$500 Peavey T-40 Vs. New Bass

I love Peavey! any Peavey except the 40
you can find'm for $300 if you just gotta get that monkey off your back

 

That's a decent price for a T40 depending on condition.

 

Well, the T-40 certainly covers a lot of sonic ground. I think they're great American basses for not much money, as long as the weight doesn't bother you. And I think $500 is a reasonable price these days.

 

T-40s may be selling for $500 these days, but as an ex-owner I find that ludicrous unless you really, really, really, really are bonding with one.

There's other used Peaveys you can get for less that are severely undervalued, like the Palaedium (Jeff Berlin).

My $0.02.

EDIT: I should be clear I don't dislike the T-40, it is a great bass, a clever design. It's the price that's out of whack. I know all about inflation, but when I bought mine brand new in 1980 it was $275 with the hardshell case (MSRP was $375 vs. about $700 for a P-bass) and when I sold it later in the 80s I was lucky to get $100 for it. Like many other basses, it has gone in and out of favor since then. $500 just strikes me as high relative to what other used basses sell for. I would only pay that kind of money if it was in all original, pristine condition with the original case (ideally the rectangular flight case). A beater with no case, I'd pay $200 tops. Again, only my opinion.

 

I've had one. Mine was bought used in 1988 or 1989. They are nice instruments with a lot of tonal variety. I would not pay $500 for one now, however; not unless it was pristine with everything original. For $500 once can get a very well made modern bass. However, if you've played it, and you've now just got to have it, scratch the itch. As others have said, they can be found for less, but I don't know the condition of the one at which you are looking.

 

As I said in another thread, I find myself never quite sold on the T-40. I like Ross Valory and Journey as much as the next guy, and the coil-splitting tone control is a cool circuit for the wiring geeks. However, between the weight, only 4 strings, and the price that the more desirable Patent Pending models are going for, I just can't see myself putting it to much use.

If you need a bass, there are far worse than the T-40; it's sonically flexible, although the most iconic T-40 sound is the burpy bridgey tone on "Don't Stop Believin'", they're solid instruments (very solid), and it's a little piece of American rock history. However, as a gigging instrument, unless you're in a Journey tribute band I don't think I would. There are a wide variety of new and used $500 basses that would be far easier on your shoulder, more tonally flexible (or one-trick ponies whose trick is used by almost everyone, i.e. P-bass), and that it wouldn't be a hideous crime against humanity to modify.

An MIM Jazz (now the "Player" series) is built to upgrade, practically everyone who owns one has done something to it, from a new pickguard to a full rewire. Even American Fenders are very commonly modded, though they need less of it. T-40s, especially Patent Pendings, on the other hand, are treated like historic buildings; you will become a pariah in the bass community if you change the bass in any way other than factory-spec replacements. In this respect they're considered vintage instruments, even though the price on them is much lower than a '67 Jazz.

 

I played a T-40 for a few years. It's a fine bass, interesting in a sonic sense, and very solidly built. Engineers remarked on the tonal range, and on how absolutely quiet it was - no hum or buzz. The ergonomics can prove a little clunky, however, and for me it worked best in the studio sofa, sitting down, with time to tweak the sounds you can get out of it.

 

Play a T-40. If you love it, buy it. If you've never played one, I'd be wary of making it your only instrument. FWIW, I love mine.

 

The OP alluded to having four other basses, so it wouldn't be his only instrument.
I've said this elsewhere, but I got sold on the T-40 when I heard one in a mariachi band. The tone was soooo good, nice and fat and round, but not woofy. Mine is sunburst/rosewood with flats, and I love it, though admittedly I mostly play out with a P or J (because of the T-40's weight).

 

I got lucky GC had a closet queen almost unplayed 1982 natural t40 for $450 in February. Love it has a awesome range (look online for settings) but yeah its a tank i need to sit down from time to time....

 

I would grab it if the condition is good. Great basses.

 

If it looks that good and there isn't any oxidation on any of the metal parts it wouldn't be a bad buy, though it is on the higher end of the market.

 

I like that you recognize that 4 is fewer than 5 and therefore, not as good as 5.

 

As others have said, it’s worth it for a good t-40. They’re known to develop a split in the heel, so just check to make sure yours hasn’t. I’d also familiarize yourself with the electronics setup to be able to adequately test them. I bought a black/rosewood t-40 in April and got burned on a pickup with a faulty coil. They can be really awesome basses, but you gotta know what you’re looking for.

 

You've got four basses. You've got $500. You want/need another bass.
A new bass at that price will not be American made (if that matters), will probably not have a case (which does matter) and is most likely going to be similar to the basses you already have.

The T-40 in good condition at that price is right in line with the current market. It will not depreciate in value (probably not appreciate either in the next ten years) so you won't lose anything if it is not your cup of tea and you actually could make money on it if you part it out and are patient. I am a bit biased though, still play the one I bought new in 1979.

 

Black pickup T-40 yes, split blade no.

 

You either are going to love it or eventually hate it....there is usually no middleground.....Problem is, it usually takes playing one continuously for a bit to get to that decision

 

I had a T40 back when you could go in a store and buy a new one. Mine was a very low mileage used one in natural ash. I loved it, until I messed up and played a Dyna Bass. I later messed up that relationship when I played a (back then) recently released Dyna five string. Unless you are willing to step up into the Peavey world of true boutique basses with their neck throughs and exotic woods and finishes, the Dyna Bass in four or five is the hands down best "regular guy" bass they ever made over in Mississippi.