'94 Peavey Fury - Recommended?

[mthnascar]

I'm looking for an upgrade to my Epiphone PowerBass (about the only redeeming quality of the Epi is its thin, fast neck). I have to be dollar conscious on this purchase as I blew my budget on my rig.

I have a chance to grab a '94 Fury (USA) for $200 (including case). I've played and like the Fender P basses. How does the Fury compare, and is it a quality instrument? I don't want a bass that plays or sounds like a $200 bass, as I already have one of those. I'm hoping the Fury plays like a bass that is a bit more pricey. I've read from some who have felt that they needed to replace the stock pickups.

I'm just a weekend warrior playing primarily hard/classic rock covers. My rig is a GK1001rb-II and GK neo 2x12.

Any feedback or recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[fenderhutz]

USA Fury before they started importing?

[Stevem627]

The Fury (if USA) will be different feeling from a Fender USA P-Bass since the neck is quite different (thinner like a jazz neck). I prefer the Peavey, and, not long ago, let go of my USA Fender P-Bass since I like the thinner neck of the Peavey. Quality is quite comparable to the Fender and it sounds like a P-Bass. I have two of them.

[mthnascar]

Yes.. It's a USA Fury.

[mthnascar]

Originally Posted by Stevem627

The Fury (if USA) will be different feeling from a Fender USA P-Bass since the neck is quite different (thinner like a jazz neck). I prefer the Peavey, and, not long ago, let go of my USA Fender P-Bass since I like the thinner neck of the Peavey. Quality is quite comparable to the Fender and it sounds like a P-Bass. I have two of them.

Thanks Stevem.. I should edit my original post. I meant to reference the Fender Jazz and not the P bass (actually I like them both, but I like a thin neck as well).

The fact that you own a couple of the Furys is a great endorsement.. How would you characterize the sound? I have tried a couple of the local music shops and they don't have one to demo. Have you had any desire to change pickups?

[Stevem627]

I think the original P/U sounds great. I did want one a bit "hotter" so I used one from a Reverend bass P/U deal I had sitting around. You could always add a Fender P/U should you not like the original, but I doubt you need one. It is a VERY solid and, fortunately, underpriced bass.

Edit: It sounds like a P-Bass

[oldrookie]

Originally Posted by Stevem627

I think the original P/U sounds great. I did want one a bit "hotter" so I used one from a Reverend bass P/U deal I had sitting around. You could always add a Fender P/U should you not like the original, but I doubt you need one. It is a VERY solid and, fortunately, underpriced bass.

Edit: It sounds like a P-Bass

+1

[Templar]

Mine is from around '90, and it sounds great with the stock pickup. I also like where the strap button is located, at about the 13th fret. The tuners and bridge are adequate, but not as good as 80's Peavey hardware.

These Furys are a remarkably good buy, and often go for less than $150 for a good example. $200 seems on the high side to me, unless it's in minty shape. Still, barring any issues with the one you're considering, you'll be getting a good solid USA-built instrument.

[WoodyG3]

If the thinner neck is okay for you, these are great basses. They sound like a P-bass, and the build quality is very good.

[mech]

It's a great bass. With a good setup I'd rather have an early 90's Fury than P. I have mine strung BEAD and it's the schnitz. You probably won't want to change the PU. It's one of the best ones Peavey ever designed.

If you do change the PU, PM me. I want it.

mech

edit: Check the PEAVEY CLUB for feedback on Furys.

[timber22]

I have a 1995 Fury and it's a great bass. As others have said, the neck is very thin and if you like that, it's a really good bass.

[oldrookie]

I have a '96 that I bought to refinish. It has the classic thin neck, but the tuners were a bit thinner and felt less solid than the '87 I refinished earlier this year.

The wood was not solid either. It was capped top and bottom with maple with some indeterminate wood inbetween.

I didn't play it much when I got it home. I was more interested in tearing it apart and starting the refinish.

Still, decent bass for the money.

[mthnascar]

Thanks for the feedback. Sounds like the best of both worlds.. P Bass sound with the J Bass neck.

I hope I'm not too late...

[Templar]

Originally Posted by mech

You probably won't want to change the PU. It's one of the best ones Peavey ever designed.

I agree, even tho I only have the one example here as a reference.

I bought the Fury to be a "take-it-to-jams" beater bass. I expected I'd want to upgrade the pickup.

Instead, I was pleasantly surprised. The stock pup in mine has a rich, "throaty" quality that I find compelling.

I think my Fury may be one of the more unusual looking ones.
(caution; possible gag reflex trigger)

[MNAirHead]

I own Fenders and Peaveys....

Overall I find the Peavey quality to be more consistent. Sound is similar..

Whatever you buy count on it needing a setup..

$200 for one with a contour case isn't a bad deal.

I'd buy another Fury -- probably not another Fender.. .. I keep the Fenders on my gear list and gig the Fury.

[Bass Viking]

See my thread about my Peavey Fury: My New (to me) Peavey Fury

[Templar]

Originally Posted by Bass Viking

See my thread about my Peavey Fury: My New (to me) Peavey Fury

So, did you ever get the tone control fixed?

[bassmanrocke]

Fury's use Alnico V pickups similar to USA Fender Precisions. Tonally they are very similar. They do have slimmer necks which sounds like what you want. The nineties models have a smaller/lighter body which my back greatly appreciates. The 80's models have a slightly shorter upper horn and a more substantial body. They are therefore slightly heavier, but have better balance. I would easily put the quality on or above USA fenders, and the electronics miles beyond standard MIM Fenders.

[Philbiker]

Recommended. Yes. If you want a bass which is roughly equivalent of a USA Fender P bass for a fraction of the price of said Fender.

[parsons]

i have an early 90s fury that I paid 50 bucks for. The pickup sounds like garbage to me, but I never play the thing anyway.