Peavey Delta Blues

Great amp. I believe mine was made in the late 90's. 2 channels, 3 band EQ, Reverb, Tremolo (nice, but I don't use it), effects loop, and boost switch. This is all tube class A operation. 30 Watts, which is plenty loud enough for me.

I play classic rock and blues(Zeppelin, Skynyrd, Hendrix), and this suits my playing styles to a T. I have a Gibson Les Paul (Gem Series with P-90's), '78 Fender Strat, and Jimi Hendrix Fender Strat. It does get a tad bit noisy at times. The clean channel is wonderful - shimmering clean. I love the overdrive, too, although it does not offer as much gain as I sometimes desire. I use a Danelectro overdrive pedal as a clean boost, and get excellent rhythm and lead sounds. It is a somewhat versatile amp. I would not use it to play heavy metal, but that is not what the amp is made for. The only dislikes I have about this amp are the boost switch and the reverb. The boost switch does something to your tone, I've never really found it to be pleasing. I've also heard better reverbs and had problems with mine. Overall a very good sounding amp, though.

Fairly reliable as far as tube amps come. I use it without a backup. However, the tubes are out in the open, which makes me wonder. Just had it taken to the shop for new tubes and it sounds great. Also, they said that my reverb tank was faulty, and hums when you cut it (reverb) up. I give it a 7 because the tubes are not very well protected and for the reverb deal, although it can be eaisly fixed (for $50).

Well, I bought this amp used, so I've never directly dealt with Peavey, but I have found their website to be very helpful.

I've been playing for over 4 years and I love this amp. It is great for what I use it for, which is to play rock and blues at parties and other small or medium sized gigs. If it were stolen, I'd probably buy it again. You just can't beat it for a shimmering clean and gritty overdrive. I'm hoping to go to a 2 amp setup soon and use a 5150 for more of the dirty sounds, as the Delta Blues is not a high-gain amp. Overall, I rate this a 9, as it has very useable and pleasing clean and overdrive channels, great tone, and is relatively inexpensive.

'98 Peavey Delta Blues, 1x15, Tweed...30watts..two channels, boost switch, reverb, TREMELO, bass mid treble eq knobs...effects loop..

I am a big, big fan of the Peavey Classic 30..have used one for about five years now, and really had high hopes for this Delta Blues amp..but am afraid to say that I am disappointed. Before you buy one of these amps based on one of these reports, look at how many of them say "This is the first tube amp I've owned"..and take that into consideration.

The second channel on the this amp, which should let you overdrive, is sadly lacking, as compared to the Classic 30, which allows excellent distortion. Actually this is not even a problem for me, because I always leave it on the clean channel, and let Analogman upgraded SD-1 do my overdriving...but, if you are buying this amp with the intent of using the second channel as an overdrive by itself, you need to test one thoroughly at a music store.

This amp is almost exactly the same size as a Fender HotRod Deville 2x12, which has a ton more features...including a standby switch. The feature that most people talk about on this amp is the tremelo...and I guess if you've never heard good tremelo before, this would be okay..although inconvenient. Save yourself some money, if you're after good trem, and buy a Supa Trem from Fulltone.com It is the best! I play in, and out..blues, rockabilly, classic rock, country...by the way. I would not reccomend this amp for metal, shred, punk, or that type of music..and probably too muddy for country pickin'...muddy...mmmm..maybe that's why they call it the Delta Blues..

I use a Tele, with Seymour Duncan humbuckers in both positions, with the Analogman upgraded SD-1 overdrive, and a Boss echo..the Peavey Classic 30 has a much clearer sound than this amp. With it's bigger speaker, the Delta is supposed to have "a better low end AND a better top end", but it just sounds muddy to me..In fact, I could not get a good distortion out of this amp...I do not mean METAL or shred type distort, I mean just a good overdriven amp type distort..

It is also very noisy...same power as the Peavey Classic 30, played it in same outlet, etc..and it has a 'wind gust' type sound, as if it's picking up shortwave radio! Also, when trying to get distort, if you turn up the volume, or post gain, you get a feedback type whistle...

Everybody always gripes about the tubes being out in the open..and they are..but they are on the Classic 30, too..and I've played it out for about five years now, and have had no problems. I always try to have two of everything that's important on a gig anyway, so yes, I would have a backup. Another kind of annoying "feature" on the Classic Peavey line of amps that no none else has mentioned...the handle edges come unglued, leaving the sticky crappy edges out for you to grab...leaving the sticky crappy stuff on your hand..I'm having a Fender handle installed on this one, if I keep it.

have not dealt with them, and will not ever..I have a place here that I trust to do my work, and they exclusively handle my amps and guitars. (Tulsa Guitar and Electronics...they are THE BEST)...I will, however, never spend another penny in the store I purchased this amp in...(Music Sound World, Tulsa, OK)..I've always believed in supporting the local business, but they have been rude to me for the last time. Not that it should matter, but I've spent a ton of money in that store (or at least my wife says so) in the last several years, and they still can't grasp the concept of customer service. This is why businesses like Musician's Friend are doing so well...local shops just can't treat people well.

