Love the sound, hate the looks...

[Dr Improbable]

Anyone else have this issue? I have a Peavey bass, feels great strapped on, plays well, pick, fingers, sounds great live (took it to a blues jam and played through a POS 4"x10", plus my Carvin rig). Unfortunately I really don't like the way it looks!

I really hate the way all "modern' basses have that long horn and small body. I bought it for a backup, but I can't put it down!

 

[DanGouge]

I'll agree with you that older designs look better, and even that a lot of people hear with their eyes, but if it sounds better, then use it. Maybe not for first audition with a new band (most bands want to see a precision or jazz when you show up), but otherwise use it.

 

[Dr Improbable]

Yeah, I've been thinking if I like this then maybe a jazz is for me.

 

[Nobody]

I tend to agree with you about preferring old school looks to modern ones but the long upper horn serves an ergonomic purpose which is ultimately more important to me than looks.

 

[Gorn]

A black pickguard would tone down the 80's-ness of it.

 

[96tbird]

I'm on board. They just look weak and feminine to me. But the Peavey headstock is one of the nicest looking of all the mass produced, non FMIC products out there IMO so there's that. I also don't like white pg on black; looks cheap. Black on black will will do a lot for the looks of that bass. But hey, Peavey's always seem to impress in playability and sound. Good instruments.

 

[chunkstyle]

Bongo, Big Al...

Two killer sounding and playing basses that I just can't stand the looks of. However, the Reflex sounds unbelievable and to me looks fantastic.

EBMM... Something for everyone. But only in black.

 

[SteveHeissner]

If it sounds great and is comfortable then just go with it, Dr. It's like a chick with a great body and a not so great looking face. If you turn it around and aren't looking at it then what's not to like?

 

[AlexanderB]

Big plus on removing or changing the pick guard...

 

[Dr Improbable]

I hadn't played in 15 years when I started again this winter. I'm pretty sure as I improve, my needs are growing faster than my wallet can keep up. Here in Wi you can't swing a dead cat without hitting a musician playing a Peavey. I just hate looking like everybody else!

 

[GM60466]

Play what you like!

 

[FreeBassJunky]

If it sounds great and is comfortable then just go with it, Dr. It's like a chick with a great body and a not so great looking face. If you turn it around and aren't looking at it then what's not to like?

Butter bass?!

 

[Reggiep]

In 1979 or 1980 I had a Peavey T-40. Great sounding bass but I didn't like the look's. Traded it in for a P.

 

[Clark Dark]

Granny Clampett would say "what you want, good grammer or good taste"

 

[Musiclogic]

So put the neck, hardware, and pickups into a body you like with a Fender neck pocket, and Viola...problem solved

 

[lyla1953]

Butter bass?!

NOW - THAT'S funny!

 

[TamazRevak]

If its any consolation I have a BC Rich that looks brilliant, sounds brilliant but the weight, action and balance are such that finding a comfortable playing position, is like trying to find a soft spot on a bed of nails.

 

[darwin-bass]

That Peavey is bassically a jazz bass. There are LOTS of jazz basses to choose from. Find one that looks better.

That long upper horn will make the bass balance great on the strap and will shift the neck / strings to the player's right. Low fret access is easier, upper fret access tougher. Good luck getting the same feel from a bass with a shorter horn.

 

[uOpt]

Plays great, sounds good, ugly as sin -

isn't that what the Peavy company is built on?

 

[Jack Butler]

Warwick corvette I sold. Can dial in any sound, great "woody tone, plays effortlessly...hated the look.