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Hello all,
I am looking for some advice as to what to do about my dead/dying amp. I have a 1974 Peavey series 400 bass amp that I play through a Peavey 2x15. The other day it blew a fuse, so I replaced it.. as far as I know this was the first time that it has been replaced since it was new. I then looked inside to see if there was anything obviously causing a short of some kind - there was not. The amp powered up as usual and I played through it for about an hour when it threw sparks and started smoking from the left rear side of the amp.

I bought this amp used and have had it for about a year. It has not been to the shop in that time. The problem that I am having is that the distortion channel on this amp is pretty heavenly and overall the amp is kind of my dream amp. I also realize that it is very old and could possibly not be worth the cost of repairs. I certainly plan to take it in and get an estimate, but if you were in my position how much would be too much? At what point should I be realistic and let the amp go.. and if it comes to that what might be a suitable replacement?

Thanks,
SMH

I'm curious as to what the actual failure is. A lot of the stuff from the 70s has carbon comp resistors..which smoke frequently depending, and then caps can end up being shorts too. I wouldn't recommend opening it up since there can be dangerous stored potential that could potentially be fatal. I'm sure you could get it looked at for not much. If it's your dream amp, I would certainly have it looked at!!

Another vote for repair, so long as the cost of which is below what it would cost to purchase and ship another.

It sounds like you either have BBQ'd a failed capacitor in the PSU or have torched your output section. All the parts are generally reasonable for these, it's the labor that adds up.

Smoke leaves a trace, if you are electronically/mechanically inclined you can unplug and open up the amplifier to visually determine general area of combustion, if you are not so inclined it's best to contact a local tech and discuss.

Those old Peaveys are built like tanks -- get it fixed and should be good for another 40 years.

If you need help diagnosing try posting on the Peavey forum. User Enzo is some sort of wizard and he knows these amps inside and out. Even though you likely you have the answer from our boy Croch.

You can buy those for $200 -$250. On Craigs List, even less I'd bet.

In automobile terms, a car is considered "totaled" if repairs cost 50% of the value of the car. So I wouldn't spend more than $100-$150 on repairs.

nonakosa wrote:the amp is kind of my dream amp.

Awesome.

I will definitely be having it looked at for an estimate at least.. as far as opening it up, I know just enough to be dangerous, so I do not feel safe doing that. I have a good tech who I trust that I will take it to, and I will re-post when I have a better idea what the problem is/was. I know that the Peavey is well built so I am glad to see so many suggestions to have it repaired. I was just starting to get a bit worried that it may cost more than it is worth, especially considering that I cannot even find another to buy and have shipped to me anyways.

Taking it to the shop at the earliest convenience and keeping my fingers crossed. Thanks to all, and I will let you all know what the estimate is.

SMH

K2000 wrote:You can buy those for $200 -$250. On Craigs List, even less I'd bet.

In automobile terms, a car is considered "totaled" if repairs cost 50% of the value of the car. So I wouldn't spend more than $100-$150 on repairs.

Given the amp is decades old, I would steer acceptable cost of repair closer to going rate than just 50%. The reasoning is that almost ANY 30-40 year old amp is probably overdue for servicing, and getting fresh work done will often put a decade or more service life on it, while something languishing in a basement for the past ten years will often only give you another year or so before next failure.

The trick is employing a trustworthy tech that will stand behind their work.

I run two Peavey bass heads in my rig, a MKIII and a MKIV and they are also my dream amps - I would be willing to spring the cost of maintenance to keep them humming along. However I’ve yet to have any sort of issues with them as they are true workhorses!!

I hope you can have it repaired as it seems like the word is out that hear amps rule hard and they seem to get more and more pricey on the used market unless you are willing to drive to Pickering with your wife to buy one for $100 from an orthodontist..... I am willing! But my wife.... she said Pickering sucked balls....

It's gotta be a capacitor! fix it!

It's been covered already, but I would add...If it's your dream amp, and you are having trouble locating another, the worth/cost of repairs would be up to you. I personally would be willing to pay someone the same that it would cost to buy another, to just fix the one I already had. It's already in your hands, and you know the repairs will last (provided your tech is legit)....but I've also put more into my vehicle than it would cost to buy another so

Ok then, I am glad to see all of these replies.. gives me a bit of needed hope - I was really starting to worry that my amp may just be done for. I will take it to the shop as soon as I can free up the funds to do so.. I think the only thing that I don't like into this amp is my active Thunderbird, and I am honestly starting to think that maybe I just don't like active basses.

Thanks again to all, I will update this post when I have some more information.

SMH

It's never done for man.. just time and money. It's probably not something major. Keep us updated