Peavey Vypyr 15 Modeling Electric Guitar Amplifier
The Peavey Vypyr 15 Modeling Electric Guitar Amplifier includes eleven effects, a 1X8" Custom voiced
modeling speaker, MP3/CD/Aux input, and an on board chromatic tuner (allows you to use the amplifier
to tune your guitar to standard tuning, EADGBe), among many other features. In 2009 this amp became
one of the first in the Vypyr series. The Vypyr series won major industry awards including Product of the
Year and Instrument Amp of the Year from The Music & Sound Retailer, Amp Line of the Year three
years in a row from Musical Merchandise Review, and the Gold Award for Overall Value from Guitar
World1.
The first knob from the left labeled “amp” is an amp
encoder (sets to a level of clean sounds or distortion).
It is turned to select the amp model. For example,
“Twn” has a very clean sound while “Pxi” is a classic
rock tone. “B-Kat” offers distortion. When there is a
red light around the knob the amplifier is on a high
gain, (the distortion or “shape” of a note), channel; a
green light signifies a low gain setting. Pressing and
holding “amp” allows tuner mode to be entered. The
LED lights around the amp encoder identifies the note
being tuned. When all of the LED light around “amp”
are lit up you are in tune. The next dial, the “effects” encoder, allows one to select any effect for the
sounds. These sounds range from the sound of a rotating speaker (“Rotary”), a longer delay line
(“Chorus”), a note reversed of what was played (“Reverse”), a shift of pitch (“Pitch Shifter”), to a sound
of a note getting slightly louder and softer in rapid succession (“Tremelo”). The LED lights around
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Electronics, P. (2015). Peavey Timeline. Retrieved from Peavey:
http://peavey.com/corporate/en_timeline.cfm
“effect” indicates whether the note is sharp or flat. If the green LED is to the right of between B and C
position, the note is sharp and should be tuned down. If the LED is to the left, the note is flat and should
be tuned up.
The pre-gain increases gain and dials in the amount of distortion. The
post-gain controls the individual preset volume.
The “low” encoder controls
the low EQ adjustment. The
“mid” controls mid EQ
adjustment. “High” controls
the high EQ adjustment. The EQ (equalizer) adjustments
between the low, mid, and high result in a full and smooth
equalization of sounds. By controlling the low and highs there
can be an equal emphasization of deep lows and present highs.
“Honky” mid sounds can be decreased to equalize the notes
being played.
This Peavey Vypyr model is suitable for intermediate players. It includes many sound effects and
controls to play your electric guitar with your personal level of distortion, favorite effects, and a wide
range of volumes. A guitarist of 15 years from Flat Rock, Alabama quoted that he “bought this amp
because of it's versatility and because I like to play a lot of different styles of music. I love to play blues,
Santana, metal, and hard rock. This amp does it all” 2. A guitarist from Arkansas playing in a band says
that this amplifier holds up against the electric guitars, and it is a “great item, great price” 2. Zach Neels,
advice giver at Sweetwater Music Instruments and Pro Audio, talks highly of the Peavey Vypyr 15
Modeling Amp: “Of all the modeling amps you can find, I believe the Peavey Vypyr is hands-down the
best. Having 22 different effects at your fingertips, as well as 12 amps with clean and dirty channels, this
is the go to piece for budding guitarists and seasoned vets who want a do-all box. Match this with a foot
controller, and you have a gigging amp for every style!” 3. It is appropriate for practicing, and with the
ability to turn to a high volume it can be used along with playing other instuments such as a drumset.
Though it is relatively powerful for it’s size and could be used for small gigs, it would be considered too
small to use professionally.
Peavey Vypyr 15 15W 1x8 Guitar Combo Amp . (2015). Retrieved from Musician's Friend:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/peavey-vypyr-15-15w-1x8-guitar-combo-amp
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Sweetwater Advice. (2015). Retrieved from Sweetwater Music Instruments & Pro Audio:
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Vypyr15/reviews
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