Metropoulos Forum

Hi have any of you ever bought a amp used that has been exposed to extreme smoke? I bought a peavey vtm-120 cheap (ya i know, but for super cheap I kinda like it) and it's all gunked up, especially the head cabinet. Does anyone have any tips for cleaning an amp out and getting rid of the smoke residue? Should I disassemble the amp and alcohol everything? Thx

Hey, just wanted to say that you shouldn't feel like you have to apologize for your gear. Peavey does get an unwarramted bad rap on boards like this. All the Peavey guitars, guitar anps or other gear I've owned, sounded good and were durable. For the gigging musician on a budget, they are lifesavers and what the heck, you like it.

As for your odor issue, you might try removing the chassis and cleaning the tolex with some general purpose cleaner. Depending on the tolex maybe use a stiff brush. Same with the cab remove the speakers and clean the tolex and use a mild soap on the grill cloth with a stiff brush. Have you tried just letting it air out? Maybe, when the climate is right, leave it outside in a shaddy area or in the garage, maybe point a fan at it.

I've found that the original "Fantastik" brand cleaner works quite well for cutting through nicotine buildup on most surfaces.

Naturally, test it on inconspicuous areas first, just in case...

Thanks, ya seems like the best way is to let the head cab bake in the sun from what I've read. When the weather corporates I might give it a try. Ya this Vtm-120 is pretty bad ass for an all tube "JCM-800 type" amp, although 4 6L6. I built a Jtm45 and wanted to try something with a little more gain when the mood strikes. Saw this on craiglist and I couldn't resist for a 100 watt all tube head. Only complaint so far is the actual head cabinet weighs like 30lbs! I might just try to build another custom lighter cab...

Mars Hall wrote:Hey, just wanted to say that you shouldn't feel like you have to apologize for your gear. Peavey does get an unwarramted bad rap on boards like this. All the Peavey guitars, guitar anps or other gear I've owned, sounded good and were durable. For the gigging musician on a budget, they are lifesavers and what the heck, you like it.

Totally agree, they are excellent workhorses.

I had a Peavey Classic 50 combo which stank of cigarette smoke when I bought it. The smell was very strong when I bought it in the house but it did clear after about 6-8 weeks of being in a smoke free house.


Funnily enough I recently got my Peavey JSX from an amp tech who smokes and that has been giving off a strong cigarette smell for a couple of days which is now clearing.

I'd say just air it out.

warm soapy water and a cotton rag