The Steel Guitar Forum

Did any Session 400s emigrate from Meridian in a head-only format, or were they all built as combos?

I have seen some Session 400 heads that sure appeared to be factory.
They made some in a 212 version also. All I have seen were loaded with EV speakers.

Thanks, Doug. I was unaware of that, as I'd never seen a head before. This one sure looks factory-issue. If not, somebody did a very nice conversion.

Bobbe Seymour had one for sale several years ago that had belonged to Chet Atkins.

I had a factory built Session 400 head back in the 70s when I was playing in Reno. It is long gone. They definitely made at least a few. Jack; your pictures are just what I remember it looking like.

Jack -

Yes, I agree that is the genuine article and looks like a well kept example. It would be a very very handy piece of equipment to own!

Would you be willing to let us know the price and location if you are not interested in purchasing it ?

Doug Earnest wrote:Jack -

Yes, I agree that is the genuine article and looks like a well kept example. It would be a very very handy piece of equipment to own!

That was my thinking exactly.

Doug Earnest wrote:
Would you be willing to let us know the price and location if you are not interested in purchasing it ?

Actually, at the advertised price of $120.00, I felt it was too good a deal to pass on, so I purchased the amp this morning. It was at a music store in Denver.

That was a steal!!

I have one of the head versions of the 400.I'd happily sell it along with 2 other combo Session 400's. I haven't been using them for awhile. I did go through them awhile back and upgrade the caps etc. using Ken Fox' plans.

I have one and the serial number is underneath.....here she is.

I didn’t know Chet had one , wonder what speaker he used with it. Maybe I’ll keep mine after all , I just loved Chet.
I also wonder when mine was made , here’s the label.....whoops it’s upside down...

I wish they would have produced a Session 500 head.

In following this thread, my first thought was that I want one. Then I realized that I'd probably end up schlepping the head in one hand and the speaker in the other. No real weight advantage that way, just better balance I guess.

Should be able to date it using the info below:

Jerry Overstreet wrote:

...Here's some info from the Peavey forum re: serial #'s.
https://peavey.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=7761

Thanks Jerry , guess I have a 1970s model.

Thanks to everyone for sharing information. Since I'm so fond of my old '77 LTD 400, I couldn't resist pulling the trigger on virtually the same amp in a much smaller package, especially for the price. It should be a good match for my TT-12/Greg's Pro Audio cabinet.

Assuming the Session 400 head traded the power transformer used in the combo for something appropriately smaller with less power, you could pair it with a class D powered speaker and have a relatively lite weight rig.
I estimate the power transformer alone in my 70's Sesion 400 weighs ~ 20lbs.

I have a session 400 head, serial number suggest it was built April 1979.

Peavey did make a Session 400 (head only). I've got one and it sounds great. I don't think they made a lot of them.

I have one. s/n 6A-66277.

Wow, there's seemingly more of 'em out there than I had realized. But I've lived a sheltered life, and don't get around much anymore. Thanks for the info, folks.

Weekend update: Since the state of Colo shifted from "stay-at-home" to "safer-at-home" yesterday, I took the opportunity to buzz up to Denver to pick up my Session 400 head and this oddball Ovation piggyback:

https://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtop ... vation+amp

I just plugged the 400 into my GPA/TT-12 cabinet, and am mildly ecstatic to report it sounds just wonderful. The reverb even works! Think I got my 120 bucks worth on this one.

Here’s mine!