Gear article
Peavey Nashville 112 Pedal Steel Combo
The Peavey Nashville 112 is a professional-grade combo amplifier specifically engineered for the unique tonal requirements of pedal steel guitars. Known for its wide frequency response and clean power, it is a staple in studio and live performance environments for steel players seeking a distinct voice.
See live pricesOverview
The Peavey Nashville 112 is a compact yet powerful amplifier designed to handle the complex harmonics and high-output signals of the pedal steel guitar. As part of Peavey's long-standing Nashville series, this unit focuses on delivering high-fidelity reproduction and significant headroom, which are essential for the instrument's characteristic sustain and clarity.
History and Background
Peavey has long been a dominant name in the country and pedal steel music scenes. The Nashville series was developed to provide a portable alternative to larger, heavier 15-inch speaker combos without sacrificing the power required for stage use. It has become a standard choice for both session musicians and touring professionals who require reliability and a specific EQ curve tailored to multi-stringed instruments.
Key Features and Operation
The amplifier is built to offer 'pedal to the metal' performance, emphasizing overall build quality and power. It features a sophisticated preamp section and built-in effects that allow players to refine their sound. The layout is designed for ease of use in high-pressure environments, such as live stages or recording studios, ensuring that the player can quickly dial in a signature voice for their instrument.
Tonal Character
The Nashville 112 is characterised by a wide tonal range. Unlike standard electric guitar amplifiers that often colour the sound with midrange warmth or grit, this combo is designed for transparency and clean reproduction. It provides the necessary punch to ensure the pedal steel cuts through a mix while maintaining the delicate high-end 'sparkle' associated with the genre.
Target Audience
This combo is primarily suited for pedal steel guitarists, though it is also frequently utilised by lap steel and clean-electric players. Its combination of portability and high-output makes it ideal for musicians who need to travel light but require enough volume to compete with a full band and a drummer.
Comparison to Alternatives
When compared to other amplification solutions, the Nashville 112 sits in a niche market. While general-purpose amplifiers from brands like Fender or Boss (such as the DD-3T or NS-2 equipped rigs) might be used for effects processing, the Nashville 112 provides the specific power handling steel players need. It is often compared to larger 15-inch models, offering a more compact footprint while maintaining the professional features expected in its £725 price bracket.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the primary purpose of the Peavey Nashville 112?
- The Peavey Nashville 112 is specifically designed as a combo amplifier for pedal steel guitars, focusing on high headroom and clean tonal reproduction.
- Is the Nashville 112 suitable for studio recording?
- Yes, its wide tonal range and high-quality internal effects make it a versatile choice for capturing professional steel guitar tracks in a studio setting.
- How much does a Peavey Nashville 112 typically cost?
- In the UK market, the typical price for this amplifier is approximately £725.
- Can I use external pedals with the Nashville 112?
- Absolutely. It can be paired with common utility pedals like the Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor or the Yamaha FC7 Expression Pedal to further refine the signal chain.
- Does the Nashville 112 include built-in effects?
- Yes, the manufacturer describes it as having quality effects that allow musicians to create a unique voice for their instrument.
- How does the Nashville 112 handle high volume?
- It is designed for 'unparalleled power performance,' providing enough clean volume for live stage use without unwanted distortion.
- Is this amplifier portable?
- Compared to many traditional steel guitar amps with 15-inch speakers, the 12-inch configuration of the Nashville 112 offers a more compact and manageable form factor.
- Who is the manufacturer of the Nashville 112?
- The Nashville 112 is manufactured by Peavey, a company well-known for producing durable and professional-grade music gear.
- Can this amp be used for standard electric guitar?
- While designed for pedal steel, its clean power and wide frequency response make it suitable for any player who requires a high-headroom, transparent amplifier.
- What tonal range does the Nashville 112 offer?
- It offers a very wide tonal range, intended to capture the full spectrum of frequencies produced by a multi-stringed pedal steel guitar.
- How does it compare to using a chorus or delay pedal?
- While the amp has built-in effects, it works well with external units like the Behringer UC200 Ultra Chorus or Boss DD-3T for more specific rhythmic or spatial textures.
- Does the Nashville 112 work well with high-gain pedals like the Big Muff?
- Yes, because it is a high-headroom clean platform, it can accurately reproduce the sound of distortion pedals like the Electro Harmonix Big Muff if the user desires a grit-heavy tone.
