NBD: Killer Grain '81 Peavey T-40 Natural!!!

[etechstan]

Cheapest I've seen them around Akron Oh. is in the $400 range. Awesome score. I would love to get ahold of one of those. Early MIA Peaveys are very under rated,l I have 2 MIA guitars and love them.

 

[Engine207]

- Early models 78-82/83 have covered dual magnet humbucking pickups (often referred to as “toaster” style). These pickups are noted for being somewhat warmer sounding without quite as much gain as, but perhaps more "thickness" than, the blade models.

- 82/83 and later models have single magnet and exposed blade humbucking pickups. The single magnet design is more efficient and these pickups are noted for having greater attack and high end with more gain than the "toaster" style.

Interesting thing...according to the serial number, 00947xxxx, my bass is an '81. But if the information quoted above is accurate, the toaster pickups were on T-40s until '82/'83, when they were replaced with the blade style.

I wonder if these aren't the original pickups or if, like Fender, the timeline of spec changes isn't very clear cut. Maybe the first few basses with blade pickups started production early. Maybe the dating system isn't perfect. Maybe it's a newer bass, and the neck was replaced at some point.

Maybe it doesn't matter and I should take my psych meds.

 

[Engine207]

Update:

GN0080EL-CHR - On-On-On Mini DPDT Chrm
Item# GN0080EL-CHR $10.95 USD
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GN0081EL-CHR - On-On Mini DPDT Chrm
Item# GN0081EL-CHR $6.95 USD
****
GN0287HD-CHR - String Ferrules 4 pcs for Bass Chrome 3/8
Item# GN0287HD-CHR $5.99 USD
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PT-1204-00 - Graph Tech Black TUSQ Nut for 4-String
Item# PT-1204-00 $10.95 USD
****

Subtotal $34.84 USD
Shipping and handling $ 5.95 USD
Total $40.79 USD
Payment $40.79 USD

Spent almost a buck more for the necessary parts than for the bass and case!! Now, all I need is a truss rod cover and screw! I hope I can keep it under $19.21...

 

[My name is Mudd]

PT-1204-00 - Graph Tech Black TUSQ Nut for 4-String

Oh come on, here...that deserves a bone nut.

 

[GreggBummer]

I thought -40's came with a metal nut. Mine has one. If it isn't original, I sort of like it anyway.

 

[Engine207]

I thought -40's came with a metal nut. Mine has one. If it isn't original, I sort of like it anyway.

Yeagh...they totally did.

But it's already not original, what with the replacement parts and electronics, and all. I also scored a pair of bridge saddles, that have chrome in less-than-stellar condition...$20 there, so I'm already over $100.

I kinda like the black TUSQ that's on my maple-neck fretless P-Bass, and with the black headstock logo/striping, truss rod cover, and pickguard...I think it'll look pretty sweet.

I chose style over stock.

 

[GreggBummer]

I chose style over stock.

I can get behind that... Post some sound clips if you get a chance.

 

[TonH]

Check this website for a trussrod cover:
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[Engine207]

Well, I spent about $100 and the better part of a day getting this beast back to playing condition. If I may say so myself, I think it's turned out satisfyingly well.

I installed the new black TUSQ nut, and it looks great on the black-trimmed headstock. Both toggle switches are new, and function as they should. I've put new chrome ferrules on the back, through which I'm running my favorite cables - R.Cocco Nickel Rounds (jacked from my fretless P-Bass - which got a fresh set of D'Addario Half-Rounds). The action was ridiculously high after it was strung, so I used the neck-tilt feature, which worked very nicely. I found a guy on the T-40 Enthusiast Forum who had a couple of saddles that he didn't need. The chrome is a bit pitted up, so they were pretty cheap. I'll replace those as I find some nicer ones. The only thing I've held off on, is the truss rod cover. I just can't see spending another $20 for a non-functional 1"x1/2" piece of plastic. Maybe if I find a cheap on one in the TB Classifieds or eBay, I'll pick one up...but I'm leaving it for now.

Since plugging it in and giving it a respectable workout, I've been trying to figure out what to do with this bass. I have a pristine SiennaBurst T-40 on my guitar stand at home, and I surely don't need it's fraternal twin. Then it came to me. I have a beater Squier Affinity P-Bass that I leave at the firehouse to practice and fiddle around on between calls. That Squier will now be cannibalized for parts and the rebuilt Peavey is hereby my new "work bass".

Here's some photos...

 

[My name is Mudd]

Nice!