Peavey Windsor: What does everyone think about it?
- Thread starter guitarkid
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super rad stuff
Skaforlifeologist
Re: Peavey Windsor: What does everyone think about it?
keep doin' what'cher doin, it's a great amp for the money
i had one for a while. changed the first two preamp tubes for some groovetubes and it improved the tone quite a bit. otherwise i think it's a fine amp.
keep doin' what'cher doin, it's a great amp for the money
i had one for a while. changed the first two preamp tubes for some groovetubes and it improved the tone quite a bit. otherwise i think it's a fine amp.
Empty Pockets
BadHairDayologist
Re: Peavey Windsor: What does everyone think about it?
that thing's not bad for the money. if you're puttin an ME-50 into it then you just need to run it loud and clean...not the amp's strongest suit in my opinion, i always liked to run that thing all crunchy and hot but i'm kind of a punk like that...
it passed by my train of thought when i was considering adding a more british-flavored half stack to my other half stack and maybe thicken up my tone a bit but i've since decided that if i were to get another amp it'd be like an Orange 2x12 or something really sick and expensive like that.
that thing's not bad for the money. if you're puttin an ME-50 into it then you just need to run it loud and clean...not the amp's strongest suit in my opinion, i always liked to run that thing all crunchy and hot but i'm kind of a punk like that...
it passed by my train of thought when i was considering adding a more british-flavored half stack to my other half stack and maybe thicken up my tone a bit but i've since decided that if i were to get another amp it'd be like an Orange 2x12 or something really sick and expensive like that.
phil_104
Cheesesteakologist
Re: Peavey Windsor: What does everyone think about it?
A few years ago I was running just that setup : Peavey Windsor, with a Boss ME-50 and a Gibson Les Paul studio in it.
It was a decent setup, and I did get good tones out of it, but it was very generic sounding, and very ''sterile'' for a tube amp. I think for me the biggest problem was the distortion, as I was never able to push it hard enough to get the amp really working to it's potential.
So yeah, if you dig it, more power to you. Odds are that eventually though, you will want to graduate to something with a little more character.
A few years ago I was running just that setup : Peavey Windsor, with a Boss ME-50 and a Gibson Les Paul studio in it.
It was a decent setup, and I did get good tones out of it, but it was very generic sounding, and very ''sterile'' for a tube amp. I think for me the biggest problem was the distortion, as I was never able to push it hard enough to get the amp really working to it's potential.
So yeah, if you dig it, more power to you. Odds are that eventually though, you will want to graduate to something with a little more character.
super rad stuff
Skaforlifeologist
Re: Peavey Windsor: What does everyone think about it?
you guys are forgetting how much lower gain pre-amp tubes help
i ran mine with a 12at7 tube in the preamp and it cleared up the sound considerably. i used to run mine super clean with a decent amount of volume with a ds-1(which i'm sure the me-50 can do) and it could do anywhere from early alice cooper to zep live to iron maiden. not spot on, but close enough
you guys are forgetting how much lower gain pre-amp tubes help
i ran mine with a 12at7 tube in the preamp and it cleared up the sound considerably. i used to run mine super clean with a decent amount of volume with a ds-1(which i'm sure the me-50 can do) and it could do anywhere from early alice cooper to zep live to iron maiden. not spot on, but close enough
Re: Peavey Windsor: What does everyone think about it?
I couldn't believe that Musician's Friend had that entire half stack on sale for $300 several months ago. I almost bought one, but my son (who worked there) and others all said the same things.....they are pretty sterile sounding, not much character, flimsy sounding drive, poor quality. That was pretty disappointing to hear because I really wanted an affordable tube amp (haven't had one since the early 70s).
Now it sounds like I would have been ok with that thing, especially if just a tube change improved it even more.
Darn!! I hate it when I pass up a great opportunity.
I couldn't believe that Musician's Friend had that entire half stack on sale for $300 several months ago. I almost bought one, but my son (who worked there) and others all said the same things.....they are pretty sterile sounding, not much character, flimsy sounding drive, poor quality. That was pretty disappointing to hear because I really wanted an affordable tube amp (haven't had one since the early 70s).
Now it sounds like I would have been ok with that thing, especially if just a tube change improved it even more.
Darn!! I hate it when I pass up a great opportunity.
