Rage 158 Review

The amp is good for bluesy sounds. 2 channels, clean and lead; lead has pre and post gain knobs. The volume on this thing is actually pretty good.

Features:	7.7
Sound:	7.7
Reliability:	8.7
Impression:	7.9
Overall rating:	8
Users rating:	7
Comments:	18

overall: 8

Featured review by: Deus, on july 25, 2003

Price paid: $ 60

Purchased from: Daddy's Music

Features: This is a simple little practice amp: 2 channels, clean and lead; lead has pre and post gain knobs. The volume on this thing is actually pretty good (for a 15W amp). Switching is done with a knife-switch type thing--no footswitching. There is a headphone jack and a CD/tape input--both work fine. The EQ has two modes: "Modern" and "Vintage". These, too, are controlled with a physical switch. The Vintage has a little more treble, a little more twang. The Modern is a little cleaner, closer to a pure tone. I use Vintage for blues/jazz, and the Modern for open chords, any type of distortion, and for a simpler sound with single coils. // 8

Sound: Between the 3 EQ knobs, the pre-gain control, and the vintage/modern switching (which is subtle), there is a pretty good variety of sounds you can get out of this amp. My only complaint regarding the distortion is that at REALLY high distortion--pre gain pretty much all the way up--it basically sounds like static. However, as long as you're not playing really weird stuff like Rage or Disturbed, you should be able to get enough distortion.

Any noise I hear from this amp is from a guitar or a cable--when I use my Monster cable and a humbucker, there is no noise.

Unfortunately, it tends to buzz a little at low pitches at medium to high volumes, but if you turn it up this much it hurts your ears anyway! // 6

Reliability & Durability: Never had to fix it in any way. // 10

Impression: I bought this used and crazy cheap. It's what I play through almost all the time, and with no effects. It gets the job done and the price is right, and despite its small size and shortcomings, I've really gotten way more than my money's worth. // 8

overall: 8.5

Reviewed by: bassmonkey16, on october 17, 2005

Purchased from: Prince Albert Music Centre

Features: This is your basic practice amp, but better. Not too many features, but that's what pedals are for, eh? This tube amp has a lead/clean channel switch, and volume settings for both options (there is no master volume). It also has this awesome modern/vintage switch. The vintage makes the guitar sound more, well, vintage, ya know, more old school sound. I love this option, it makes switching from modern rock to '80s rock so much easier. And, of course, you have your three EQ settings, low mid and high, I keep mine set at 8 2 and 8 respectively, gives me that nice metal sound I want. As well as this, you get a haedphone jack as well as a cd input jack. I haven't used the CD jack, supposedly you use it to play along with music. But I have my stereo, thats good enough. One feature I miss is the reverb however. The only difference between the Rage 158 and the Blazer 158 is a reverb setting, I wish I would have known that when I bought it a few months ago, I woulda got the Blazer. // 9

Sound: I'm running my BC Rich Platinum Beast through this little baby, and it sounds great. I also have my Warwick Rockbass Corvette goin through it too. I know, don't use a bass through a guitar amp, but hey, the amp can take it. This little sucker can crank to 10 and the quality of the sound is just as good as ever, even through the clean channel, however it kinda hurts the ears. One thing I don't like is the volume of the clean channel versus the lead channel, the clean is quite quiet at the max. The lead channel is pretty fine considering the size and cost of the amp. Again, a very good amp for practice. // 8

Reliability & Durability: Well I kinda kicked the thing just after I got it, I'm clutzy that way. But it's fine, the mesh in fron of the speaker itself is really tough. I've had it around 3 or 4 months now, and I've had no problems with it. However, I would not gig with it, I mean it's a practice amp. // 8

Impression: This is my little practice amp, and man does it make practice a blast. This little amp can crank like you wouldn't believe! I play mostly metal and rock, and this can provide harsh enough tones for my styles. However I occasionally do some mellow stuff, and it's versatile, it makes any notes sound good. I personally play all sorts of things when I am to by any music accessory, I play jazz, blues, metal, rock, punk etc. And this amp stood out from the rest, for it's price that is. For $110 CAD, I would buy this again and again if it got stolen. For the price you get one helluva amp! // 9

overall: 8

Reviewed by: Ricardo33, on january 27, 2005

Price paid: $ 90

Purchased from: Sameul Music

Features: I got this amp just a couple months ago brand new so I'm gonna say it's a 2004. The amp is not bad when it comes to versatility, metal is a little on the weak side however. But with the post gain and equilizers up the distortion isn't too shabby. It has clean/lead switching along with modern/vintage. It has both a headphone and CD output jack although I never really use either. This amp stays in my bedroom and is plenty loud for that. I'll also mention that it is the transtube series, but I'm not sure what difference that makes. // 8

Sound: I am using it with a Squire Affinity Strat and play mostly rock and metal. It has no real problem with classic or regular rock, but metal could use a little boost. It does get a bit noisy when you put lead on with full post gain. As for the clean channel, max volume gives little if any feedback. And as I said before the distortion is a bit weak, but it still gets the job done. // 8

Reliability & Durability: This amp does have an open back side that I often worry about, but the casing is quite sturdy and dependable. For the couple of months that I've owned it, it hasn't broken down at all. // 8

Impression: This amp is perfect for a practice amp or something just to screw around on. I would say it ranks a notch above the Fender 15G amp. For a 15 watt amp it can really give off some noise and still keep it clean, I would recommend this amp to any beginners. // 8

overall: 8.5

Reviewed by: unregistered, on march 22, 2004

Price paid: $ 137.25

Purchased from: Foxs Music

Features: This amp was made in 2002, but I have no idea where! The amp itself is extremely versatile, I play lots of Grunge, metal, and punk and it meets the standards of that all round, also, my friend plays a lot of blues and jazz, and he often pays me a visit just to play the amp, as he thinks its much better than the Marshall he bought, for twice the price. I great thing that the amp comes with, is the manual. At the back of the manual there are suggested tone and EQ levels for different styles of music and sound, which I thought was great for beginners. The rage has one channel swith, from clean to distorted, and a headphone jack, theres also a modern/vintage switch which is great for playing different eras of music. I wish the rage had a few effects on it, like the Marshall practice amps, just so that I am able to extend the playing styles. I use this amp both in my bedroom and sometimes in rehearsals in my band, and the power it belts out is great for a 15 watt! // 8

