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Average Price: $150

Budget/Beginner

$300

$701+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Peavey Decade is a classic combo guitar amplifier that has made a name for itself in the realm of vintage solid-state amps. Originally released in the early 1980s, it has resurfaced as a cult favorite among musicians seeking that distinct, raw tone that only a few amplifiers can deliver. This compact amp is renowned for its simplicity and reliability, making it a favored choice for both beginners and experienced guitarists who appreciate straightforward, no-fuss amplification.

The Peavey Decade delivers a surprisingly powerful output for its size, offering a 10-watt power that is perfect for practice sessions or intimate gigs. It features a single 8-inch speaker, delivering a crisp and clear sound that belies its modest stature. The amp's straightforward control panel includes gain, treble, bass, and volume knobs, allowing players to easily dial in their desired tone without being overwhelmed by excessive options.

This amplifier is especially beloved for its ability to produce rich, vintage overdrive when pushed, capturing the essence of classic rock and blues sounds. Its rugged construction ensures durability, making it a trusty companion for musicians on the go. Whether you're jamming in your bedroom or performing at a small venue, the Peavey Decade stands as a testament to straightforward design and quality sound.

Key Features:

  • 10-watt solid-state amplifier
  • 8-inch speaker for crisp sound delivery
  • Simple control panel with gain, treble, bass, and volume knobs
  • Renowned for vintage overdrive tones
  • Durable construction for long-lasting use

Product specs

Brand Peavey
Model Decade 10-Watt 1x8" Guitar Combo
Finish Black
Year 1980s
Made In United States
Categories Guitar Combo Amps
Color Family Black
Electronics Solid State
Number of Channels 1 Channel
Number of Inputs 2 Inputs
Output Power (Watts) 10
Power Tube Type None
Reverb None
Speaker Configuration 1x8"

FAQs

Is the Peavey Decade a tube amp?

No, the Peavey Decade is a solid-state amplifier, which means it does not use tubes but still delivers rich, tube-like sustain and tones through its unique circuitry.

How much power does the Peavey Decade provide?

The Peavey Decade provides 10 watts of power, making it suitable for practice sessions and small performances, offering a focused and aggressive sound.

What speaker configuration does the Peavey Decade use?

The Peavey Decade features a 1x8" speaker configuration, delivering sharp and precise sound that is ideal for a variety of playing styles.

How many input channels does the Peavey Decade have?

The Peavey Decade has two input channels, allowing for versatile connectivity options for different instruments or setups.

Does the Peavey Decade include a reverb effect?

No, the Peavey Decade does not include a built-in reverb effect, focusing instead on its raw and gritty tone capabilities.

Raaphorst

Raaphorst

Josh Homme's secret weapon: Peavey Decade amp

Video thumbnail for Josh Homme's secret weapon: Peavey Decade amp by Raaphorst

Josh Homme's secret weapon: Peavey Decade amp

Raaphorst

Raaphorst

Video thumbnail for I bought and tried the secret Josh Homme amp by Living Room GD

I bought and tried the secret Josh Homme amp

Living Room GD

Living Room GD

Video thumbnail for Josh Homme's Secret Weapon….On Bass Guitar by Matt McQueen

Josh Homme's Secret Weapon….On Bass Guitar

Matt McQueen

Matt McQueen

Video thumbnail for The Peavey Decade: Just Why?? by Beattie

The Peavey Decade: Just Why??

