70s Session 400 ??

Paul O'Bryan · Post by **Paul O'Bryan** » 16 Jun 2020 3:41 pm

I have just bought a 70s Session 400. Couple things I'm questioning
because I been told that it's original. Firstly is the position of the badge?
Secondly is the 2 screws either side through the top that holds the electronics
up in place, there are no chrome plates on top that they normally have?

Geoff Queen · Post by **Geoff Queen** » 16 Jun 2020 3:51 pm

Hey Paul, no chrome straps likely means it's a first year (1974). The serial number should confirm this by starting with 4A-xxxxx. The emblem has been moved, it would have originally been more in the center. Great amps! Enjoy

Jack Hanson · Post by **Jack Hanson** » 16 Jun 2020 3:59 pm

My LTD. 400 of that era doesn't have chrome straps, either. Every early Session and LTD that I've ever seen has its badge centered, such mine here:

I recently purchased this old Session 400 head that does have straps (but no badge):

Paul O'Bryan · Post by **Paul O'Bryan** » 16 Jun 2020 5:46 pm

Thanks for that info guys. I was pretty sure the badge was in the wrong spot but did not really know about the saddles ,so that clears that up. Mine obviously has not got the original speaker in it and has an EV 15". I bought an Eminence Neo to put in there and just wondering what other players have in theirs and if the Neo Eminence is a good speaker to be in there or not?

Doug Earnest · Post by **Doug Earnest** » 16 Jun 2020 6:51 pm

I have seen pictures of the VERY early ones that had the badge located where yours is, at least one had the black and silver grille cloth. It seems that maybe Curly Chalker was pictured with one.

Paul O'Bryan · Post by **Paul O'Bryan** » 16 Jun 2020 10:11 pm

Oh! Maybe it is meant to be there ??

Erv Niehaus · Post by **Erv Niehaus** » 17 Jun 2020 7:20 am

Some things are just meant to be.

Erv

Dennis Detweiler · Post by **Dennis Detweiler** » 17 Jun 2020 1:44 pm

I still have my 1974 Session 400 that I bought new. The Peavey logo is in the proper place in the corner. It originally came with a JBL D-130. I blew through three of them until the birth of the Black Widow. The 1974 put out an honest 200 RMS. Those after that slightly less output. In communication with Buddy Emmons, he said, his first Session (1974) produced a fatter tone than those he used after that year. I concur, I've A/B'ed several during the life of my 1974 and found his conclusion true. Hang onto it.

Geoff Queen · Post by **Geoff Queen** » 17 Jun 2020 1:59 pm

Well I learned something new, I had no idea the logo was ever in the corner. I wonder when in '74 they moved them? Mine is in the center. Interesting.

Paul O'Bryan · Post by **Paul O'Bryan** » 17 Jun 2020 3:40 pm

Thanks for all the info guys. Dennis, what sort of glides
or feet are under yours? Mine has some crappy wheels that have been put on
and I would like to put it back to original

Jack Hanson · Post by **Jack Hanson** » 17 Jun 2020 4:15 pm

I purchased a set like this through eBay directly from Peavey a month or so ago. They work well on my Session 400 head (above). Advertised as "Peavey Rubber Feet - Large." Peavey part number 00051610. Twelve dollars.

Mike Schwartzman · Post by **Mike Schwartzman** » 17 Jun 2020 6:33 pm

I believe my Session 400 is a 1977 according to it's serial # and came with the stock Black Widow. I replaced that speaker with an Eminence EPS 15C (which is a neo mag) and it's been very good in that amp. I really appreciate the weight reduction too.

Lee Baucum · Post by **Lee Baucum** » 17 Jun 2020 6:44 pm

I did a Google image search for Session 400 amps and found only one photo showing an amp with the off-center badge like that.

Dennis Detweiler · Post by **Dennis Detweiler** » 17 Jun 2020 7:32 pm

Paul, the original glides were round chrome glides 1.5 inch diameter X 3/8 thick. Mounted with a screw in the middle.
Early 1974 and earlier Peavey electronic gear had the logo mounted in the corner at an angle. I'm guessing, late 1974 and since then all logos were mounted centered.
When I bought my Session 400 in 1974, I had to special order it. The local Peavey dealer didn't have any in stock yet. They were available with a single 15 jbl or two 12 inch Electrovoice speakers. It came with a lifetime warranty card, which I still have. However, the lifetime warranty only covered parts and not labor. When a speaker would blow, I'd show my card to the Peavey dealer and he would order a new speaker free of charge.

Dennis Detweiler · Post by **Dennis Detweiler** » 17 Jun 2020 7:38 pm

My 1974 also has the smooth round control knobs. The control panel faceplate is metal. After 1974 they were plastic.

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 17 Jun 2020 7:56 pm

https://www.parts-express.com/peavey-me ... --248-8780

these are the amp glides and this is great source for peavey hdwe.

dont know about Session series, but some peavey amps used EV speakers at some time.

congrats on your new gear.

Dennis Detweiler · Post by **Dennis Detweiler** » 17 Jun 2020 9:34 pm

Jerry, that looks like the correct glides. I'm surprised they still make them after 45 years.

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 18 Jun 2020 1:34 pm

i may have kept them in business.

I have used them since the 80s on all of the cabinets i use, build and rebuild. They're great, I think.

Paul O'Bryan · Post by **Paul O'Bryan** » 18 Jun 2020 8:05 pm

Cheers guys, just me more thing, I can't see the numbers anymore on my reverb tank.
I know it's an Acutronics but does anyone know the original numbers are for a
new one?

Dennis Detweiler · Post by **Dennis Detweiler** » 19 Jun 2020 7:18 am

I can only find patent numbers on mine. I'm not sure if mine is the original. I think I replaced it at one point. Too many years ago. I recall old forum posts concerning proper pan for the amp. Try the search engine.

Post by **Dave Mudgett** » 19 Jun 2020 9:41 am

From this thread - https://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=348363

4EB2C1B is the two-spring unit (which is stock) and 9EB2C1B is the 3-spring unit. I've used both in various amps, they sound fine - the 3-spring is a bit more sproingy.

One could also use a long delay version, which would be 4EB3C1B (2-spring) or 9EB3C1B (3-spring). I've had some amps that prefer long delay.