If you want an affordable, portable, robust, and versatile tube amplifier that can cover a lot of different genres, it’s hard to beat the Peavey Classic 30.
Though they sell more solid state amps than just about anyone else on the planet, Peavey knows a thing or two about tube amplification. In recent years, they’ve become renowned for their high gain amps (the heralded 5150/6505 series), but they’ve long made one of the most cost-effective tube amps in the business, the Classic series.
The Peavey Classic 30, a 30 watt 1×12 combo, is one of the most popular configurations due to its low weight and loud, powerful clean sound. For working musicians, the Peavey Classic series has a well-earned reputation for being both reliable and professional. Let’s look at the specifics on the revised Classic 30 to see why this particular model has earned such loyalty from hobbyists and professionals alike.
Specifications
The Peavey Classic 30, as previously mentioned, is a 30 watt 1×12 combo into either 8 or 16 ohms. The preamp section features 3 12AX7 tubes and the power amp section sports 4 EL84 tubes. A 12 inch Blue Marvel speaker is standard equipment. A two channel amplifiers, both the clean and the lead channel have independent pre and post gain controls. Both channels share a 3-band passive EQ with bass, middle, and treble controls. A boost switch is standard, as is a shared reverb as well as an effects loop. Newer versions of the Classic 30 include a robust tube guard on the back something that older models lacked, but is a welcome addition.
Performance
Let’s talk a bit first about what this amp cannot do. If you’re looking for a mini-shred machine, an amp that will make you sound like a diminutive Zakk Wylde, you’d probably best keep looking. This is not a shredder’s amp. Sure, you can get some nice metal sounds with an external distortion box, but it’s just not made for über metal or the like.
With that out of the way, the Peavey Classic 30 is nevertheless one of the most useful and versatile tube amplifiers I’ve ever played. I’ve actually owned a couple of these in my time. I sold one to raise some cash a few years ago and always regretted it. Fortunately, the newer Classic 30s retained all of the good parts of the older Classic 30 and added some minor improvements.
The strength of the Classic 30 has always been its loud, clean tones, and the newer Classic 30s are no exception. If you play blues, jazz, country, or classic rock, and you don’t need to fill a stadium, the Classic 30 can cover you in just about any situation you might need. Personally, I think the amp excels as a clean platform for effects pedals. It’s easy to dial in a very “pedal friendly” clean tone, and the amp is far louder than its diminutive stature would suggest.
In addition to the pedal-loving clean channel, the lead channel excels at blues and roots rock sounds, though when pushed by an overdrive such as an Ibanez Tubescreamer it can get pretty nasty.
Personally, I think it’s best to think of the Peavey Classic as a single channel amplifier given the shared EQ. If you need an all-in-one solution or don’t use pedals, the Classic 30 is a fine choice, though it’s probably best to use pedals with the incredibly versatile clean channel.
Final Thoughts
If you want an affordable, portable, robust, and versatile tube amplifier that can cover a lot of different genres, it’s hard to beat the Peavey Classic 30.
Name of Gear: Peavey Classic 30
List Price: $799.99
Manufacturer Info: Peavey Electronics, peavey.com
Pros: Excellent bargain; light; rich, full clean sounds; very “pedal-friendly” amplifier
Cons: Shared EQ