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How does a Peavey T-40 Compare To a Jazz?

#2
BassSurfer said:
Hey guys, so how does a Peavey T-40 compare to a Jazz Bass? i recently got a trade offer for my MIM modified Jazz, and seeing on ebay, the value of a T-40 has gone up. So what do you think in terms of trade? would you do it? what are the drawbacks? or the positives?
:bassist::bassist::bassist::bassist:
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Totally different in my opinion. The J has a narrow 1.5 inch nut and the T-40 I had was about 1.75 like a P-Bass. I did not like the PUPs in the T40. They do have a lot of different sounds, but I never quite found the sound I wanted. Plus the T-40 was super heavy, and I tend to like a little heavier bass. Quality was good overall, just not my favorite bass.
 
#4
The T-40 was my first "real" bass. Super heavy with a super thick neck. If the electronics are in good condition you'll have tones of tonal options. Also, if you find one with the reddish/brown burst and tortoise shell pickguard I think it's looks kill any Fender.

Of course, I sold it 15 years ago and only play short-scale hollow-bodies these days.

Still it's the only Peavey I've ever liked.

Really, they are heavy - Once upon a time a friend stop by my place and strapped it on and within a minute was yelling, "Get it off me! Get it off me!". Hah! Granted he was a pretty small, thin guy...do you lift weights?
 
#5
I love T-40s. They have gone up in price (bummer) because for a while, they were like this great secret awesome bass. Nobody wanted them, then the word got out that they are bad ass. I'd pick a T-40 over a MIM jazz. BUT, once again restating, THEY ARE HEAVY! (It needs said in every post!) Get a really thick strap and play short sets. ;)
 
#6
It really is about the sound you are after. MIM fender Jazz sounds like a jazz bass (surprise surprise). T-40 sounds fuller IMO, lacks the presence, somewhat heavier (tone-wise) over the top. It has a lot of tonal possibilities though. Also bridge pickup is a little closer to the bridge. Some digs this (such as myself), but most finds it a little raw and punchy. I personally love it, and interestingly I haven't played a bass that I can say "peavey t-40 sounds like xxxxxx" about.

As everyone said, it is heavier than a dead horse (weight-wise this time).
 
#7
Good thread. I have a T-40 and T-45. I just sold a Rickenbacker 4003 and MIA Fender Jazz. I can get a very, very close Rickenbacker or Jazz tone from my T-40 for a fraction of the price. Granted, the weight of the T-40 is more but it's worth it.

The neck on a T-40 is more like a P-Bass. Not chunky but more wide and flat, if that makes sense. If the T-40 you're being offered for a MIM Jazz and it's in good condition, I'd do it in a heartbeat.

T-40's are finally being recognized as a GREAT sounding and recording bass....much to my chagrin. I'd love to buy 'em all up. Make the trade.
 
#10
BassSurfer said:
thanks for the responses guys.. its just the jazz bass just hasent done anything for me overt he past few weeks, im adapting to new musical styles and ehh.. i could use a bass with more tonal options and blends.
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IMHO, everyone should own a T-40!! They are just plain fun to play and can cover a broad range of tone. For < $500 you cannot go wrong.
 
#11
Did you know that T-40's are heavy?




I don't think anyone has mentioned it yet.;)



Luckily, I'm a strapping young man. I just got mine....well, a white loaded body, tuners and string tree that now has a Mighty Mite P-Bass neck (had to modify the heel) on it. Anyway, I love it. Total keeper. I don't like Jazz basses to begin with though.
 
#13
From a trade perspective - it seems pretty fair to me.
Underappreciated MIM Jazz for the underappreciated T-40.

T-40 has a ton of vintage vibe and enough tonal options to keep you busy for awhile (including a dual SC option when you crank the tone controls so you still have a Jazz in there!).

Not sure if it has been mentioned yet - but it has a much chunkier neck than a Jazz and a few extra pounds. :D
 
#14
dangnewt said:
From a trade perspective - it seems pretty fair to me.
Underappreciated MIM Jazz for the underappreciated T-40.

T-40 has a ton of vintage vibe and enough tonal options to keep you busy for awhile (including a dual SC option when you crank the tone controls so you still have a Jazz in there!).

Not sure if it has been mentioned yet - but it has a much chunkier neck than a Jazz and a few extra pounds. :D
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true true... and by the way to see the jazz im trading... go to my username and click on threads i have started or posted or whatever it says and look for FT: MIM jazz etc.. once again thanks for the post!
 
#16
I bought a T-40 in 1979 when they first came out and I loved everything about it. I keep hearing that everybody says they're super heavy and have P-bass width necks. Mine was not heavy and the neck was not that clunky...that's one of the reason's that I bought it. It played well, was balanced and sounded fat with those two fat humbucker pickups. Maybe the ones that are heavy and have bigger necks are from a later preiod. But to answer the original question, if it's in good shape, go for it. Eveybody seems to want these things now... )-(

peaveybass.jpg
 
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#17
i LOVE jazz bass tone, and while you can't really nail that tone with a t-40, you can do so many other things with it. i have an MIA jazz, an MIA P and a t-40 and i'll easily go back and forth between which one is gonna be my "main" bass night after night.

i use my t-40 with the neck pup at 10 (single coil) and the bridge pup rolled back to about 7 (humbucker). to me, it sounds somewhere between a jazz and a stingray if it were passive. love it.
 

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