Beattie

Beattie

Video thumbnail for 1980’s Peavey Decade Amp by East Coast Music Exchange

1980’s Peavey Decade Amp

East Coast Music Exchange

East Coast Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for Peavey Decade: In-depth Demo by googaboogaloo

Peavey Decade: In-depth Demo

googaboogaloo

googaboogaloo

Video thumbnail for Back to the 80s: Peavey Electric Guitar T15 (short scale) with 10W-Combo 'Decade'' by Rainer (Gitarrenspeicher F.-Toene)

Back to the 80s: Peavey Electric Guitar T15 (short scale) with 10W-Combo 'Decade''

Rainer (Gitarrenspeicher F.-Toene)

Rainer (Gitarrenspeicher F.-Toene)

Video thumbnail for Peavey Decade Clean by unicorneggspam

Peavey Decade Clean

unicorneggspam

unicorneggspam

Video thumbnail for Peavey Decade and a BOSS HM-2 by Joe Anderson

Peavey Decade and a BOSS HM-2

Joe Anderson

Joe Anderson

Reviews

PROS

  • Great sounding solid-state amp

  • Simple, straightforward, and durable design

  • Exceptional reamping quality through a 4x12

  • Superior construction compared to modern equivalents

  • Unique 4558D preamp gain stages for distinctive sound

CONS

  • Price increase not justified by some users

  • Perceived as overvalued due to celebrity use

  • Compared unfavorably to other brands at similar settings

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Peavey Decade.

Comparisons

  • The Peavey Decade is likened to a solid state Fender Champ, suggesting a similar tonal character in a compact form.

    Source
  • The Peavey Audition 20 is noted as being essentially the same amp, indicating potential for similar use and sound.

    Source
  • Some owners note that the Audition 20 and Peavey Decade have nearly identical circuits, making them interchangeable tonally, though the Audition may have a slightly different power section.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Prices skyrocketed from $20-40 to over $300 after its association with Queens of the Stone Age's sound, reflecting its newfound demand.

    Source
  • While recent market prices have soared, some owners still manage to acquire the Peavey Decade for as low as $50, reflecting varied pricing experiences.

    Source
  • A user managed to purchase an Audition 20 for about a third of the price of the cheapest Decade found online, illustrating potential cost-saving alternatives.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Described as a "mini bandit," it's suggested for users looking to experiment with a fun, solid-state amp that can be driven hard for unique tones.

    Source
  • Users find that pairing the Peavey Decade with an HM2 pedal enhances its gritty, aggressive sound, suitable for heavier music styles.

    Source

User experience

  • One owner successfully sold a Peavey Decade for $400 on Reverb, suggesting high resale value currently due to its popularity.

    Source
  • Owners report that the Peavey Decade delivers a "big sound from a tiny amp," making it ideal for home use where space is limited.

    Source
  • It’s observed that the Peavey Decade sounds decent when using the preamp out into a guitar input on a larger amp, but not through the power amp.

    Source
  • Some owners highlight that different production years of the Peavey Decade can have circuit variations, impacting the Saturation sound quality.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Peavey Decade can be powered by a 12 volt DC power supply or two 9V batteries wired for 18V, offering flexible power options.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A user recommends swapping the Peavey Decade's speaker for a Warehouse G8C (4 ohm) to improve perceived tinniness or weakness in sound.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Josh Homme uses Peavey Decade

Josh Homme

Guitarist

Kyuss

...
Verified via YouTube

Featured in this excerpt of Watch the Sound with Mark Ronson.

Homme: This, this is the secret weapon that I really shouldn't be...

Ronson: This is like the fucking hard rock equivalent of like, who shot JFK is about to be revealed here.

Homme: This a Peavey Decade.

Ronson: Jesus Christ, I can't believe this is really happening now.

Homme: This thing is incredible. The logo is terrifying as shit.

Ronson: Yeah.

Homme Like, it's all sharp. This is the best bass amp, guitar amp...

Ronson: I mean, this was like every PA at every school dance.

Homme: You know, it just sounds so wiry. Just like, instant Kinks. [plays the riff from "You Really Got Me"]

See how Jeff Hanneman uses Peavey Decade

Jeff Hanneman

Guitarist, Composer

Slayer

...
Verified via Photo

Long Beach, CA -around 1985/86- Working on Reign in Blood in his bedroom at his parents house

See how Nick Oliveri uses Peavey Decade

Nick Oliveri

Singer, Bassist

Kyuss

...
Verified via Google Drive

Used for bass on Songs for the Deaf, as stated by producer Eric Valentine in this September 14, 2019 "Making Records with Eric Valentine" video at 29:02.

