Nashville 112 re-Evaluation

Wayne Cox · From: Chatham, Louisiana, USA * R.I.P.

After Bobbe Seymore posted his evaluation of the new Peavey Nashville 112,some steelers from this area & myself persuaded a local music store to get one to try. I have a healthy respect for Bobbe's opinions and for Peavey Amplifiers,so nothing said here is intended to be an attack against either of them. It is also fair to say that we only tested one 112 amp,even though one would presume some consistency in their production. Here is what we found: The unit we tested did not come with a Blue Marvel speaker,nor a Black Widow;but instead it had a heavy duty 12 that looked very generic. The amp had a very professional appearance with plenty of tone controls,in and outs (such as pre-amp in and effects in)etc., but it noticeably lacked a female speaker output jack on the back side

. The stock speaker was probably 4 ohms,so Peavey wouldn't want you running an extension speaker with that. We all know that no one should ever set a liquid/drink on an amp but we also know it happens anyway. The top of this amp has a large venting hole in it...sooo we know what will inevitably happen,don't we?!
What about the tone and volume? We compared the test amp to two different Evans amps. One of the Evans amps had a 12" speaker and same size cabinet as the Peavey. The Peavey is touted as being a "high-definition" amp for pedal steel. In our tests the Peavey did not even come close to the Evans in definition and separation of notes within a chord. The peavey costs about $600 whereas the Evans cost about $1200. Of course the Evans had more power (they were FET500 models), but the little Peavey did surprise us with the amount of power and punch it posesses. The reverb uses short springs and doesn't even come up to the standard of other Peavey amps. Pretty bad.
All in all, a good little practice amp,but don't expect a Session500 in a small package!
~~W.C.~~

seldomfed · From: Colorado

I couldn't persuade the local store to get one to try so I bought one on faith based on Bobbe's comments, other forum comments, experience with Peavey products I've owned in the past, and also reviews from my friends that played in the Hawaiian room at Scotty's. Since I'll likely use it for both pedal and non-pedal it seemed a good option.
I'm quite happy! Tone, weight and power all seem to be well integrated. Sure it's not going to compare to a $1200 amp in all cases, but for 80% of what I do this is an extremely effective amp. I paid $480 thru a local dealer. There are always tradeoffs.

Took it last night to a jam downtown. The scene was alt-country and jam-band stuff so I played pedal. I just put a mic in front of it. The jam was LOUD. I had the 112 up to about 4.5 on the vol. , the house PA did the rest. It cut thru the mix fine, people loved the sound. I really like this amp.

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Chris Kennison
Ft. Collins, Colorado
"There is no spoon"
www.book-em-danno.com

Mike Brown · From: Meridian, Mississippi USA

Wayne and "evaluees"(if there is such a word), I'm not exactly sure "why" you are providing this "critique" for any other reason other than just to provide a personal evaluation of the Nashville 112 amp. That's great, I invite your input. But, I feel that I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't provide a rebuttal to your critique.

The 12" speaker that "I" chose for the Nashville 112 "is" a Blue Marvel speaker. Due to the design of this speaker, we didn't feel that spending the extra money on the design of a unique Blue Marvel sticker/nameplate was pertinent. The Blue Marvel speaker for this amp has a back plate vent that other BM speakers do not have, therefore, a new sticker would be necessary and it would slightly increase manufacturing costs. Unique parts always increase the final price. An 80 watt amplifier with a 350 watt BW is a bit of overkill, don't you think? This would definitely increase the overall price of the amp. Besides this, an 80 watt amplifier can cause the failure to a 350 watt speaker as fast as an 80 watt speaker with an 80 watt amplifier, if the power is not clean.

The first prototype "Nashville 100" was shown and demo'd at the 2000 St.Louis Convention had an 8 ohm speaker, but we later changed from the 8 ohm to a 4 ohm speaker so that the new 80 watt amplifier would produce full power with the 4 ohm speaker. There is no reason for an 80 watt amplifier to have an extension speaker jack due to the dynamic frequency range of the steel guitar, if the amp is targeted as a rehearsal/entry level amp. The available power is still 80 watts, no matter how many times it is split. Remember, this amp has always been marketed as a rehearsal type of amplifier. An 80 watt amplifier would get blown away on a normal bandstand where there are drums, bass guitar, keyboards, etc., etc. That's one reason that we removed the extension speaker jack on the second version, which is the existing Nashville 112.

