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

What type of music is the Peavey Backstage 30 best suited for?

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.

Does the Peavey Backstage 30 have built-in effects?

Yes, the Peavey Backstage 30 includes built-in effects, which enhance its versatility and offer more tonal options for practice and performance.

Is the Peavey Backstage 30 suitable for home practice?

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.

How many inputs does the Peavey Backstage 30 have?

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.

Does the Peavey Backstage 30 work well with pedals?

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.

Johan Segeborn

Johan Segeborn

1970s Peavey Backstage 30 - CHEAP but Amazing TWEED TONE!

Video thumbnail for 1970s Peavey Backstage 30 - CHEAP but Amazing TWEED TONE! by Johan Segeborn

1970s Peavey Backstage 30 - CHEAP but Amazing TWEED TONE!

Johan Segeborn

Johan Segeborn

Video thumbnail for Paul Weller's dirt cheap Vintage Peavey sounds lika A MILLION BUCKS! by Johan Segeborn

Paul Weller's dirt cheap Vintage Peavey sounds lika A MILLION BUCKS!

Johan Segeborn

Johan Segeborn

Video thumbnail for Peavey T-15 & Backstage 30 Demo by studio1087

Peavey T-15 & Backstage 30 Demo

studio1087

studio1087

Video thumbnail for Peavey Backstage 30 - Fender Tele Custom - MXR Phase 90 Demo by studio1087

Peavey Backstage 30 - Fender Tele Custom - MXR Phase 90 Demo

studio1087

studio1087

Video thumbnail for Peavey Backstage 30 - 1977 by studio1087

Peavey Backstage 30 - 1977

studio1087

studio1087

Reviews

PROS

  • Affordable while offering cool, unique sound

  • Compact and loud, suitable for small to medium venues

  • High-quality internal components ensuring durability

  • Excellent response to pedals, enhancing versatility

  • Can achieve a raw sound perfect for certain music styles

  • Mimics tube amp qualities in attack, bloom, sustain, decay, and feedback

CONS

  • Square-wave sound may not appeal to all

  • Overdrive tone described as fuzzy and dated

  • Requires maintenance like contact cleaner for scratchy pots

  • 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

  • Restoring functionality involved cleaning pots with alcohol and deoxit; handle and corner braces were missing.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • 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

  • At 35 watts, it's noted to be ideal for quick jams, offering a surprising amount of punch for its size.

    Source
  • 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

  • A user acquired a like-new unit for $45, indicating potential affordability on the secondhand market.

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Comparisons

  • The Backstage 30 is preferred for its superior speaker, making it more suitable for metal when paired with a booster or tone shaper.

    Source

User experience

  • 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

  • It's suggested to disconnect the internal speaker and use an external Jensen loaded 4x10 cabinet for enhanced sound projection.

    Source
  • Replacing the original speakers is recommended to potentially improve audio quality, though specific brands or models aren't mentioned.

    Source

3.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
deejay_de_geus

pretty good amplifier

a good amplifier goes pretty hard and with the gain fully open you have a nice raw sound perfect for boogie woogie like Status Quo. Sound is partly comparable to a Vox AC30

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Paul Weller uses Peavey Backstage 30

Paul Weller

Singer, Guitarist

The Style Council

...
Verified via YouTube

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."

See how Byron Blum uses Peavey Backstage 30

Byron Blum

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

seen in the 5th slide of this 'stagram gallery (rebranded as a Pow-vey amp,which is a lawsuit just waiting to happen)

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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1

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