Peavey Classic 30

No exactly sure.I borrowed it and liked it then heard it played live in ahorn band and thought I'd give a tonal review.

For the money these amps rock.Have sort of a tweed Fender kinna sound to um.I borrowed a freinds and plugged it into a Marshall cab with G12M-25s and Wow sounded great almost Marshally but still this tweed thing goin on.Very easy to dial up I remember took me about 3 minutes to get a useable tone.
I highly doubt it would do a Heavy rock/mteal tone.And I can vouch for its Fender Twin clean tones.But for a Blues lead amp this sucker rocks and for its price bracket it really rocks.The amp in question was all stock tubes.Only "MOD" was my freind installed one of those tube brace things on the powertubes for rattleing tubes.I give it a 7 as I'm pretty sure(from what I've done with it)its only gonna do the Blues-70 rock thing.

Well I dunno again but I do know my freind has the 30 and 50 and both have a problem with power tubes rattleing at higher volumes.

Nice amp just thought I'd share my thoughts.Its a nice amp for Blues and Blues rock lead work.

You should know the features by now. Bought my with a standby switch fitted and a Celestion Vintage 30. Would give it a 10 if it had a second channel eq. More than enough power. Play bluesy classic rock to thrash metal. Metal needs the use my of metal monster...which is all good.

Play a Standard Tokai Les Paul. Sounds warm as all tube amps should. Parametric EQ for mids boosts or scoops depending on songs. Sounds nice for what i play. Low noise. Volume for clean is 2.5, Pre 7, post 3 for distortion. Clean channel breaks at 5 or 6. A low gain amp that needs a pedal to get brutal distortion.

My first tube amp/proper amp. I'm poor and can't afford much gear. If stolen I would try and get another or save for a mesa f30 or something different just for exploration purposes. Still playing around with pedals and knobs to get the perfect tone. I feel i need an overdrive pedal first tho. I never give 10 so 9 is vveryy veryyy high.

Lots of reviews here on features, very basic EL84 Voxish style with a nice cab. Boost does little but muds up the signal and no standby switch or presence.

If you look back far enough you may find my honeymoon review of this amp when I thought it was all that. After two years, three sets of tubes and five different speakers I will tell you what I know about this amp and why I sold it. This amp has a nice warm tube tone and decent but buzzy overdrive channel. Thats it. There is no sparkle or chime in the clean channel unless you don't know what chime means. The C30 has a nice flat warm tone with no tight bottom and is great for jazz. Any decent Fender or the new V30 from Crate sends the C30 packing its bags quickly. No tight bottom , no chime, just not there. Try the V30 from Crate as I did and hear what a clean channel should sound like. The Overdrive side of the C30 is dead until 5-6 then turns to mud at 9. That gives a pretty limited range to work with and no sustain at lower gain levels. Tried JJ's, EH's and the harsh Sovteks it comes with and all pretty close just slight changes. The Greenback made it a decent R&R amp but again nothing special and stay away from the Vintage 30 in this amp, all mids. I own the Crate V30 now and it just sings like a bird on both channels and side by side it was no contest on either channel. With a presence switch, standby switch, boost for both channels on footswitch and a real glass jewell power light not the plastic crap on the Peavey and the Crate comes with a Celestion stock and made in USA. I love the V30 so much I just bought the V50 also just read the reviews on these two amps before you get stuck with the Peavey.

Peaveys are very reliable, no issues here.

Good support and a great forum of sadly tone challenged people.

Good dependable mediocre sounding amp that got me with its cool tweed cab and listening to the many people lie to each other about how good it sounds.

30 watt, 1 X 12 two-channel tube amp (though not a true two-channel amp - the overdrive channel merely adds the gain stages of the second preamp tube). Four EL84 power tubes and three 12AX7 preamp tubes. Mine still has the stock Blue Marvel speaker; I've been satisfied enough with the sound that my feeling is any advantage in replacing the speaker would be minimal at best. I've got matched Groove Tube Gold Series EL-84s (rating of 7) power tubes, two Groove Tube 12AX7 preamp tubes and a Groove Tube 12AT7 in the driver slot (V3). Conspicious is the absence of a standby switch. Features also include an effects loop (which I've never used) and a "boost" switch, which I also never use because the extreme midrange boost isn't very practicle for my usage. I bought this used about five years ago, so I'm not sure when it was manufactured. The bottom line is that this amp does not have very many bells and whistles, which is fine for me. I'm of the belief that one doesn't need much more than good pickups and a good tube amp to achieve good tone. If you can't get a good sound with just guitar and amp, then you're just wasting your time and money adding effect pedals and the like. I've given the amp features a rating of "7" based on the fact that there aren't many features, but I don't consider this a drawback.

I use this amp with the following guitars:

1976 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe with a Seymour Duncan Phat Cat (bridge) and Seymour '59 (neck).
Epiphone Sheraton II semi-hollowbody with Jason Lollar Imperial humbuckers.
Fender Telecaster with Harmonic Design Super-90 (bridge) and Vintage Plus (neck).

I operate using the clean channel at a volume as loud as the club p.a. or situation will allow (usually 6 or 7), using a modified Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9-DX to help the power tubes along. I crank the level up all the way and keep the drive around 9 o'clock or lower, using the TS-9 mode. I also use a Boss EQ pedal for volume boost when I solo.

I use this amp for playing in rock groups. I don't use a whole lot of overdrive; I tend to be on the cleanish end. My style is influenced largely by the likes of Keith Richards, Ron Wood (Faces Ron, that is), Robbie Robertson, George Harrison and Pete Townshend. I prefer the sound of power tube overdrive to that of skronky preamp tube distortion. The Classic 30 accomodates my style of music quite well. I've even played around with more hard rock influenced tones when no one is looking, and it seems to handle that sound quite well, too, when utilizing the overdrive channel. The sound of this amp, due largely to the El-84 power tubes, tends to be somewhere between a classic Marshall sound and an AC-30. I ocassionally use a clean tone (without the overdrive pedal), and the Classic 30 handles that tone with ease, tending to be a bit "chimey." I usually crank up the amp about an hour before a gig and let the tubes get nice and toasty, and when it's cranking it will sometimes surprise you with interesting harmonic overtones. The amp's tone has inspired my playing on a number of occasions.