You are correct about the "large venting hole" in the top of the cabinet. But, heat rises and it should be evident that if you spill liquids into the top of the vent, that it might result in the failure of the electronic circuits.

Since our Nashville Series of amps have been known as very clean sounding amps that are being and have been used as fiddle, accordian, steel guitar, keyboard and jazz guitar amplifiers, the "high definition instrument amp" nameplate screening pretty much applies here. It is not label as a "steel guitar" amp. In comparison, why is Fender Twin being used by rock musicians, country pickers, etc.? Because it is a clean sounding amp and can duplicate the instruments well that musicians use it for.

"One of the Evans amps had a 12" speaker and same size cabinet as the Peavey"...........Of course, the Evans had more power?????? A true comparison would between the Peavey and Evans would be identical specs, and the end result would be a matter of opinion.

"The Peavey costs about $600.00, whereas the Evans cost about $1200". The price definitely does not tell you much if you are not comparing apples with apples. If these were identical models, spec-wise, the Peavey model would be more cost effective for the musician who makes $75.00-$150.00 per night, wouldn't you say? But, on the same token, wouldn't it make more sense to buy the most reliable Peavey amp in the first place? Why is the Evans priced at $1200.00 to begin with? It's all the same electronic components, but the efficiency is the key in the manufacturing process, whether its done by 4-5 people or 15 people. Since we buy parts in quantities and design and manufacture our own speakers in-house, we have better quality control and can control our manufacturing costs.............and can control the final price of our products. Nonetheless, the manufacturers suggested retail price should not be a consideration here.

The reverb circuitry for the Nashville 112 has a bit more low end frequency and is hotter. But, all in all, it sounds great in my opinion.

The original idea of the Nashville 112 was to offer a clean sounding low powered reheasal amp at around the $500-600 range and from all indications, we have accomplished this, and at a $599.99 retail price. The amp was well-received at the St.Louis show and have been selling as fast as we can make them.

Now, I will say this. I suspect that there is something wrong with the amp that you tested. I would try another amp and would very much like to hear your comments. But, let's compare like models.

If you have further comments or questions, please feel free to call me toll free at 1-877-732-8391. One other thing, our warranty is for 5 years, what is the warranty on the Evans? Do they have a toll free phone line for customers to contact them? Does the Evans have a replacable speaker basket? There are more questions that I could ask, but will be available on this Forum daily for your questions.

Mike Brown
Peavey Electronics Corporation

Bob Kononiuk · From: Springfield, Missouri, USA

Being new to the game here I can not provide as much insight as others or have much to compare too, but I can say that I love my Nashville 112.

My cousin, who plays in a band, just came over to check out my new Carter said the amp sounded great for its size. I have to agree.

I am glad Peavey made something that is affordable for us new guys trying this out that has the qualty and sound to match somethings that would usually be out of our price range.

Thanks Mike and the great folks at Peavey.

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Bob Kononiuk
______________
Carter SD-10
Nashville 112
Hilton Volume Pedal
Transtube Fex

seldomfed · From: Colorado

Mike,

Leon Eneboe · From: Sisseton, South Dakota, USA

Re; NVll2. Mine works great, especially when I run it through the PA. Different strokes for different folks I suppose, but I have had: Fender super reverb, Fender Vibrosonic, NV400 (2), Evans, NV1000, and NVll2. I played my Williams S12 through the NVll2 (PA), last Saturday nite, with drums, lead guitar, rythm, keyboard, bass and fiddle. I was really well pleased and when it is time to play with this group in public again, it will be the NVll2, for tone, power and ease of carrying. Thanks Peavey for a great amp.

Leon Eneboe, Williams S12, ShoBud LDG,plus too many amps of different sizes and weights.

Buck Grantham R.I.P. · From: Denham Springs, LA. USA

Naturally we all want an amp that weighs 30 pounds and will blow a brick wall down,however I still like the Nashville 400 very much . If you want a reasonable tone and power that will cut bricks,and you don't want to spend a whole lot of money you'll have to buy a used Nashville 400 or a new 1000. The 112 was just not designed for concert halls and big bands . Just my .02 cents worth.