Re: Peavey Windsor: What does everyone think about it?
The Valveking's supposed to be alright, I am considering one as my first tube amp. It is currently in competition with the Windsor and Marshall MA50. Need to hear them in person first though as I only trust internet soundbites so much...
The Valveking's supposed to be alright, I am considering one as my first tube amp. It is currently in competition with the Windsor and Marshall MA50. Need to hear them in person first though as I only trust internet soundbites so much...
guitarkid
New member
Re: Peavey Windsor: What does everyone think about it?
Normally when I play it I run the preamp volume at around 3 or 4 so I can roll back on the volume on my guitar a bit and still get some decent clean tones or I can just max out the volume on my guitar too still get some slightly overdriven tones. And on my ME-50 I found that some of the EQ settings help out quite a bit with the tone and I normally just use the OD-1 or DS-1 setting to to get some more overdriven sounds. But for high gain stuff I run the preamp volume at around 6-7 and run an overdrive peadal on top of of and I can get some pretty heavey tones. And I might try changing some of the tubes like one of you suggested, in the future I def will upgrade to a nicer amp Lol. Thanks for all the input everyone! If anyone else has any more ideas on how to improve the tone I would be very greatful!
Normally when I play it I run the preamp volume at around 3 or 4 so I can roll back on the volume on my guitar a bit and still get some decent clean tones or I can just max out the volume on my guitar too still get some slightly overdriven tones. And on my ME-50 I found that some of the EQ settings help out quite a bit with the tone and I normally just use the OD-1 or DS-1 setting to to get some more overdriven sounds. But for high gain stuff I run the preamp volume at around 6-7 and run an overdrive peadal on top of of and I can get some pretty heavey tones. And I might try changing some of the tubes like one of you suggested, in the future I def will upgrade to a nicer amp Lol. Thanks for all the input everyone!
If anyone else has any more ideas on how to improve the tone I would be very greatful! 
SrDeMaFp
New member
Re: Peavey Windsor: What does everyone think about it?
Can't comment on the Marshall but, the VK blows away the Windsor, IMO.
Can't comment on the Marshall but, the VK blows away the Windsor, IMO.
Re: Peavey Windsor: What does everyone think about it?
First, welcome to the forum!
Second, How do YOU like it? If YOU like it and its inspiring you, then rock on!
I say this because, its very easy to like a piece of gear and then ask " how does everyone like it?" and when people start pointing out flaws, its easy to start feeling down on that piece of gear.. Been there, done that. You have to remember that Peavy made that to sound similar to a Marshall, but at an affordable pricepoint. So, naturally, gear snobs or similar may not have a favorable opinion of it..
I have one.. I like mine.. I could have been happy with it as my main amp.. But, when I play it back to back with my JCM800, the Windsor doesnt sound as smooth or sweet.. This is on stock tubes, and vs a modded JCM800. And, I paid $150 for the head vs alot more for the Marshall.. So, Im GLAD the 800 sounds better.. But If Id have had that windsor as my first tube amp, Id have LOVED it! I still like mine so much I cant seem to part with it... I think its rawness is part of it's "charm". Makes a great down and dirty rock amp or punk amp!
So, love it and rock it!! Dont worry what others think.. But do take the advice and try diff tubes.. It will make it better
First, welcome to the forum!
Second, How do YOU like it? If YOU like it and its inspiring you, then rock on!
I say this because, its very easy to like a piece of gear and then ask " how does everyone like it?" and when people start pointing out flaws, its easy to start feeling down on that piece of gear.. Been there, done that. You have to remember that Peavy made that to sound similar to a Marshall, but at an affordable pricepoint. So, naturally, gear snobs or similar may not have a favorable opinion of it..
I have one.. I like mine.. I could have been happy with it as my main amp.. But, when I play it back to back with my JCM800, the Windsor doesnt sound as smooth or sweet.. This is on stock tubes, and vs a modded JCM800. And, I paid $150 for the head vs alot more for the Marshall.. So, Im GLAD the 800 sounds better.. But If Id have had that windsor as my first tube amp, Id have LOVED it! I still like mine so much I cant seem to part with it... I think its rawness is part of it's "charm". Makes a great down and dirty rock amp or punk amp!