If this were lost or stolen, I would not buy another one..but might give Peavey one more chance..(I've always kinda wanted to try the Classic 50, since the Classic 30 has been so good to me)...I've had a Fender HotRod Deville 2x12, which I like better for many reasons than this amp, and you can find one used for about the same price. Everybody has their own tastes...if you're considering buying one of these amps, my suggestion is to try it out extensively first.

Amps is beat up, but sounds amazing. This is my second report so I won't repeat myself with regards to features. Power tubes have been replaced with a quad of JJ/Tesla EL84's. Preamp tubes are 1 Amperex NOS, 1 JJ/Tesla and 1 Sovtek

All I can say is put some quality tubes in this amp and it's over. Truly rivals some amps costing in the thousands. I'd like to see a head version as I like to experiment with different cabs. I may try and find another used one and convert it to a head. Awesome tone!!

So far so good, but I don't gig with it as it's just too fragile.

One thing that bugs me is that you can only disconnect the internal speaker at the lead. This sucks because if you want to run the amp into a external cab you still hear the 15". Not good if you want to drag the amp into the control room for tracking. Bottom line is, for the money this amp smokes. Change the tubes. (the stock tubes suck)

I bought this amp new in the summer of 1995. I play funk, rock, jazz, afropop and afrobeat - this amp cooks on all of them. Just one channel is a minus, but that is outweighed by the tone of this amp. The distortion channel sounds really "growly" - and very rich.

This amp sounds tasty at high volumes. The clean channel does not distort. It is creamy.

Used in a rehearsal space... wouldn't want to move it around a lot because of dangling, delicate tubes in the back. If I had to I would porobably rig some kind of support/cover for the back. I recently had to have the power supply replaced - first repair in 7 years.

n/a

I spent a whole summer amp shopping to come to this amp. It was a total accident that I even tried it out. I've played through Fender Twins, Marshalls even a soliud state Hughes & Kettner (sp?) and I would not trade this amp for any amount of money. The bottom line is that this amp sounds better than any other amp I've played through.

I bought my Delta Blues used, and at first was extremely pleased with the drive channel, but over time this hiss and moan really shows up. It's a vintage tube amp that has an awesome tone if you eq it right. I run it alone, and have never had any problem getting the right amount of stage volume from it's 30 watts. It comes with an almost useless reverb that does nothing but destroy the tone. The tremelo is a gift from the Gods, except for it isn't versitile enough for stage performance. I would have rather it had a protective board over the tubes, because it takes a lot of wear and tear in traveling. One false move and it's off to the store to grab a new tube.

I use a Digitech GX2, so I only need the clean channel at the right eq. When it ain't dying out because of a bent prong, I have absolutely no qualm with the machine. I play in a rock band, and the fullness of the mid boost is to die for. There's no wimp ass high pitch distortion coming from this model.

Eh...I trust it enough, but if you don't take care of it, it'll bite you in the butt. I now use a Fender Deluxe as backup, and there comparitively good together.

I stripped the crossover wires once, and had it sent in for repairs. They replaced the amp head, and it only cost me $60. However, it took about four months.

Despite all of the mishaps and turnoffs, I can honestly say I would rather use my Delta Blues than any other amp model out there. It has, by far, the cleanest, fullest, punchiest tone I've ever came across. Not to mention, It can push air with the best of them.

Not sure what year it was made. 2 switching channels. Very cool amp for studio use. I haven't tried it live yet. It's really loud for a 30 watt amp, but Class A is always gonna give you more juice anyway. I ran it through a Marshall 4-12" with 75 watt Celestions (not my favorite). Sounded very modern through this cab. I feel that it would sound better through a 2-12 with Vox Blues or a single Weber Blue Dog in place of the stock 15" (which sounds suprisingly good, Very dynamic and ballsy. I'm just picky).

