bandit around 2011 to 2013. It was an awesome amp. After that I got a Peavey goldface vypyr half stack.

[@RickyReillyMusic]

How do you like the vypyr?

[@snotmale]

I have a 93 Silver Stripe/Sheffield speaker that I picked up off FREECYCLE for FREE! I got it to loan to any guitar students that didn't have a starter but is just darn good for them!. I use the clean~touch of drive and rarely touch any knobs other than vol and reverb and let pedals do any specific tone lifting. Is a thing of beauty so much so my Fender Super Reverb and 57 Deluxe don't get used much now.

[@RickyReillyMusic]

For free!?!? That’s amazing

[@DrRussPhd]

I have an older Vox Pathfinder 15 head and 2x10 cab. Best SS amp I've ever heard.

[@RickyReillyMusic]

Rad man! I’d love to hear one.

[@blairmichaelhogan4502]

I believe it! I have a Pathfinder 15r combo and it sounds fantastic on its own and even more so when I run it through some better/bigger speakers. I wish I’d have bought a few more back when they were still a dime a dozen!

[@brainstain2904]

My first amp was a Vox pathfinder with tube's bought in 1967 and I just left it at band practice and never went back for it.What a dumbass I was!😅

[@BrianOboylemusic]

Got to go to meridian Ms , and be at peavey as I was trying in live sound, it was really like before full sail etc were big,, taught me a TON gave me a great everything since ! Love this brand 😊

[@RickyReillyMusic]

You worked there? If so I have some questions for you!

[@TVoltG]

My first amp and I wish I still would have it today. Gotta get another one. Would be a great living room amp.

[@RickyReillyMusic]

I support this 100%

[@mykneeshurt8393]

I have a mid / late '80's Bandit. The cleans are crazy clean and the amp is as LOUD as it is heavy. I'm taking it to my grave.

[@RickyReillyMusic]

I like the cut of your jib! Those old peavey’s are craaazy heavy.

[@dankers12]

i appreciate the explanation of transtube i always wondered what that was about

[@RickyReillyMusic]

No problem! I’m glad I could shed some light on that!

[@dankers12]

@@RickyReillyMusic my first amp was a blazer 158. i had no idea what i was doing. i used to crank the gain to max, then max out the bass and treble and drop the middle. i cant imagine how bad that sounded. ive seen that trend where people buy their first rig and see how far theyve come. ive been meaning to do that.

[@nj1255]

Btw: check out Ghost Note Audio Red Stripe if you want a Bandit-in-a-box pedal (he also has a Peavey Decade pedal if that's more your thing). You can even download his Transistor Legacy Virtual plugin, a NAM based plugin with captures of all of his pedals, completely free. That way you can kinda demo his pedals before you spend any money. His pedals sound great and have a very high quality feel to them.

[@RickyReillyMusic]

No way!?!? That sounds amazing. I must have it.

[@stratolestele7611]

The cleans sound absolutely fantastic. I owned a late 80s Bandit. Of course, it lasted, and worked as perfectly in '22 when I sold it, as it did when it was new. The improvement between then, and this gen is startling, especially the cleans and reverb. I can't say I'm very moved by the OD/gain channels, but they're legions better than they were. I'd be curious how it sounds with under 25% gain on its own, and then with a good distortion pedal into that semi-overdriven tone, or even a modern voice with a ts-9 and also an sd-1.

[@RickyReillyMusic]

I dunno what it is about the drive sounds but I just love them. Maybe it’s part nostalgia, but it hits me just right.

[@monmixer]

Nice review, cool, I loved the old Peavey Bandit Sheffield back in the late 70's and 80's . Went Deluxe Reverb and a pedal platform for rock. Can't beat those Fender clean tones.

[@RickyReillyMusic]

Thanks man! I love me some fender tones as well.

[@scrubbingmonkeys2488]

The ONLY amp I wish I never sold. These things are amazing. I had a Marshall artist 1 12 ss pre witg tube paand a Fender blackface champ. I would pick the Bandit everytime to gig or bedroom practice. Mine had the Sheffield speaker.

