Some of you probably recall a thread or two posted by myself regarding tube bass amps. I've been doing some homework on different amps for a while. Big contenders for me were Fender Bassman 300 Pro (love it, just a little rich for my blood), Mesa Boogie Walkabout 300, a Traynor (model escapes me), Genz Benz Shuttle 6, and Peavey VB-2, based solely on my online research.

Today I went to my local shop to ask some questions of the very knowledgeable staff there and to plug in and do some real hands-on research. I had NO intention of buying anytime soon because, though I have decent funds, it's not really the best decision for me to go dropping loads of cash on a new amp when I already have a great solid state rig.

I only took one bass with me, my recently completed Ibanez GSR205 routed out and fitted with two EMG-40DC pickups, and EMG-BQC 3band tone circuit.

After doing some talking about features, quality, tone, and most of all reliability, I plugged up to the Mesa, the Fender, and finally the Peavey. They were all great amps, no doubt whatsoever there.

My absolutely favorite in all aspects was the Peavey. MSRP is $1100 and can be had for $900 or a bit less just about anywhere you shop. THEN the guy says $700.

Now...I'm a firm believer in abstaining from impulse buying. But I also know it's almost as bad to not know when something is ripe for the picking. This one seems pretty ripe to me.

Also, being just slightly more than an hour away from Meridian, MS, buying Peavey is very convenient for me, in the very rare case of an issue with a product. After eight years of reasonably hard use, the fuseholder on my Combo115 broke off, and I paid a visit to the parts building. I got a new one for a few bucks and a bunch of fuses and fuse caps for free.

Anyway, I think I'm gonna move on it. For now I'll just use my Ashdown 210 cab for it then eventually add either a Fender or an Ashdown 115.

Thoughts?

-Dave

Sounds like a good deal Delta66, have fun with your new rig Bro.

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you can save the world with your guitar one love song at a time it's just better, more fun, easier with a fender solid body electric guitar or electric bass guitar.

peavey has always made good stuff. my attic is loaded with peavey, all in retirement. ive used peavey for yrs and yrs. never known of any issues with them. they make a solid product for all budgets too.
probably the most consistent company in the business.

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63supro
"The good thing is in a club situation, most of the patrons are trashed and really can't tell the difference."

I agree way cool jr. One day in the reasonably near future I hope to be posting pics of my new stack with three different brand logos on it

Assuming the mix and match thing wouldn't gross anyone out.

And maybe one day after my two year old grows up and leaves home I'll be able to spring for that Bassman 300.

oh man, folks always hate the mix n match guys lol.
it throws the product loyal guys for a loop.
i love it. i just whatever works. i was Boss loyal for decades.
im building a blues rig and promised myself no Boss effects.
its not that i dont like them ok, im pretty much a Boss $@!&# lol.
i just wanted to open up my mind to different ideas. theres lots of good products out now. im leaning towards the high end off brands though.
i will be using a MXR here and there too.
just trying to have all my new stuff very different from my old gear.
so far its working. my next rig is gonna be a old school rig.
i already have the guitars for it but im gonna have to set down and be educated by the likes of 63supro to really know what im looking for.
thats a ways off yet though.

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63supro
"The good thing is in a club situation, most of the patrons are trashed and really can't tell the difference."

Peavey makes wicked amps ,I used an old Deuce for over 25 yrs of regular loud gigging and it never let me down,great choice and a price that's too good to pass up.

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'65 Strat,65 Mustang,65 Jaguar,4 more Strats,3 vintage Vox guitars,5 Vox amps,'69 Bassman with a '68 2-15 Bassman cab,36 guitars total-15asst'd amps total,2 vintage '60s Hammond organs & a myriad of effects-with a few rare vintage ones.

Good luck with your new amp. I always like it when folks get new gear.