I would note, however, that be it my tube choices or other unknown variables, the clean channel doesn't have much headroom. It's nearly impossible to get a compeletly "clean" sound when you're relying solely on your amp (i.e. not miked), but that's fine with me. I like the grit, so I'd view this as a plus. I like the ability to overdrive the power tubes without peeling the paint off the walls. The amp is plenty loud, though. I mostly play in clubs where my amp is miked, but on those occasions where it isn't (such a rehearsal and clubs with inadequate p.a. systems), it has proven to be sufficiently loud. I've played several dates this year where for whatever reason the guitars weren't miked, and it had no problem competing with the other two guitar players' amps (Fender Hot Rod Deluxe and Fender Vibrolux).

I've had the amp in the shop once because of a blown fuse, but that was inadvertantly the fault of the poorly-designed handle. The bolt that held one side of the handle on came loose, and the washer on the backside had fallen inside of the amplifier section and caused a short (during a gig, I might add. I had to sit out the rest of the first set while I searched for a backup). I had the handle completely removed at this point, since it was a matter of time before the other side came loose and caused this problem again.

Another complaint is the fact that the tubes sometimes rattle, which can cause difficulties in the studio. The design is faulty in this model, as the tubes are exposed and held in place by small wire holders (the culprits that rattle). The exposed tubes make me nervous, as it would be easy to snag one with the power cord. I've taken this on the road with me, and numerous times I've had remove the tubes and straighten the prongs because they came loose and got bent. The newer models, I've noticed, have rectified this problem by adding a protective panel, but the design on my model is just plain ill-conceived.

I bought it used, so I've never had to deal with customer support.

I've been playing guitar for almost 25 years now; over 20 of those years have been spent playing in rock groups. This is the only amp that I currently own and it suits my needs perfectly. Of course I'm biased, but I think between the Classic 30 and the killer pickups my guitars have, my tone is always the best in the house. I've played many gigs where the club provided the backline, and I never feel as comfortable on other amps as I do with mine. I played a gig a couple of months ago through an AC-30, and though it sounded fantastic, I'd of rather had my Classic 30. The only time I've used another amp that I preferred to this one was a gig last weekend where I used a Peavey Classic 50 (50 watt, 2X12 version of the C30). It was an outdoor gig (Bonnaroo, to be exact!) and the p.a. was loud and clean and I was able to play on 3/4 volume. I was so impressed that I'm longing to upgrade to the Classic 50, now.

Bottom line - you can't beat the sound of this amp for the price. In fact, you can't beat the sound for twice the price. I can't think of any other way to get a quality rock tone for this price. Just beware of the design flaws.

Features have been covered in their entirety already. This particular review is on an early 2000's model. Points taken for no standby switch and highly exposed tubes (which I've knocked out of place just by removing the power cord twice). Has all the features I need outside of those two areas, and performs brilliantly as an amp for all scenarios.

I purchased this amp used, and the Sovteks were nearly at the end of their life. Even so, I bought the amp based on the sound it made at that time. I have since upgraded to full JJ 12AX7s and EL84s from Eurotubes and I am now very, very pleased at the sound and ability of this amp. The JJ tubes break up a little later in the game than the previous tubes did, which gives me a tremendous amount of room to play with. The distortion is very smooth and not buzzsaw-crackle infected, which is exactly what I was looking for. It also savors things like pick noise and minute vibrato with a very classy air.

There's virtually no noise at all with this particular amp and it records incredibly well. I've used an SM-57 which captures a spectacular lead guitar, and have used two ADK matched condensors for an awesome stereo rhythm spread.

I currently play an Ibanez GRX20Z through it and am upgrading to either a nice Fender or a PRS Custom 22 soon. I have played a 70's Gibson Les Paul through it (not sure on the model/pickups) and would have found a 70's LP for myself if I could spend the cash. Even with a low-model humbucking Ibanez plugged in, this amp has the ability to make it sound like much more of a guitar. I've even run my Taylor 714CE through this amp and it has the coolest, warm distorted acoustic sound!

I would like a little more bass available, but the speaker does have it's limitations. I've given the recorded tracks a little EQ love and achieved an awesome tight bass feel with little effort, though.

I've driven it around town a few times and it seems ok. Judging by the tube conditions when I bought it, the previous owner put it to the test and it succeeded. Can't really rate this though.

I wouldn't gig without a backup, especially when the tubes are hanging precariously and exposed from the chassis.

N/A on the support - haven't talked to Peavey.

I bought this amp because a friend saw it come through his pawn shop and it looked pretty decent. After playing with it for a good ten minutes and having a stellar time getting it to feed back, crunch and sing I was sold. Especially when the price is less than $200.

This is the first decent electric amp I've purchased - my first was a Rogue practice amp that did little more than teach me how to play electric. I'm primarily an acoustic player and own quite a bit in that department, but I am a total addict when it comes to a great Gilmour or Clapton solo. This amp can deliver something very similar in the right hands.

I've played a LOT of what's in the standard guitar shop's offerings - the Vox Valvestate line, a couple of Marshall TSLs and their late 90's Valve combos, some Crate amps, etc. This is still my favorite in terms of tone, versatility and ease of use. I even feel like I could peice this amp, replace a speaker, upgrade the reverb and such while I would be hesitant to do so on one of the modern digitally-infused boxes they sell nowadays.

If it were lost/stolen, I'd find another unless I could afford a Rivera or an Anderson...and I would probably still buy one for a backup anyway!

I may upgrade the speaker in the near future with something from Celestion's lineup, as I would really like a little more bass to come out of the box. Overall, though...an unbeatable purchase. And man, is this thing LOUD when it wants to be!

? I had this amp ordered--it is a brand new Peavey Classic 30. 2006 Model. Tweed covering.
? i was a bit curious to see if this amp would create a decent Jazz tone--sort of like a Polytone sound. I play more in the jazz style and was mainly reading reviews for Rock so I was a bit scared. I am VERY impressed!!! It sounds great for what I try to do and is more than capable of creating a nice, thick punchy jazz tone. But it is also great for rock and roots/blues.
? As others have said, this thing is pretty darn loud! i live in a NYC apartment and definitly can't use it to it's full potential for practice--but regardless of how low i keep the volume, it still sounds great.
? The features are good enough for me--it has a great tone, great reverb--sounds like a Fender in my opinion. I have tried some of the Traynor amps and the Kustoms--in my opinion this comes closest to that rich Fender reverb sound.

