Peavey Classic 30

Lightnin · May 11th, 2004, 07:22 PM

Well, I had been jonesing for a tube amp for some time and finally got one. MandyMarie and I are buddies and she called me up saying that one of our mutual friends was selling a couple amps...one being a Peavey Classic 30. She and Danny both said that it was a great amp with decent power. They forewarned me that Peavey reverb isn't the best in the world but it will most likely suffice.
Well, I got a good deal on it I think and brought it home. It is really nice and definately a step up from the Vox Pathfinder 15T (that I still love...for a solid state). I am getting some of the hum so I have researched a little and have considered changing the speaker. Everything on this amp is stock, btw.
Well, that's all...I just wanted to give you my review. I'm now keeping my eye out for a Peavey 112E.

stantheman · May 11th, 2004, 09:18 PM

just to save ya some money; make sure all the tubes are seated properly in their sockets (unplug the Amp,
wear sneakers and use one hand, better still have Mandy
or Danny show You how the first time).
Nice Amp by the way 8) .

Rob DiStefano · May 12th, 2004, 08:16 AM

PCB and board mounted tube sockets and pots aside, it's a workhorse li'l amp for sure and I do like mine. I swapped the tubes for all JJ's, added a tube guard and a tube tamer. I'll be swapping the speaker for a Weber ceramic Blue Dog, and make an extension cab for the stock speaker. I'm not a fan of reverb, don't use it, but the C30 reverb isn't as bad as some. I like the clean channel and the OD channel is one of the smoothest around, IMO. YMMV.

Lightnin · May 12th, 2004, 02:58 PM

thanks for the info and any other tips to help improve the quality are greatly welcome. I played through it for 3 hours straight just tinkering with the sounds I can get through it (combined with my pedal setup). I think a majority of my hum is coming from my Danelectro ReelEcho pedal that is on a daisy chain power link...and I can't get rid of my Echo pedal...so I'll have to see what I can do. Thanks again

bongo · May 12th, 2004, 03:27 PM

rob,
my stock Classic 30 is ready for some updates - did the new tubes, speaker make much difference in sound?
where does one order a tube tamer?

I love the clean sound of my C30 when I start pushing it hard - just wish it wasn't so Loud ( yea, yea this old geezer wants to turn it down ). 8)

Rob DiStefano · May 12th, 2004, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bongo

rob,
my stock Classic 30 is ready for some updates - did the new tubes, speaker make much difference in sound?

Though I didn't receive the Weber ceramic Blue Dog speaker yet, I did have one in a C30 I had a few years back and I liked it better than the PV stocker - better clean and low tones. IMO, JJ's are the way to go with PV's, too.

where does one order a tube tamer?

Do a search for "tube tamer" on eBay. This thing really does stop those EL84's from rattling.

I love the clean sound of my C30 when I start pushing it hard - just wish it wasn't so Loud ( yea, yea this old geezer wants to turn it down ). 8)

I hear ya. :)

Madmaestro · May 12th, 2004, 06:43 PM

bongo wrote:

Quote:

my stock Classic 30 is ready for some updates - did the new tubes, speaker make much difference in sound?
where does one order a tube tamer?

[/quote]

I first put in J.J.'s tubes which really improved the sound, but I also had to bias the amp for the new tubes (they ran too hot and were burning out). I then put in a Weber California, and after 6 hours break-in using my home stereo, sounded so sweet (not harsh like the stock speaker). I also did Steve Ahola's Blue Guitar tone circuit mod which gave more bottom end and took out some of the harshness. This is a really nice amp now and I gig with it regularily. The Tube Tamer is available at:

http://home.bellsouth.net/p/s/commun...pid=192273&ck=

It really did fix the tube rattle. The Tube guard is also a really good idea:

http://www.geocities.com/c30guard/

IMHO, the new tubes, biasing and tube tamer are necessities with this amp.

e-merlin · May 12th, 2004, 09:03 PM

Those Peavey Classic series amps are the sleepers of the amp world. I'd probably have one if I didn't have 3 Peavey Bravos. I'm sure I'll get one anyway. The local Peavey dealer has one on clearance for $380 or less. It's been there for at least two years, but what to they expect when they hide all of the Peavey stuff in a corner?

Adam Waldron · May 12th, 2004, 11:15 PM

Hey folks,

I posted recently about this amp squealing at anything above 8-9. Swapped out the pre-amp tubes. Problem solved, must have been a microphonic tube.