Modified ELP/LTD H-100, Fender Japanese Reissue Jaguar, Yamaha Pacifica. Sounds awesome with all 3 axes!!! The H-100, which has a Dimarzio Tone in the bridge position is thick, creamy and PHAT!! the distortion channel excels with this guitar. The Jag is chimy and very big sounding. Gets a great clean or euro-pop dirty sound with ease. The Pacifica really surprised me, as it was the clearest, purest sounding of the trio. This guitar is totally stock and is the perfect rock guitar to use with this amp. Think, Thin Lizzy meets Van Halen!! This guitar and amp combo gives your a punchy, articulate, early 70 sound, mixed with the Van Halen type liquid, squeeling tone we all know and love. Truly a cool ass amp!!!

Don't know yet. I've only used the amp for studio work, but I can tell you it needs some improvements, if it's to go on the road. I'll be replacing the tubes and providing covers and supports for the tubes.(As it has none. The tube just hang in the open.)

Never dealt with them.

I've been playing 28 years. It's an awesome sounding amp. Just don't tell anyone, because I wanna keep this tone all to myself. I also use a Peavey Classic 50-410 and a Marshall JCM 800 50 watt half stack. The Delta Blues is a great addition to these amps. We'll see how she does on our album and live. I'll report back in a few months.

PEACE

I purchased this amp in December '99. Feature-wise, see above.

I've bought the Delta Blues as a replacement for my late 60's Fender Super, having played a DB when opening for a friend of mine's band -- he had a Peavey endorsement deal. I loved the vibrato, the low end response of the 15" speaker, and the somewhat more manageable size. I sold the Super, and put that money back into the DB and a baritone guitar. I play a G&L ASAT, a Tokai Tele, a Hamer Echotone and a Fender/WD Deep Six Baritone. When it is working (see below), the clean channel was great (at least as warm as my Super) and the overdrive, although not really sufficient for lead work, is okay for a more rockin' rhythm sound. The vibrato is okay, but it isn't as deep-sounding (rich, whatever) as the Fender vibe. But, then again, it's not a Fender.

This is absolutely NOT an amp you can depend upon! Before you dismiss my complaint as an insubstantial rant, let me tell you that I've carefully considered the fairness of posting my feelings. After the 4th incidence of major amp failure in the last 7 mos, I've decided that, in all fairness, I must post my experiences so that others can make an informed decision before they decide to purchase a Delta Blues. Here's the story.

In the first year that I owned it, I had a couple of problems that were tube-related. A comment along those lines -- the back of the amp is almost completely open, and the tubes are supported by fairly flimsy, swinging, wire supports. This is really not sufficient to protect the tubes, even from the normal lifting and carrying of gigging. I'm gigging pretty regularly for a semi-pro (3-4 gigs/month) I am nothing if not gentle with my equipment -- to look at the outside of this amp you'd think it was brand new, so I don't think you can write these problems off to lack of care! Indeed, I play both electric and acoustic guitar, so the amp gets about 2/3 the play it would normally get in a night with a full-time player.

But here's the main deal:

During a gig in June, my overdrive channel simply sputtered out -- it began to cut in and out, lost volume, and finally was GONE. I took the amp down to the store where it was purchased; failing to uncover the reason for this problem, they sent the amp back to Peavey. Peavey sent it back, saying that they had replaced "the board" and that it was fixed. Two gigs later, the exact same thing happened. It was back to Peavey again. One gig, a practice, and another gig later -- no overdrive, yet again. Yet again, the store sent it back to the factory (more on this in Customer Support below). It came back, I practiced with it, no problem. Took it to the gig, the amp wouldn't power on. Nothing. Take it back to the store and the amp tech, who KNOWS this amp is a lemon, decides to take a look for himself. He finds an arced BLACK washer inside the amp, next to a burned out fuse. This amp, as you know, is Tweed, with silver hardware -- no black hardware (see below for more on this). So, the local amp tech removes the mystery washer and replaces the fuse, leaves the amp on for several hours, playing it once and awhile, and everything seems to be A-OK!

So, Friday night I take it to an out-of-town gig. And guess what? First set, it seems to be OK; however, there's this low howl coming out of the amp -- this is something new. It does make it through the first set. But then, first song of the second set, it's toast -- both channels go OUT -- the amp cuts out, and the sound dies a horrible, popping, cracking death!

Luckily, the amp tech had let me keep the Fender Blues JR that I'd been using in practice as a back up, and I was able to (somewhat quietly) finish the gig.

I can't imagine how Peavey, a company that supposedly prides itself on reliability and customer support, could be so clueless. I'm disguted, and so are the folks at my local Peavey dealer, and here are the reasons:

#1 - They had the nerve to actually call the store's amp tech and declare, in an extremely rude tone (the guys at the shop were really offended), "nothing's wrong with this amp -- why did you send it to us?" The Peavey tech had the amp on his bench and had played it for a few minutes, when the info he'd received clearly said that the problem (the original one, with the overdrive cutting out) only appeared after 2-3 gigs. Obviously, it needed to be played in the same conditions, and the same amount of time, to have the same problem.