Sound: At the moment I have a Stagg Mockingbird and Fender Strat, both sound good on clean and distorted channels, especially the strat for those really deep grungy sounds that I like to play. the only time I get bad amounts of feedback are wen I sit directly infront of the amp. The clean channel does get a little distorted at high volume levels, but I've never needed to crank the clean channel so loud that it hurts, or sounds distorted. the distortion, isnt that brutal im a afraid, which is a big let down, but at the same time sounds clear enough for me to hear it whilst the gain is turned up high. // 8

Reliability & Durability: I've not had a problem with this amp, it's had beer spilt on it, it's been dropped down stairs and it still lives! The sound hasnt changed since I bought it, and not once have I needed to replace any parts in two years. // 10

Impression: The amp is good for bluesy sounds, aswell as rock such as aerosmith sounds etc, but for metal/punk/grunge it sorta doesn't fill those shoes! The amp is excellent for any sort of music, but I do believe that the Rage 158 is the best practice amp on the market. I regret not asking if the amp can take a pedal, which it cant, and if someone stole it, I'd chase after them with a bat until I got it back. My favourite feature has to be the channel switch, its smotth, easy to use, and is very useful. I compared this to a Marshall 15W practice amp and I chose the rage because it was the clearest, and most of all suited my playing style better than the Marshall. // 8

overall: 6.5

Reviewed by: unregistered, on june 06, 2005

Price paid: $ 107.1

Purchased from: Local Guitar Shop

Features: I bought this amp about 6 months ago. It was also the first guitar I bought with it. I didn't have any knowledge of amplifiers neither. Now I have heard several other much better amps then this one for example the Line 6 spider ll 15. Actually this Peavey sucks. It has two channels: clean and lead (if you want a reverb on you amp you have to buy the Peavey Blazer). // 6

Sound: I use this amp with a ESP - LTD AX - 350 guitar with EMG-HZ-H4 pickups. I almost never play another style than metal. When I first bought the amp I quickly saw that the distortion of the amp itself sucked quite hard. Actually its a p*ssy distortion. That's why I bought a Boss MT-2 Metal Zone pedal a month after I bought my Peavey. Now my distortion is really brutal on my amp. Even for a 15 watt small amp it all sounds kinda good. The clean channel that the amp has is quite good I have nothin to say about it. This amp isn't very special when you dont use a effect pedal with it. // 6

Reliability & Durability: I don't know actually that I can depend on it. It just stands here inb my room for practice. Sometimes I take it with me when I go visit a guitar playin friend and it went to a rain and nothing happened to it so I think it's quite durable. // 8

Impression: Overall this is a good practice amp but it hasn't got a good distortion equiped. I'm planning to play in a band. My Peavey will remain my practice amp but ofcourse with my Metal Zone pedal. I'm planning to buy a Line 6 Spider II 210. Like that ill really blast my f--kin roof off of my house. So this Peavey is a good amplifier for beginners who don't need a lot of distortion just to learn how to play the guitar. I must admit that the amp sounds much better with my new LTD AX 350 then with my former Stagg. // 6

overall: 8

Reviewed by: Talented, on july 10, 2006

Purchased from: B Sharp Music

Features: The Peavey Range 158 is a pretty solid amp. I have one for practicing and it works like a charm. I put it in my room and I crank it up playing my punk-rock music. It has 2 channels lead and clean. My favourite part about this amp is the modern and Vintage Switch. The only thing really you can expect more is a few more channels but it is no big deal. Overall the amp itself is very, very solid so it could withstand alot of pressure. // 8

Sound: I use my ESP LTD EC-50 on this amp and it sounds actully really good. It can go distorted, it can go clean whatevr. A lot of people say that the distortion sucks and all this. But I really think it is a good amp for practicing. If you really crank it up it is umbearablly loud. The amp can make a little variety but it is, the clean can sometimes be a little quite but that is ok. It is a above average sound. // 7

Reliability & Durability: Well I don't think it would be strong enough to play in a gig. You would get something with more power and more variety. But if we were going by reliability not sound I would definitely take it. It is such a great solid little amp. It has never broken down on me or anything. Peavey makes great quality amps. So again not even power for a gig but durability wins me over. I would take it alone. // 9

Impression: I play punk-rock, I would say it suits me well. It depends if you like the distortion on it. I think it is actully pretty good. I have been playing for over a year, and I got my ESP LTD EC-50 and a two many other things to mention. There is nothing I wished I would have asked because I knew that it is a practice amp and that is what it does best. It is way above average for practicing. If it were stolen I would maybe look around a bit more to see what else but at the end of the day I would MAYBE buy it again. I love how durible it is, I hate that there is not much power but enough for practicing and my favourite feature would have to be the vintage/modern Switch. That is my review on the Peavey Range 158 amp. // 8

overall: 6.8

Reviewed by: Hillside_Loafer, on april 17, 2006

Price paid: $ 90

Purchased from: jam.se

Features: Well, it's a quite basic amp, 15 watt, 2 channels, CD input and a some stuff for that, clean and lead channel.It's a simple and good amp for practice I think, hard to get a good sound of it though, but more on that later. I bought it a few weeks ago with my first electric guitar. Since I am a beginner it's good enough since you can learn to play guitar with it, it's better to make sure you can play before you bother to make what you play sound good. // 7

Sound: I play mostly metal music of the Slayer/Mastodon/The Haunted type. And I think that this amplifier lack the support of getting a distortion that sounds good for this. You can experiment with some distortion, but it's quite limited in my opinion. I use a Japanese Jackson SL1 guitar, and the amplifier does not keep as high quality in the sound as the guitar I think. With a distortion pedal I think it'll be great on the other hand, the speaker of the amp is not impressive eighter, when you play the lower frets on the smallest string, there is hardly any sound that come out at all, just some high frequent tone that is almost unhearable. At first I thought there was a problem with a guitar (since it was used) but then I tried with headphones and other speakers and it sounds good. So actually, with a distortion pedal and headphones/other speakers it'll be fine. // 6