[@RickyReillyMusic]

You could find a used one pretty easy

[@scrubbingmonkeys2488]

@RickyReillyMusic not any more. I live in Brazil. I chose to bring the black face Champ with me. I do gig with it but in reality the Bandit was more amp.....and that includes tone. If I ever find myself in a position to get anorher...I sure will.

[@tonyrobbins1665]

I always called the older distortion tones as peavey mudd ! They've come a long way since those days !

[@tollan23]

I had one of these for a little while. It was as heavy as a tube amp!

[@RickyReillyMusic]

It’s pretty heavy. Not nearly as heavy as my classic chorus. That amp is dangerously heavy!

[@felipehernandez8603]

Hey Ricky I always have been a big fan of Peavy Products over the years and too me that combo amp sounds very heavenly and it has prime time looks like always, wowww 🎸👨🏽‍🦳✅

[@Indobiker61]

I had Redstripe Bandit 112 and the sound was vergeten good. But the first toggle switch made a hissing anoying sound witch made it useless. Thats why i sold it when i got the newer Bandit 112. Could the hissing channel be fixed?

[@RickyReillyMusic]

I’m not entirely sure. It would be worth a shot though.

[@jackkay4310]

My no.1 amp in my small collection is my Peavey Special 212 with the 'special cheat code' to engage the Lead channel (aka have the footswitch in and the bottom Channel switch on). When I had that figured out I was Lead channel all the way but now I prefer the Crunch channel for the heavy lows I like for my sound. It's a tank and it sounds so good, but when you turn it up and have the T.Dynamics knob up to 100%, it hammers the house! I'm intrigued (and a little frightened) to hear what it would be like plugged into a cabinet because it would then be a 230w amp as opposed to the 120w it happily pushes out. And I agree with you; I think the Sheffield speakers sound great and I don't see why they're dismissed most of the time.

[@aldito7586]

You can't go wrong with Peavey. Tone, quality, price.

[@RickyReillyMusic]

They're definitely a steal for the price!

[@flatroc1]

I have had a few of these over the years, some red, blue or silver striped. I've always love em but for some reason always seem to swap them off. I recently got another Red stripe in mint condition and I'm keepin' it ! Is there any significance or ya's and na's about the pointy logo lettering as opposed to the block letter logo. ✊

[@fgreen411]

Red stripe with the block letter logo are the last ones made in Mississippi. When they went back to the pointy logo, they were made in China. Block logo says "Designed and made in USA" on the front, pointy only "Designed in USA".

[@flatroc1]

@ Thanks Bro

[@indigo2009]

I have a Peavey bandit red stripe MIC with unbranded speaker and I think It is a great amp. I barely use it because I mostly play in low volume so my daily amp is a Vox Pf15R.

[@RickyReillyMusic]

I’ve never played the vox but I bet it’s great!

[@william7108]

Yep when you start getting the Myrtle face you know the amp sound in pretty good

[@RickyReillyMusic]

The uglier I look the more I like the sound haha.

[@zsrmx1]

I have a teal stripe from 1990 with the scorpion speaker. It is in rough shape. The speaker has a couple torn spots from old age. And last time I tried turning it on 2 years ago it did not work. The light was on but nobody was home. Before that I had issues with the channel select button. The dirt channel worked but sometimes the clean would not, or maybe it would pop on for a second at 100% volume and blow your hair back! I tried cleaning the pots and inputs/outputs. It did kick a$$ when it worked! Maybe I'll get it repaired some day.

[@RickyReillyMusic]

You should!

[@mattthompson3008]

The Red Stripe Bandit is definitely the best Bandit...

[@RickyReillyMusic]

I haven’t played them all, but so far it’s my favorite.