I have a Heritage H535 with dual humbuckers (schaller standard pickups)--it sounds GREAT. Rich, warm tone and great reverb.
The amp hums a bit, but it is almost unoticable. I haven't really turned it up, so I don't know if that will change in another enviornment. Sounds go from deep dark jazz tones to bright and twanggy country and roots rock. Good diestortion too--sounds like typical classic rock crunch.

Can't tell yet--but seems very sturdy and solid.

Haven't dealth with them yet.

I have been playing for about 15 years. I am not professional, but take it seriosuly enough to really work hard at my sound and impovisation. I only have my Heritage guitar. I have had several guitars in the past: a BC Rich, a Gibson SG Standard, an American Strat Deluxe Plus and an Ovation. I have only ever owned 1 other amp--a Peavey Bandit 112. I didn't particularly care for that amp and never thought I would ever get another Peavey. When I finally had the oportunity to get a new amp, I did lots of research. I wanted something good for jazz since that is what I have been working at for the past 7 years. I also didn't know if I should go solid state or tube. I really love the sound of old Fenders--and they are used a lot for jazz. But then there was the whole Polytone direction--or the newer Clarus amps. Finally, for the money, it came down to this amp--and it is GREAT--I am thrilled!

Pretty basic as far as features go. One channel, clean and dirty channel, shared eq. Effects loop, ext speaker jack. There should be a standby switch in my opinion, but thats ok, its still a good little amp. I would like a ground lift on it somewhere too as I plugged into the effects loop and there was a very audible ground loop hum going on. So until I get that figured out I can't use my effects loop, oh well, still a great amp.
Tubes are EL84's and 12AX7's.
Use this amp in church so there is more than enough power for anything, hardly get it past 2 ever.

I am playing through this amp on a Godin LG Centennial loaded with Seymour Duncan P90's. I play at home and at church, so I play rock mostly, and some lighter stuff as well. I run the guitar through a Dunlop cry baby, Boss compression, Visual sound Jekyl and Hyde, Boss OD3, Boss Giga Delay, and Boss TU2. First of all I wanted to say that I was a little dissapointed with the sounds of this amp when I started to get used to it. It was muffled if the treble was down but piercing if the treble was turned up, the mids were muddy if up and harsh usually. And the Bass was boomy, not tight at all. This was before. I made some adjustments to the amp and I'm loving it more every time I change something. I used to not like the clean channel at all, gross, and the distortion channel was even grosser. It was better than solid state but not like other tube amps I'd played through. So I first decided to replace the Tubes with JJ tubes from Eurotubes. Great company, great service, awesome tubes. I put the new tubes in and the tone improved 100 percent. Then just today I went and rewired my pedal board with George L's solderless cables. Man, the difference is amazing. The tone of that amp is so much improved...... clarity, warmth all in one package. Go with JJ tubes. I still don't care for the distortion completely, its ok for some stuff, but its still pretty fuzzy. I can't wait to put a new speaker in, maybe a vintage 30 or greenback. Overall this is a great amp and I was glad to buy it.

I have been able to depend on it so far without any problems. The tubes rattle a little bit but that is the nature of a classic 30 I've read and heard. I'm sure I can remedy that somehow. The stock tubes were crap, but its not an expensive amp so I can't expect great tubes or a great speaker now can I. Overall I haven't had any really problem.

Never tried....Not a big fan of the Peavey name though, but thats just cause. I've never tried to actually talk to them tho.

I've been playing now for about 7 years. I have only owned a solid state amp besides this, peavey banditt. I have played on a friends Fender Deluxe reverb with 4 10s. I have played on marshalls, THDs, Traynors. This amp fairs well compared to them. I'd have to say that for the price I paid (there was no way I could afford anything else. I would love a THD amp, those things are amazing. I would also love a vintage fender reverb. But hey, for the price, I think I got a fairly good deal all in all, and its a good sounding tube amp. Next time I will spend more money, definately.

See the other tons of reviews for the Peavey Classic 30 features. In my opinion, the Peavey Classic 30 is a good amp for the price. I was happy with the stock amp with the original tubes and Blue Marvel speaker. I was very happy, when I installed a Celestion Vintage 12 inch 16 ohm speaker and replaced the tubes with JJ/Teslas. I recently purchased an extension speaker cabinet for the Peavey C30 that has a 12 inch ceramic Brown Soun Inc Tubby-Tones hemp 16 ohm speaker placed in an EarCandy (www.earcandycabs.com) Sovereign 1x12 horizontal cabinet. I am now estatic. Both channels and all tonality settings on the Peavey C30 and my guitar sound excellent at any volume. I can get wonderful clarity and/or distortion at all volumes. I would suggest that a new buyer purchase the Peavey Classic head-only, replace the tubes with JJ/Teslas, and then buy the EarCandy Sovereign 1x12 cabinet with Tubby-Tone speaker. Perhaps the EarCandy 2x12 cabinet may be your best choice. I'm not quite sure which brings the most magic to what is already a good amp, the specially designed portally tuned EarCandy cabinet or the Tubby Tone speaker. All I know is that I am in guitar heaven with the Peavey C30 amp with the EarCandy Cabinet with Tubby Tone speaker.

I have a Music Man Steve Morse guitar and an OLP MM1-FR guitar. Both sound great with this amp and extension speaker cabinet. The extension cabinet smoothed out the sounds of the second channel. With the extension cabinet I can now get a wide spectrum of top quality sounds out of this amp at any volume.

I have had the amp for a year with no problems. I did purchase a Tubeguard off ebay to mount on the back of the cabinet to protect the tubes.

I have never needed to contact the Peavey customer support.

The rating of 10 across the board does require the purchase of the EarCandy extension cabinet and Tone Tubby speaker. The Peavey C30 stock is an 8. Add the tesla/jj tubes and Celestion Vintage spreaker and you get a 9.

You know the deal. It has all of the features that I wanted. Two channels, reverb, effects loop, light and not too loud.