Reliability & Durability: Well, I don't play more than in my room, and it havent moved much from where I first put it, so I wouldn't know! But I havent got the impression that it is very fragile, my guess is that it's ok. // 8

Impression: It's not that good, but it's cheap and it works. I don't know what I wheter to buy it or not, but in that price range there aren't many amplifiers, and there is nothing wrong with the sound level minding it's a 15W. But the price level jumps up a bit since you should get a distortion pedal for it to make it sound good. So I don't know actually! I can't say I'm very satisfied with it, but I don't had any better alternative, so I can't really say I regret it either! // 6

overall: 8

Reviewed by: Rainmaker27, on december 15, 2006

Purchased from: Music City

Features: This is my first review, so bear with me. I'm not sure what year this amp was made in, it seems pretty new though. The amp, I find, is good for most genres of music. I mostly play Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Pantera and stuff like that. I also play some horror punk stuff, like Misfits. It has a CD and headphone input jacks, and they both work well. I use this amp practcing alone and when I'm jamming with my band, it puts out a lot of power for a 15 watt amp, it definatly has enough power for me. It has 3 equalization buttons as well as a Switch for modern/vintage sound. I find the Vintage rather annoying but the modern has a really good crunch when it's on the lead channel. It also has pre gain and post gain buttons, which work well with this amp's lead setting. // 8

Sound: I'm using a Washburn X-series guitar with this amp with Washburn H/H pickups. It suits my styles well (classic metal/thrash metal/horror punk/grunge). It is a pretty noisy amp, it buzzes and it's really staticy when it's on the lead setting and the volume is turned up. I could use a not so staticy distortion setting. It tends to sound pretty gross when playing high pitched riffs/solos, it tends to buzz a lot. The clean channel stays clean, no matter how high the volume, or how high you're playing on the the fretboard. This amp doesn't have much variety of sound, but, it has enough variety for the styles I'm playing. // 7

Reliability & Durability: It's a depenable amp. But I wouldn't use it at a hsow with our without a back up because it's more of a practice amp, it's only 15 watts. The only problem I've ever had with it was the input jack, it got a little loose, but that's a common problem anyway. // 9

Impression: My styles of music match this amp pretty good, and if you use a good distortion pedal it sounds perfect for shredding. I've been playing for about 2-3 years and I prefer this amp over most amps I've played before. If it were stolen I'd probably save some money and buy a bigger amp, but it would definatly be a Peavey or a Krank. I like most things about the amp, but I wish it's lead channel was slighlty less staticy. // 8

overall: 9.3

Reviewed by: Legolas_001, on april 28, 2007

Purchased from: Friend

Features: This is by far probably one of the easiest little amps to use. Simple controls. Clean Vol, Channel Switch, Lead Dist, Lead Gain and a 3 band EQ (all very useable). What more can you want in a practice amp? Perhaps DFX though I hate most DFX systems. lol // 7

Sound: Far out, I laugh out loud when I hear people say the Peavey Rage 158 Amp is a piece of crap (they don't know what they are talking about or they perhaps got a dud amongst the bunch which is believe me a one in a million chance! ). I've got one of these little beautys and I got it as my 1st amp at the age of 8 and I still play it regularly and I've just turned 19. it's still going. I got it second hand when I bought it. it's got a great range of tones you just gotta spend a bit of time tweaking the eq to find the sound you want. I mainly play my Squier california natural strat through it and it sounds just frigen awesome though I have also played acoustics, mics and humby electrics through it and all I love! The distortion is quite useable despite being quite high at a very low level but you can tweak the gain around a fair bit and still get a great range of tones. I'm not a pedal buff and am stilll yet to lash out and buy myself some decent pedals but essentially I primarily play as an acoustic guitarist and have never really needed them that much though I plan to get myself a Boss DS-1 soon. I've played Marshall MG15s, Fender Frontman 15s and a whole stack of other practice amps. None can face up to Peavey except maybe the Orange 15W practice amps but they're almost double the price and don't feel quite as sturdy. // 10

Reliability & Durability: I've mainly had this at home yet have brought it to pubs, parties and all kinds of venues and this has never once failed me. I've played a few of the newer versions of these amps and I don't believe they really sound quite as good and are definately not built as tanky however they are really the best practice amps in their price range the new 258 amp is a welcomed add-on to the great series. // 10

Impression: I've been playing for about 12 years now and I've played though some fantastic upmarket amps i.e. Fender Twin Reverbs, Hiwatts, Marshall JCMs and certainly none seem to have that same ease of use, feel and great EQ. (Yet they all serve their uses. These amps are also plentifully loud for any venue up for bout 100 people. Mines a mid-late 80's model and what can I say but I still love it and would happily be buried with it. I'd be soooo peeved if somebody stole it. I would probably cry and then go out on a spree to find the bugger. If I couldnt get the amp back I'd probably go and purchase one of Peaveys 212 combos (Solid State) and a spare 258 cause of reliability and Live with that happily also. Long review but hopefully my ranting hasn't been too long and has been useful to those Who have read it. // 10

overall: 8.3

Reviewed by: Korzack, on november 12, 2007

Features: I'm presuming made in 2003, as was the year I got it. Part of a Peavey Starter pack (along with Raptor guitar, lead, picks, the usual shebang). Your usual practice amp fare, but seems to have been done better than normal. 15w Solid State 2 Channels, clean & lead (drive/dist.), with a volume for clean, pre/post gain for the Drive, and a simple low/mid/hi EQ for both drives. A CD input as well, as well as a L/O or headphone jack. Fair enough deal, really, and for 50, it's not bad at all. The speaker's 8 Ohms I think. // 8

Sound: At the moment, I usually use Gibson style guitars (LPs, SG's etc.), and using it with my Epiphone LP at university with a fex effects I bought (Boss SD-1 for a solo boost and a Dunlop crybaby wah for kicks). With the 2 gain controls, it's quite possible to do anything from Chuck Berry style classic rock (shuffles etc.), right up to NWOAHM and the really heavy stuff. Got a nice set of EQ for my style (I usually play Punk of most sorts, NWOBHM, Hair metal & Classic/Hard Rock) and it works an absolute treat. The Drive & distortion ya get with cranking this us is actually better than using my Marshall MG50, or at least is easier to get a better sound with it (I've never liked the Contour control). Ok, if you crank the thing as high as it can handle, you're gonnd get a lot of noise, specially with the Drive, but that happens with almost any amp if ya push it enough. // 9

