Peavey 6505 Review – The Pro’s and Con’s of this Classic Amp
When it comes to heavy metal and hard rock music, the Peavey 6505 has been a favorite among guitarists for years. First introduced in the 1990s, this iconic amp has been used by bands like Slayer, Metallica, and many others to create some of the most brutal and aggressive tones out there. But how does it hold up in today’s music scene? In this review, we’ll take a deep dive into the pros and cons of the Peavey 6505 to help you decide whether this amp is the right choice for your tone.
Construction and Design:
At first glance, the Peavey 6505 looks like a simple, no-nonsense amp. It features a rugged metal chassis, sturdy controls, and a classic black grille cloth. While it may seem a bit outdated compared to some of the more modern amps on the market, the Peavey 6505’s simplicity is part of its charm. The amp is also relatively compact, making it an ideal choice for gigging musicians who need to save space on stage.
Tone:
When it comes to tone, the Peavey 6505 delivers the goods. This amp is all about crushing, high-gain distortion that’s perfect for heavy metal and hard rock. The lead channel has plenty of sustain and harmonics, while the rhythm channel offers a chunky, aggressive sound that’s perfect for palm-muted riffing. The clean channel is less impressive, however, offering a somewhat lackluster sound that leaves a bit to be desired. But if you’re using the Peavey 6505 to play metal, you’re probably not looking for sparkling, pristine cleans anyway.
Features:
While the Peavey 6505 may not have all the bells and whistles of some modern amps, it still has a few features that make it stand out. The amp features a switchable effects loop, a presence control for adjusting high-end clarity, and an adjustable resonance control that enhances low-end response. The amp also has a bias pot that allows you to adjust the power tubes for your preferred tone. It’s worth noting, however, that the Peavey 6505 doesn’t come with a built-in reverb or any other on-board effects, so you’ll need to rely on external pedals for those sounds.
Price
One of the biggest advantages of the Peavey 6505 is its price. While some high-end amps can run well into the thousands of dollars, the Peavey 6505 is relatively affordable, making it a great option for players on a budget. In fact, the Peavey 6505 is often used by up-and-coming bands as they work their way up in the industry.
Cons:
While the Peavey 6505 has plenty of pros, there are a few potential downsides to be aware of. For one, the amp is known for being somewhat noisy, with excessive hissing and hum at higher gain settings. The clean channel also leaves a bit to be desired, as mentioned earlier. Additionally, while the amp is relatively compact, it’s still quite heavy, which can make it difficult to transport. Finally, some players may find the lack of built-in effects or reverb to be a drawback.
Conclusion:
Overall, the Peavey 6505 is a solid choice for players looking for a no-nonsense amp that delivers crushing metal tones. Its rugged design, impressive gain sounds, and affordable price point make it a favorite among players of all levels. While there are a few potential drawbacks to be aware of, such as noise issues and a lackluster clean channel, the Peavey 6505 is still a great value for those in the market for a high-gain amp. If you’re looking for a classic metal tone and don’t mind a bit of weight in your amp, the Peavey 6505 is definitely worth considering.
