Session 400

Joe Drivdahl · From: Montana, USA

Hello, n
I have a PeaVey Session 400 (not LTD). When I turn it on it produces a nasty loud buzz. Someone has suggested it is the transistors, and quoted $245 to replace them. I know nothing about electronics. Has anyone else experienced similar problems with this amp? How many transistors are there and are they difficult to replace? Is it worth spending the money on?

Thanks,

Joe
_________________
GFI Ultra, Gibson, and Fender.

Paul Sutherland · From: Placerville, California

I can't speak to repairing it yourself. The amp is worth repairing, but send it to the Peavey factory in Mississippi to do the work. You need to take the head out of the cabinet, and the reverb too if you think it might be part of the problem, and just send that to them. They will get the head working like new and they will charge you much less than almost anyone else. A stock Session 400 is my stage amp of choice.
_________________
It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing.

Jack Stoner · From: Kansas City, MO

+1 for Peavey repair.

Mike Brown, a forum member, is the steel guitar community's contact at Peavey service. Call him first before sending it in. (877)732-8391 x 1180

I'm a former amp tech and can vouch for Peavey service and reasonable prices.

Lane Gray · From: Topeka, KS

I'm not an amp tech, and I haven't heard your amp, so I don't know what kind of buzz.
BUT from running amps and chatting with techs for the past 35 years has me thinking that:
1) a 60 Hz hum will usually come from filtering or grounding, and;
2) Transistors won't likely fail unless you have run them thru either a low load or a dead short.
Unless your amp has a buzz unlike other bad noises you've heard, I would REALLY hesitate to throw a set of transistors at it.
I'll bet that a repair in Meridian would cost less than the $425Â¹, even including shipping (take the chassis out of the case, that much wood and the speaker will raise shipping costs).

Â¹EDIT: Oops. You said 245. I'm dyslexic. Actually. I retract my wager, but say that Peavey will do it better
_________________
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects

Tom Gorr · From: Three Hills, Alberta

If its the power amp transistors, could they possibly cost more than $10 a piece and take more than 5 minutes to remove and replace....???

I'd say put up a soundfile for us to hear to see what the buzz actually sounds like....could be anything.

Joe Drivdahl · From: Montana, USA

Thanks guys. I will see if I can get a sound file up but it might take me a while.
_________________
GFI Ultra, Gibson, and Fender.

Joe Drivdahl · From: Montana, USA

I haven't had time to do much as far as getting a sound file, but when I unplug the speaker, the sound seems to be coming from the power supply/transformer or whatever you call it. Could that be the problem?
_________________
GFI Ultra, Gibson, and Fender.

Lane Gray · From: Topeka, KS

Waitaminnit. It's buzzing without a speaker in it?
Failing transformers do that.
Were I in your shoes, it would go to Peavey immediately.
Power supply issues are easily solved by amp techs, but I'd harbor worries about bad voltages spreading harm downstream.
_________________
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects

Mike Wheeler · From: Delaware, Ohio, USA

I had a Special 130 that did that. The power transformer was bad. In my case, that's all that was wrong, but there could be other things bad in your case. I agree, a trip to Peavey is your best and, I think cheapest, solution.
_________________
Best regards,
Mike

Steve Spitz · From: New Orleans, LA, USA

Ship it to peavey. They have fixed amps for me that were way past warranty for dirt cheap or free, fixed things for free I didn't ask to have fixed ( they saw a broken pot shaft and replaced it at no charge) , they are fast, and they answer the phone. I wasn't looking for a freebie, but they were not interested in making money off customers who needed repairs.
That's been my experience. Send it to Peavey. I can't imagine a private repair being better, faster, or cheaper. Outstanding customer service.

Roger Dillingham · From: Kentucky, USA

I totally agree, Steve! My experience with Peavey's service department has been nothing but stellar!! Always accessable, quick, thorough, and reasonable. My vote would be send it to Peavey every time!! I have dealt with them since the 1970's and every time they have been consistently great!! Kudos to Peavey's service department! JMHO, Roger Very Happy

Joe Drivdahl · From: Montana, USA

Looks like the results are in. Send it to Peavey. I will do that if I can figure out how to get the amp out of the housing. I hope its just a matter of taking the knobs off, removing the screws and the whole thing slides out. Maybe the folks at Peavey can tell me.