And then, there's this track. And so this amp is a Peavey Decade and it's an amp about this big. It's a tiny little Peavey solid state practice amp. (...) And it has a really cool little saturation knob in there, or distortion knob, and so it would get cool distortion and you could have it at really low volume and I ended up putting a Coles 4038 right up on it and a Cole 4038 normally would not be able to handle low end at all. Like, if you put it in front of a bass amp with any reasonable amount of volume, it would just totally probably rip the ribbon in half. But this thing, you would set it super super quiet, just whisper quiet with this Coles 4038 up on it and it got the most incredible low end. [plays audio track] And it ended up being the majority of the bass sound for the record. It's an amazing sound. [laughs] Tiny little amp, this big. But ultimately, it's a blend of all these.

See how Kenny Beats uses Peavey Decade

Kenny Beats

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the attached video, around 2:17, Kenny shares he uses a Peavey Decade, specifically useful for recording distorted tones.

See how Claudio Sanchez uses Peavey Decade

Claudio Sanchez

Singer, Guitarist

Coheed and Cambria

...
Verified via Photo

Claudio Sanchez showcases his backstage practice rig in an Instagram post, where he uses a Peavey Decade combo amplifier. He mentions, "Image Three: Peavey Decade… Thank you @eviljoebarresi for the obsession." Additionally, he runs several pedals through the amp.

See how Dave Davies uses Peavey Decade

Dave Davies

Composer, Guitarist

The Kinks

...
Verified via Photo

According to this interview for Premier Guitar, Dave Davies used a Peavey Decade amp to record the song "Little Green Amp."

"'Did you use the little green amp on that track?'

'No, I used a little old Peavey Decade—a solid-state amp.'"

See how Matt Sweeney uses Peavey Decade

Matt Sweeney

Guitarist

The Desert Sessions

...
Verified via Twitter

Used for the solo on "Noses In Roses, Forever", as specified in this October 18, 2019 Twitter post.

The Peavey Decade amplifier I played this solo through goes for about $30.00 on the internet.

https://twitter.com/qotsa/status/1185281120209788928

See how Joseph Johnson uses Peavey Decade

Joseph Johnson

Singer, Guitarist

Stoney Point

...
Verified via Photo

A photograph taken during Stoney Point's recording session at Pachyderm Studios in Canon Falls provides evidence that Joseph Johnson used a discontinued Peavey Decade Amp for the track "Coronado" featured on their upcoming record. Although the amp has not yet made a live debut, Joseph has mentioned plans to use it in future live performances.

Album Usage

The Peavey Decade has been featured on the following albums:

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Peavey Decade, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

8 alternative and related items for Peavey Decade, curated by the Equipboard community.

Jason Moser Ten Years
similar sound

It’s a pedal based on the same preamp section so will sound very similar

Acorn Amplifiers Solid State Preamp Pedal

 

similar sound high-end alternative

A pedal version of the Decade's preamp, with a stock setting and an additional saturation mode.

Peavey Audition 20

 

Vintage or Discontinued newer similar sound

A remarkably similar amp, that seems to only differ with the addition of a headphone jack and a push/pull switch.

Ghost Note Audio Century

 

similar sound high-end alternative mod

A pedal clone of the Decade preamp, handcrafted in the UK.

Resistor Head Electronics PEEPEE

 

similar sound cheaper alternative

The most affordable clone of the Decade preamp, following in the steps of other boutique pedal builders.

Peavey Josh Homme Decade Too 10-watt 1 x 8-inch Combo Amplifier
newer similar sound high-end alternative

A modernized and modified version of the Decade, created for guitarist Josh Homme.

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Community setups

Gear Guides

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    austinmw

    Gear IQ 5227