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Description

The Peavey Mark III 400BH is a classic bass amplifier head that has been a reliable choice for musicians who crave both power and precision in their performances. Designed for bassists who demand consistent performance and rich tonal versatility, this amp head combines old-school charm with robust functionality.

One of the standout features of the Peavey Mark III 400BH is its bi-amp capability, allowing you to tailor your sound with precision. This feature enables you to split the output signal into two frequency bands, offering detailed control over your tone. From deep, rumbling lows to sharp, articulate highs, this amplifier head ensures your bass lines cut through the mix with clarity.

With its 400-watt RMS power, the Mark III 400BH delivers ample headroom for handling any venue, from small clubs to larger concert halls. The solid-state design ensures reliability and low maintenance, while the intuitive controls offer ease of use for both novice and experienced players alike.

The amp head features a three-band EQ with parametric midrange control, allowing you to sculpt your sound to perfection. Additional features include a built-in compressor and a bright switch, providing further customization to suit your playing style. This versatility makes the Peavey Mark III 400BH a valuable addition to any bassist’s rig.

Key Features:

  • 400-watt RMS power
  • Bi-amp capability for precise tone control
  • Three-band EQ with parametric midrange
  • Built-in compressor and bright switch
  • Solid-state design for reliability and low maintenance
Caleb Andresen

Caleb Andresen

1980s Peavey Bass Mark III Series 400BH Amp Bass Sound Demo

Video thumbnail for 1980s Peavey Bass Mark III Series 400BH Amp Bass Sound Demo by Caleb Andresen

1980s Peavey Bass Mark III Series 400BH Amp Bass Sound Demo

Caleb Andresen

Caleb Andresen

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Peavey Mark III 400BH.

Features and functionality

  • The Peavey Mark III 400BH can safely operate with cabs above its 4-ohm minimum impedance, allowing for flexible cab pairing without risk of damage.

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Use cases and applications

  • Owners report sufficient volume from an 8-ohm cab for typical rehearsal settings, defying concerns of reduced power output.

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  • The Mark IV's distortion is preferred for heavy music styles, with users supplementing tone adjustments via pedalboards for high-gain sounds.

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User experience

  • Users have successfully run dual 8-ohm cabs in parallel, achieving the amp's optimal 4-ohm load for maximum power output.

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  • Owners report successful mixing and matching of power amps, though research and experience in electronics is recommended for best results.

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  • Owners report the Mark IV can easily drive a 4x10 cab without pushing past 12 o’clock on the volume, making it suitable for pub gigs.

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  • Some users find high frequencies lack sharpness, affecting high-gain tones, yet it's considered a worthwhile purchase for its price.

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Setup and maintenance

  • The amp's electrolytic and filter capacitors are durable, with owners noting less strain compared to tube amp counterparts, suggesting longer service life.

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  • Replacing the big capacitors in the power section can resolve DC leakage issues, as they tend to fail after 15-20 years.

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Comparisons

  • Vintage solid-state amps, like the Peavey, pair well with Music Man bass 4x12 cabs, offering a robust tonal experience appreciated by owners.

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  • The 150W Peavey Mark IV is noted to distort at higher volumes, which may appeal to players seeking a heavy sound but lacks clean clarity compared to newer models.

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Mods and upgrades

  • The modular design allows swapping in power amps like the 400BH from other Peavey models, including the XR400/600 mixers, for easy repair.

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Value and pricing

  • Rebuilding the power section can cost around $300, but replacement heads are available on marketplaces for about $200-$250.

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  • A Mark IV in decent condition was purchased for $90, highlighting its affordability despite weight and resale value concerns.

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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

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See how Steve Harris uses Peavey Mark III 400BH

Steve Harris

Bassist, Composer

Iron Maiden

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Verified via Photo

Steve Harris used the Peavey Mark III Series 400 Bass Amp as part of his live rig in the early 1980s, as evidenced by the image available on Equipboard.

See how Pekka Pohjola uses Peavey Mark III 400BH

Pekka Pohjola

Composer, Music Producer

Wigwam

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Verified via YouTube

Pekka Pohjola is confirmed to use a Peavey Mark III 400BH amplifier, as evidenced by a live performance of "Urban Caravan" by the Pekka Pohjola Group. This performance was recorded at "Lepakko" in Helsinki, Finland, and broadcasted on YLE's TV series "Tuubi" on September 3, 1982. The video, uploaded by "mu-so posts films" on YouTube, clearly shows Pohjola with the amplifier.

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Stephanie Ashworth

Bassist

Something for Kate

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Verified via Photo

Stephanie's Peavey rig can be seen in this live photo.

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 Mark III 400BH, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Peavey Bass Mark III Series
Peavey Bass Mark III Series Bass Amplifier Heads
1
Fender Jazz Bass
Fender Jazz Bass Electric Basses
1

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