Peavey Foundation S

[soggy6]

Hi all - I attempted to play a little bass back in the 1990's and am thinking about giving it a go again. I can buy a Peavey Foundation S for $150 - is that a decent deal for this instrument?

Thanks for any advice/information!

[bassmanrocke]

Depending on condition that is a decent deal. They typically go for $200-$250 in near mint condition.

[mech]

Originally Posted by bassmanrocke

Depending on condition that is a decent deal. They typically go for $200-$250 in near mint condition.

What he said. Good instrument, too, as long as it hasn't been abused.

mech

[TwinBass]

I played a Foundation 5 for a while. It was a solid bass. I wish I still had it..

The foundation 5 was different from the foundation 4... I don't even know if I'd still like it, but I really dug it at the time.

Peavey made (makes) some really sweet basses. Don't let the low price fool you.

[smcd]

Originally Posted by bassmanrocke

Depending on condition that is a decent deal. They typically go for $200-$250 in near mint condition.

+1

[blastoff99]

Had one, really liked it, and then "upgraded." Should have kept it. $150 is likely a great deal.

[soggy6]

Thanks for the information - I really appreciate the guidance. I'm meeting up with the seller either tomorrow or Wednesday to take a peek at it. If I buy I'll post some pictures.

Thanks again for taking the time!

[StuartV]

If you're talking about a 4-string P/J configuration with SuperFerrite pickups, they are great! $150 for one in good shape is a good price!

[soggy6]

Originally Posted by StuartV

If you're talking about a 4-string P/J configuration with SuperFerrite pickups, they are great! $150 for one in good shape is a good price!

Don't think it has those (but I'm not sure). I have not seen it in person, only in pictures:





Any ideas about the year this guy may have been made?

[smcd]

Originally Posted by soggy6

Any ideas about the year this guy may have been made?

I'd guess around 1989. Check and make sure both pickups are operating properly.

[soggy6]

Originally Posted by smcd

I'd guess around 1989. Check and make sure both pickups are operating properly.

Is there a "best way" to test a pickup other than turning knobs and noodling around at different volumes and tones?

[Musiclogic]

The Foundation S never had Super Ferrites, just the regular Foundation and original Dyna Bass. The Original Foundation S had The Schaller PBX and JBX P/J set up and then moved to a G&B P/J later on. That blue one is the later model.

[soggy6]

Originally Posted by Musiclogic

The Foundation S never had Super Ferrites, just the regular Foundation and original Dyna Bass. The Original Foundation S had The Schaller PBX and JBX P/J set up and then moved to a G&B P/J later on. That blue one is the later model.

G&B make decent sounding pickups?

[smcd]

Originally Posted by soggy6

Is there a "best way" to test a pickup other than turning knobs and noodling around at different volumes and tones?

That's the way to do it. I mention that because it looks like the P-pickup might have fallen below the plastic cover. It's no big deal, as long as the pickups work. I bought a Peavey B-90 that was like this and it took all of 5 minutes to fix. But still, see if the pickup is rattling around underneath that cover. Use it as a price negotiating point if it is.

[RED J]

The one in my Avatar is a super bass, I got it for ~$200.

[soggy6]

Originally Posted by smcd

That's the way to do it. I mention that because it looks like the P-pickup might have fallen below the plastic cover. It's no big deal, as long as the pickups work. I bought a Peavey B-90 that was like this and it took all of 5 minutes to fix. But still, see if the pickup is rattling around underneath that cover. Use it as a price negotiating point if it is.

I'll keep that in the front of my mind for sure when I go take a peek. I am not expecting the condition to be real good - I've found the same ad (or close to it) posted for almost 18 months. I'm guessing someone would have bought the instrument by now if it was in great shape. Guess we'll hope and see.

[winston]

Also be sure to check that the neck isn't warped, the truss rod is functional, and the frets are in decent shape. You can always replace faulty electronics for a reasonable price, but neck/truss/fret issues start adding up really quickly.

Those old American Peaveys are built like tanks--I had a Patriot fretless that I used to fly with. I checked the molded Peavey case as luggage, never any issues.

[bassmanrocke]

The blue is a very uncommon color. About 89 or 90 model. Pretty neat.

[smcd]

Originally Posted by soggy6

I've found the same ad (or close to it) posted for almost 18 months.

A sure sign something is wrong.

[soggy6]

Originally Posted by smcd

A sure sign something is wrong.

My thought as well. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is, right? I'll take a look-see anyway, but my expectations are real low.