Reliability & Durability: I've had it 4 years, and it hasn't had a single glitch at all. That's all I need ta say about the reliability, and the way it's going, chances are it'll be at least another 4 years before I need to replace it, & by that time I'll hopefully have no qualms about it. So far as gigs are concerned. No. In practices you can barely hear it over the drummer, & that's with proper cranking. Although I did use it for a college show, & got asked to turn it down quite a lot, so yeah. It's definitely possible (that was in a small-ish theatre, 200 capacity), so tbh it is definitely possible to use it for a gig, but I wouldn't advise doing that regularly. // 7

Impression: I've been using this since I started playing electric (4 years +) & it's been great for me - Glad I got this over the Squier Starter Kit, because I remember the ones at my school always used to break inside 6 months or so. Ok, so when I'm at home I usually plug into my big ol' Marshall, but that's just me. I still like this little thing, hence why I brought it away with me instead of just buying a new pactice amp. So far as extra features, nothing that'd be fair to ask for in a newbie pack, like a footswitch for the channels would be a bonus, but as an amp on it's own, it's pretty damn solid. OK, so it's not exactly a DSL full stack, but for what it aims to achieve, it's a bloody good job from Peavey. Only thing I'd wished it in terms of Ethics was that it was made in the USA or something rather than China, but apart from that, it's a great package. // 9

overall: 8.3

Reviewed by: DashBlaster, on march 30, 2007

Price paid: $ 31.6

Purchased from: Friend

Features: I play metal mostly, Megadeth, Metallica and Trivium with tad of AC/DC and it's a good amp. It suits the styles well and is a good practice amp. It has one channel, but that's all you really need to practice with. There is distortion and clean, and there is a Switch for modern and Vintage tone. I really wished it had reverb. It's damn loud for it's size. // 9

Sound: I have a guitar made by a branch company of Washburn. The clean is good, but the distortion is pure shit. It's noisy, staticy and very crappy overall. I used to use a keyboard amp, so I had bought a distortion pedal (Behringer UD-100). I am glad I did so. The modern and Vintage switches definately add more versatility. When you get louder on clean, there is some crunch added. // 7

Reliability & Durability: I've performed with it twice and it's fine. I don't service it or anything and nothing has happened. I can rely on it and I trust it to get the job done. It would be a lot smarter to gig with a different amp, especially if you don't have a distortion pedal. // 9

Impression: Overall, it's more suited for beginner's Who don't give a crap, and just want a good starter amp. It does the job. I've been playing on this for about 3/4 of a year now. If it were stolen/lost, I would definately upgrade because I really want a new amp. The Blazer seeme like it would be a better amp. It's nice and light, which is handy for transport. // 8

overall: 9.5

Reviewed by: mr_sinistah, on january 15, 2007

Price paid: $ 68.4

Purchased from: Used from Friend

Features: It has low/mid/high control, also has a clean colume and distortion, so you can play clean and then flick the switch and play distortion louder. So it doesn't have a master volume, really good feature. I Don't know much about the amp but the other reviews will tell tales. Versatile, hell yes! Awesome distortion, warm cleans, just fiddle with the knobs and you can do anything. It also has a CD jack so you can jam to instrumentals or what not. This means you can yank in anything you can get to be a 1/4" jack so if you hook up your TV to it, can do! Same with a second guitar but you won't be able to change the sound much, just volume from the guitar. So you can play lead with distortion while your buddy does the clean during verse! It's a transtube series so it's sweet. Really nice for the money. Certainly a better option for the beginner if they want something more than decent. I got cheap so I'm delighted, but you should be able to bargain shops for it. // 10

Sound: It's loud! You can turn it down and all, but a small turn gives a lot of volume so you gotta be delicate if you wanna play quiet. When combined with a cheap 7 band EQ, it can make some awesome awesome cleans and tweak your distortion too. You gotta play with it all to get sounds you and your guitar like. I got a nice Morello/Original Fire sound from it. Pregain on about 6 or 7 with low at full, mid at 7 and high at 0 and some playing with EQ. I got a somewhat Santana sound too but it's just not the same without overdrive or a tube screamer (or hums for that matter). I play it on a cheap strat, SSS setup, nothing flash but I get all the sounds I want. Distortion has lots of treble, I like mine low and dry so my EQ helps. Also I like to play somewhat discreetly, don't wanna annoy the parentals too much so I suck some juice off from the EQ, about 5-10dB depending on what I need. If you turn down from guitar, you'll get clean when you want distortion and if you turn down from amp, you won't get that exact volume, always be either too loud or too soft. When I turn mine on, if the volume is a bit loud, it'll make a big "blooomp" sound when I hit the Switch, so I turn down, turn on then do whatever but that's no problem at all. // 9

Reliability & Durability: It's just too awesome, it'd be decent for a small hall, 100 or so people, loud enough for it. It's uilt pretty well, I use it as a footrest heaps. The back is exposed (look on google for pics) so I have it against a table. Built tough like I said, good brand, good product! // 10

Impression: It's awesome for anything! Been playing for about 5 months and this thing rocks. My friend bought it a few years ago though so it's kinda old but amps never get old so quickly. If lost I'd be pissed, if stolen I'd kill someone most probably the mofo Who stole it. If I had the moeny I would buy another. It's good for anything, like I said it is better than most beginner amps so they might ask a fair bit but if it's same price or just a bit more expensive, definately grab it. Certainly a sound investment in my books, not a crappy 10W chunk of junk but 15W of Peavey genius. Definately worth the extra paper! // 9

overall: 8.8

Reviewed by: matx33, on april 03, 2006

Purchased from: Steve's Music Store Ottawa

Features: I got this amp (with the Peavey Raptor Plus EXP, that combo) as a Christmas (2004) present. So I think it's a 2004 model. Not a bad amp, it's helped me bring up my playing. Part of the Transtube series. I play a lot of different stuff (anything from James Taylor to System of a Down and everything inbetween) and this amp can handle it fairly well. It has two channels, clean and lead, the lead with a pre and post gain. It's a fine little practice amp, and like I said it can play what you want not too badly. // 9