Now, I have another problem. When i first turn the amp on from cold it will create a loud rustling noise, with some buzzing and crackling.

I turn down the volume, wait till its warm and its ready to play with no noise after a few minutes. The fault only occurs when the amp is cold, and is intermittent.

Seems to me the problem is internal? Its off to a tech isn't it? May not be worth fixing?

Amp is a '94, and has been a trusty companion since then - one of the first Classic 30's.

Ah, never mind me. I am rambling, and frustrated. Such a good amp for so long....one annoying thing after another now...

Cheers,

Adam

Madmaestro · May 13th, 2004, 01:40 AM

Adam Wrote:

Quote:

Now, I have another problem. When i first turn the amp on from cold it will create a loud rustling noise, with some buzzing and crackling.

Adam, I experienced the problem and found that the tubes were not seated right. It seemed too simple a solution...I was ready to rebuild the amp!

Rob DiStefano · May 13th, 2004, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adam Waldron

...snip!... Now, I have another problem. When i first turn the amp on from cold it will create a loud rustling noise, with some buzzing and crackling.

As mentioned, check the tube seating. Tubes are fragile little buggers in too many ways, so it's always a good thing to swap out all the tubes to known good ones and see if the problem(s) evaporate.

bongo · May 13th, 2004, 01:04 PM

I read somewhere (maybe the owners manual?) that one should let an amp (especially a tube amp) set awhile & get up to room temperature before turning on - maybe try that first - it's free!

Mark N · May 13th, 2004, 05:38 PM

I traded my Blues Deville for a Classic 30 after I started to get out and gig. I wanted something lighter and easier to lug around. I love this little amp. It's got a nice smooth tone that I couldn't seem to get with the Deville (it was a 410). I use a boss blues driver for overdrive as I have not got a footswitch. I think the reverb and the overdrive channel are okay as well. I am going to order a new set of tubes soon from eurotubes.com, a tube tamer and a tube gaurd as well. You can't go wrong with the Classic 30

Lightnin · May 14th, 2004, 05:39 AM

Well, I think I'm going to change the stock EL84's to JJ's, and maybe the pre-amp tubes as well while I'm in there. Have it rebiased since I have no earthly idea what I'm doing in there and don't want to screw up my first tube amp.
I'll get the guard and tamer as well for some preventative medicine.
I'll most likely upgrade the reverb tank while it's being re-biased...the reverb isn't the best (though adequate) but I want to it to be ideal.
Thanks all. Any other tips for dealing with my amp are greatly welcome and keep your eye out for a Peavey 112E...i think I want one of them.

Mark N · May 14th, 2004, 08:14 AM

Hey Lightnin,

I don't think you have to re bias your Classic 30. They are self biasing. Here's what Eurotubes.com suggested for me.

"go with a matched quad of the JJ EL84's that are a #35 and three of the JJ ECC83S preamp tubes. These will smooth out and thicken up the drive channel and give a nice warm clean tone with a lot of sparkle. I would use a balanced ECC83S in the phase inverter hole which is the preamp tube that's closest to the power tubes ( the one on the left when looking at the back of the amp ). This will eliminate any phase cancellation or dead spots. These tubes would be plug and play with no bias adjustment necessary."

I gave him a description of what I was looking for, mostly clean headroom. Anyway, good luck with your new amp

Rob DiStefano · May 14th, 2004, 08:17 AM

What Mark just posted - it's cathode biased, not fixed. Talk to Bob at Eurotubes and tell him how you'll be using the amp and he'll set you up with a properly matched set of JJ EL84's. IMO, it's well worth changing out the preamp tubes to JJ ECC83S 12AX7's, too.

Scotland · May 14th, 2004, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob DiStefano

What Mark just posted - it's cathode biased, not fixed. Talk to Bob at Eurotubes and tell him how you'll be using the amp and he'll set you up with a properly matched set of JJ EL84's. IMO, it's well worth changing out the preamp tubes to JJ ECC83S 12AX7's, too.

The tubes arrived today so I fitted the tube tamer, the tube guard and then the new valves. This is the best this amp has ever sounded, Bob sure knows his stuff, talk to him and he will help you get the correct valves.

