Nash' 400 Mods

Dave Seddon · Post by **Dave Seddon** » 3 Sep 2003 9:14 am

I have just acquired a Nashville 400, one of the older ones and I would like to modify it. So, do I go for the Peavey mod or the Le May. The cost is not the factor here even though in the UK it could prove to be a lot more expensive than in the States.
What I want to know is, which is the better of the two, is there really that much NOTICEABLE difference between them.
I have just swapped my Special 130 for this N400, the 130 (I thought) was Great, then I put the Le May mod in which made a hell of a difference. Prior to that I had a Vegas and I used the Peavey "mod" on that which again was brilliant. So! somebody please explain to me why I should modify this way or that, or should I even bother at all.
Cheers Dave.

Chick Donner · Post by **Chick Donner** » 3 Sep 2003 10:41 am

I have modified about two dozen of them using the Peavey factory mod. Now I'n not sure about NOW, but if my memory serves me correctly, at one time if you used the LeMay mod, he did it and did not give you an updated schematic. If he now sells the kits, then I guess that's no longer a consideration.

I have sat in on a LeMay mod amp, nad of course played many factory mod amps, and I can't tell the difference. BUT, keep in mind that I use two Webb 614-e's for my primary amps.

Bob Metzger · Post by **Bob Metzger** » 3 Sep 2003 10:46 am

Each 'mod' seems to have its constituency. If cost is a factor, the Peavey mod is a much cheaper was to go. They both will improve the amp alot.

Also, check out the speaker on the NV400. Some of the earlier ones (like mine) used a BW 1502 which isn't as sweet to my ears as the latest version 1501 or the JBL D-130 that is now in my amp.

Bob M.

Mike Brown · Post by **Mike Brown** » 3 Sep 2003 10:59 am

What our kits accomplish is to shift the equalizer center points on the LOW, HIGH and PRESENCE controls so that the adjustment of these controls change accordingly. The MID and SHIFT controls also cover a slightly different range. The result is a "safe" boost of the low frequencies, a smoother mid range and a slight change in how the higher frequencies are adjusted.

In my opinion, my 1985 Nashville 400 sounds better overall. But, I could also use a stock Nashville 400 without any problems with its sound. It is really up to you whether or not a mod is necessary. But, if you have modified an amp before and liked the results, then I think that you would like the results of the Peavey Nashville 400 modification. Here is a link to our steel guitar pages from the Peavey website;
http://www.peavey.com/support/steelguitaristinfo/

The kit number for the Nashville 400 is #90500048 and can be order at; http://www.peavey.co.uk/

If you have further questions concerning this kit, contact me at (601)483-5365 and I'll be glad to assist.

Thanks,
Mike Brown
Peavey Electronics Corporation USA

David Langdon · Post by **David Langdon** » 11 Sep 2003 6:37 am

Hi Dave, I,ve done the Lemay mod. The service from them is quite prompt, and I think it took me about 2 hours to do the mod. My N400 is about 1985 or thereabouts. The top end is alot smoother, the mid-honk has gone, and the amount of bass is huge compared to before. I'm a little busy at the moment, but perhaps you'd like to try mine out at some point? Dave.

Bill Ferguson · Post by **Bill Ferguson** » 11 Sep 2003 9:23 am

Dave, I have 2 NV400's, one with each mod. In my opinion the Peavey mod gives you a much smoother response (besides being cheaper).

Nothing against the LeMay Mod, but I personally like the sound of the Peavey mod.

I do not use any effects and am able to get the sound I want with this amp.

Bill Ferguson

Mike Brown · Post by **Mike Brown** » 12 Sep 2003 5:49 am

There is a reason why the Peavey mod kit is less expensive and it's because we buy electronic components in bulk quantities. These are the same components that we use in our products.