Sound: As I mentioned, I use a stock Peavey Raptor Plus EXP. So these two piecese fit together nicely. I've also put a Fender Stratocaster on it and it sounded nice as well. Hell I even got an Epiphone bass to run through it (and not too quietly either) and it's still good! For a 15-watt amp it really can make some noise. It plays metal well with the distortion, blues sound nice on clean, you can do just about what you want to it and it'll sound nice. Great for a little practice amp. // 8

Reliability & Durability: I've never gigged, I've been working on getting a band together. Personally I don't think it would be up to the task of a big gig, I'd be worried about it handling the noise I'd have to put it through, but when you're just playing for friends and family in your living room or whatever it's perfect. It's never broken down on me and I've never had it serviced. Still sounds great, I'm very pleased. I take good care of it though, it would be just stupid to throw it around like a blubbering idiot. It has an open back but that's not too big a concern. // 9

Impression: If you're looking to gig and play big, you may want to look at a bigger amp. It's nice for my skill right now but I wouldn't mind some effects and stuff. I'm looking to buy a Line 6 Spider II 112 amp, it can handle more than this. But don't get me wrong, this amp is still great and it grows on you. It's a happy little guy if you will, and you won't be disappointed with it if you're looking to just have a little fun and screw around. Not at all disappointed. I still love it. // 9

overall: 7.8

Reviewed by: childofbodom14, on august 28, 2006

Price paid: $ 82.95

Purchased from: pongetti's (hamilton ontario)

Features: This amp isn't very versatile however I found it was ok for someone just starting (this was my first amp I bought 3 years ago). I play most heavy metal however I do play some bluesy songs. It has a clean and distortion channel and headphone jack. I am getting a new amp because I need one with more efex but if ur just starting it will be fine. I use this amp in my basement and with my friend and it's suprisingly loud. It also has a "vintage" and "modern" switch but it doesnt't really do any thing. // 6

Sound: I used my first guitar (also a Peavey) and my new guitar (Platinum B.C. Rich Warlock with 2 humbuckers). I find it has a lot of distortion at low volumes which I love. When you turn it up you lose a lot of distortion but it still sounds ok. I think the distortion is very good for a starter amp this size and I can play heavy metal with it no problem. However it is noisy with a lot of distortion. The clean is just a basic clean sound with a volume controll, nothing fancy. // 9

Reliability & Durability: This amp has never given me any problems untill just alittle while ago, the distortion channels volume wont go to 0 (however it will still turn down enough). It doesnt't really bother me and I could probably get it fixed but I'm too busy looking for my new amp. // 9

Impression: This amp is good for beggingers. It is ok on clean and has a lot of distortion. If it were lost or stolen I would wonder why ne one would steal an amp this cheap and by a new amp. I like the distortion and I don't no if it's just me but it sound pretty loud for a 15 watt (I never play it past 1/4 volume unless I must fooling around). I think this amp is fine except it doesnt't have ne digital effects and isnt very versatile. If I had known then what I know now I would get definitly get the Marshall MG15DFX, it's pretty much the same price but has digital FX. this is definatly a basic mediocor amp. // 7

overall: 9.8

Reviewed by: TheGimpMaster01, on october 24, 2005

Purchased from: Peavey

Features: I bought this amplifier brand new from Peavey's website. It am in love with it. It's only a practice amp, but it is very high quality (it's the newer generation of amps, remember). The sound from it is very very high quality and you would have to have a bad guitar in order to degrade the sound. The features include three EQ knobs (high-middle-low), obviously a master volume knob, a distortion channel with a pre-gain knob and post-gain knob, and a modern/vintage switch. The modern/vintage switch changes the sound between a warm, rich sound that you'd expect from a modern amplifier, and vintage, which gives you the sound you would get from an older amplifier. Older doesn't imply lower-quality sound, it implies a more "stingy" and "sharp" sound. It's really very good on distortion. The setting I normally use for distortion is the pre-gain all the way up, post-gain (when practicing) on 2, bass on 7, mid on 4, and high on 7. The vintage/modern switch is set to modern or vintage (although vintage sounds better for that setting). // 9

Sound: The sound is great. There is no static or anything. You only get mushy background noise when you turn the distortion up all the way (post-gain). That's with the guitar unplugged. The sound is very good even on distortion (and even with a crappy guitar I have). The only problem I had was pick-up noise. So I bought a sound filter from Boss. I really love this amplifier. // 10

Reliability & Durability: It is a very sturdy design. It should last me for at least 10 year before having to get anything fixed on it. I am very sure of this. It was a 5-year warranty or something (actually I think it's a little longer). This amplifier is very well-built and you don't have to fiddle with anything to make it work. Hell, it even smells good coming out of the box. // 10

Impression: I would recommend this as a perfect practice amplifier. 15-watts of unbelievable reliability, durablility, and sound. // 10

overall: 8

Reviewed by: GuitarN00b, on june 17, 2004

Price paid: $ 85

Purchased from: Apple Music Row

Features: I'm not sure what year this amp was made in, but it seems really old. As for versatality, I only really play punk and heavy metal, but this amp seems to handle both well after a bit of messing with the tone knobs. Distortion especially can be messy before a little adjusting of the tone knobs. One channel, not really much in the way of effects, one headphone jack. This amp is probably are good basic amp for beginners and even some intermediates. It's a 15 watt, which is more than enough for practicing in one's room. However, I'm pretty sure the amp I bought is heavily outdated. Newer models may be better. // 8

Sound: The distortion sounds like a massive mess, it hardly changes with your chords. However, I managed to clean it up a bit after messing with the tone knobs a little. I play in my room, and it seems to do just fine. Distortion begins to sound good when you turn the amp really far up, but when you're playing with it at a respectable volume (your mom's term) then it's really not that great. With distortion off, the tone is uber clean. // 8

Reliability & Durability: The amp looks ancient. However, nothing has happened to it yet, and I've dropped it once. // 10

