How to Modify a Peavey Classic 30 Tube Amplifier

Modifying your Peavey Classic 30 tube amplifier may seem like a nearly impossible task at first. However, there are a few simple things that you can do to greatly improve the tone and performance of a stock Peavey Classic 30. Though several of the modifications presented here are very simple, others are not, and require that you have a fairly sophisticated knowledge of the components in your amplifier and the processes used to modify them.

Things You'll Need

• Replacement speaker of your choice
• De-soldering braid
• Soldering iron and solder
• .047uf cap
• .022 uf cap

Instructions

How To Modify A Peavey Classic 30 Tube Amplifier

1. Replace the standard issue speaker with a speaker of higher quality or one that is more to your liking. Manufacturers of quality speakers include Weber, Celestion and For a review of popular speakers, check out http://www.webervst.com/bt9908.htm. To hear samples of Weber speakers, go to http://www.youtube.com/results?search_type=&search_query=weber+speaker&aq=f.

2. Replace the tubes in the amplifier. Most new Peavey Classic 30 amplifiers come with Sovtek tubes that are generally considered to be only of average quality. Though tube choice is very personal, several manufacturers are well-known among guitar players to make excellent tubes. Check out http://www.jj-electronic.sk/ for new tubes, and http://www.vacuumtube.com/guitartubes.htm for high-quality vintage tubes.

3. Open the amplifier and make the circuit board visible. You do not have to remove the circuit board. Locate the .022uf bass cap, which will be clearly marked on the circuit board, and use de-soldering braid to remove it. Replace it with a .047uf cap using your soldering iron. This will increase your bass response.

4. Using de-soldering braid, remove the .022 uf mid-range cap. Replace it with a .022 uf cap using your soldering iron. This well increase your overall mid-range tone.

5. Remove the 470 pf cap from the overdrive circuit, which will be clearly labeled on the circuit board using de-soldering braid. Replace it with a 820 pf mica cap. This will help greatly to reduce the harshness of the overdrive sound in this amplifier, as it will allow more bass to come through.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not attempt the more complicated modifications presented here if you have never worked on electronics or amplifiers of this nature before. You could damage the amp permanently.

References

• Great Tube AMPS and Guitar Mods; Thompson, Mike; 1995
• Tube Amp Talk for the Guitarist and Tech; Weber, Gerald; 1997

Resources

• Surplustraders.com
• Talon Electronics