Session 500 question

Robbie Bossert · Post by **Robbie Bossert** » 24 Jan 2010 4:37 am

HI Gang,
I seem to be getting a bit of an overdriven sound from this amp. Any Session 500 owners out there with this problem? It just started recently. Give me the cleanest setting you have and I'll give it a shot. Time for a second amp.

Robbie Bossert

richard burton · Post by **richard burton** » 24 Jan 2010 4:57 am

Make sure that the 'String Effect' is turned off.

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 24 Jan 2010 6:38 am

Is the clipping light coming on? First thing, beside the mentioned string effect, is to set the reverb control to off (0) and see if that makes any difference (the old Molex connector problem). If that doesn't help, it could be filter caps in the power supply, if they have never been replaced, especially considering the age of a Session 500. Mine started distorting and the solution was the power supply filter caps.

Robbie Bossert · Post by **Robbie Bossert** » 24 Jan 2010 7:50 am

Thanks guys. Yes, the string effect is off. I'll try it later tonight and see if that was the problem. I don't use the reverb at all as I have an RV3 unit. Can I still get the caps for this? I love the amp otherwise. It could be a little lighter!

Robbie Bossert

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 24 Jan 2010 8:43 am

IF the power supply is the problem, Peavey has caps for it. If it needs service, Peavey repair would be the best place to send it (just the amp chassis).

I'm originally from Mechanicsburg (Harrisburg area).

David Wren · Post by **David Wren** » 24 Jan 2010 10:33 am

You probably already know this... but make sure the "pre" gain volume is not higher than the "post" gain.

I agree with Jack about the PV service folks... I sent them a vintage 500, and they complety went though it... sounds like a brand new amp now! Not including shipping... it cost around $75 bucks

Now if I could just lift it into the bed of my truck

John McGuire · Post by **John McGuire** » 25 Jan 2010 9:22 am

Some times even though the string effect is in the off position it still can leak some signal. This happened on mine and I figured it out by hooking up the remote and turing it off on the remote. I pulled the chassis and cleaned all the pots with deoxit and have not had a problem since.

Jerry Bull · Post by **Jerry Bull** » 25 Jan 2010 9:23 am

I had similar problems with mine a year ago. Had some local hack work on it and screwed it all up. Sounded like a dobro with nylon strings when he got through with it. I pulled out the pre-amp and power amp and sent them to Peavey. It was the best money I've ever sent, I had a total(counting the shipping) of about $65 in it by the time I got it back (10 days later). It sounds awesome after they fixed it.

As far as the weight problem, I almost sold mine because of it. Here is what I did to solve it.
I installed an Eminence Beta 15A, which only weighs about 8 lbs. plus I think it sounds better than the BW. Then I put pop-out casters on it, then I installed recessed flight case handles on it. PROBLEMS SOLVED!
You can get these parts mentioned at a very reasonable price of just under $30 at www.reliablehardware.com I use this amp and my NV112 together stacked and I can raise the hair on the lead guitar players back. I think I will make a post about my new findings so that everyone that has one of these will know how cheap it is to take care of the weight problems.-Jerry

Robbie Bossert · Post by **Robbie Bossert** » 25 Jan 2010 3:44 pm

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

Robbie Bossert

Trevor Fagan · Post by **Trevor Fagan** » 26 Jan 2010 11:48 am

Rob,
My Session 500 misbehaves in this way from time to time as well. I usually correct it by simply unplugging, cleaning, then re-attaching the connectors to the circuit boards. This lasts for a while before acting up again. My next step is to chop off the connectors, and solder the wires directly to the pins..... that'll fix 'er for good.

Murray McDowall · Post by **Murray McDowall** » 28 Jan 2010 11:28 pm

Rob,
I had a bit of the same problem with mine.
Check your BW speaker, just inside the wire mesh grill on the back of the magnet is a rubber or plastic foam filter. These deteriorate with age and the bits finish up in amongst the coil and magnet. Simply pull it all apart and clean it out.
Worth a try.
Regards,
Murray.