I use Strats, Les Pauls and ES style guitars they all sound great. Changed the power tubes to JJ's and put a Brimar CV4004 in V1 in the preamp. This amp is so good that it pisses me off. I also own a THD Uni Valve, THD Flexi, Marshall TSL 100, 1970 Fender Super Reverb and various modeling and Hybrid amps. Between the 2 channels I can get just about every sound needed for most styles except for NU Metal which I just throw a pedal in front and away I go. I play mostly Rock and Guitar rock ( Vai, Satriani) and can nail those tones fine. I play some Country and clean Jazz and it covers those fine. Very little noise and the stock speaker sounds great. I've tried a G12H30, Vintage 30, G12M70 and Eminence Swamp Thang and none of those sounded " better". I ended up staying with the stock speaker because it fit the amp better due to being less efficient allowing me to turn up louder without Ice Pick highs and Flubby bass. The bottom line is that it holds it's own against all of the other amps I own.

No real problems. Reverb doesn't work but I bought it used this way. I use effects in the loop so it's no big deal.

I've used Peavey for other repairs and I must say that they are on par with the Best boutique Companies that I've dealt with.

I hate to say it but this amp is THE BEST bang for the buck that you can get. I wish that I had purchased this before the other amps that I own. I'd have a few Grand in my pocket.

All tube amp (pre and post channels)
Nice equalizer
Great Reverb
Superb over drive!

This amp is most indicated for vintage guitars. If you own one and really like vintage tones, that's your amp!

Great for classic rock and blues. I usually play Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, SRV, Eric Clapton, etc. All of this sounds can be reproduced with precision. All you need is spend some time studying the controls.

It has a great clean channel, like Fender's amps.

The dirty channel is hot! That's the sound of the fire!

As all tube amps, the tubes has a limited lifetime. Despite of it, I've never had any problems with my amp. All you have to do is change the tubes when they get old.

PLEASE: take care of the ventilation for this amp! You must keep a clearence between the back of the amp and the wall, because it heats up a lot! It is normal, though.

I have bought this amp in Brazil. Here, the product is imported by dealers and there is no official support or customer service from Peavey.

Great vintage sound. Very versatile. You can play rock, blues, pop or even jazz in this amp.

Very nice clean channel (like Fender's), superb dirty channel (like Marshall's), great reverb!

I like the way it looks.

I would like to recommend it to you or anyone who likes vintage tones.

For what is, outstanding. I don't really understand the relevance of some of these catagories. If it doesn't have the features you want why buy it?

First I really don't think these rating really mean much. I'll give it a 9 just to reflect I do like this amp. Mine has had most of the "Blue Guitar Mods" which did improve the tone a little bit but was not a radical improvement in my opinion. I changed tubes numerous times but that is on par for most EL-84 amps. I hear a lot of complaints about tube rattle and this amp, that can usually be attributed to the tubes themselves wearing out, very common with EL-84's. I've used JJ's on all my re-tube's and it is probably a step up from the stock Sovteks or Chinese.

I might have to agree we the person who said the speaker swap is a waste. I put a V30 in mine and have played it that way for about a year. I can remember when I put in thinking "That's it?" Was it an improvement....? yes, huge improvement.....? I don't think so. What it did was push the mids so forward that they are hard to manage. I think one of the other downsides is the V30 is so efficient. I didn't have to crank the amp as much so I lost some power tube distortion and started having to crank the front more. I just put the Blue Marvel in and thought "This sounds really good" .... kinda of weird. Keep in mind that my amp is somewhat modded and that might accout for this. Maybe I just have a decent well broke in Blue Marvel. I think possible a Eminence Private Jack might be a nice speaker for the amp or a Eminence Tonespotter might work well too.

I have had Marshall's, Boogies, Carvins and a fleet of other amps. Currently I have vintage Twin Reverb and Trace Elliot Speed Twin. This amp has been a mainstay for me and is one that I always can find a use for. Some of the best recording tracks I've ever done. They are great little amps no matter how much they cost.

Never a problem

I've always had good luck with Peavey.

These are great little amps and will probably outlast allmy gigging amps. Actually I've used this amp alot over the past few years for gigging. I've been playing for over 25 years doing a lot indie typ rock. If it were stolen I would get another one or possibly look for a Trace C30 Speed Twin. As far as wanting more, I would just buy a different amp if it didn't have what I wanted.

30 watt 1 x 12 valve combo, two channels (clean and drive), reverb, mid boost push-button switch, channel select push-button switch, EQ for bass, treble & mids, FX loop, footswitch, extn speaker. No standby - boohoo.

EQ is versatile, although bass shy. This is a sharp, chimey amp. Generally I dime the bass and mid controls to 10 and roll off treble to about 6. I never use the mid-boost (mud!), and almost never use the drive channel (muddy fizz).

Reverb is ok around around 3, just enough to add a shimmer, but not good if you want full on surf. In theory you could use outboard reverb and the FX loop instead, but I've never tried it.

Points subtracted for no standby. All amps should have a standby switch so your valves last longer.

Overall, it has a lot of features, so high ratings for that. However, some feaures are middling quality (like the drive channel and mid boost), or else good enough but unexceptional (reverb). Which is ok, as it's meant to be an affordable, no bull, working amp.

I got it when i was moving from acoustic music to electric blues and a country, swing, blues blend. It was a valve amp, and it had a beaten up Fender vibe, and i could carry it - and that's all i knew back then.

NZ$500 second hand from Mel's Music. Later I got to play lots of Fenders and other good amps, and realised it was a harsh, clangy, ear-scrunching, mother-deafening, tone-challenged turd.

I decided to sell it, but before I could do that the valves started dying. I couldn't sell it without them, so I started researching valves a bit on the Net and got a few second hand Mullards, Telefunkens, etc (but 12AT7s, not 12AX7s). This improved the tone a lot. I decided half the problem was that the valves were old and dying, so I'd give it a second chance (stock valves were old Sovteks. This amp is one of the first Classic 30s, so the valve were 15 years old or more?)

Still clangy though, and nowhere near enough warmth. I put it through a mate's 100W Celestion and it's a huge difference, so I ditch the stock no-name speaker. I buy a second-hand Marshall cabinet with a Celestion G12M-70, and put the speaker in the Peavey. Voila! More bass, more mids, less clang.

Then I got hold of a matched quad of Teerad EL-84s (rebranded Toshibas, made in good ol' Japan). Hoowee, did these boys put out some gas! The chassis gets pretty hot now, but so does the sound.

Also some NOS GE12AT7s - wow nice and chimey and clear. Then NOS GE5751s to push it a bit more - oh yes, that's good.