[@allengoodwin7043]

I love my rage 258. Peaveys transtube is where its at. Excellent tube imitation, and none of the reliability issues. The only problem with the 258 is the speaker size and lack of footswitch. Change the 8 in speaker to a 10, get a pedal you like, and you're in business. Tbh, i prob should have got the envoy 110, but they don't make it anymore.

[@RickyReillyMusic]

They have a decent amount of them used at guitar center if you’re looking.

[@jayingle2407]

I have a red stripe banded and the little brother studio pro 112 they both sound great

[@nicolasbeaudry6158]

Great video, I have a peavy Windsor head, love it to death. And use to have a peavey 2x12 chorus. Damnit I miss that amp !!! The danger with your post is peavey trans tube will go up in value 😂😂❤

[@RickyReillyMusic]

That is true, but the Shane from the intheblues KZbin channel has been talking about them for years. Looks like they’re pretty much capped out at $250

[@carlhuffman6792]

I know it’s tube but the bravo by peavey is an excellent amp I have a peavey red stripe I like it but for weight and all I went with a quilter U.S. and a p10r speaker with my pedal board it’s an absolute beast of a rig however this is an awesome review thanks for the info

[@RickyReillyMusic]

Hey no problem! 🙂

[@mavman351]

I have a 1996 black stripe bandit 112 i bought new. I still play it to this day, and it has never let me down. I check the values on the electrolytic caps every year and they are still within spec! 10 yrs is the estimated life expectancy of those. Ive played many guitars through it, but my goldtop les paul still sounds the best. That amp has made me alot of money over the years and ive used it in several sessions in the studio. The only other amp i use is also a 96 Crate vintage club 30 watt with a 12 inch Speaker as well. Thanks for the video! Ive heard an old 80s model bandit 65 is a screamer as well. See if you can get your hands on one if those!

[@RickyReillyMusic]

Dude are you serious?!? You’ve got like the magic caps in there.

[@mavman351]

@RickyReillyMusic Yes sir I'm serious! I will tell you, the old Peavey stuff is very very tough. We had a pa head from Peavey fall into a cow trough of water. It was unplugged, after a gig packing up in a barn and we thought it was toast. I took it apart and blew it out with compressed air, let it dry and put it back together after a week. I still have it in my closet and it still works! I love tube amps, but Peavey built some great stuff before he sold out to overseas. Like your channel man, I will subscribe.

[@deanallen927]

I had one of these; it served me well for a good five years. Sadly, like 80% of Peavey gear I've ever seen, it croaked. It sounded solid state, it sounded like a Peavey, and within those parameters it performed well, but my Quilter Aviator Cub 50 mops the floor with it, and isn't expensive. As for reliability I'll have to wait and see.

[@nj1255]

Quilter ftw! Their products are practically indestructible and they sound amazing. Tech21 solid-state amps also sound amazing, but they don't have the same high quality and robust feel.

[@RickyReillyMusic]

Never tried a quilter, but I’d love to!

[@RickyReillyMusic]

@@nj1255you’re right! I just picked up a trademark 60 from tech 21 and im still getting acquainted with it, but so far so good!

[@hartlee1160]

I'm sorry but this sounds like a super user issue. I've had all brands break down on me besides peavey. The quilter stuff is on the same level as this stilll. I'm sorry but I've played 3 different varieties of the brand...yeah it doesn't mop the floor with the transtube stuff.

[@PhillipHolt-f9r]

The Peavey VIP series was the first to come out trans tube amp

[@RickyReillyMusic]

Very cool! Thanks is for telling me that. I haven’t played one of those.

[@iplayloud2]

The real legendary Bandit 112 was the one with square switches that says Supersat. It's bigger sibling the Supreme 160 was a great head. Later ones didn't sound as good.

[@RickyReillyMusic]

That’s a beast!

[@yogiguitar1]

the best bandit is the original bandit 65 with the chrome corners. that amp is loud and warm great reverb and they're tough as hell

[@RickyReillyMusic]

I have the renown from that era and the back stage as well, still need to get my hands one a bandit 65 though.

