The "Best" Peavey Steel Amp--Your Opinion?

Pete Burak · Post by **Pete Burak** » 3 Jun 2005 10:54 am

From a gigging standpoint, none of the square cabinet Peaveys sounded as good as the rectangular cabinet Peaveys, to me.
Session 400 or Vegas (and now Nash112) over Nash 400 or Session 500.
I ordered a Renown with a 15" when they first came out, and that was nicer sounding and more versitile than the square cab amp, too (to my ear).
I had one Nash 400 and one Session 500 (w/ JBL), both for about a year.

Jim Hinton · Post by **Jim Hinton** » 3 Jun 2005 11:18 am

Dang ... I can't tell if I have a square cabinet (Vegas 400) or a rectangular one. I'm at work, and can't see it.

Which one didn't you like?

Tom Gorr · Post by **Tom Gorr** » 3 Jun 2005 1:38 pm

RE: Vegas 400

"Steel Channel" - I was initially extremely disappointed with the main channel until the full Peavey mod was installed. Changing the op-amps to OPA 2604's from TL072's seemed to eliminate the harshness I was hearing. (Note: I think the TL072's were put in by the prior owner to upgrade from RC4558...not an upgrade IMO). I've been very satisfied with that channel since the PV OPA mod. Smooth and sweet - and works great with bass guitar, too. The speaker is a ribbed cone BW - which was probably intended for bass, anyway.

The second channel is unacceptable for all instruments that I've tried with it - so overall, the Vegas 400 misses the mark for multi-instrument musicians who want/need two independent channels in one amp.

As a steel only amp, though, I confirm that with the PV/OPA mod it is incredible - sounds as good or better than my tube equipment (eg. Mesa Boogie Studio Pre).

However, due to my need for a dual purpose amp, I am in the process of modifying a different PV combo amp for use with steel and six string. Hopefully my mods will yield a better overall system than the Vegas.[This message was edited by Tom Gorr on 04 June 2005 at 10:55 AM.]

Richard Tipple · Post by **Richard Tipple** » 3 Jun 2005 2:07 pm

My days of lugging the 75 Lb NV 400 are over.
Last weekend I played a large outdoor festival using my new NV112. The tone of this small light weight amp is fantastic along with my Pro Bud.
My settings on stage were middle of the road as far as volume goes,,,pre at 5 and post at 8, of course the sound man bled a little steel into the side wash,,and there was volume to spare. He had the little amp running through a SM57.
I had my NV400 waiting in my van if needed but that was as far as it got.
I do not think the little amp would have cut it as far as volume goes without a microphone, but if one is playing a large outdoor venue without microphones on the amps, your doing it all wrong to start with.
For the smaller inside gigs, the 112 can handle it with ease as far as I am concerned.
So Lb for Lb and with tone to match the big boys, nothing can beat the NV 112 in my opinion

Pete Burak · Post by **Pete Burak** » 3 Jun 2005 2:49 pm

I'd have to agree...
Now that the Nash 112 is here (and any gigs requiring more volume you simply run the XLR to the mains), it's the best steel amp Peavey ever made.

jim milewski · Post by **jim milewski** » 3 Jun 2005 5:05 pm

I liked the Vegas a lot, it took a beating and always worked and sounded great

John Daugherty · Post by **John Daugherty** » 3 Jun 2005 6:01 pm

Guys, some of you have listed different weights for your Nashville amps. The Peavey specs list the NV112 @ 42.3#. I weighed my NV400 on digital scales @ 62#. When I carry the 400,It feels like 100# but I notice that these amps gain weight everytime I have a birthday.
As I mentioned earlier that I thought the NV400 was the most popular amp (and now you can add the NV112),here is a quote from Peavey.
"The Nashville 400 was one of our most popular models ever and was in our steel guitar amplifier product line for over 16
years. By far, we probably sold more of these than any other steel guitar amplifier ever built."
I hope this clears up some specs that were a little "muddy".

Richard E. Lee · Post by **Richard E. Lee** » 3 Jun 2005 6:27 pm

Al.. like everybody else..I've had my fair share of amps.. I have a 112 which I like very much. But I stumbled into an older Session 400 Limited recently..and I had the Peavey (Mod) Tone Enhancement kit put in it. Wow..what a sound!.. tone w/BW..but the key here is the Mod Kit!. I also have a Session 500 and just too heavy to lug around. I've had the Nashville 400..and while it is very popular..I never could get the tone out of it..Now, in hind site, I think with a Tone Kit installed.. it may have been another story... if that does to the Nashville that it did for the Session.. I would lean towrd that. That Mod kit is the answer in my opinion !. The parts are about $30 and the tech. charged me another $65 for his work..so with another $100..if you can find an older 400 series..and buy it right.. HAVE the kit installed..and you will have a great outfit that will serve you well for many years. For the money, PV makes a good choice, all things considered. (thats my 2cents worth.)[This message was edited by Richard E. Lee on 03 June 2005 at 07:30 PM.][This message was edited by Richard E. Lee on 03 June 2005 at 07:31 PM.]

