Tube amp afficionados would be hard pressed to find a better value than the Peavey Classic 30. This 30-watt wonder delivers the goods at a reasonable price.
Tube ampers looking for a solid performer at an affordable price need look no further than the Peavey Classic 30. First introduced in the early 90's, the Classic 30 has established a reputation as a great little workhorse with the legendary durability of Peavey's earlier amp models.
Peavey Classic 30 Features
The Classic 30 features a simple yet functional design. While the Classic 30 is not a true two-channel amp (the gain stage and clean channel share the same tone block), the amp has alot of tonal versatility. From left to right, the C30's funky chicken head knobs control the following:
Normal - controls the clean volume;
Pre - controls the gain or level of breakup in the lead mode;
Post - controls the overall volume of lead mode;
Reverb - controls reverb effect for both lead and clean modes;
Bass, Middle and Treble - shared tone controls for both lead and clean modes.
Pre - controls the gain or level of breakup in the lead mode;
Post - controls the overall volume of lead mode;
Reverb - controls reverb effect for both lead and clean modes;
Bass, Middle and Treble - shared tone controls for both lead and clean modes.
Additionally, the control panel features two push buttons: one allows the player to switch between clean and lead modes (there is also an optional footswitch for this as well); the other engages a midrange boost witch adds a bit more "chunk" to the tone. Other features include an in/out for an effects loop and an external speaker jack. The C30 is available in a "vintagy" yellow tweed with oxblood grill cloth or in a black tweed with black grill cloth. More recent models feature a slightly more stylized appearance but the guts are the same as the older models.
How does the Classic 30 sound?
With three 12AX7's in the pre-amp and four EL-84's in the power stage the C30 pumps out a respectable tubey vibe. The EL-84's give it more of a Vox than Fender feel. It's high point is definately the clean mode. This little guy seems to perform equally well with single coils or humbuckers. In my particular 1994 model I was hard pressed to get any discernible break up in the clean channel. It was loud for such a small package. Only when I replaced the stock Chinese tubes with JJ's was I able to get the slightest amount of breakup; but even then it was pretty subtle.
The spring reverb, while not getting into Fender territory, is respectable. A Strat or Tele will sound quite respectable through the C30 but don't forget to plug in your LP or other double-coil equipped guitar. This amp can handle either.
While the clean mode is my favorite, don't be afraid to try the lead mode. The C30 seems to have ample gain for classic rock and does a fair job of cutting through the mix. As with many amps, I find maxing out the distortion tends to make things a bit muddy.
The mid-boost button can yield some interesting results but I find I don't use it very often. This feature is not selectable from a foot pedal so it's a little tough to engage on the fly.
The Classic 30 also seems to take effects pedals very well. Plug in a Tube Screamer or another distortion pedal and see what you think.
Classic 30 proves big things can come in small packages
One of the great things about this amp is its size to performance ratio. It's not very big yet can keep up with a drummer. You shouldn't have any trouble using this in a club setting and for anything bigger you can get great results miking it up or even driving a 2x12 or 4x12 cab. With this guy you can head out the door with your amp in one hand and guitar in the other and be prepared for just about anything. I've found myself leaving my bigger amps at home alot more often and grabbing the C30 instead.
Summary
Like a number of Peavey amps, the C30 is something of a "jack of all trades". This amp will give you a solid foundation for a number of playing styles. While it may not be the best amp on the market, it is a very good amp. And for the money it would be hard to find an amp that represents a better value. You could spend alot more money and find a better sounding amp but at a price ranging from $250 to $500 you can't beat the value. Add to that Peavey's reputation for nearly indestructible amps and the Classic 30 is a real winner.
This article was originally published at Suite 101.
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