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Peavey Debuts New Cirrus Bass Guitars Models

TalkBass

News Poster
Mar 12, 2004
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MERIDIAN, MS — Peavey® announces the debut of new Cirrus™ bass guitar models. Featuring 4-string and 5-string models, in an encompassing collection of nine different styles, Cirrus bass guitars deliver the high level of craftsmanship and sonic character that helped bring Peavey fretted instruments to a new standard. Featuring Peavey VFL humbuckers, 3-band active EQ, and visually striking designs, Cirrus basses are back to make their boldest statement yet.

The initial launch of handcrafted Cirrus basses in 1997 helped Peavey guitars gain a new level of respect among professional players. Peavey’s master luthier, the late Mike Powers, achieved excellent tone with a lighter, neck-through design. In the new Cirrus bass models, Peavey brings back this essential feature, as well as the use of exotic hardwoods, state-of-the-art electronics, and a 35-inch scale length to improve the low-end.

The new Cirrus bass design improves upon the VFL (Vertical Flux Loading) humbucker technology that originally debuted with this model. VFL was another Powers innovation that optimized the magnetic field for less inductance and enhanced high-frequency performance. Peavey’s VFL electronics include 3-band active Cirrus EQ, blend control, and master volume, allowing players of various styles to dial in their perfect tone.

The two main models are the Cirrus 4-string and 5-string. Each model offers Flame Maple, Flame Maple Trans Black, Flame Maple Trans Blue, or Wenge wood for the top material. The Cirrus 4 offers the additional option of a Quilt Maple top. The maple tops are paired with alder bodies, achieving a harmonious balance of brightness and midrange warmth. Similarly, the pairing of the wenge top with walnut creates a distinctive tonal fusion resulting in a rich, balanced sound. A natural oil finish is used, with the exception of the Flame Maple Trans Blue and Trans Black models, which have a corresponding Gloss Burst finish for a dazzling splash of color.

On each model, a rosewood fretboard with 24 medium jumbo frets is reinforced by purple heart wood stringers, which not only add to the tonal depth but provide an eye-catching design that complements each instrument’s overall look. Another captivating signature feature is the Cirrus inlay on the 12th fret.

The engineering team also tips their hat to the lightweight 1997 design by using graphite pultrusion, as well as a graphite top nut and graphite overlay headstock with Peavey’s block letter logo. Wood is the material of choice for the back plate, battery cover, and dual-action truss rod cover, secured with machine screws.

While most of the models have sleek black hardware, the Quilt Maple and Flame Maple models offer a unique flair with gold hardware. Dunlop-style strap locks come standard.

With the debut of new Peavey’s Cirrus bass guitars, past and present reunite to provide players endless possibilities for a new musical journey.

Street prices starting at $3299.99 with TKL hardshell case included.

Learn more at www.peavey.com.

4 wenge KJC_0065.jpgKJC_0072 copy.jpgKJC_0331 copy.jpgKJC_0370 copy.jpgKJC_0380.jpgKJC_0360 copy.jpgKJC_0476 copy.jpgKJC_0499 copy.jpgKJC_0551.jpgKJC_0119 copy.jpgKJC_9062 copy.jpgKJC_9149.jpgKJC_0159 copy.jpgKJC_9109 copy.jpgKJC_9129 copy.jpg
 
Nice, it makes you wonder why people don't view Peavy instruments like they view Fender's or Music Man, which brings me to the price of the Cirrus. Are people willing to spend $3,300 on a Peavy? That's branding. Someone will spend $1350, on a basic Mexican made Fender Jazz Bass, that shouldn't cost more than $650, but will they spend $3,300 on a far better built neck through body with exotic lovely wood Peavy?

Sidenote, my first bass was a Peavy Patriot. I was a teen, and I sold it because it wasn't cool and bought an American made fender Jazz bass, for a small fortune relative to my income. It cost more than I made in a month.
 
Kinell', that a big price to pay for what was thought as a low to mid priced bass back in the 80's.
Tony.

The Peavey Cirrus was never a low to mid price bass. They didn't appear until 1997 and that was with a $1+k price tag. When they discontinued the US model in 2010 my tiger quilt ( 2nd from left) had a MSRP of $2970.

Cirri.jpg

Peavey left being cheap behind pretty quickly and never looked back.

They wanted near $900 for this one in 1988.

Peavey-Bassgitarre-Dyna-Bass-Unily-Series-80er-Jahre-USA.jpg



White on the left/Black on the right. PXD basses, made in China between 2008 and 2010. List for those was $950.
Void-Zephyr-Tragic.gif

Even these Millennium AC BXP carried $650 price tags.

Millennium Purple.jpg
 
but will they spend $3,300 on a far better built neck through body with exotic lovely wood Peavy?
Well if history is anything to go by its unlikely.

In 2008, the folks building the Cirrus at Peavey's US plant knew their days were numbered as they saw their workload drop month by month. By 2010, sales were so low US production was no longer viable and Peavey ceased guitar building.

In 2017 Peavey brought the Cirrus back. Indonesian built and, unlike these Czech models, exact replicas of the earlier US builds; even went back to PCBs for the preamp. Priced at $1100 for 4 strings and $1300 for the 5'ers. Those proved so popular Peavey never even shipped the 2d production run across the Pacific. They just quietly dropped the item from their product catalogue and left Samick to try and dispose of finished but discontinued basses. Not exactly a nice position to put your supplier in.
 
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The Peavey Cirrus was never a low to mid price bass. They didn't appear until 1997 and that was with a $1+k price tag. When they discontinued the US model in 2010 my tiger quilt ( 2nd from left) had a MSRP of $2970.


$900 for that dyna bass in 1988 is equivalent to $2500 in todays dollars. Invalid Link Removed
The msrp of $2970 for the 2010 tiger quilt is $4,400 in todays dollars. So the new Cirrus is in that range. I would expect it to be significantly more expensive than a bolt-on stingray, which is running $2500. Still a lot of money though
 
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@msgoodrich

It matters not what things cost back then nor what that price would be today when adjusted for inflation; the only thing that matters is sales figures.

The Cirrus had a good run, 14 years was long time for a Peavey. Many only managed 3 years. However those 14 years were not booming ones. New colours were introduced, bolt on neck models were tried, a 'custom shop' option was launched; they also tried an artist signature model and a more affordable overseas build.

Ultimately none of those attempts to boost sales worked.

This time around Peavey can't even count on sales courtesy of endorsing artists, 1 has died and the other 2 moved to different endorsement deals.

Same cannot be said for the similarly priced Spector Euro basses, I quit counting when the number of artists hit 250 😃
 
Wonder if John Taylor will snag one of these...I think I remember him moving over to Dingwall recently, but he played the Peavey Cirrus basses for a while too.

*Googles*

Ohhh, he's got a signature model with Dingwall. Probably not happening anytime soon (publicly at least lol)
 

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