So, love it and rock it!! Dont worry what others think.. But do take the advice and try diff tubes.. It will make it better
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Wattage
High Voltologist
Re: Peavey Windsor: What does everyone think about it?
Uhm....the Windsor kicks a lot of butt. It is Chinese built which is kind of a drag but the cost is ridiculous for what you get.I gig it regularly and use it 2x a week for rehearsal with no issues going on 2 1/2 years or so now.
The cabinet is MDF with decent speakers in it and is just so-so. I think most knocks on the amp are due to the cab not the head. The cab tends to get a bit farty especially when new, the speakers break in they are all right but MDF cabs can only sound so good. I've run the head thru numerous cabs and it always sounds better when running a legit 4x12 as opposed to the stock one. I can't really complain too much about the stock cab though, it has held up well except for the casters and I can certainly get a real good sound out of it.
I run Svet EL34's and EH 12AX7's in mine, the stock tubes were very dark and fuzzy and really did nothing for the amp. They were JJ 12AX7's and Ruby EL's. The Ruby's actually weren't too bad, the JJ's were crap, I haven't liked them in anything I have tried. Soon as I got the JJ's out the amp came to life. I ran thru the Ruby's in about 6 months, the first set of Svets in about a year and I am about 14 months on the second set. I keep the first set around for a backup.
I have also run the head at 1/2 power (pulled 2 power tubes) but it didn't make much of a difference it still needs to get opened up to sound right.
I run an LP or rough equivalent straight in most of the time though sometimes I use a YJM 308 pedal for a solo boost. The Svet/EL combo has been great, I get a lot of compliments on the amp, a lot. I re-did the front panel to a 60's style red sparkle vinyl and pulled off the Windsor logos and now get even more compliments so take that for what it is worth. It is a fairly simple amp, not a lot of finesse necessary. You can probably read the basic settings I use off the knobs in the pic. Multi FX are not real friendly to great live guitar tone, get to know the amp first but you'd probably be better off with a Classic head if that's how you want to go.
Uhm....the Windsor kicks a lot of butt. It is Chinese built which is kind of a drag but the cost is ridiculous for what you get.I gig it regularly and use it 2x a week for rehearsal with no issues going on 2 1/2 years or so now.
The cabinet is MDF with decent speakers in it and is just so-so. I think most knocks on the amp are due to the cab not the head. The cab tends to get a bit farty especially when new, the speakers break in they are all right but MDF cabs can only sound so good. I've run the head thru numerous cabs and it always sounds better when running a legit 4x12 as opposed to the stock one. I can't really complain too much about the stock cab though, it has held up well except for the casters and I can certainly get a real good sound out of it.
I run Svet EL34's and EH 12AX7's in mine, the stock tubes were very dark and fuzzy and really did nothing for the amp. They were JJ 12AX7's and Ruby EL's. The Ruby's actually weren't too bad, the JJ's were crap, I haven't liked them in anything I have tried. Soon as I got the JJ's out the amp came to life. I ran thru the Ruby's in about 6 months, the first set of Svets in about a year and I am about 14 months on the second set. I keep the first set around for a backup.
I have also run the head at 1/2 power (pulled 2 power tubes) but it didn't make much of a difference it still needs to get opened up to sound right.
I run an LP or rough equivalent straight in most of the time though sometimes I use a YJM 308 pedal for a solo boost. The Svet/EL combo has been great, I get a lot of compliments on the amp, a lot. I re-did the front panel to a 60's style red sparkle vinyl and pulled off the Windsor logos and now get even more compliments so take that for what it is worth. It is a fairly simple amp, not a lot of finesse necessary. You can probably read the basic settings I use off the knobs in the pic. Multi FX are not real friendly to great live guitar tone, get to know the amp first but you'd probably be better off with a Classic head if that's how you want to go.
guitarkid
New member
Re: Peavey Windsor: What does everyone think about it?
Thanks again everyone for your input! I def. will try some new tubes as soon as I can, I do like this amp... for the $ you can't beat it. I got mine new for $400(for the whole stack). Sometime I probably will get a new cab or put some new spearkers in it.