Impression: I concentrate mainly on punk/pop, and this amp is perfectly good for it. If I lost this amp, I'd probably upgrade to a more recent verseion of it. However, there's nothing glaringly wrong with the amp right now. // 6

overall: 8.5

Reviewed by: ibanez23, on april 19, 2004

Purchased from: Allans

Features: Switch between clean and lead, CD input, Headphone input, 3 equalization switches, this amp is only 15 watt but certainly sounds alot powerful than what it is, I would like to see a reverb switch/knob on this guitar otherwise it is the whole package. // 8

Sound: This amp has all kind of sounds from heavy distortion, medium distortion and metal. You can ge it to sound punkish aswell, Very versatile amp so you can play all kinds of music, very loud 15 watt amp. The clean channel is great, no distorted sounds come out just clean guitar. // 10

Reliability & Durability: I would use this amp for gigs no sweat, wouldnt need a backup I trust this amp, I have never bought a part for it or taken it for a service because honestly it hasn't needed it. // 8

Impression: I play metal, nu-metal and a little punk, this amp is perfect for my styles of playing. I have been playing for 2-3 years. If it were stolen I would definitely buy it again, I love the metal and distortion sounds that can come out of this amp very good, I wish it had a reverb switch/channel though, otherwise I would advise all guitarists to get this amplifier! // 8

overall: 8.5

Reviewed by: Burtonjp, on march 25, 2004

Purchased from: Music Stop

Features: The amp was made in 2002. It's definitely versatile for almost all types of music I think! I play them all! I would agree though that its pretty good at blues and a tad weak on the metal. It has Head phone jacks and Cd output Jacks. It doesnt have any effects on it (sadly to say). It Has Two channels (Clean and Lead) and has a pre gain and post gain control. It has three EQ knobs on it (low, middle, and high. I use this amp in my wreckroom and it definitely has more than enough power for me!! I never use the head phone jack because I don't wanna go deaf. // 8

Sound: I use the Peavey Raptor with it (they came together) It suits my types of music fine! Cuz I play them all! I wish it was a tiny bit better on metal though... My family says it's always noisy :) It definitely has power! I play it in a small sized room and I usually never turn the volume on my guitar past 2! The amp has really good clean volume on it too! // 8

Reliability & Durability: Since I'm not in any gigs haha... but if I had one sure I'd use it!! But I'd rather save up for somethin a bit better that can have effects on it...

The amp durability is awsome! Never failed once never broke down once nothing ever wrong with it! Awesome all the way for durability! // 10

Impression: I play all types of music so i think its a great match! It's very versatile! Iv Been playing since late september (2003) Um I wish I asked if it could play effects on it!!! I dunno I got the package and I think it was a great deal! (came with Peavey Raptor, Peavey Rage 158, Guitar case, Guitar stand, Guitar strap, Chords, and of course picks :P! ).

I Definitely wish it had effects on it thats the main thing I want that it doesn't have! // 8

overall: 9

Reviewed by: JHKH, on june 18, 2004

Purchased from: Professional Music Technology Romford Essex

Features: Not sure what year the amplifier was made in but it isnt that old only around 5 years at the most. If your a beginner and you want to have some distortion and a bit of clean the amp is very good. It can give you any type of style you want really. Soft rock such as Guns n Roses is a good one for this amp. For clean sounds it can do any type of music it is very good. The amplifier has 10 channels of distortion but you can play about with these depending on the type of music you wish to play. ALthough a little disapointed with the pre on the amp as if you move this a little too much the sound goes really loud on distortion or if you dont do it enough its too low and the amp sounds tinty. Its quite fiddely to do that but for a bedroom the amp is great.

I wish the Rage 158 had reverb. I never used to like this until I got more experienced. But now I cant live with out it since I got a Korg AX1500G this is an excellent pedal to use with this amp. I use this amp in my bedroom although I have giged with it a couple of times. The clean sounds distort a little bit when they are pushed at a high level and you can see why this amp is really meant to be for practicing. The amp is a transtube amp and I would recommend it! // 8

Sound: Mainly rock, metal softrock those sorts of things. The amp seems to handle these very well but as you get more experienced buy a pedal as the distortion isnt as good as pedal distortion. It does suit my music style at the moment because I have a range of styles depending on what mood. I like the clean sounds on this amp. The amp is well sheilded and doesnt make any noises. The only noises I get is from my pickups on the neck but that can be sorted.

Bluesy sounds are good , rock like deep purple sounds good. Soft pop songs are good for this it has a good variety of songs that it can do. The clean channel is distorted on high volumes but if you turn down the bass a little then this can be resolved to a certain extent. Distortion can sound a little messy but if you are more experienced you can get different sounds out of the amp. // 8

Reliability & Durability: I cannot fault this amplifer it is excellent. I would use it on a gig but only a small one not for large places. I wouldnt need a backup the amp is very good.

// 10

Impression: Very good for older rock or clean sounds like Lynard Skynard Sweet Home Alabama. It just has that nice tone to it. I've been playing nearly 5 years and the amp has done me well. I own a gibson goth explorer and that also sounds nice through the amp. I own a Korg AX1500G pedal which you have to buy to get even better use out of this amp. You will be shocked how much better it makes the amp. If it were stolen I would definantly buy it again. It's been excellent.

I love the fact that it is compact and mean looking (the older shaped one). I don't hate anything about it. My favourite feature is the clean channel because it has a nice sound. I compared it to a 25 watt Ibanez amplifier and id much rather this one it has much better distortion and is excellent for practice and small gigs. I just wish it had reverb thats all. You could get some nicer sounds if you had this like a bit of long lasting blues sounds. // 10

overall: 6.8

Reviewed by: SixSixSix, on february 24, 2006

Purchased from: Fox Music

Features: I have no idea when the amp itself was made, but when it comes to versatility the amp really loses points! I play a more heavy sound, ranging from grunge to metal, but I'd guess its better for a more bluesy sound, as the Distortion is pretty weak, compared to something like a Line 6 Spider 15. The amp has 2 channels, clean and distorted, the clean sounds nice, but far from pure, and regularly I find the trebles dont break through. On the plus side, it has a headphone jack which is very useful for late-night practising, and the volume can really pack a punch. // 6