Earl Foote · From: Houston, Tx, USA

Mine did fine on the first gig. It was a very loud outdoor gig and everyone was mic'd. I honestly do not forsee a situation that I have to be any louder than this. I also liked the tone I was getting, nice low end for a small wattage amp. I am very happy with this amp.

Jody Sanders · From: Magnolia,Texas, R.I.P.

I have used my 112 on every type of venue,small club, large club, out door gig, and Sun. jammed with 7 other players with 400's, 1000,s and the large cabinet Evans amps. My 112 hung right in. Once again, the reason we mic the amps is so we don't have to play so loud on stage. Incidently, I have used Peavey equipment since the company's beginning and have never had a piece of Peavey equipment fail me. Once again, thanks to Peavey for providing quality and affordable music products for the past 30 years. Jody.

George Kimery · From: Limestone, TN, USA

I just bought a Nashville 112 lasts week and am very impressed with the sound. I currently have a Session 500 and in the past, I have owned a Webb, an Evans, a Nashville 400, and a Session 400 LTD. The 112 will just about stand up to any of them as far as sound goes. Of course at 80 watts, it doesn't have the volume of the others, but this puppy is plenty loud enough for my use. It is so great to have a small, light weight amp that sounds so good. Even if it is only 90% as good sounding as the big amps, it is worth the trade off to get less weight and easier portability. Thanks Peavey for making this amp available. It fills a specific need extremely well.

Mike Brown · From: Meridian, Mississippi USA

Seldomfed, yes I read your reply and input and it was appreciated. I know that 80 watts can be miked in a live show and should suffice. But, on a larger stage there may be headroom problems. Again, I appreciate all input and we appreciate your purchases and support.

To be honest with you, there will be the naysayers and everyone is entitled to their opinions. But, I would like to see the "boutique" steel amp companies manufacture an amp with equal features, quality specs in the same price range. As much as you and I want to believe, not every player will purchase an amp that has every usable feature imaginable without knowing the price of the product. The consumer price is also part of the puzzle when marketing a product.

If anyone has a question about the Peavey Nashville Series of amps, they can call me toll free in North America at 1-877-732-8391. One other thing, let's hear from a factory rep of Evans Amplifiers on the Forum. If a manufacturer is going to sell you a product, at least they could do is provide support after the sale.

[This message was edited by Mike Brown on 24 September 2003 at 07:13 AM.]

Tony Harris · From: England

First of all can I say how impressed I am that Mike Brown is always on hand to answer our questions. How many other manufacturers can offer that? So Mike, when will the Nashville 112 be available in England? And has anyone tried one for guitar? - I would also be using mine for jazz guitar and country/rock n' roll Tele...

Paul Graupp · From: Macon Ga USA

Tony: Once again someone has said it before I could. It has been said many times before but it never gets old and certainly bears repeating. Mike has been there for a long time and has always been the best of the best!! We can't say THANK YOU, MIKE !! enough.

Regards, Paul

Mike Brown · From: Meridian, Mississippi USA

Thanks for the compliments Paul. You have been an asset to this Forum too!

Tony, thanks for your inquiry of an export shipment of the Nashville 112. To update you, the amp has been CE approved and we do have orders in for them. However, you probably won't see these in the stores until towards the end of the year. This is normal. However, dealers who already have these on order will receive them first, so be on the lookout for them.

Thanks for your inquiry.

Wayne Cox · From: Chatham, Louisiana, USA * R.I.P.

Re: MIKE BROWN,
As I said,this was not intended as an attack against PEAVEY,or you either. I'm sure the initial post reflects my disapoint-
ment,however. My friends and I were ready to
fork over the cash,until we tried the amp. Could be that the one we tested is defective in some way. I am confused,a bit,about the speaker. How many different models of the 12" Blue Marvels do you ship in your amps?
The dealer that got us the 112 has other Peavey amps with 12" Blue Marvels that are nothing like the speaker in this amp. The magnets are a different size,the color is blue in the others,as opposed to the solid black speaker found in the 112. Different models of speakers exhibit different tonal characteristics,so what did we get? MIKE,if
you would like to solve this mystery, I would be happy to E-mail you the dealer's name,and work with you on this.
~~W.C.~~

Mike Brown · From: Meridian, Mississippi USA

Wayne, I didn't take your post as an "attack", but as just input. Again, the input is appreciated. I think that there could be "something" wrong with the amp in question. After all, look at the previous posts by "owners" of the Nashville 112.

