Last year I bought a Peavey Databass. The seller was a lifelong musician and he turned 70 and his wife pressured him to empty out his garage of all his gear. He had bought it used and did the following: Replaced the Black Widow with a brand new BW. Sent the head to Peavey and had it cleaned and tested. Installed new extra large wheels on it. Deep cleaned the vinyl, which has no scratches in it. He threw in a custom LeCover. So, I have this great Databass combo but I'm getting older and wanting something lighter. I love this amp, but it does weigh a ton. When I had it shipped to Alaska it had to ship in three boxes. I'm looking at Markbass and Fenders and Peaveys, and thinking, wow what a difference in weight. But the guy went out of his way to make sure I received an amp in perfect working condition, and the way he cleaned it to look new, I'm thinking, this might be a collectible keeper. I maybe should just save for the new combo....? Do any of you who've used the Databass combo have any idea would be worth, especially in mint condition? By the way, this is in no way a fishing trip to try and sell my amp on Talkbass. If it were, I would advertise it in the classifieds. I'm looking for opinions on the worth of keeping it or selling it, and if it's collectible. It looks so nice I'm not sure if I should even sell it. Thanks guys in advance.
PICS? I'm not sure if you are gigging with it or just playing at home, coz that makes a big difference. I have the MarkBass LM250 and it has a little backpack case, weighs less than my picks lol.Add the Hartke xl210 cab and it is a small compact package . If you are just recording at home or jamming at home, keep the big lug. Of course it may be that the Databass won't fetch anything worthwhile so then it's a non-decision hehe
I remember them being cool! I'd keep it. Get a small hand truck if need be. They're pretty compact. probably sucks to carry up or down stairs!
Cool and rare for sure. Collectible? Not so much. It's weight and brand name hinder desirability. That has to cost a fortune to ship from AK. I'd try to sell it locally or just keep it.
Thanks everyone. it does sound great for an old timer and I have the room to keep it. I'll just steal littler here and there from the wife for my new ultralight combo. Leaning towards the new Fender Rumble V3 series... There is one thing comforting about it. I read the forum regularly, and with all the new models, everyone has questions on overheating/ loss of sound, won't turn on, etc. One thing about these old Peaveys, they're like diesel trucks. They came out of the factory (in the USA) and just worked. Heavy? Yes. Dependable? Dependable as Hell! The more I think about it, I like Bass Salad's idea-- the small hand truck idea. I don't do any rooms on second floors anyway.... small town you know...
I do have one question for everyone, please. Is it possible to pull that big noisy fan and replace it with a smaller quieter one? Was it oversized for heating? I thought it was digital.
It's not digital, but has a SMPS and is Class D. The fan is needed for heat rejection. You could probably pull it and replace it with a newer one the same size that could be quieter. But in a club or onstage, the fan noise isn't even noticeable.
Keep it! I have one too. Very loud and small combo that's getting harder to find. I don't think I'll sell mine anytime soon. Mine is now my back up as I just got a new Fender rumble 500 combo, which I will suggest to you if you want good volume,tone and especially ease of movement. They are super light.
Do any of you who've used the Databass combo have any idea would be worth, especially in mint condition? Not to be a killjoy but rules are rules. We are not allowed to tell you what it's worth as you are not a supporting member. Sorry.
DANG! Forgot to renew my membership. Done! Thanks for pointing that out BassmanPaul. I agree Smoove-Groove. I have the space so may as well keep it. Still curious to hear what other bass players think it's worth.