Honest Man; Honest Amps – The Tone King interviews Mr. Hartley Peavey
Marc Johnson | Feb 28, 2010 | Comments 6
Honest Man; Honest Amps – TTK interviews Mr. Hartley Peavey
Marc Johnson and The Tone King
In case you’ve been in a cave for the last forty-five years, Peavey is renowned for the most dependable and best sounding amps ever. Period. Recently, The Tone King met up with the man behind the name, Mr. Hartley Peavey, at winter NAMM and was floored by his earnest straight talk about his amps.“Guitar players, bless their hearts, want to believe in magic. They want to believe that somewhere there’s an old hermit that winds pickups by the light of the moon…and that’s why they cost so much. Well, that’s a bunch of BS. One of the things with Peavey, we’ve always told the truth.” While blunt, Mr. Peavey explains how Peavey keeps putting out great-sounding roadworthy amps at a reasonable price. They make amps that are as honest as he is.
When TTK took their Classic 30 for a test drive here at TheToneKing.com, we loved the ride. And it was Hartley’s hands-on coming-to-work-everyday work ethic that made the Classic 30 the amp that it is. When you talk to him, it’s obvious that he is involved in every decision with every amp that has his name on it.
Like any good chef will tell you, the dish is only as good as the ingredients you use, and amps are no exception. Mr. Peavey understands that. Just listen to him as he explains how he uses a somewhat inexpensive 15” speaker in the Peavey Delta Blues on purpose because he wants to get that “cone cry” just like the early Blues amps had. Rather than trying to bump up the price of the amp with an expensive speaker, he opts for what sounds good.
Mr. Peavey wants to build amps for players. He’s interested in how an amp “responds” to the player. This unique idea is why, while there are plenty of guys playing Peavey, there is no “signature” Peavey sound. The sound comes from the player and how the amp responds to what’s being played. Simply put, Peavey amps are about as close to a ‘pure’ sound as you can get.
“If experience is the great teacher, I’ve been in the classroom longer than anybody in the US.” Like Mr. Peavey says, he’s been around a long time and has never sold his name. Even after 45 years, he still goes to work every day and is always trying to make his products better. Best of all, he keeps his gear and prices honest. What else would you expect from an honest man.
Watch the interview here
January 15, 2010 – Winter NAMM 2010
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Filed Under: Interviews • NAMM
Great interview TK. I have always been a big fan of Mr. Peavey and his very unique approach to how the company builds, markets, and prices their equipment. I have read several interviews with him before, and he never disappoints. I truly believe that he is, and always has been, on “our” side. That is to say, he puts his customers and musicians first, and always does so with integrity and the best of intentions. Thanks for another great interview TK!
Like, love, hate or don’t care about Peavey amps and guitars…
Gott say I like the man (Mr. Peavey)! He knows what HE likes and has no qualms about speaking his mind on what doesn’t work. It is great listening to his stories from the by-gone days of electronics innovation. He comes off the same way in every interview I have seen or read: emminently likeable.
Excellent loved it Mr. Tk great job ,the only thing that I was shocked about was how long Mr. Peavy has been around and Jim Marshall “I guess I don’t know ,but I thought Fender Amps were around sence 1946 “? alot longer and are in the USA as well ? does anyone know if this is true .peace
Thank you TK for sharing this, I am just about to buy a Classic 30 on the strength of your review and now this interview with Mr Peavey makes it clear that he is the right kind of guy to deal with, I liked him and I appreciate his efforts over the years. He knows his stuff and has produced a true musicians tool, one I will value for years. Thanks again
good interviewing TK. Hartley seems like a nice guy very straight forward. interesting about Peavey’s reputation and hearing his comments, not that Peavey’s rep is bad it’s just that it’s not hearlded like Marshall (jimi hendrix) or Fender (eric clapton). His comment about a hermit winding pickups by the light of the moon is precious. I’ll tell you what I think my Classic 30 was dipped in swamp water. Now I know how it they do it. May god bless the USA and all it’s manufactures.
Nice interview man. Been using Peavey amps for years without (too much) complain. I like this guy, and quite understand his philosophy.
King, please review some more Peavey stuff in the future. I’m thinking on renewing gear, and maybe they’re still what I need.
Keep rocking!