#2 -- Whoever theses Peavey techs are, they're obviously doing a slap-dash job if they, a) don't read the repair ticket to see the conditions in which the amp is failing (above) and b) are so sloppy as to drop a BLACK washer into a Delta Blues amp -- again, there's no black hardware on the amp! How did that washer get there. Is there no supervision or training of Peavey tech staff? Is the workshop that much of a mess? Do they care so little about their work? Are these people that sloppy?

I've been playing for a little less than 20 years. I play both acoustics (Yamaha, Gibson) and electric (G&L, Tokai, Hamer, Fender -- although the Delta Blues was strictly used with electric guitars), bass (Washburn), and I've owned, at one time or another, amps from Fender, Crate, and Yamaha.

I've wanted to set this amp on fire so many times, but it cost too much for me to do it! I'm hoping somebody steals it, but not before I re-up on the insurance.

When it was working, this amp had a good clean sound, an okay overdrive, and a nice reverb. It was the perfect size, sound and volume for the gigging I do -- small and mid-size clubs. The fact that it is absolutely NOT dependable, and that Peavey's customer support has been somewhat less than helpful (a vast understatement) has led me to the decision to never purchase a Peavey product again. Hopefully, the store where I purchased it will give me a decent trade on this hunk of junk, because Peavey has, several times, refused to replace the amp in total. And I will not take this amp to one more gig! I absolutely refuse!

Purchased this new in 2001. I won't repeat all the features (60 previous reviews here!). Not critical, but I wish it had a standby light/switch and a second input jack. This obviously did not sway my purchase. This amp has all the features I need.

I have a Strat, a Nashville Tele, and a Washburn J-9 Jazz Body. I play jazz and blues mostly and dabble with classic rock for fun. The Delta Blues has a crystal clear clean channel. The Strats "bell like tones" just ring out so clearly at all volumes. Standard jazz tones are so easy to get with this amp, as are the dirty blues sounds. The distortion is awesome (very classic tube sound) and you can dial in the volume for it easily (ie: you don't have to crank it up full on!). This is a very versatile amp. The amp is very quiet with no hiss. I use very few effects, just a Morley Bad Horsie pedal and a Boss Chorus Ensemble. The Boss I run through the effects loop on the amp. This is the only time I notice some minor hissing through the amp (as soon as the effects loop leads are plugged in, its not the effects box). Its not that noticable, I'm just ultra pickey about that stuff!

I've had it for almost a year now and have never had a problem. I really don't understand what all the "exposed tube" complaints are about. Use the cover from Peavey when transporting the amp, and don't store stuff in the back of it. Simple as that! On the plus side, the tubes are very easy to access if you have to replace them!

I've never had to deal with Peavey for a warranty claim, but I have contacted them (through their web site) for information and they responded in 2 days! I've also reaped lots of great information from their "forum" site, which Peavey seems to monitor regularly. I've noticed that Peavey staff have responded to a number of postings with technical information or advice. This says alot about Peavey and its interest in their customers and products! Hats off to them. A lot of companies don't even bother to update their websites!

Before buying this amp, I checked out the Fender Hot Rod Deluxe. The Peavey sounded "smoother" to me and had a more pleasing jazz tone on the clean channel (with my Washburn J-9). I'm sure this could be attributed to the 15" speaker. I also tried the Peavey 210, which sounded very similar, but didn't seem to have the "depth" in comparison to the 15" Delta Blues. This is obviously subjective, and the Fender is a very nice amp but the Peavey fit my "ideal sound" for my style of playing better. Peaveys customer support is very good, as well (in my experiences).

30 Watts, 15" Blue Marvel speaker, effects out/in, external speaker jack, 2 button footswitch (clean/drive and effects/tremolo select), pre/post gain, reverb, tremolo, boost button, drive in/out button and most importantly, awesome tone through 3 12AX7's and 4 EL84's...it has everything a good blues amp should have. Portable enough to carry on the road. 30W is ample (pardon the pun) for clubs. Only problem is that it only has one input (-1 point).

I use an Eric Clapton Strat, Washburn J-6 and Takamine EG332-C. The acoustic guitar sounds great on this amp...the high/low range of the 15" speaker is great for the acoustic. Of course, the electrics sound great on this amp, too. The clean channel is very soft while the drive is edgy with a smooth bell-like tube tone depending on how hard you work the tubes. Again, perfect for playing the blues!