It was a dog when I got it, now I like it better than a lot of Fenders. 30W is all I need. I'm a fan of low powered amps and low on-stage volume. I'm also the singer, so I keep it down. But you need to crank a valve amp to get good tone, so I like to mike a small amp and have it sitting just above the drums in the on-stage mix, but not drowning out the vocal monitors.

With stock speaker and valves I can safely say it was a horrible amp. It's now one of my favourite amps. Using the Lollar P-90 on my Tele, the tone I get now is fat and juicy and chimey without harshness. It won't suit everyone, but it goes well with that guitar and my style of old rootsy blues and country. Another mate does funky ska and reggae, and he just loves it for chimey skanking.

Rating is based on what it sounds like now - and only on the clean channel. Drive channel usually isn't much cop. I tried a Mazda 12AX7 in V2 that made the drive stunning, but it also made the clean side harsh. So take yer pick. If i want drive, i dime the clean channel - with decent valves and speaker it's great!

Valves always die eventually, and the stock ones, although nothing flash to start with, were just old and on their way out. Once I put new valves in, it has never died on me or caused serious trouble. I suppose the PC board will give out one day, but if you want boutique PTP wiring, you pay a lot more than $500.

I've had no dealings with Peavey or their New Zealand agents, so I can't rate them.

I've been playing for nearly 30 years, mostly acoustic until the last 5 or 6 years, almost entirely electric for the last 3 years.

The main guitar is a home assembled vintage style Tele with three saddle Callaham bridge, one-piece maple neck and light-weight ash body, but with a Lollar P-90 in the neck. I use the P-90 most of the time for blues, the Vintage Lollar bridge pickup for country. I use a stage tuner, and a MXR micro-amp clean booster pedal to push the amp for leads, and that's all really. Sometimes i scrounge a Hotcake and stomp on that. Often I don't even use the MXR.

I have had an C30 since the first run. It has the Tolex cover that has stood up to a near decade of road / club. use. I really think the world of this amp. It's size, weight, output, and sound. Compared to my Fender, Music Man, Marshall, Riviera, and Mesas this is the amp for me. I,ve tried using 2 amps for different tones but got tired of the backache of using too much equipment. The C30 has enough clean and crunch to cover. a very wide variety of genres.

I have searched for my ultimite guitar rig for almost 40 years. I started early at agd 8 w/ my cousin. I love going into music stores and trying out all the new eqipment, and many times I bought them to just try and ended up returning, so it was easy to A-B between them. This is the only way to really find what will work for me. The stores hate it though.I basically want a versatile guitar,(Modified Fender Strat)and great sounding amp.I was an equipment nut! Had one all everything and two of most if it was good. No, screwing around, When I found and used the C30, it was the amp the others were compared with. For the sound,size,weight,and price,nothing compared.

This is a very reliable amp if used correctly. It did not come w/ a tube cover and still doesn't have one. I wish it did. I also found out the hard way that if the back is not left clear to properly ventilate the resistors and caps will fry! In approx. 10 years of constant use in clubs and on road gigs, this is the only problem i've had. I would set it on a barstool or chair w/ a back on it. Even in the cold winter gigs it still needed to vent the heat. The problem is w/ lower cost amps is the electronics that are used in manufactoring are the cheapest they can find. Lesson learned. Replace w/ quality resistors and caps and ventilate. I did all this out of love for this C30. A good Green Back 30 is even nicer

Never delt w/ them.

After 40 yrs of playing I think a C30 nis the best bag for the buck. Even if price is not a factor.

Peavey Clssic 30 w/JJ tubes & an Eminence Governor speaker.

It's the best sounding AC30 I've ever heard!

I've found that going with JJ tubes & changing the speaker really makes this amp come alive. They do sound good stock, but the stock Sovtek tubes can't even come close to JJ tubes.
Eurotubes has some different preamp tube combinations that really help.

This is my favorite combo amp. It's loud enough for most live situations & rules at rehearsal.

Fixed bias, so you can change tubes yourself.

Peavey is great to deal with!

If you buy one of these change the tubes & speaker ASAP!
JJ tubes sound the best & either an Eminence Governor or
Celestion Vintage 30 will do the trick. If you make the changes
you will have an amp you'll never want to part with.
These Classic 30's don't really have clean tone like a Twin Reverb.
With EL84's in the power section you will get a warm/smokin tone
to die for (Really). Also these amps sound much better than the Classic
50's. I've burned through, Mesa, Fender, Hiwatt, Marshall & everything else under the sun. For what I do this amp exceeds all of my needs for pure tone. Don't let the Peavey name scare you away. These amps are 100% incredible sounding.

This is a 2005 model in vintage 'tweed.' Features are well documented in the other reviews. This amp is used at home for practice, recording, and is also used with my band. The 30 watts are plently, especially if you use an extension cab. I wish it came with some sort of tube tamer and cage or grill to protect the tubes. Two marks off for Peavey continuing to overlooking such simple but annoying things.

My main guitars are a GMW custom Strat with a Blues Trembucker in the rear and a Duncan SSL-1 in the neck and an EBMM Albert Lee with 3 single-coils. I have other guitars, but those are the ones used most. The C30 works wonderfully for what I need it to do. Nice cleans, which start to break up around 4.5-5. I'd like to mention here though that the stock speaker was not cutting it for me. It was replaced with an Eminence The Governor. The Governor sounds awesome in this amp. Really tightens the amp up with balanced mids. Crisp and clear. I've also loaded the amp with some NOS tubes and that's made a big difference in tone as well. I don't really use the lead channel, but run some overdrives through the Clean channel. A Fulltone OCD for heavier stuff, a Timmy for a boost, and an RC Boost to tweak things up a bit.
All these ingredients supply me with the tones I currently need. I'm giving the C30 an 8 in this category because I think the stock speaker blows. Upgrading it makes for a big improvement in the sound/tone of this amp. Also it has a low grade hum, but nothing noticable to anyone other than myself.

Owned it for 6 months with no problems. Note that I do play the hell out of it. I wouldn't play a gig without some sort of backup just because it's an amp in a live situation and anything can happen.

I've never had any problems with any of my Peavey gear, but when I've had any questions they've always been on it in a quick and friendly manner. I believe it comes with a 5 year warranty.

I've been playing over 20 years. I currently own a Peavey Wiggy/cab, 5150 Combo, Vox AD30VT, and Gibson GA 15RV. However, the C30 is my main amp of choice. If lost or stolen, I'd probably buy the newer Classic 30 head rather than the Combo. Combos are prone to the occasional tube rattle, which is one of the few things I don't like about this amp. Aside from that, this amp (with an upgraded speaker) is very hard to beat for the money. I'm very pleased with it.

