Back in the 80s, I played bass in clubs and remember that Peavey Foundation basses were popular. Recently, I wanted a back up and bought a 93 Foundation and found it it be a solid axe but have read that the 90s model are well thought of and I’m was wondering why… especially since the one I bought is fairly comparable to my Fender Jazz?
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90s Peavey Foundation
- Thread starter saintzband
- Start date
American made, quality parts construction and QC. Good feeling necks.
A ton of “bang for the buck”.
A ton of “bang for the buck”.
I think so. I just wonder why there seems to be a preference for the 80s model and a bit of a snub on the 90s version
They did change pickups from the “super ferrites” to the VFLs (I believe that’s the model) in that time period, I believe. Most people prefer the super ferrites, they’re great sounding pickups !
My guess would be that’s why people prefer the older ones.
My guess would be that’s why people prefer the older ones.
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That makes me feel better since my 93 has the supers. Has a great sound
Yeah, the Super Ferrite's IMO are one of the best bass pickups around. An excellent mix of attack, punch, fullness, etc…. Just solid pickups.
A common misconception.
VFLs are active humbuckers, pickups in later Foundations are passive single coils; Peavey just used the same shell for both style of pickup.
Mostly due to folks getting overexcited at buying a US bass for $100
Is there a definitive way to know what’s in my bass? The seller said they were super ferrites but he may have been wrong… they certainly aren’t active pups
Did more research and my 93 has the super ferrites so I’m content. I don’t understand how such a well made, US bass that sounds and plays amazing is so snubbed and sells for so little. Bought mine for $220
I would argue that in the 90's Peavey was the top-tier budget brand. They did make some high end instruments, but most were just solid basses that were a bit cheaper than Fenders. American made and built like a brick outhouse. But... it was a Peavey and back then most people wanted something cooler. Peavey was always solid, it's just that they were never really thought of as cool.
Seems to be in line with all of their stuff. Peavey amps and PA equipment were solid and bullet proof but not trendy.
A common misconception.
VFLs are active humbuckers, pickups in later Foundations are passive single coils; Peavey just used the same shell for both style of pickup.
Mostly due to folks getting overexcited at buying a US bass for $100
Thanks, I wasn’t sure of the designation… that’s why I mentioned it (that I wasn’t sure). I definitely appreciate the info ! I was thinking the vfls weren’t the right model name, but couldn’t remember the correct ones.
The pickups in basses like the old Forums are really good as well.
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I played Peavey back in the day. Fury, then Foundation and on to a Dyna. Always sound basses, never a let down. I still have my Foundation and a couple of Peavey amps. But, back in the day if you didn't play a Gibson or Fender you kinda got the "stink eye" . The Peavey's could hold their own against both, and I think that's why they were looked at the way they were. Not to mention price vs the other two. Brand snobs were alive and well even back then.
When I played clubs back in the 80s, I always wanted a Fender Jazz but couldn’t afford one (have one now). Other guys were playing the Foundations which I thought were great and I really wanted one but wound up going with a MIJ Yamaha BB300. Couldn’t afford being trendy but in the back of my mind, I always liked the Foundation basses.
I had a red 1992 Foundation with super ferrites. It was a really good bass and I gigged with it for many years. Had a nice neck. It didn’t do a lot of different tones like the T-40 (had one of those previously) but the tone that it had was great. I preferred the Foundation over the T-40 and it was about 3 lbs lighter.
TV
I played my Foundation at church for the first time yesterday. Love the feel and playability. The tone was awesome through my headphones. I may make my Jazz bass the backup!
Never thought too much of T-40 tone variations.
Not one for jazz basses, or Rics, so the single coil option wasn't much cop. Humbucker at the neck didn't do Gibson Mudbucker or Fender WRHB and bridge position solo wasn't to my taste.
Solution.
Snip the red wires, gut and install preamps
Strung one with flats 
Another got tapes 
Convert a 3rd one to 5 strings Fourth was UK session man big Dave Swift's, mint 1984 tobacco burst. Left that alone then sold to a lad collecting YOB T-40's .
Still have the parts for a fifth, one day it'll get rebuilt as standard and get moved on.
They never got a name. Far as I recall only Ferrites and VFLs actually got names.