Sound: I'm using the Rage with a Gibson Standard SG, with Double humbuckers, normally dropped down to a C or Db. As I found out that the distortion really wasnt what I wanted, I bought a Boss ME-50 effects processor, and this practically brought the amp to life, the trebles and bass lifted loads and now I'm reasonably happy with the results. The amp can get a little noisy but a simple noise gate can sort that out. I've also found that the amp loses sound quality after knocking up the volume, but it goes a fair way before this happens. // 7

Reliability & Durability: I doubt I could use this amp in a gig: it's not powerful enough and I don't think it sounds good enough for live shows! But as far as practising goes, its a good little amp and has basically delivered what I needed to start off. It's never broken down and I play the amp sometimes for 3 hours daily. I'd definatly recommend this for beginners as I know the price has come down since I got mine. // 7

Impression: I wouldn't suggest this amp for metal or heavy rock, like I say, it gives more of a blues sound, but thats just my opinion. I've been playing 3 years now, and if I could afford a better amp, I'd buy one. This was the second amp I ever bought, and I'm reasonably happy with it. If it were stolen, the only reason id be pissed is that I couldnt have sold it on to someone who could really get the best out of it, but I think I'd go for a Line 6, as this is more suited to my playing genre. I did ask a few questions to the guy in the shop but he fed me bullshit basically about how the amps distortion is real heavy etc, but at the time the one thing that appealled was the price tag! // 7

overall: 7.5

Reviewed by: AsShadowsRemain, on february 23, 2006

Price paid: $ 118.5

Purchased from: Ted Good's Music

Features: It's a 2005 Peavey Rage 158. It has an 8 in Blue Marvel speaker if I'm not mistaken. It's mainly just a practice amp so it doesn't have alot of neat effects or anything. I play alot of metal and death metal and I just use this amp in my room or when I just wanna sit down and practice. It has 2 channels, lead and clean. No FX loop, but it does have a headphone jack. I only use this amp for bedroom practice. It has 15 watts of power and that's enough for bedroom practice. This amp is also a transtube which is Peavey's name for a hybrid or a solid state with a pre-amp tube. // 7

Sound: I use quite a few guitars with this amp and they all sound decent for such a small amp. It suits my music alright but I can't really tell since I never use this amp for anything other than practice. It is quite noisy with high gain and it has decent volume for an amp of it's size. The amp can play all sorts of different styles. Such as blues to metal. The clean is slightly distorted at high volumes and the distortion is okay for a $150.00 amp. // 7

Reliability & Durability: I can depend on it for bedroom practice but I don't think I could depend on it for gigging as it is too small and not loud enough, and I would just look plain stupid gigging with this amp. This amp has never broken down but the tube in the back does tend to get very hot after an hour or so of playing and this can lead to some electrical components being fried as I've seen it happen before with my classmates Rage 158 amp. // 9

Impression: I play a lot of metal and this amp is alright for practicing, other than that, that's all this amp is really good for. If it were stolen I would probably save up for a better amp from Peavey like a Bandit or a Special 212. This amp is very good for its price and I compared it to a Fender Frontman 15 watt and this amp was overall just better. Better cleans and better distortion. You can certainly tell the difference between transtube and normal solid state if you sit down and compare. Overall this is a decent practice amp which is very well for bedroom practice or for beginners. // 7

overall: 9.5

Reviewed by: amp_08, on june 24, 2005

Purchased from: Brienholt music

Features: Good amp includes headphone jack and CD input so that you can listen to your CD and play with it, I use this amp for all my practicing since thaat is all I do right now. Has a opening in the back you can use for small storeage. // 8

Sound: I am using a BC Rich Bronze Warlock with it and double BC Rich humbuckers. I play heavier music and it works great the distortion is brutal it carries a good I sound even in some of the louder enviorments (clean) and with distortion it could possibly (I haven't tried) tear through any other noise. I am not talking concerts though I'm talking at a party or hanging out with the band trying to out sound each other. My friends play some blues and pop music and after a little toying we can set it up for that type of music also (I actually had it set up for country as a joke once but it worked really well). // 10

Reliability & Durability: I have had this for almost a year and took it to parties and stuff and I don't even think it has any scratches. // 10

Impression: If it was stolen I would buy it for practice but get a bigger one for fun. I really love it all around. I would like to point out that the Blazer 158 is supposed to be the same thing just it includes a reverb where as the Rage 158 doesn't. // 10

overall: 7

Reviewed by: unregistered, on september 15, 2004

Price paid: $ 126

Features: The amp was probably built around 1997. It's a "transtube" amp or whatever that means. It has two channels, which can be switched via a small grey button, which is horribly impractical, if you have to switch in the middle of a song. The overdrive channel can be adjusted quite nicely, though the sound is, especially with lots of gain, a little muddy. The clean channel is nice and clear. A reverb would've come in handy, but for that feature you need the more expensive Peavey blaze amp which is exactly the same, except for the reverb that is. // 6

Sound: I'm playing an Epiphone LP through this thing, and though it wasn't very expensive, it doesn't sound shitty at all. I've played lots of different types of music through this amp and it all sounds pretty neat, if you keep in mind that it's a 15 watt practice amp. I only use this in my room, which is like 2 square meters, and I advice you; don't gig with this unless you have to. The sounds it produces can be loud, but you'll lose depth. // 6

Reliability & Durability: I think in order to break this amp, you have to try. // 8

Impression: I play everything that has good melodies, wether it's funk, pop or rock, or even symphonic rock. Especially the clean channel does a very decent job. I use pedals to pump up the sound a bit, clean and distorted, but when I play gigs, I use bigger amps (much bigger). If it were stolen, I'd buy a better amp, because I've gotten better and a little bit spoiled by all the other amps I've played. I really like this amp because it's just great value for money. I've never played amps this price that sounded quite like it. This is a really, really good beginner's amp shame about the reverb though. // 8

overall: 10

Reviewed by: Shadowofarobot, on february 24, 2004

Price paid: $ 90

Purchased from: Coffey Music

Features: For the money and the wattage this is a pretty versatile amp, I play just about everything from straight blues to jazz to nu metal and this amp pretty much handles it all. It's a 2 channel with a clean and a lead and a 3 way eq and a "vintage" and "modern" tone control. // 10