My Classic 30 was made in late 2004. It fits my style of music, Blues & Rock. It has two channels and an effects loop. I use the clean channel most of the time with a modded Boss DS-1 and a Rocktron Pulse Tremelo. I added a 2 button foot switch, which it doesn't come with. The footswitch controls channel selection and reverb. Speaking of reverb, I replaced the 2 spring reverb tank with a 3 spring tank from Accutronics and the reverb sounds 10x better, thicker more Fender like. This upgrade is worth it. I also use a volume box in the effects loop so I can drive the tubes without cranking the volume. This is one loud amp.

I have 4 Strats, a Classic 50's with Texas Specials, Classic 60's with Custom Shop Fat 50's, 57 Reissue with GFS Lipstick pups and a SRV 62 Tribute with GFS Hot Overwound pups.
I love the sound of this amp, it is fits my needs just fine. Warm tube sound with nice crunch when you need it.

I have had it almost a year now and it is very dependable. If you are gigging with this I would suggest you get a tube guard for it. The tubes are not really protected and can be easily broken from an errant mic stand!

Never had to deal with Customer Support

I wouldn't hesitate to get another Classic 30, I think it is a great amp for the money.

Basic features here. You know what they are... Everything you need, nothing you don't.

The sound is unbeatable. I play a Strat, Telecaster and an ES-335. These guitars could not be more different but the Classic 30 doesnt miss a beat. I barely have to change the EQ when I switch between them. I would say that this amp does a great job of accurately passing your instrument's tone without changing it or coloring it in any way. This means that the better the instrument, the better it will sound through this amp. Clean is clean. Even with the 335 and any Les Paul that I have plugged into it.

My other amp is a vintage Fender Twin and believe it or not, I like the Classic 30 better. By a LOT. Why? Well, I am from the school that says an amp sounds best when pushed a bit. The lower headroom allows me to push without blowing my bandmates or audience away.

I play around 40 to 50 gigs a year and this is my "number one". This is the only amp I use on stage. I mic it with an SM57 for the bigger rooms and straight up in the smaller rooms. I have never needed another amp since I started using this one. I keep my Fender Twin in the car as a backup but have never needed to use it.

I had to replace one of the wire clips that hold the tubes in. (This is an older model before they made the tube guard.) I called and had the part shipped within a week. Good company with a solid reputation.

I bought this amp for practice when it first came out. It quickly became my primary amp. The price was considerably lower before the retailers realized what they had here. I have seen this amp sell for over $400 used since it was discontinued.

30 Watts, 3 12ax7 and 4 el84 tubes, effects loop, long spring reverb, channel switching(really one channel with an extra gain stage), ext. speaker out, optional footswitch, 'tweed' cosmetics, blah blah blah.

What can I say about this amp? Well, in the past few years, I've had three amps in the Peavey Classic series and I'm about to buy my forth. I had to sell the other three, but I keep coming back to the Classic 30. Recently, I've also owned Vox Valvetronix amps, Crate tube amps, Roland amps. I jam regularly with a friend who has vintage Fenders and a host of boutique amps including Dr. Z, Bruno, Emory Sound and more. I can honestly say that I like the Classic 30's sound, vibe, punch and power better than any of the above amps, including amps costing well over $1500. I don't currently own a Classic 30, but I am saving every penny and starving for this amp. I has a great punchy, chimey, warm clean sound that I have not been able to find in any other amp, cheap or expensive. There's a reason that this amp is a standard of the music industry... it delivers time after time in the real world. Plus, it's made in the USA. Most amps in this price range are made in China or Indonesia. Trust me, at least try this amp out. The clean sound is somewhere in between a Fender and a Vox, but it's still it's own thing. The overdrive channel is great: smooth, ballsy, sort of between a Marshall and a Vox, but it also has it's own sound.... all Classic 30.

By the way, the speaker that comes stock with this amp is voiced for this amp... it sounds punchy and open. I can't understand why ANYONE would put a Celestion Vintage 30 in this amp... horrible match... way too brittle, stiff and midrangy for this amp. I tried it and it was a big mistake. I guess people believe that if they spend more money they will get a better sound. Not always true. Putting some quality tubes in this amp will sweeten the sound somewhat, but not make a huge difference. Ei tubes sound great in this amp.... JJ's are okay, but have much less gain and volume and are a little too 'tame' for my tates. Don't believe the hype!

I've never had a problem with the amps... Peavey is known for building quality and rugged amps.

Never had a problem with the amp, so......

See my comments in the sound section

Dual channel, reverb, EQ, and a boost. Thats it. One input, fx loop, one speaker. simple

The peavey classic series are really good amplifiers, and have potential to be wonderfully vintage and full sounding. They are great in tone, and amazing for the $. Having said this, stock I don't think they are that great. When I got my peavey classic 30 it was brand new. It came with the peavey stock blue speaker, and IMO it simply put, sucked. I struggled with the tone on it, but finally decided to buy a 'real' speaker for this amp. I got a celestion greenback. Man, what a great difference!! In addition, I put all new JJ tubes for this amp and it roared now! Now, granted, it is only a 1x12" combo, and it won't sound like a marshall stack, but it was much much fuller and usable.

In addition to this, the clean channel is one of the best I have ever heard! I own about 10 amps, one of which is a Marshall JCM800 combo. While the distortion on this amp is incredible, the clean channel is unusable. So, I use my peavey for this. It sounds awesome and loves pedals!

As you may have heard, the boost is useless. It makes everything sound like mud. There are mods to fix this, but since I always used boost/overdrive pedals anyway, I really had no interest in fixing this...

Solid. Sturdy. Pretty heavy for the size, honestly. Looks great, sounds good too. The only complaint would be that the tubes are totally exposed. You can buy or make tube guards, and I HIGHLY recommend it. Crash..crunch..zap..no gig tonight!

Overall, a solid amp that sounds ok quiet and great loud. It can work as a good practice amp and also serve in band practice and small gigs. Great tone!