Yes, what is the dealers name and the contact person so that I can check into this. I'll post the results for everyone as I know that conversations like this are of importance to our potential customers. If it happens to be that the amp has a problem, I'll take care of it through my normal channels and post what is found to be the problem, here on the Forum.

Our Blue Marvel speakers are manufactured to our specifications for several musical applications. It just so happens that the Blue Marvel in the Nashville 112 has a vent hole, whereas none of the other Blue Marvels have a vent hole. Therefore, there would be extra expense involved in having a special nameplate/sticker printed for this amp only. I didn't think that it was necessary for us to do this as it would increase the overall costs of the amp to the consumer. As silly as this sounds, it is figured into the overall cost of the product.

Since we didn't manufacture the speaker in question, it doesn't mean that the speaker specs/color, etc. couldn't be changed by our vendor. When we depend on outside vendors to meet production needs, sometimes a simple screw can hold up a production run, if you don't have that screw on hand in quantities. That is the reason that we manufacture many of our own products and parts. A little exaggerated example though, but I trust that you get the picture.

Let me know what dealer that amp is at.

[This message was edited by Mike Brown on 25 September 2003 at 11:10 AM.]

Richard Cooper · From: Eads,TN,USA

I am very happy with my
nashville 112.
Thanks Mike

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Mike Brown · From: Meridian, Mississippi USA

I'm glad that you got one of the amps at St.Louis. Thanks again.

Jay Ganz · From: Out Behind The Barn

Hey Mike,
Do you think Peavey will ever start using
neodymium magnets on their speakers? They
weigh half of what a ceramic one does &
supposedly sound alot better.
Just wonderin'......

Grayson Joe · From: Raleigh,Ms.39153

I,m happy with my Nashville 112 Mike, sounds great with my Nashville 1000 useing delay effects, AD-99 analog into the 112 and reverb on the 1000 or dry...the split in tone on highs and low,s are great and clean with this 12" and 15" combo. and too, the NV 112 is great by its self...and may i add, the NV-112 is fine in tone for the violin which i play at times, the best yet in tone for the violin that i,v found.

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Joe Grayson,Monticello ms

Mike Brown · From: Meridian, Mississippi USA

Yes, I do believe that we will reach a point where the neodymium speaker can be offered at more of a reasonable price. More later on this as I don't have enough info on this yet.
Thanks for asking and keep in touch about this.

Peter · Posted 4 Oct 2003 3:14 am

Mike Brown,
are the Nashville112's made in the States or in China?
I have been told that the European (export) Peavy amps are made in the Far East. At least that was the case with the 500.
If this is true for the 112, is there a difference between the Eastern version and the USA versions?

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Peter den Hartogh-Fender Artist S10-Remington U12-Hilton Volume Pedal-Gibson BR4 lapsteel-Guya "Stringmaster" Copy-MusicMan112RP-Peavy Rage158- - My Animation College in South Africa

CrowBear Schmitt · From: Ariege, - PairO'knees, - France

i seriously doubt that PV has gear made in China(at least not yet !)
PV did or does have a plant in the UK tho'

Mike Brown · From: Meridian, Mississippi USA

Yes, some of our entry level products are made in Korea and China. There are many, many U.S. companies now who have their amplifier designs manufactured in China to remain competitive pricewise. However, the majority of our products are still manufactured in Mississippi and Alabama. We also have a manufacturing plant in Corby England that manufactures products for European distribution.

All Nashville Series amplifiers are made right here in Meridian, Mississippi.

Peter · Posted 9 Oct 2003 11:52 am

Great I can't wait for the export models to arrive in South Africa.
Thanks for the reply.

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Peter den Hartogh-Fender Artist S10-Remington U12-Hilton Volume Pedal-Gibson BR4 lapsteel-Guya "Stringmaster" Copy-MusicMan112RP-Peavy Rage158- - My Animation College in South Africa

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