Sound: I've put my Epiphone les paul and my Parker fly through it and both sound really good. I've never gotten any feedback through it and I am saddened to say that I like this better than the solid state Marshall that I bought for around 350$. The sound I think suits this amp best is the Van Halen and Aerosmith kind of bluesy "brown" sound. It will sound like some of the nu metal stuff and ozzy stuff like Perry Mason but it really lacks the presence of the larger amps and it seems like a really cool sound played through a very small speaker. // 10

Reliability & Durability: I haven't had any problems as of yet and it's been 4 years. // 10

Impression: Great if your into classic rock and that Brown sound. I wish I had taken a second look at this before I bought my Marshall because I would have definitely bought a bigger peavy. If it was stolen I would buy another one because it is just a kick ass lil amp for jammin in the bedroom or playin a pretty song to da ladies ;) // 10

overall: 1.5

Reviewed by: Greenday389, on november 20, 2006

Purchased from: First National Pawn

Features: This is not versitile at all! I play mostly classic rock and metal and this thing is totally crapped out! It won't even go to high volumes without doing some freaky crap. The lead channel is ugly. This amp has 2 channels, lead and clean. It has a 3-band EQ(low, mid, high) and has a volume knob for the clean channel and a pre and a post knob for the lead channel. It has a phone jack and a CD in/tape out jack. No power could help this amp. Even if it had the power it would blow up or something. // 3

Sound: I'm using a Dean Custom that has 2 invader humbuckers in it right now. The amp can't do crap. It's noisy as heck in every enviroment no matter what setting. The amp makes a very horrible sound, but I have managed to get a good clean jazz guitar sound for jazz band. If the clean channel is distorted at high volumes it would blow up before then. The distortion is horrible. The good thing is that I run my good guitar through a Behringer V-AMP2 which gives the amp an atleast almost good sound. // 1

Reliability & Durability: I would never depend on this! I would never use this at a gig without backup. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't use this as a backup! I'm pretty sure the amp is breaking down. It is probobly from neglect at the pawn shop and from the previus owner.It is solid state and doesn't require tubes. If it had tubes I'm pretty sure it wouldn't sound as bad. // 1

Impression: I play mostly classic rock and metal. This amp deffinatly doesn't match(atleast without the v-amp2). I've been playing for 3 1/2 years. I own a Behringer Ultraroc GX110, Boss MT-2 Metal Zone, Behringer V-AMP2, Dunlop Crybaby From Hell, and a Dean Custom. I should've asked if it would be a piece of shit even though I played it before I bought. I sounded ok but a month later it went downhill. If it was stolen I would be thankful. I don't love it. I hate it because is sucks. No feature in the world would make this amp good so there is no favorite feature. I wish it had a good sound! // 1

Comments

Got one of these.

Disto sucks but it's fine with a pedal.

[thrashmetalvipe]

this amp is wikid for practicing metal!! if u know ur guitar and ur amp ul hav no prob getn an awesome metal distortion i use my esp viper though it in drop c really heavy

[papersun87]

Awesome little amp, too bad it can't run a footswitch.

[Talented]

I use my ESP LTD EC-50 and it works great

[Justice_Fish]

If you want a good disto... buy the Peavey Bandit 112. It's one step higher than this.

[matx33]

okay I re-evaluated my review on this. I now dislike the distortion. Tube all the way. the clean is fine on it. and I would never even consider a Line 6 Spider amp anymore. I don't exactly know how to edit/remove reviews, so this is what I've got.

[childofbodom14]

ive been playing for 3 years still use it (will be replacing it soon) it has plenty of distortion. buying a distortion pedal for a beggingers amp is just a waste. it only has basic sounds but definitly sounds alright

[childofbodom14]

wtf it they changed the price i put for it

[angusyoung_sg]

i use a digitech multi effects pedal with mine and it sounds great

[Mechanixx]

I can get a great distortion out of mine playing my BC Rich through it. You just have to know how to use the EQ to get the tone u want. I play anything from Blues to Thrash Metal and its perfect.

[jackson guitars]

childofbodom14 wrote:

wtf it they changed the price i put for it

They change evrything to US dollars. I'm guessing your a Canadian like me?

[jackson guitars]

I'm very curious to know why people have these $200.00+ guitars playing through a 15 watt amp why? And seriously who compplains about the distortion and a 100.00 amp? You don't buy these amps to get distortion, you buy them becouse you cheap, i would suggest to spend the money and get something good. I recomend the peavey 212 efx amp, great amp.

[-beyond-human-]

rage 258 is pretty gud ay...
dis stuff bt wit stack, modern, and vintage...
reall gud 4 the metallica sound (vintage)
real gud 4 the black sab sound (modern)
real gud 4 da overall heavy metal sound (Stack)
thes sounds come with ma ibanez GRG170DX

[[B]C [R]ich]

haha yeahhh this little amp can kick some ass!
i used it for like 2 years and never had a prblm with it. it really shines though through my g2.1u though.
but its now been retired to practise amp now that i got my 120 watt laney half stack weooo!

[:_EsP_ThEbEsT_:]

i got this amp brand new for $50 lol
i was wondering how ppl used effect pedals with this amp because there isnt a pedal input thing
can anyone tell me...?

[mr_sinistah]

:_EsP_ThEbEsT_: wrote:

i got this amp brand new for $50 lol
i was wondering how ppl used effect pedals with this amp because there isnt a pedal input thing
can anyone tell me...?

pedal input??
you plug your guitar into FX and plug that into a clean channel. Turn amp on and away we go! Not hard at all

[:_EsP_ThEbEsT_:]

ohhhhh i thought that there was supposed to be a input for the pedal lol i thought it was suppsed to be connect to some pedal input lol thanks

[8footsativaist]

This amp is awesome! Granted, reverb would have been useful, but there's always pedals to supplement it eh?

I've been playing on it using Ibanez RG 320 FM, and a Jackson/Charvel combo, both unmodded.
This is a hell of a loud amp for a 15 watter, I've been able to compete easily with my mates drumkit at a mere half volume.
The distortion is great if you get the setts right.
Despite a review saying the vintage/modern switch does jack, vintage gives more tone, it's pretty useless if you're practicing your technique at low volumes and want to make sure you're not stuffing up, and it gives more of a sharp tone to the higher notes on the clean channel.

Overall, I'd give it an 8-9/10.