The other reviews on this site have gone into great detail on the Classic 30's features: 30 watts powered by 3 12AX7 pre-amp tubes and 4 EL84 power tubes two channels, reverb, boost switch, effects loop, extension speaker jack, optional footswitch, one 12-inch Blue Marvel Speaker (16 ohm in my amp, though I believe the amp is also available with an 8 ohm speaker). Mine is a 2003 model with black tolex, not the updated tweed model. I bought mine on sale in Louisiana two years ago--I think the shop I bought it from was making room for the newer models.
The only feature I have yet to use on this amp is the boost switch. Since the amp already features the channel-switching option, I don't find I need the extra boost, which I think adds more noise than anything else. This doesn't mean the boost switch won't work for you--I just haven't found much need for it, especially given how sweet and musical this amp's natural tone is. I wish it featured a built-in tremolo circuit, but I solved that problem by adding a Boss TR-2 to the effects loop (see below).

I've played several tube amps over the last ten years, including a Peavey Classic 50 head, a Fender Deluxe Reverb reissue, an old tube Fender Princeton, and a Vox AC-15 (not to mention a bunch of solid state amps I forget!). Currently I also use a '68 Bassman head through a modified Dual-Showman cabinet for bigger venues or with a full rhythm section. Of all these amps, the Classic 30 is my favorite because of its warm, rich, swampy tone. After I bought this amp two years ago, I sold most of my effects pedals!
I have a couple of Strats which I run almost straight into the amp, though I sometimes include a Boss RV-3 for delay/reverb/slapback effects and an old MXR Distortion + for a little overdrive. Over the course of the last two years, I've broken in the stock speaker and it now has a warm, rich tone which reminds me a little of my Bassman, especially when running my Strat's neck pick-up. I get a little overdrive around 4 or 5 on the clean channel. The drive channel can produce a fairly thick distortion, but I tend to use it instead for a Vox-like shimmer and drive with my Strat's bridge pick-up. With the Boss TR-2 running through the effects loop, the amp is just about perfect!
I find I'm constantly discovering new sounds with this amp, which is the mark of a great instrument.

I've just started playing out with this amp, but I would depend on it, given my positive experience with the Classic 50, which made it through a lot of gigs from Boston to NYC and back (though I much prefer the sound of the 30 over the old 50 which I sold years ago). As other reviewers have mentioned, I'm a little concerned about the lack of a tube-guard in the back of the amp, but you can easily add one by looking on eBay or talking to your local amp tech. I'm afraid that adding the guard will change the tone of the amp, so I haven't modified it yet, but I don't want to shatter the tubes! I always make sure it goes to rehearsal with a blanket around it to protect the back of the amp (the blanket also helps during the bone chilling winters we get here in Chicago).

I've never had to deal with Peavey, though I know thay have a good reputation, and I've never been unhappy with any piece of Peavey gear I've owned. I even miss the effects pedals they made in the late 80s (their digital delay was one of the best-sounding and most verstaile I've ever played--if only I could find another one...)

I've been playing for 16 years and gigging for most of that time. I've learned to depend on affordable, high-quality, portable gear which can take a beating and still deliver. These days I play mostly folk-rock in alternate tunings inspired by Chris Whitley (RIP), Daniel Lanois, Bert Jansch, The Byrds, and bands like Fairport Convention and Jefferson Airplane. There's also a little Husker Du and My Bloody Valentine in my sound, and for all of these styles, the Peavey has more than delivered. I'm not sure if this amp is for everyone, but if you're into classic sounds and want a plug-in-and-play tube amp with a lot of features, this might be for you. It's worth checking out, and it's one I wouldn't hesitate to recommend. The only amp I've played which comes close to this in terms of its tone and its ability to inspire your playing is my old Deluxe Reverb. The best amps are musical instruments in their own right, and this one is as irreplaceable to me as my Strat.

Mid 90's version. All tube amp, clean and dirty footswitchable stages but really one channel. Comes with a boost function not footswitchable. All the usual - effects loop, - extension cab jack Would be great if it had a standby switch. Mostly play classic rock, country rock. Play medium sized venues, always mic and run through PA. Lots and lots of grunt for a 30 watt amp. Ran it into an old Traynor 2x12 16 ohm stadium cabinet and scaired the band including the drummer with the output and headroom this thing generated. Volume to burn, not what you'd expect from a little 30 watt combo!

This baby likes humbuckers! Great chunk with my 2004 Gibson LP but really fantastic clean tone with a 1982 Ibanez Artist AR75. (Think 335 here folks). Having said that it is real credible with lots of guitars, I also play a couple of different Mexi Strats, okay, doesn't like my Mexi Telecaster for some reason makes it sound a bit reedy.
Amp is very quiet. Breaks up on the clean side at about 6-7 but a nice tonal break. Starts to get "overdriven tube" sound approaching full volume. Real nice dirty tone, blues, classic rock dirty - not metal dirty. But hey they're not playing Peavey's are they.
Used to play through a Traynor Bassman all tube (circa 1969)head and cabs. Couldn't take the strain on my back carrying 50 pound heads and 70 pound cabs around all the time. Went through a whack of amps - solid state Fenders, a Fender Champ, Marshall Valvestate, all looking for a combo that could be carried with that tube sound, that thick beautiful tube sound, that undescribable tube sound that solid state amps, hybrid amps, modelling amps just never get right. Found it in this little gem of a Peavey Classic 30. Yes I will admit I didn't think it was going to end up this way either.

Picked up a tube tamer as there is some tube rattle. Other than that this thing is rock solid. Haven't encountered any issues.

Haven't dealth with Peavey on this but have had other Peavey gear over the years and they have always been very helpful. They have a good website as well.

Been playing for about 20 years. Have serious gear problem - 20+ guitars, basses, banjos, dobros, mandolins, etc. etc. amps all over the place, okay you get the picture.

Plugged this little unassuming tweed amp in, hit three notes and fell in love. It really just has a tone that you'd expect to pay Fender or Laney money for. (you know Fender money right? value of amp x 2....)

Love the tone, would like a standby switch, other than that perfect portable tube amp.

Standard Classic 30 with 2 channels and a boost. Effects loop. External Speaker output. Tweed. Amp looks nice and has everything I need for practicing and gigs. I haven't used the effects loop or played through and external speaker. I wish it had a Standby switch.

