I have the tweed version. I bought it used about a year ago. I purchased one of those little gizmos off eBay that holds the tubes in place, replaced the tubes, and haven't had ANY microphonic problems. Not one. I replaced the speaker with a Celestion. The Blue Marvel is a great speaker despite what some have said, but I had this Celestion in another amp and liked the sound, so I switched it out. I have a bud that gigs 5 nights a week and has used one of these ON EVERY SINGLE GIG for the past 15 years. Once again: Every gig for FIFTEEN YEARS! He's never had it fail him once, never takes a backup (this is his only amp) and has only replaced the tubes about every 2 years just to be safe. I heard his, loved the tone and started watching for a used one locally. I bought it mainly to leave upstairs in my music room, so I've only gigged out with it a few times because I didn't feel like hauling my SF Twin Reverb. It sounded great in its own right. I just found out how to get a good overdriven tone out of the distortion channel, something I had no confidence in at first. But, I dinked around a little and found it. Now, I'll be using it more on gigs. Think I'll use it this week-end in fact. The build quality is mediocre - mdf cabinet, printed circuits, cheesy looking tube sockets (like some of the newer Fenders and just about everything else), but as long as it sounds this good I'm keeping it. Had the guys rating this model previous to me used the tube "gizmo" I doubt they would have had the problems they reported. Peavey really should address that issue and handle it from the mfg. plant. Tube rattle seems to be a recurring problem with these from what I've read, but I haven't experienced it.

FWIW: My guitar bud who I mentioned earlier worked here in Memphis at Taylor Music, a store that sold used gear. The owner of that store once told another friend of mine that when he sold Peavey Classics, they never had to be returned for repairs. However, he said he was always getting Fenders back for repairs. You can get a lemon with any brand, especially those with printed circuit boards. I'm happy to say mine isn't a lemon.

Please note that I have an older version(peavey logo on grille cloth not tweed). I do wish I had a 50 because it has a master volume so that I could crank the post gain and keep it not as loud with the master. On to the review, I love this amp. Personally I think the clean channel is very very good but I have heard better. Now on to the distortion channel I love the classic rock tones I get with this things distortion channel. I can get great rock tones without external pedals but with a little bit of gain boost from a pedal, or if you are in a situation where you can crank the post gain, this thing screams. It can get good 80's-90's metalish and hard rock tones, but don't expect modern fierce thrash metal distortion out of this, which I personally don't like but I know some do, besides most looking for that sound aren't looking at a classic tube 30 watt. I still can't believe how versatile this amp is it goes from a bright clean sound, to deep blues, to hot led zeppelin style rock, back to a hendrix like blues. It takes all of my pedals well(which consists of mostly overdrive and distortion pedals). I bought it used for cheap and the stock tubes haven't failed me yet, but I plan on getting a replacement set soon. If stolen the first thing I would do is save for another 30, or if I had the extra money maybe a 50. If your playing in small bars or just practicing this amp is perfect for you. Also if you find you don't like it, it's probably because you don't have it loud enough(serious) you probably aren't getting into the great tube distortion this amp has to offer. I highly reccomend this amp to anyone.

Overall this was the amp I loved to hate. I loved the creamy fuzzy tone so much I bought two of these babies. But they were SO undependable I got rid of both. Buyer beware, you WILL have tube rattle. You WILL have performance issues. You WILL get microphonic distortion. You WILL need to bring a backup amp to EVERY gig just in case.

But you will also get a great sounding little amp that delivers nice dirty over-driven sounds and cleans that are a little less than innocent. If you like to have an amp to tinker with, this is the amp for you. If you need gear you can count on for gigging or recording, you should probably look elsewhere. This amp was like a wild woman who cheated on me. We had our fun together, and it was great while it lasted, but I was GLAD to see her go.

I am a big fan of the classic tones, so Peavey Classic 30 112 is perfect to my grip - good clean and perfect tube distortion, light weight, loud enough for clubs and respond well on microphones. The tubes rattle is easily solved with a tube tamer. Don't expect it to sound like modern Peavey, Line 6, Marshall or Mesa, that’s a piece for vintage sound lovers, not so versatile of course (so metal lovers don’t buy it). Perfect for blues, rock and also jazz (then you can play any style if that’s how you like to sound, like me). Takes pedals really well, but the only thing you really need is a BD-2 or any other good Tube Screamer for more robust sound on lead (the boost is nice also, but it is not so adjustable as a pedal). Don’t believe some people go for “updates” – all that comes originally is the best – JJ tubes, blue Marvel speakers, etc… what else do you need?? Let the pieces fail first, then buy others. If I was going to update this thing, I think it’s better to buy a Fender Bassman/ Deluxe Reverb instead. It’s also very resistant and now it comes with a grade to protect the tubes (old gap closure). It’s a great buy, very good for the price range, but make sure you try the tone before buying - it is not for every one.

If you love warm Marshall tone but hate luggin' around 100 lbs. of half stack just to be told to turn down by every engineer & sound guy in town.....buy a Classic 30!!! Jams in the living room and at the gig. I disagree about the clean being "great". It's kinda honky and nasaly but the drive channel is smokin'! If you wanna clean it up just ease off your volume knob on your guitar till you like it. Great amp, great price! Spend the BIG dollars on the 52' tele reissue that goes great with this amp.