Lightnin · May 14th, 2004, 02:55 PM

Thanks guys...I'll certainly talk to Bob when I get my tubes. It's good to know I don't have to re-bias it....I pretty much would've taken to a shop for no reason at all. I'm still going to look for a better reverb tank. If anyone has any suggestions (and links), they are more than welcome.

Scotland · May 15th, 2004, 06:01 PM

Get a Holy Grail, the answer to everyone's reverb problems !!

e-merlin · May 15th, 2004, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob DiStefano

What Mark just posted - it's cathode biased, not fixed. Talk to Bob at Eurotubes and tell him how you'll be using the amp and he'll set you up with a properly matched set of JJ EL84's. IMO, it's well worth changing out the preamp tubes to JJ ECC83S 12AX7's, too.

Sorry to contridict you, Rob, but it's fixed bias. I think the only Peavey that was Cathode biased was the Classic 20. The Blue Guitar Website does have a mod to change a C30 to Cathode bias if you so desire. I know a person or two who have done it.

BrianF · May 16th, 2004, 01:46 AM

who did all the Blueguitar.com mods to his Peavey Classic 30 and it sounded great. The speaker was also changed out to Celestion Vintage 30

May 11th, 2004, 07:22 PM	#1 (permalink)
Lightnin Tele-Meister Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Corn Country Posts: 101	Peavey Classic 30 Well, I had been jonesing for a tube amp for some time and finally got one. MandyMarie and I are buddies and she called me up saying that one of our mutual friends was selling a couple amps...one being a Peavey Classic 30. She and Danny both said that it was a great amp with decent power. They forewarned me that Peavey reverb isn't the best in the world but it will most likely suffice. Well, I got a good deal on it I think and brought it home. It is really nice and definately a step up from the Vox Pathfinder 15T (that I still love...for a solid state). I am getting some of the hum so I have researched a little and have considered changing the speaker. Everything on this amp is stock, btw. Well, that's all...I just wanted to give you my review. I'm now keeping my eye out for a Peavey 112E. __________________ insert witty and profound signature here

May 11th, 2004, 09:18 PM	#2 (permalink)
stantheman Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: White Mountains Posts: 5,071	hum just to save ya some money; make sure all the tubes are seated properly in their sockets (unplug the Amp, wear sneakers and use one hand, better still have Mandy or Danny show You how the first time). Nice Amp by the way 8) . __________________ Somebody Loan Me A Dime

May 12th, 2004, 02:58 PM	#4 (permalink)
Lightnin Tele-Meister Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Corn Country Posts: 101	thanks for the info and any other tips to help improve the quality are greatly welcome. I played through it for 3 hours straight just tinkering with the sounds I can get through it (combined with my pedal setup). I think a majority of my hum is coming from my Danelectro ReelEcho pedal that is on a daisy chain power link...and I can't get rid of my Echo pedal...so I'll have to see what I can do. Thanks again __________________ insert witty and profound signature here

May 12th, 2004, 03:27 PM	#5 (permalink)
bongo Tele-Meister Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: hamden, ct Posts: 139	rob, my stock Classic 30 is ready for some updates - did the new tubes, speaker make much difference in sound? where does one order a tube tamer? I love the clean sound of my C30 when I start pushing it hard - just wish it wasn't so Loud ( yea, yea this old geezer wants to turn it down ). 8) __________________ all I need is just one more guitar :)

May 12th, 2004, 11:15 PM	#9 (permalink)
Adam Waldron Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Adelaide, Australia Posts: 607	Peavey Classic 30 problem Hey folks, I posted recently about this amp squealing at anything above 8-9. Swapped out the pre-amp tubes. Problem solved, must have been a microphonic tube. Now, I have another problem. When i first turn the amp on from cold it will create a loud rustling noise, with some buzzing and crackling. I turn down the volume, wait till its warm and its ready to play with no noise after a few minutes. The fault only occurs when the amp is cold, and is intermittent. Seems to me the problem is internal? Its off to a tech isn't it? May not be worth fixing? Amp is a '94, and has been a trusty companion since then - one of the first Classic 30's. Ah, never mind me. I am rambling, and frustrated. Such a good amp for so long....one annoying thing after another now... Cheers, Adam

May 12th, 2004, 08:16 AM	#3 (permalink)
Rob DiStefano Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Park Ridge, NJ Age: 63 Posts: 4,915	PCB and board mounted tube sockets and pots aside, it's a workhorse li'l amp for sure and I do like mine. I swapped the tubes for all JJ's, added a tube guard and a tube tamer. I'll be swapping the speaker for a Weber ceramic Blue Dog, and make an extension cab for the stock speaker. I'm not a fan of reverb, don't use it, but the C30 reverb isn't as bad as some. I like the clean channel and the OD channel is one of the smoothest around, IMO. YMMV.