Thanks a lot guys. I've been missing the Session 400 for months now.

Joe
_________________
GFI Ultra, Gibson, and Fender.

Kevin Mincke · From: Farmington, MN (Twin Cities-South Metro) USA

I don't think you have to remove the knobs, just remove the (4) screws on top and it should all slide out. Unplug the speaker input/reverb leads etc. not too bad to do, unlike some of the Session 500's with separate or split design pre/amp.

Paul Sutherland · From: Placerville, California

You definitely do not need to remove the knobs. Just unscrew the four bolts from the top of the cabinet and slide it out the rear. Of course the top back panel needs to be off, and the reverb leads pulled out. It's not a bad idea to mark the leads and the amp chassis so you get it right the first time when you put it back together.

Bottom line; it's easy!!
_________________
It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing.

Lane Gray · From: Topeka, KS

I find it easier to remove the rear corner caps before sliding it out. It CAN be done with them in place, but there's so little clearance that it can take 5-7 minutes of wiggling to accomplish what thirty seconds with a screwdriver turns into a 5 second job.
_________________
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects

Dennis Detweiler · From: Solon, Iowa, US

And don't stick your hands into the electronic components after you take it out. The caps may still hold a charge and curl your toes.
_________________
1976 Birdseye U-12 MSA with Telonics 427 pickup, 1975 Birdseye U-12 MSA with Telonics X-12 pickup, Revelation preamp, Carbon Copy Delay and Hall Of Fame Reverb, Crown XLS 1002, 2- 15" Eminence Wheelhouse speakers, ShoBud Pedal, Effects Pedals. 1949 Epiphone D-8.

Mike Brown · From: Meridian, Mississippi USA

Thanks for the references, guys. Our factory techs can repair your Session 400 amp. I recommend that you remove the chassis that contains the electronics of the amp by removing the four screws(two per amp strap)and the chassis can be removed through the rear of the unit(of course the upper back panel will have to be removed as well. I also recommend that you send the reverb pan(mounted in the bottom of the cabinet that is secured by two screws holding the black vinyl bag)to the bottom of the cabinet.

Send the items postage prepaid to;
Peavey Service Center
Attn; Repair Department
412 Hwy. 80 East
Meridian, MS 39301

Please include a copy of this note as well as your daytime phone number. Factory repair labor rates are $55.00 per hour plus parts and return freight.

Hope that this helps.

Joe Drivdahl · From: Montana, USA

@Mike Brown,

Thank you. Yes. I called your service number and spoke with a very helpful feller who instructed me in removing the chassis. So I did and its on the way. I will send you a PM with other info.

Thanks everyone for all the help.

Joe
_________________
GFI Ultra, Gibson, and Fender.

Jerry Roller · From: Van Buren, Arkansas USA

Joe, you will be very glad you sent it to Peavey when you receive it back. It will sound great and the charge will be very very reasonable.
Jerry
_________________
http://www.littleoprey.org/

Erv Niehaus · From: Litchfield, MN, USA

I bought a Session 400 a while back and when I got it it didn't work. I sent the chassis in to Peavey and it wasn't long until they returned it, fixed.
And at a nominal cost too.
Good bunch of guys! Very Happy

Dennis Detweiler · From: Solon, Iowa, US

I've had the same positive experience with Peavey repair. They repair the amp back to factory specs.
_________________
1976 Birdseye U-12 MSA with Telonics 427 pickup, 1975 Birdseye U-12 MSA with Telonics X-12 pickup, Revelation preamp, Carbon Copy Delay and Hall Of Fame Reverb, Crown XLS 1002, 2- 15" Eminence Wheelhouse speakers, ShoBud Pedal, Effects Pedals. 1949 Epiphone D-8.

Mike Brown · From: Meridian, Mississippi USA

Glad that we could help out.

Joe Drivdahl · From: Montana, USA

I am looking forward to getting it back. Its in pretty good shape cosmetically so it will be like a new amp. I wish my Nashville 400 looked as good. I might have to take the Armour-All to it.

I'm glad Peavey repair has such a good reputation with you guys. The repairman I spoke with on the phone was certainly helpful. I've always liked Peavey amps. I just wish they'd make the NV 400 again.

Joe
_________________
GFI Ultra, Gibson, and Fender.

Forum Index > Electronics		Next oldest topic :: Next newest topic