Thanks again everyone for your input! I def. will try some new tubes as soon as I can, I do like this amp... for the $ you can't beat it. I got mine new for $400(for the whole stack). Sometime I probably will get a new cab or put some new spearkers in it.
super rad stuff
Skaforlifeologist
Re: Peavey Windsor: What does everyone think about it?
i'd say save up for a nice 2x12, those windsor cabs are annoying as far as the casters go.
i'd say save up for a nice 2x12, those windsor cabs are annoying as far as the casters go.
Wattage
High Voltologist
Re: Peavey Windsor: What does everyone think about it?
So just a little update. I switched over to using the low gain input lately and I am having pretty good results a little more "crunch" to the sound. I also ditched the YJM pedal and I am using an SD Pickup Booster for some kick during leads.
First gig with that set up last night and I got a bunch of compliments one of which was "King Of Tone" - gotta love it. Guy up after us was using a custom shop LP and an 1959SLP with a month's mortgage spent on tubes and I killed him. Always enjoy housing the geargeeks.
So just a little update. I switched over to using the low gain input lately and I am having pretty good results a little more "crunch" to the sound. I also ditched the YJM pedal and I am using an SD Pickup Booster for some kick during leads.
First gig with that set up last night and I got a bunch of compliments one of which was "King Of Tone" - gotta love it. Guy up after us was using a custom shop LP and an 1959SLP with a month's mortgage spent on tubes and I killed him. Always enjoy housing the geargeeks.
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super rad stuff
Skaforlifeologist
Re: Peavey Windsor: What does everyone think about it?
that's friggin' sweet man. now stop talkin' 'bout winsors, yer makin' me want mine back!
that's friggin' sweet man. now stop talkin' 'bout winsors, yer makin' me want mine back!
korovamilkdud
WhoDatologist
Re: Peavey Windsor: What does everyone think about it?
It's good considering its price. I didn't feel any sudden desire to sneak it under my coat and run out of the store with it though.
It's good considering its price. I didn't feel any sudden desire to sneak it under my coat and run out of the store with it though.
guitfiddle
firstlessonologist
Re: Peavey Windsor: What does everyone think about it?
+1...low gain input FTW...you get to push the amp so much harder.
+1...low gain input FTW...you get to push the amp so much harder.
Kosh Naranek
New member
Re: Peavey Windsor: What does everyone think about it?
I saw a guy in a local band at a club playing through a Windsor half stack a few months ago. It sounded anything but sterile or generic. I was pretty amazed. Very tight and chunky sound. A lot of character. Of course, being in a noisy club, he had it turned up fairly loud, and that might make the amp sound its best.
I saw a guy in a local band at a club playing through a Windsor half stack a few months ago. It sounded anything but sterile or generic. I was pretty amazed. Very tight and chunky sound. A lot of character. Of course, being in a noisy club, he had it turned up fairly loud, and that might make the amp sound its best.
Wattage
High Voltologist
Re: Peavey Windsor: What does everyone think about it?
It'd have to be a big coat!
It's good all things considered not just price. I'll assume it was new in the store so stock 12AX7's tubes need to go they do nothing for the amp, stock cab takes some breaking in before it sounds right. Also they do need to be opened up a bit. The Master lower than 3 and it is a bit of a dog unless you are juicing it up with something on the front end.
I am surprised I haven't run into more people using them for gigging, they sound great and they aren't pricey any means. I would be disappointed if something happened to it but I wouldn't freak out, nothing precious about it and it would be easily replaced.
It'd have to be a big coat!
It's good all things considered not just price. I'll assume it was new in the store so stock 12AX7's tubes need to go they do nothing for the amp, stock cab takes some breaking in before it sounds right. Also they do need to be opened up a bit. The Master lower than 3 and it is a bit of a dog unless you are juicing it up with something on the front end.
I am surprised I haven't run into more people using them for gigging, they sound great and they aren't pricey any means. I would be disappointed if something happened to it but I wouldn't freak out, nothing precious about it and it would be easily replaced.
guitfiddle
firstlessonologist
Re: Peavey Windsor: What does everyone think about it?
Most good amps run that way...I'll fight my Peavey C50 if the amp is on 3, but I'll make it sing if it's on 4 or more.
It's loud, but Rock and Roll ain't supposed to be some quiet experience anyway!!
Most good amps run that way...I'll fight my Peavey C50 if the amp is on 3, but I'll make it sing if it's on 4 or more.
It's loud, but Rock and Roll ain't supposed to be some quiet experience anyway!!
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