May 13th, 2004, 01:04 PM	#12 (permalink)
bongo Tele-Meister Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: hamden, ct Posts: 139	I read somewhere (maybe the owners manual?) that one should let an amp (especially a tube amp) set awhile & get up to room temperature before turning on - maybe try that first - it's free! __________________ all I need is just one more guitar :)

May 13th, 2004, 05:38 PM	#13 (permalink)
Mark N Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Woodstock, NB, Canada Age: 37 Posts: 629 8 Photos	I love mine... I traded my Blues Deville for a Classic 30 after I started to get out and gig. I wanted something lighter and easier to lug around. I love this little amp. It's got a nice smooth tone that I couldn't seem to get with the Deville (it was a 410). I use a boss blues driver for overdrive as I have not got a footswitch. I think the reverb and the overdrive channel are okay as well. I am going to order a new set of tubes soon from eurotubes.com, a tube tamer and a tube gaurd as well. You can't go wrong with the Classic 30

May 14th, 2004, 05:39 AM	#14 (permalink)
Lightnin Tele-Meister Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Corn Country Posts: 101	Well, I think I'm going to change the stock EL84's to JJ's, and maybe the pre-amp tubes as well while I'm in there. Have it rebiased since I have no earthly idea what I'm doing in there and don't want to screw up my first tube amp. I'll get the guard and tamer as well for some preventative medicine. I'll most likely upgrade the reverb tank while it's being re-biased...the reverb isn't the best (though adequate) but I want to it to be ideal. Thanks all. Any other tips for dealing with my amp are greatly welcome and keep your eye out for a Peavey 112E...i think I want one of them. __________________ insert witty and profound signature here

May 14th, 2004, 08:14 AM	#15 (permalink)
Mark N Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Woodstock, NB, Canada Age: 37 Posts: 629 8 Photos	Hey Lightnin, I don't think you have to re bias your Classic 30. They are self biasing. Here's what Eurotubes.com suggested for me. "go with a matched quad of the JJ EL84's that are a #35 and three of the JJ ECC83S preamp tubes. These will smooth out and thicken up the drive channel and give a nice warm clean tone with a lot of sparkle. I would use a balanced ECC83S in the phase inverter hole which is the preamp tube that's closest to the power tubes ( the one on the left when looking at the back of the amp ). This will eliminate any phase cancellation or dead spots. These tubes would be plug and play with no bias adjustment necessary." I gave him a description of what I was looking for, mostly clean headroom. Anyway, good luck with your new amp

May 14th, 2004, 08:17 AM	#16 (permalink)
Rob DiStefano Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Park Ridge, NJ Age: 63 Posts: 4,915	What Mark just posted - it's cathode biased, not fixed. Talk to Bob at Eurotubes and tell him how you'll be using the amp and he'll set you up with a properly matched set of JJ EL84's. IMO, it's well worth changing out the preamp tubes to JJ ECC83S 12AX7's, too.

May 14th, 2004, 02:55 PM	#18 (permalink)
Lightnin Tele-Meister Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Corn Country Posts: 101	Thanks guys...I'll certainly talk to Bob when I get my tubes. It's good to know I don't have to re-bias it....I pretty much would've taken to a shop for no reason at all. I'm still going to look for a better reverb tank. If anyone has any suggestions (and links), they are more than welcome. __________________ insert witty and profound signature here

May 15th, 2004, 06:01 PM	#19 (permalink)
Scotland Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Aberdeen, Scotland, Yewrup Age: 54 Posts: 6,612 3 Photos	Forget the tank Get a Holy Grail, the answer to everyone's reverb problems !! __________________ All those who believe in psycho-kinesis, raise my hand !

May 16th, 2004, 01:46 AM	#21 (permalink)
BrianF Friend of Leo's Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Carlsbad, Ca Posts: 2,179 7 Photos	I have a friend.... who did all the Blueguitar.com mods to his Peavey Classic 30 and it sounded great. The speaker was also changed out to Celestion Vintage 30