Pricing and availability
Average Price: $89
Budget/Beginner
$300
$701+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
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Description
For guitarists seeking an amplifier that offers both versatility and reliability, the Peavey Backstage 30 is an exceptional choice. This combo amplifier is designed to cater to a wide range of musical styles, making it perfect for both budding musicians and seasoned players. With a power output of 30 watts, this amp delivers a robust sound that can fill a room, yet it's compact enough for easy portability. Whether you're practicing at home, jamming with friends, or performing in small venues, the Backstage 30 offers the perfect balance of power and convenience.
The Peavey Backstage 30 features a high-quality 8-inch speaker that ensures a clear and dynamic sound. Its easy-to-use control panel includes a 3-band EQ, allowing you to shape your tone with precision. The built-in overdrive channel provides that gritty, powerful sound every guitarist craves, while the headphone output offers the privacy needed for late-night practice sessions. Moreover, the auxiliary input allows you to play along with your favorite tracks, making practice sessions more engaging and fun.
Key Features:
- 30-watt power output
- 8-inch high-quality speaker
- 3-band EQ for tone shaping
- Built-in overdrive channel
- Headphone output for silent practice
- Auxiliary input for backing tracks
- Compact and portable design
Product specs
| Brand | Peavey |
| Model | Backstage 30 Solid State 30-Watt 1x10" Guitar Combo |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1970s |
| Categories | Guitar Combo Amps |
| Built-In Effects | Built-In Effects |
| Color Family | Black |
| Direct Output | No Direct Output |
| Electronics | Solid State |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Number of Channels | 1 Channel |
| Number of Inputs | 2 Inputs |
| Output Power (Watts) | 30 |
| Power Tube Type | None |
| Reverb | Spring Reverb |
| Speaker Configuration | 1x10" |
FAQs
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What type of music is the Peavey Backstage 30 best suited for?
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The Peavey Backstage 30 is versatile and can handle a range of styles, but it particularly excels in rock and blues due to its solid-state design and spring reverb, providing a classic, warm tone.
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Does the Peavey Backstage 30 have built-in effects?
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Yes, the Peavey Backstage 30 includes built-in effects, which enhance its versatility and offer more tonal options for practice and performance.
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Is the Peavey Backstage 30 suitable for home practice?
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Absolutely, with 30 watts of power and a compact 1x10" speaker configuration, the Peavey Backstage 30 is ideal for home practice, offering sufficient volume and quality sound without overwhelming your space.
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How many inputs does the Peavey Backstage 30 have?
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The Peavey Backstage 30 features two inputs, allowing for versatile connectivity options, such as plugging in multiple instruments or using different input levels for varied sound dynamics.
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Does the Peavey Backstage 30 work well with pedals?
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Yes, the Peavey Backstage 30 is known for taking pedals well, which makes it a great choice for guitarists looking to expand their sound palette with effects pedals.
Videos
Johan Segeborn
1970s Peavey Backstage 30 - CHEAP but Amazing TWEED TONE!
Reviews
PROS
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Affordable while offering cool, unique sound
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Compact and loud, suitable for small to medium venues
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High-quality internal components ensuring durability
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Excellent response to pedals, enhancing versatility
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Can achieve a raw sound perfect for certain music styles
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Mimics tube amp qualities in attack, bloom, sustain, decay, and feedback
CONS
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Square-wave sound may not appeal to all
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Overdrive tone described as fuzzy and dated
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Requires maintenance like contact cleaner for scratchy pots
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Exterior may need occasional cleaning to maintain appearance
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Peavey Backstage 30.
Setup and maintenance
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Restoring functionality involved cleaning pots with alcohol and deoxit; handle and corner braces were missing.
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Features and functionality
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The preamp uses 2N5951 JFETs as tube substitutes, mimicking a tube amp circuit with a fixed bias and 31V "plate" voltage.
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The power amp section utilizes vintage TIP30/31 transistors, highlighting its old-school design.
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The Backstage 30 lacks the preamp and post-controls of the Audition 20, resulting in less inherent gain but offering a cleaner base tone.
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The Backstage 30 from the 1983 era is noted for having a built-in reverb, adding depth to its sound profile.
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Use cases and applications
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At 35 watts, it's noted to be ideal for quick jams, offering a surprising amount of punch for its size.
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The Backstage 30 is ideal for home practice and genres like death metal and black metal, especially when using pedals for heavy overdrive.
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Some users have successfully achieved a Neil Young-style tone, indicating its suitability for classic rock sounds.
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Owners appreciate the amp's tone for its "sick" sound, making it favorable for those seeking a vintage vibe.
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Value and pricing
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A user acquired a like-new unit for $45, indicating potential affordability on the secondhand market.
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Comparisons
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The Backstage 30 is preferred for its superior speaker, making it more suitable for metal when paired with a booster or tone shaper.
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User experience
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Some users consider the Backstage 30 a classic and rare amp, highlighting its appeal among collectors and enthusiasts.
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Mods and upgrades
3.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings
258
Artist usage
Add artist
In a live performance of "Eton Rifles" from 1979, Paul Weller is seen using a Peavey Backstage 30 amplifier. Although Marshalls are visible in the background, Weller personally confirmed on a fan forum that he used the Peavey Backstage 30 for the lead parts on "All Mod Cons" and extensively on "Setting Sons." It appears to have also been used on "Going Underground."
Album Usage
The Peavey Backstage 30 has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Peavey Backstage 30, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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