No reliability problems. The tubes are exposed and possibly subject to damage if the amp is not transported properly; however, the EL84's are sensitive to heating/cooling. When using this amp, I suggest keeping it situated where air can circulate through the open back to reduce or eliminate any "noises" caused by tubes which aren't properly ventilated. I've never needed a back-up amp when using this one, which is more than I can say for any of my Fender amps.

I've had to call Peavey once to ask about the bias setting on the amp and a human answered the phone within the second ring. My question was answered within 5 minutes. I think's that excellent, especially when a human answers the phone these days.

I would definitely replace this amp if it were stolen with another Delta Blues. I've replaced my Fender Hot Rod Deluxe with this amp and won't go back. I've also owned other Fender and Marshall amps and they just don't compare to the value you get with this amp. The only drawback to the amp is the one input; but the amp is very versatile and can be used for other instruments than guitar, if needed (vocals, harmonica, keyboard, bass)! For everything you get, it's a great value.

I purchased this amp new in 1996.I have numerous large amps(won,t bore
you with details like some reviews) and having a small car meant family had to stay home as amp & guitars took up whole car.I,ve been
playing in pub bands for over 30 yrs and nothing was ever going to
sound as good as my old amps. This little sucker will make you think again . I,ve read some negative reviews on this amp but as the old saying goes,good tradespeople never blame their tools! If you have a
problem with anything ,there,s always a solution! I,ve had a couple
of minor problems ,but I know a great repairer and have not had them since.Not too many knobs which is good.15" speaker, I think it,s an
Eminence.

I have numerous "Name Brand" guitars ,some vintage and also some early Japanese guitar,s.They all sound great through this amp.I,ve
always been a limited effects user (too lazy to plug ,em in ).You
can always get a great sound plugged straight into this amp. If you can,t, have a serious look at your guitar.If it,s of reasonable quality and set up properly, you shouldn,t have a problem.
Being a pub /club player most of my playing life, I,ve had to play a
variety of styles (Master of None).I seem to get all the warmth &
clarity I could wish for out of this amp.I can also seem to get a pretty good range of overdriven sounds out of it using any of my
guitars.If you,ve played lot,s of different venues, you will know that
some rooms just don,t sound good and some sound great.If you,re plugged into the same circuit as neon lights and refridgerators, all
sorts of things can happen, believe me, dont blame the amp or guitar!
One venue I,d played for years and no matter what guitar and amp I took alway,s sounded pathetic,had a complete turnaround one night when
someone in the audience told me other band,s get the management to turn off a certain light.The improvement was mind boggling.Flourescent lights also play havoc.Just for the record,one
guitar I use a hell of a lot is a Fernandes Strat copy with Seymour
Duncan pickups in it.Cheap but awesome.It seems to cover most styles I play (from dinner music to full on)

This is the first amp that has ever let me down at a gig in over 30 years of playing ! It was the same problem a couple of other reviewers
wrote of (power to valves on printed circuit?).I did ring for backup,
but amp was just out of warranty so stiff biccies mate!Lucky I know a
great technician who has serviced all my amps for the last 25 yrs.
He nailed the problem straight away and was in-expensive to fix.
Don,t let this comment be a negative as I know people who have paid lots more for amp,s and had problems.I would most certainly buy another of these little gems tomorrow but i,m never going to get rid of this one.Surely by now(6 yrs) Peavey have become aware of the minor
faults and rectified it. I,ve had a few of their products over the years and they have all been great!Other Peavey gear I,ve owned over
the years has been great and never let me down.Just unfortunate this happened.

I don,t know. As I said, the amp was just out of warranty when it broke down,so who cares? I,m sure if it was still covered there would
not have been a problem. Just a pity it didn,t break down a bit sooner
like some of the others.I,m sure a company like Peavey does it right.

Apart from the minor problem i,ve written of,I don,t have any problems
with this amp. It,s done lot,s of gig,s and done itself proud.I play
from time to time with some well respected guitarists who also have nothing but praise for it. Look ,it,s 30 watts, compact, puts out a
great range of tones and if you think otherwise, take a long hard
look at your gear and your playing ability.Before I purchased this
amp I was looking at small amps, some over twice the price, but once
I tried this one out,it sold itself.If you do some searching on the net, I,m sure you,ll find heaps of positive feedback about this amp as I have. Maybe not metal and thrash players where a stack is the go,
but for most players,this should sure do the job.
The tremolo is a bit of a let down compared to my older amps, it seems
to lose volume where the old amps I have are a lot stronger and also
3 thmes the wattage so maybe that,s the reason? I think this amp proves you don,t have to pay through the nose to get a great sound,
like I said earlier,I needed something smaller than my old piggyback/
quad box amps as my cars got smaller so i could take the family to gigs sometimes and I couldn,t afford a van.