Peavey VB-2 All Tube Bass Amplifier: Repair/Restore & Modifications

[@seanreilly1766]

Dude I am so happy to see this video. I love this amp but have had an issue with red plating that no one has been able to fix or even diagnose for the last 6 years. Hopefully I can glean some knowledge from you and figure out how to fix it. Absolutely love the sound of this amp head.

[@Bassguitarist1985]

What type of tubes? Thank you for watching! Yes love the clean channel a lot. The dirty channel can use a bit of EQing but still very useable. Ita a no thrills head with basic controls but often thats all a good bass player needs!

[@markgeorge3960]

Very helpful fuse mods! Tubes can be a pain, but oh, so nice when working properly. Really nice job!

[@Bassguitarist1985]

Oh man im LOVING the tube sound. Never had EH tubes before, but sooo glad I did! You have the VB-2 as well?

[@markgeorge3960]

@@Bassguitarist1985 No. Years ago, I had a number of old Fender black face amps, and one Peavey tweed, but now, all I have is a SS Bandit. My music days are long gone, but I have to keep something around, just in case!

[@Bassguitarist1985]

@@markgeorge3960 good stuff! I used to work for Peavey as a beta tester years ago. Now im more of a collector. I still play music with friends, but no longer professionally. Staying out late till 330AM is not fun anymore when you are up by 7 the previous morning.

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

Didn’t really understand it but enjoyed it Gary!

[@Bassguitarist1985]

It's a techy video for sure! The next video about it and my other tube amp will be more viewer friendly when comparing the tube overdrive sounds. Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching as always!

[@JV-no9fp]

Hi there hope you are doing great,I have a Vb2 that I bought new in 2012,and it’s a great amp,and have never had a problem,still running factory tubes.Anyways other day while jamming,I lost all sound,everything lights up all tubes glow as always,nothing strange just no sound,tried goin into the return still nothing,cabs are fine etc,any idea what it could be? Thanks in advance

[@Bassguitarist1985]

Its likely your F2 fuse. It may still have the 1.5A in it. It needs a 1.6A. You will need to do the work I did to replace it. Add the servicable fuse holder so you dont have to do major disassembly work like I did for next time.

[@JV-no9fp]

@@Bassguitarist1985 thank you for quick response,I was hoping it would be something like that!Do you like your new tubes? I’ve been thinking of trying the 6ca7 as well

[@JV-no9fp]

@@Bassguitarist1985 I was pumping an 810E with master volume at about half when this happened btw,thanks again

[@Bassguitarist1985]

@@JV-no9fp so far loving the 6CA7s! Lots of low end and low-mids! The EH 6CA7s are crazy expensive now. Hopefully soon the prices will stabilize

[@JV-no9fp]

@@Bassguitarist1985 Was indeed the F2 fuse,did the same mods you did ,no way was i putting it back together with out ,adding the fuse holders lol Anyways thanks for the help,so glad it was just the fuse,cause VB-2 is awesome amp

[@jimmcgowan2169]

I’ll be replacing the filter caps in my VB-2 soon. Do you happen to have a list of values, sizes, and pitch on the leads? I see the caps in the video but can’t even see the values, let alone the size or pitch. I also can’t find that info anywhere on the web. Any help is appreciated!

[@Bassguitarist1985]

Hey Jim. You just doing the power section filter caps? Filtering, bias caps, suppression caps?

[@jimmcgowan2169]

@@Bassguitarist1985 Filter caps and … May as well hit the bias cap/s while I’m in there. I can always tear into it and figure it all out, but I really wish a schematic or some info existed so I can order parts ahead of time.

[@Bassguitarist1985]

@@jimmcgowan2169 i got you covered. Send me your email. I can provide you the shopping cart from my order with digi-key

[@Bassguitarist1985]

@@jimmcgowan2169 also if it helps I am in the Facebook Peavey CVLT group. I posted about my VB-2 there as well

[@jimmcgowan2169]

@@Bassguitarist1985 Rather not put my email in a YT comment. Is there another way to reach out to you privately?

[@damoneubanks9075]

Great video. Very informative. For me, it's great info to know but I let my local Peavey certified tech actually do the work on it. I have read many of Bobby Baldwin's posts on TalkBass too, but actually seeing one opened up really helps me understand what goes on in there. I've had mine since around 2008 or 09. I am the 2nd owner and mine is dated 2007 as well. Mine is actually with my local tech now and getting a new a new set of tubes (still had the originals) rebiasing, and some other tweaks and adjustments. Can't wait to hear it after it's done! One thing though is that I asked him to get EHX power tubes and he was adamant that they were garbage and that I should stay away from those. He said he would install them if I insisted but that he would not guarantee the work if I chose them. I was perfectly happy with the original JJ's, so I just told him to get those again. Maybe it's an anti-Russia bias, but he didn't mention that. Not sure, but I wasn't going to argue either way. Interesting note about the amp originally having a 1.5 amp slow blow fuse. Was that a mistake on Peavey's part? I'm not even sure if mine has 1.5 or not. Guess I should call my tech. Also, how did you mount the LEDs? Just the peel and stick or did you use Loctite spray? I was thinking heat over time might cause the peel n stick to come off prematurely. I would love a link to that LED setup you bought if you don't mind sharing. Cheers!

[@Bassguitarist1985]

Bobby said that yes it was an error on the production line to increase the amperage of the fuse to a T1.6A, he did say to me directly that I could even go up to a two amp if I really wanted to. I decided to stay with the 1.6. The LEDs are 50/50 type that I got off of Amazon I'll have to get you a link. I use the double-sided tape that it came with and then also use some clear packing tape to further reinforce the adhesive. I've had no issues with them coming loose. Your tech I think is misinformed. Right now EHX power valves are extremely difficult to get due to the Russian sanctions. And the interesting thing is they're 6CA7s are a true beam tetrode valve, unlike the JJ version of the 6CA7 which is a standard pentode like an EL-34 with a larger glass envelope. So you are really not getting the advantage of the internal differences that a true beam tetrode has. Hope this info helps. What other modifications a tweaks you doing?

[@damoneubanks9075]

@@Bassguitarist1985 Honestly I don't remember what all he said he was doing. Mostly general maintenance I'm guessing. I do remember him mentioning cleaning up a few solder connections and he recommended installing a small fan to help move heat out of the head. Kinda like a PC case fan, not blowing directly on the tubes though, just pushing hot air out. I think Marshall guitar amps typically have fans maybe?

[@Bassguitarist1985]

@@damoneubanks9075 I've heard of people putting in fans specifically exhaust fans pulling air over the valves to keep them from overheating but it's not really necessary. Checking all the solder connections is good general maintenance so that's certainly advisable.

[@damoneubanks9075]

Well after having my amp for over a month, my local tech returned both my unrepaired VB2 and my money and says he's unable to work on it anymore. Says he believes it's unfixable, although he's not exactly sure what the problem. Now I'm left to figure out what to do. I live a few hours from Meridian. Maybe taking it there is an option. It's heartbreaking. I've had this thing forever and gigged many years with it.

[@Bassguitarist1985]

@@damoneubanks9075 thats bull. It can be fixed. Take it to a better tech.