Bob Carlucci · Post by **Bob Carlucci** » 3 Jun 2005 8:07 pm

Jim.. I think my Vegas was just a bad one.. it was lousy sounding, nasaly, harsh, and made all kinds of crackling noises.. It was just a bad amp. I have had good luck with just about every other PV amp, they make FINE equipment and always have, even though I currently use old Fenders for everything. That Vegas just was not right from day one. Every other PV I ever had WAS right.... always! bob

Darrell Owens · Post by **Darrell Owens** » 3 Jun 2005 9:32 pm

One more opinion among the many - Not all amps are the same even though they are the same model.

My favorite steel amp is still an very old first year made Session 500. It has a wider range and deeper tone that my Nashville 400. I also have a newer Webb that sounds terrific, and I just received a Rivera rack mount with ext JBL speaker cabs that I am checking out now.

On second thought, I like 'em all!

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Darrell Owens
www.darrellowens.com

Post by **Dave Mudgett** » 3 Jun 2005 9:46 pm

I like tube amps, so like Bob C., I like the Peavey Deuce. I also own a 70s LTD 400, sounds very good on a loud gig, and also like Session 400s.

But for all-around tone for pedal steel, I have to reluctantly admit that the Session 500 is, to me, the Cadillac of Peavey steel amps. I say reluctantly since it's so blasted heavy. Weighing in at 81 lb., it's almost as heavy as my '74 MSA D-10 Classic in the case. But it sure does sound good. I used it at an outdoor gig for the first time the other day, all our sound was coming from the back line - it sounded just great, and I needed the clean power. But I had to carry it a couple of hundred yards to the stage, since the casters don't roll so good on soggy grass and the load-in facility was, shall we say, challenged.

Dyke Corson · Post by **Dyke Corson** » 3 Jun 2005 10:02 pm

I have always been a fan of the 2 channel Vegas and get a great guitar sound out of the second channel. I recently got an old LTD and it sounds great too. When Redd Volkaert comes to town, he likes my wife's old Session 400 (without the metal heat sink)and last time I was in Austin he was using an LTD. I'll have to admit, the Nashville 112 sounds great, and it's easy on the back too. I also have a Jazz Classic that sounds good for both steel and guitar too. So IMO there are no bad ones, just lots to choose from!!

Al Carmichael · Post by **Al Carmichael** » 3 Jun 2005 10:34 pm

Thanks for all the opinions--it really helps me to sort things out. Right now, I am still leaning to the Nashville 112 for two reasons. Just about everybody thinks they sound great--and they are easier on the back! The group I play steel with doesn't play very loud, so I don't need to blast--just get a great tone. There's always a PA for extra support if needed--which is how it should be. And I figure that if I should ever fall into a situation where I need a more powerful amp, I'm sure I can find a used 400 and mod it out.

The weight factor is a big consideration for me. My back can't take the strain of a heavy amp these days. I sold a perfectly fine blackface Twin Reverb years ago just because it was too heavy!

I know amp choice is a personal and subjective thing, but this survey definitely has a couple high scoring models. Again, thanks for all the comments and insights. Very helpful and interesting.

Jim Hinton · Post by **Jim Hinton** » 4 Jun 2005 1:44 am

Great thread ... thanks to Bob Carlucci for clarifiying about the Vegas 400.

Anybody interested in trading for a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe?

George Redmon · Post by **George Redmon** » 4 Jun 2005 8:07 am

Hello my fellow Michigander and friend Al, hows the Sho Bud doin', are you happy with that new pup? still going to get over that way to hear you i promise..but why are you bent on a Peavey? personal taste?...but anyways, you should take the trip down to see Bobbe Seymour, he has nice amps new & Used...anyways..by far, the best Session i ever played through, was the Original Session 400 with the JBL, when i could get it away from the fiddle player Ben from Traverse City..next the hernia making Session 500, ..the 400 was ok..but also heavy
i just didn't like the new NV112, too thin for my taste, but hey, it's still a nice little amp...you can tell by my signature what i'm playing through...
oop's...just standard GeorgeL's 12 string pup
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Whitney Single 12 8FL & 5 KN,keyless, dual changers Extended C6th, Webb Amp, Line6 PodXT, Goodrich Curly Chalker Volume Pedal, Match Bro, BJS Bar..I was keyless....when keyless wasn't cool....

[This message was edited by George Redmon on 04 June 2005 at 09:08 AM.]

George Redmon · Post by **George Redmon** » 4 Jun 2005 8:16 am

i was going to ask and forgot to...did anyone ever find a way to get any bottom end on an LTD?

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Whitney Single 12 8FL & 5 KN,keyless, dual changers Extended C6th, Webb Amp, Line6 PodXT, Goodrich Curly Chalker Volume Pedal, Match Bro, BJS Bar..I was keyless....when keyless wasn't cool....

