Amplifier

[James Taylor]

Can someone advise me on a small, good-quality amplifier for in-house use only? My Peavy Amplifier jumps volume, from a low to high, without warning, and I wondered what would be doing this? JAMES TAYLOR

[Stephen Cowell]

I'm a fan of Roland/BOSS amps... I own the Mobile Cube (cute as a button!) and the Cube 40xl (real workhorse). I'm a non-pedaler so bass response is not critical, however the 40 has plenty, and the Mobile Cube has built-in stereo reverb that is addictive. The MC is stereo 5w, the 40 has 40 peak watts. The MC has battery power available as well, lasts several hours on six AA's.

The original MC is out of production but eBay has them:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/298009746101

So is the 40xl, but eBay has them:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/317109368723

Roland amps have really come up in price so these eBay deals won't last long.

Peavey amps are very reliable if you do the routine maintenance they require. The loop jacks' normalling contacts often get dirty.... these can be cleaned with business card and DeOxit or a contact burnisher. You may have a dirty master potentiometer, these can be cleaned or replaced. You may find that all the pots need is to be exercised well... I frantically slam them from 0 to 10 over and over, this often clears up any problems.

[James Taylor]

Hi Stephen,
Thank you for your helpful advice on amp selection and for a much-needed repair to my volume control.
BEST WISHES JAMES

[ajm]

Stop.

Before you spend any money, you didn't say what Peavey amp you're using.
There may be a simple and less expensive solution.
Stephen hinted at a couple of them towards the end of his reply.

But if you want to spend more money, carry on.

[Robert Parent]

Recently purchased a Katana 100 and it is a very nice amp for the money.

Robert

[James Taylor]

Hi Robert,
It is a Peavey Vypyr 30 watts. I do hope there is a simple answer to this problem. I am 86 and have little electronic knowledge. BEST WISHES, JAMES

[James Taylor]

Hi AJM,
Thank you for your input with helpful advice. It is a Peavey Vypyr 30 watts. I do hope there is a simple answer to this problem. I am 86 and have little electronic knowledge.
BEST WISHES, JAMES

[Jack Hanson]

I agree 100% with Stephen.

It's tough to beat a Mobile Cube for the combo platter of price, sound, portability, and versatility. I have three of 'em. I've had one hooked up to my PC for sound for over a decade (literally thousands of hours on it), and it still performs perfectly. One rides along in my hockeymom van for those all to infrequent "just in case" opportunities. I keep another for a spare, and it's still in the box.

Will not rival a Little Walter or a Session or a Twin, but for playing/practicing by yourself at home, or sitting in with a small group who plays at a reasonable level, a Mobile Cube should be more than adequate in my opinion.

[James Taylor]

Hi Jack,
Thank you for your advice, and I will look into this.

BEST WISHES JAMES

[ajm]

"My Peavy Amplifier jumps volume, from a low to high, without warning, and I wondered what would be doing this?"

Now that I/we know what amp you're using, I have to say that my suggestion for a fix is not applicable.
If your amp had an effects loop you could put a "volume box" in the loop.

So............
My suggestion would be to not immediately go out and buy a new amp.
Try learning the one you have a little better.
Your amp should have three "volume" controls on it.
Pre gain
Post gain
Master
Between those three you should have plenty of control over volume levels.

The other thing about these multi preset programmable amps: There can be a HUGE range of volume between preset/amp models.
I have recently taken possession of an older Line 6 Spider III, which is similar to your Peavey.
This is my first experience with a mutli channel programmable digital modeling amp.
I discovered early on the swing in volume levels between presets.
You need to have your master set VERY LOW until you get a handle on the way that things are programmed.
If not you could end up blowing out a wall or two. ;>))

[Dave Grafe]

viewtopic.php?t=408353

I purchased two of these for a busking plan but this one never got used much. I'm using the other with headphones, using my phone, video and stereo for quiet practice and occasional recording. The headphone out doubles as a stereo line out and the on board reverb and delay effects are first rate.

[Donny Hinson]

Bang or slap the amp hard on top with your hand, and If the volume jumps, it's probably just a dirty jack or internal connector.

(And for those so concerned, this will NOT hurt the amp!)

[Ron Pruter]

Possibly, dirty controls-(Pots) Start with the volume pot or pots. Shake them around with the amp on and see if they make and brake connection. RP

[James Taylor]

Hi Fellows, and thank you so much for all your advice. Hi AJM, I will try all your excellent thoughts on this amp. Thanking everyone who has added information, and recently, Dave, Donny, and Ron.

Best wishes, and I will come back and tell you all how things develop. JAMES

[James Taylor]

Hi AJM, Thank you for your valuable advice. It was as you suggested, the three-volume controls, and once I got the proper balance, it is now perfect. However, I will use it for my guitars as they sound fine through it, and I will continue to use my older Amp for the Pedal Steel.

Best wishes to everyone who contributed to this column. KEEP STEALING!

JAMES TAYLOR- Northern Scotland - SLANGE! ( GOOD HEALTH]