Peavey t-40 setup

peaveyfiredude · #1 08-04-2010, 10:28 AM

My 1978 T-40 has always been difficult to play, physically demanding. I recently bought my daughter has an Ibanez bass that plays like butter: Zip Zip boom boom boing boing.
Why are these basses so different? My guess is that I need to lower the action or change the setup on my Peavey, but I don't know. I'm using GHS medium wound strings. Postings from other T-40 players indicate that this bass should not be so difficult to play. Yes, it's big and heavy but I don't think my hands should hurt (they always have) after five minutes. Can it be that I've been playing on a poorly adjusted instrument for 32 years?
Any suggestions?

MNAirHead · #2 08-04-2010, 10:35 AM

From a Peavey nut..

Sounds like it's not the correct feel for you... I'd be considering a more contoured bass with smaller radius.

For the life of me I've not "gotten" ricks, gibsons, T40s, T20s T45s etc...

There is a closeness between those who like Ricks/Gibsons and those who get a T40

peaveyfiredude · #3 08-04-2010, 12:10 PM

Not sure what you mean by contour and radius? Do you mean I should consider a smaller bass?

peaveyfiredude · #4 08-04-2010, 12:12 PM

Really, I'm looking for advice from anyone who's adjusted a Peavey T-40 before to make it easier to play? Do I have to adjust the torsion rod? Bridge height? tension?

JLS · #5 08-04-2010, 01:06 PM

Um, have you ever had this bass setup?

MNAirHead · #6 08-04-2010, 01:18 PM

I've set up at least 50 of them...

From what you're describing the neck and body are not comfortable to you... I've seen this countless times.

Just like a truehard Thunderbird guy would hate my headless graphite basses.

You can set it up.. will not play similar to your preferred comparison bass.. different animal.

So yes -- have set them up.. my opinion is to start with a different bass.

peaveyfiredude · #7 08-05-2010, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLS

Um, have you ever had this bass setup?

Nope. Went to shop yesterday. Shop guy says playing these is like "wrestling with a fat woman in a hammock." Guess the proof will be in the pudding when he's done setting it up.

peaveyfiredude · #8 08-06-2010, 12:14 AM

Duh. Answered my own question. Yes, I have been playing on a poorly adjusted instrument for 32 years. Just got my setup. Plays better than it ever has. Tech said the neck was all out of whack. Wow. What a difference. Peavey T-40s rock.

**Staccato** · #9 08-06-2010, 12:20 AM

Congratulations on your 'new' Peavey!

gm2_in_co · #10 08-06-2010, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MNAirHead

From a Peavey nut..

Sounds like it's not the correct feel for you... I'd be considering a more contoured bass with smaller radius.

For the life of me I've not "gotten" ricks, gibsons, T40s, T20s T45s etc...

There is a closeness between those who like Ricks/Gibsons and those who get a T40

Hmm... I follow the Gibson/T40 part totally. Don't get the Rick part at all. My wife's Rick's neck is a whole different universe... More Warwick than anything in my experience.

panama · #11 08-06-2010, 06:13 AM

IMO you're still gonna like your daughters Ibanez more than the T-40 if you like that "zip boom bang boing" feeling of a super fast neck.