The biggest problem with this amp (and I consider it a major one) is that it has a nasty tube rattle when you play certain notes (E - F#) on the A string for me. I just bought this amp and did lots of research on the problem and found that it is common. I replaced the stock tubes with Eurotubes ($65 delivered) and that cut the rattle in half. I also purchased Tom's Tube Tamer off of ebay ($19) and that fixed the rattle all together. I probably could have gotten away with just the tube tamer. Now the amp sounds excellent and it is loud. After these modifications, I have no complaints about the sound.

I just bought it but it seems sturdy. I have transported it a couple of times to rehearsal with no problems.

I didn't bother dealing with the hassle of repairing it under warranty. I was able to fix it myself. I do intend on shooting an email to Peavey to express my dissatisfaction with the design of this amp. It seems that they could fix the rattle with a simple tube seating modification.

I sold my Fender Blues Jr. to a friend and replaced it with the Classic 30. If Fender made a comparable tube amp, I probably would buy it instead. I wanted something between the Blues Jr. and the Hot Rod. This configuration is exactly what I wanted. Not too loud for home and loud enough for rehearsal and gigs. That rattle bummed me out but now that it is fixed, I am happy with the amp.

30 Watts. 4 el84's and 3 12ax7's. 2 channels. Same as classic 30 combo. Mid-boost button etc..
Made in U.S.A. (so what? The parts are probably from all over the place)

Would like to see a standby switch though.

Awsome!!! Both channels are fantastic. The clean breaks up at about 45% volume depending on the output of your pickups. This is great if you have a fat strat and have the clean channel at atound volume 5 (out of 12). Put it on the single coils and you have a peaked, almost orgasmic clean; switch it to your humbucker and BOOM. She breaks up nicely. Crunch channel is also very dynamic. It responds amazingly to your picking and pickups. With pre-gain at about 75% your groovin. Play soft and it sounds soft; play hard (especially with a hot pickup) and you've got an awsome heavy rock tone. (definitely not for metal though. maybe Maiden style but that's it).
I'm running it through a Marshall 1960b 4x12 cab. 30 watts through this is perfect. Sounds great and doesnt hurt. Nice resonant boxey blues tones too.

So far so good. but it is a tube amp with somewhat cheap sovtek power tubes. I'm hearing great things about the JJ el84's so I might do the switch for reliability reasons, but the current ones sound absolutely awsome so i'll ride them for now.

Emailed them a couple of times. They responded within a day or two.

For the money (even if it costs more) it cannot be beat. It is a genuine tube amp. Sounds sooo sweet. I own tonnes of gear...dont get me started. I compared and found this amp different from all my others. It is definitely the most dynamic. It does not have the kind of clean headroom that my fender hor-rod does, but the hot-rod does not even tough this amp's crunch. It is it's own sound. If it were stolen I would hunt down and kill the thief...or buy another classic 30.

I think the features are well documented at this point!
It's not a modeling amp, so those looking for hundreds of different sounds go get a solid state effects amp.

The tubes do tend to occasionally make a bit of a rattling noise when you're idle and not playing. I understand that Peavey has since remedied this problem with a better quality stabilizer. My problem hasn't even been unbearable. I'm sure I could stablize it a bit better just by bending the tube holder, but I haven't even bothered... it's minor.

I just bought it a month ago, so the reliability factor has yet to be determined for me...

I was looking for a new amp to play some local clubs with in a rock cover band, playing rhythm guitar. I was hoping to find a tube amp, but didn't think I had the cash. I saw this used at a local music store, and my first instinct was.. Hmmm.. kinda small.. 30 watts?? (The casing gives it a decievingly small look) Didn't think it was really for me. The guy at the shop who's a friend of mine coaxed me to at least plug it in. He raved about the Classic 30 up & down.. saying he's had one for years and wouldn't do without it. Well, since I really respect this guys opinion, I gave it a whirl... I was instantly sold. This amp has the sweetest tone I've ever heard. Perfect for what I like and what I needed. Very warm crisp clean channel, and a damn crunchy distortion channel. Not to mention... it CRANKS!!! It's a powerhouse. In rehearsals I never even turn the volume up past about 2.. maybe 3. I recently put it to the test at a live show, and I was thrilled with it.
In the process of looking for an amp, I tried a Line 6, a couple Fenders, and even a couple other Peaveys. They didn't come close to what I heard the VERY FIRST SECOND I plugged my SG into this thing.
I'm in love with playing guitar again, and thats in no small part to my Classic 30!!!
And for the cash it cost me.... NO BRAINER!!!!

30 watt 1x12 el84 combo amp. specs. can be looked up at peavey.com i'm giving this a 6 for features and quality of them.

eric clapton noiseless vintage strat. keeley ts9, univibe. boss gt-8 for delays and other modulation effects. i generally run this amp simple. i use the clean channel and mid-boost on clapton strat for bluesy stuff or throw in ts9 on any given day. the amp needed an extension cab to have the clean headroom i needed. i wound up buying a bassman and a/bing the amps because the tone of this amp was not that great for clean. i finally wound up using the amp as a distortion amp. it does singing allman brothers, santana, led zep. type lead tone very well on channel 2. i kind of think of this amp as a small marshall knock off. that is a compliment. i did replace the speaker with a tone tubby ceramic. smoothed the tone out very nicely. i put the stock speaker in a 1x12 cab and it keeps up with the bassman since i am pushing it into distortion.

smoked a power tube or two before i got the extension cab. this amp is not super loud compared to past amps. twin, super reverb, etc. 30 watts will do you if you know how to use it. had this amp 8 years and have used on and off. not the most solid amp, but has been reliable.

n/a never dealt with them.

i have been playing for 19 years, owned a ton of gear, (i have a problem). i would not buy this amp again, then again...i bought this in college the first year or two it was made. held on to it, i recently dug it out of the closet when i sold my twin, now lets be real, that is a loud amp. after some tweeking and new speaker i have found this amp to be a real bang for the buck. it covers those lead sounds very well for the dollar and i will probably use this amp in a 2 amp set up for some time. it does have that marshall flavor and i do enjoy getting tube distortion over pedals sometimes. (different day different flavor). i feel that for jamming and local clubs this is a very practical amp for my style. the bassman handles the fat fender clean/bluesy tone and this is the marshall tone. 30 watts and 2x12 speakers gives it plenty of thump to keep up with the band and i can draw feed back out of it with control, very nice. the overall rating comes down to what works for you as an individual. this amp works very well for me (a tone freak willing to compromise) and not spend a truck load of cash on a boutique amp that i may not like anyway.