[@yogiguitar1]

@@RickyReillyMusic they're grrrreat man! the kind of amp you can cart around anywhere without fear of doing your back in and the sound is warm as can be . i had the backstage plus like over 30 years ago and basically its like that but better and waay louder. i gotta marshall 100watt anniversary 1x12 combo that i like used to cart around but it proved to be unreliable as fuk cooking itself and it weighs like 20tons sounds really good though. if i need the big guns i gotta 100 watt laney head and 4x12 thats like a marshall with more gain . the only thing about the peavey is that if you play baritone its not going to give you the thing you need but for regular tuning or Eb or drop D it gives pretty well. if you use a strat then you'll need to push the front end hard to get a good lead sound although the drive is still ok as is. anyway there you go. my tuppence worth

[@jayfurness6695]

I went to a Trade High School For basic electronics We had one teacher who always was talking about creating a solid state circuit that would act like a Tube. He played guitar a little That was 1972

[@RickyReillyMusic]

Did he ever do it?

[@jayfurness6695]

@ I don’t know? That was my Freshman year. I wasn’t into much but partying. I think that is something that , even if they do? It can always be better?

[@sean550]

What about the peavey classic chorus...great clean sound..has chorus and reverb..

[@craiglatour-pn4jy]

I have one..best metal amp ever! Boost the front with a tube screamer! Instant thick black sabbath tone! Just awesome! So good I'm getting another one as a backup!

[@RickyReillyMusic]

Right on dude!

[@utoobia]

How do these compare to the Tech 21 Trademark amps?

[@endrizo]

the previous bandit 112 also had the transtube circuit. and sounded great in those years . . i used to have the old bandit 65 with supersat but didnt sound as good as the newer transtube. what year is this from?? thanks

[@RickyReillyMusic]

This one was from the year 2000. Love those older super sat models though!

[@Dr.Dark1331]

I have never tried the red stripe Bandit's but I would not trade my 1992 teal stripe 112 Bandit for anything, so if the red stripe is similar to the teal stripe it sounds like a keeper

[@RickyReillyMusic]

Love me some teal stripe! I’ve got the supreme 160 head and the classic chorus 212.

[@Dr.Dark1331]

@RickyReillyMusic wish i had those 2 versions but as of now all I have is the teal bandit but if I come across anymore teal series for a good price I am more than willing to buy them

[@Carlsings]

Microphonic pickups. .. kust noticed some compression is smashing down the volume, which seems to also effect the tone... Dous the foot switch change all those parameters?

[@ThinkTankxx]

Nice Demo man, sounded Sweet!

[@RickyReillyMusic]

I appreciate that man! Thank you.

[@Michel-r6m]

Can't find a new price for this amp so it puts things a bit in perspective.

[@jbognap]

I'd love to see a comparison with a Teal stripe and a Silver stripe. I've got this amp, but could never get on with the dirt channel. I use it as a power amp for my floor modeler.

[@RickyReillyMusic]

I have a teal stripe classic chorus, not really a bandit vs bandit but that might give an idea.

[@EdNine75]

What about the old Vox Lead 100? Great amp!

[@RickyReillyMusic]

I’ve never played that amp. How much are they?

[@EdNine75]

@ you should try one. Really. It was awhile ago i had mine but i got it for maybe 60 dollars although i think i got it abit cheap. Alledgedly johnny marr used one in the early days. Not sure if that is confirmed😁. Think it was called vox venue lead 100.

[@ALtheDoctorWho]

I am very interested in playing one of these amp now. I know what you mean about transistor amps. An 100% tube amp you can dance between odd and even harmonics. The thing I remember about Transistor amps was that the power was kinda elusive out in the audience it was heard better then it was on stage. I think it was the speaker that broke up more the the amps output. However Multiple clipping stages sound like an interesting idea..Thank you for demoing the amp.

[@RickyReillyMusic]

Yea man also this amp is melt your face off loud. It was painful when I cranked it up at the end.