Richard E. Lee · Post by **Richard E. Lee** » 4 Jun 2005 11:47 am

George,, read my response to this topic. I don't know on the "Ltd"..but it sure made a huge difference on my Limited. I cut the mid out entirely..and boost the low..and the tone especially on the LOWs are unbelieveable. It doesn't sound like the same amp..AND seems to be getting better the more I play it.. something about those CAPs need time to "wear in "..I don't know, but it is the best $100 I ever spent !

Al Carmichael · Post by **Al Carmichael** » 4 Jun 2005 8:46 pm

Just out of curiosity, can anyone provide a list of all the Peavey steel amps that have been made through the years? I'd be curious to see how the models followed each other--the Session series, LTD and the Nashville and Vegas series. I'm still thinking about a Session 400 by the way.

John Bechtel · Post by **John Bechtel** » 4 Jun 2005 8:54 pm

My favorite Peavey Amp.(s) were Nashville 1000's. I used (2) of them! I've had (8)-pairs of Peavey Amps. since 1982! My 2nd.-choice would probably be the Original~Designed Nashville 400's. On these the Mid/Shift was on a stacked~pot. No one seems to remember them! Paul Franklin also had (2) in 1983! [Even Mike Brown told me he doesn't recall them!]

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“Big John” Bechtel
’04 SD–10 Black Derby w/3 & 5 & Pad
’49-’50 Fender T–8 Custom
’65 Re-Issue Fender Twin–Reverb Custom™ 15” Eminence
web site

Gary Walker · Post by **Gary Walker** » 4 Jun 2005 8:59 pm

My favorite Peavey, is the 500. Awesome tone and all around sound with testosterone to spare. You could use it un-miked in a stadium but if you're hernia-prone, it could present a problem. They say quality furniture is heavy. The same could apply to the 500. I had two LTD 400, one with JBL and the other Black Widow and I never got a sound that I liked. [This message was edited by Gary Walker on 17 June 2005 at 10:54 PM.]

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 5 Jun 2005 3:25 am

well I dragged out the I guess 30 year old Session 400 Limited that I just purchased for my last Friday night gig.

After fooling with the mid knob, backed it way down , I mean WAY down, full left. Boosted the low end..

and..

This is a great amp..It felt like it had more "VIBE" and power than my N400...This was the first time I ever switched inputs to the low gain (10db cut) ..

The tone with my Carter was similar but this amp seemed to have a bit more in the total overall sonic range..whatever that means.....it has something the N400 does not....

Oh , and one of my bandmates ( Matt on Tele) noticed this amp right away with his casual question..

"Hey..Where did you get that old Session " ?

It's possible this may become the MAIN amp over the N400...but it's filthy and needs to be power washed !

t

Earnest Bovine · Post by **Earnest Bovine** » 5 Jun 2005 6:59 am

I have had
1. Session 400 with 2 12 inch Electro Voice SRO speakers. Sounded very good but too heavy and not always reliable.
2. Nashville 400 excellent amp
3. Vegas 400 my favorite; I still have this one
4. Session 400 LTD. I didn't like the sound
5. Reno 400 with HF horn; I didn't like the sound
6. Session 500. The worst sounding of all Peavey steel amps. I gave it away.

Mike Bowles · Post by **Mike Bowles** » 5 Jun 2005 8:14 am

I have a nv 1000 and a nv 112 they both sound great with my black rp mullen profex 2it took a long time for me to finally get my 1000 fixed the speaker was bad but it is ok now I need to get some george l cords and ends where is the cheapest place to find them

Larry Lorows · Post by **Larry Lorows** » 12 Jun 2005 6:21 pm

I used to carry two Session 5oo amps around but my back told me to stop. They were great. I now have a NV112, which I use all the time for small jobs. A great sounding amp. I have s Stereo Steel which is rack mount, and sounds great, but I'm too lazy to carry everything that goes with it. I use an Evans SE150 in the house to practice with and it is good sounding. My favorite amp by far of all the amps is a Vegas 400 that I bought from a friend of mine. I use it with a pod xt and and it has the warmth that I am looking for.I like playing C6th and it gives me the bottom end that I want to hear. thanks Larry

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U12 Williams keyless 400
Evans SE 150, Nashville 112, Line 6 pod xt

David Wren · Post by **David Wren** » 13 Jun 2005 8:14 am

I'm with Darrel, my original year session 500 (completely have worn out the cover!) still just gives me that wonerful FULL, WARM tone that I strive to get when I play.... to be honest I haven't tried the 112, SK, or 2000.... expect I will when my 500 goes "end of life".
Not to wander in this list, I must say that I bought a "practice" amp, a 90 watt Fender (DSP 90, 38lbs, one 12" Celestion speaker). It so surprized me, I now use it on my smaller jobs, very nice full tone. Which only proved to me, that Peavey no longer has a corner on this market, and most likely when I do go shopping of a replacement for my 500, I'll be VERY open minded... so far b0b's MB stero amp setup is the most interesting, but if the big E likes the SK, makes it worth a try in my book.

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Dave Wren
'95Carter S12-E9/B6,7X7; Session500; Hilton Pedal
www.ameechapman.com