Peavey Classic 30?

[Aceman]

What say you on this?

https://images.craigslist.org/00404_1J6ahT8XFpLz_0CI0t2_600x450.jpg

 

[Securb]

I have the Classic 20H and while it is "classic" I can take it to the realms of high gain. I would say go for it.

 

[JamesPaul]

From that photo it looks like the first generation, made in America, and in very good condition. I owned a black tweed from that era, but sold it after buying a second generation tweed to match my tweed C50's.

I have not checked prices lately, but around here all used Peavey moved for ~50% of original MAP, except for rarities like the C20 combo or those seller needs cash yesterday sales. Somewhere around $300 unless the uncertain tube market is impacting prices. Maybe a bit more since it looks so clean.

They are not a lot of fun to work on, due to the tri-fold PCB with the jumpers in between. Ensure it functions properly.

 

[Blille]

I gigged with one for a few years. Zero issues, nice tone.

 

[Aceman]

Was always a fan back in the day. Looks like 550+ on Reverb.

Very very tempted. 30 watts is a nice zone....

 

[dave74]

I can't stand having the knobs in that position! Other than that they are exceptionally over-achieving for the price and build.

 

[JamesPaul]

My opinion, but the tone even gets better with an extension cabinet.

 

[JamesPaul]

Was always a fan back in the day. Looks like 550+ on Reverb.

....

Ouch! MAP for current generation is $850. I do not have good reference on my local Craig's at the moment, but there is a fair condition same generation C50 410 listed for $500. I would expect that to move for closer to $400, but I have not bought an amp since pre-pandemic so...

Edit: Found a first generation Delta Blues 115 (same circuit as a C30, just adds a tremolo effect) on CL Cleveland listed for $400. $550 definitely seems steep for a 90’s C30.

 

[Mincer]

They've been standard backline amps at blues and jazz festivals for years. They generally love pedals, and they are a decent alternative to say, a Deluxe.

 

[ErikH]

Go get it. Now. Built well. Good tone. Do it.

 

[soulforger]

Buy! I'm a James Brown Peavey nut and these are one of his best! They get attention for cleans and blues but they sound kick ass for rock and have a great distortion channel with a surprising amount of gain.

 

[Securb]

Buy! I'm a James Brown Peavey nut and these are one of his best! They get attention for cleans and blues but they sound kick ass for rock and have a great distortion channel with a surprising amount of gain.

My buddy was hanging out here yesterday banging on my Classic 20 with my Les Paul. He was blown away by the tone but was equally impressed he was getting so much gain out of a tweed without a pedal.

 

[jeremy]

a vintage fender tweed amp is a beast when you turn it up. peavey putting tweed on amps, meh, marketing and such but they are great little amps though! nothing to do with an old fender tweed amp other than the covering.

i think james brown designed the circuit for the bad cat cougar amps, and, reliability aside, those amps kick all kinds of ass

 

[NegativeEase]

I have the 90s Classic 50 ... Its more midrangey and I don't know how to describe, drier/boxier than a Twin or Deluxe.

Good amp, and really nice for country and it's more in your face than a fender..

 

[Mincer]

So, did you get it?

 

[Aceman]

So, did you get it?

Not yet...had a show last night.

 

[NegativeEase]

Peavey Classic 30 tonally reminds me of a twangier Orange twin with V30s from the 90s

Probably great for leads and hard rock besides country leads.

 

[GuitarDoc]

I have never been a fan of Peavey amps, and in fact hated just about every one I tried. But the Classic 30 is an exception to that and I would actually love to have one. I'd say go for it asap before it's gone.

 

[Aceman]

I just saw two more in my local Sam Smash!

Popping up all over....

Even at $400, that's 1/3 of a Marshall 2525. Tough choices!

 

[JamesPaul]

I bet they will go lower than $400.