• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Peavey G-bass? Opinions?

#21
To my ears, the P-bass is the greatest sounding bass I have ever tried. So, off course I own one. So I don't need (or even wan't) The G-bass to sound exactly like my P-bass. But it would be nice if it was able to do something in that sonic region. Something thumpy and growling. Since people describe the sound of these basses as anything from modern P-bass to Stingray to trebly, it's kinda hard to guess =)

However, I'm thinking that the eq can be tweaked to produce a big variety of sounds, hence the broad descriptions of sounds from different people. And that's fine with me, as long as I can get that fat bottom end I love so much =) A couple of different options, soundwise, would also be nice. And I'm guessing that the G-bass can deliver?
 
#22
The 5 string GV is somewhat like a Cirrus with a graphite neck, but G bass was its own thing. The graphite neck is a great feature in any bass. The combination of the massive pickup (same as in the Forums, very wide, very deep, very heavy) in a lightweight basswood body is unique. The graphite neck brings clarity while the basswood tends to soften. The wide active pickup bring in a lot of harmonic content while the basswood tends to damp out harmonics. The sound is unique. You really need to play the G bass yourself to see if its sound works for you. Definitely good if you want a different sound than your P bass. The neck has wonderful feel to it, but you may or may not like the 35 inch scale.
 
#25
Alright... So now I got the bass in my living room. I have tried it out quickly, and so far I really like it. It's really comfy to play, hangs perfect on a strap and it's really light. Plays well, to. I have only played it a couple of minutes plugged in when I made the trade, so I have yet to really discover the different sounds it can do. It seems to have a lot of low end and to work very well with distortion, so for the moment I'm happy.

First of all I will change to BEAD strings and give it a good cleaning. New batteries to. The previous owner hadn't played it for over a year, so it needs some attention. Also, one of the pots is scratching quite bad and is missing it's cap. I will ask a friend to check it out for me.

All in all, so far so good. I'm really looking forward to testing it properly with the rest of the band next week.

Oh, I guess a picture is nice, to...

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
#30
Root 5 said:
I know the used 5-string G-Bass is valued at around $850 in the Vintage Guitar Price Guide for 2013 in 'High' excellent condition.

I imagine a similar 4 string would be about $600.
Click to expand...

The Vintage Guitar Price Guide. Otherwise known as The Guitar Dealer Fantasy Book. G-V's sell in the $500-$600 range. The similar 4-string, which is the G-bass, can be had in the $300 range.
 
#31
smcd said:
The Vintage Guitar Price Guide. Otherwise known as The Guitar Dealer Fantasy Book. G-V's sell in the $500-$600 range. The similar 4-string, which is the G-bass, can be had in the $300 range.
Click to expand...

I don't think so.

The Bass Palace had a green G-Bass a while back, in good condition and it sold for $525. Another place had one at $599 in good condition and it sold, too.
 
#32
Alright, so now I've found 2 things I don't like about the G-bass.

First, since it have been in it's case for well over a year, the batteries are near dead. The plugged in sound distorts, so I guess new batteries are in order. Unscrewed the cover plate to check it out. Man, that is a tight fit! I will be hard pressed to find a new set of batteries that will fit in there. Why on earth is it so tight in there?

Second, one of the pots is scratchy. Well, I could always get a new pot and solder it in, I thought. A nice, easy ten minute job. Unscrewed the second cover plate to check it out. Same story here, really. Everything is glued/bolted together. I can't get access to the pots because they are soldered direct to the circuit board, and the circuit board is bolted in place. By the way, the pots themselves seems to be glued or something in their holes. So, this just turned to a job for a serious repairman (not me) or luthier (not me, either).

So, this is clearly not a bass for a DIY:er (me), but a bass for someone with cash to spend (not me, really...)

Sigh...

But well, I still like it.
 
#33
LinusKarlsson said:
Alright, so now I've found 2 things I don't like about the G-bass.

First, since it have been in it's case for well over a year, the batteries are near dead. The plugged in sound distorts, so I guess new batteries are in order. Unscrewed the cover plate to check it out. Man, that is a tight fit! I will be hard pressed to find a new set of batteries that will fit in there. Why on earth is it so tight in there?

Second, one of the pots is scratchy. Well, I could always get a new pot and solder it in, I thought. A nice, easy ten minute job. Unscrewed the second cover plate to check it out. Same story here, really. Everything is glued/bolted together. I can't get access to the pots because they are soldered direct to the circuit board, and the circuit board is bolted in place. By the way, the pots themselves seems to be glued or something in their holes. So, this just turned to a job for a serious repairman (not me) or luthier (not me, either).

So, this is clearly not a bass for a DIY:er (me), but a bass for someone with cash to spend (not me, really...)

Sigh...

But well, I still like it.
Click to expand...

Don't fret!

Yes, the battery cavity is tight, but I've used anything from store-brand to Duracell batteries with no problem.

As far as the scratchy pot, it probably just needs cleaned. Get some contact cleaner from Radio Shack or another electronics store. You can remove the entire preamp in order to get to the pot. Remove the knobs using a hex wrench, then get a crescent wrench or the right sized wrench for the nuts, remove the nuts and washers, then pull the whole thing out in one piece. Just be mindful of the wires coming from the batteries and pickups. In both my basses, there was plenty of wire coming from all of those, so you should be good.

In order to clean the pot, spray contact cleaner into the gap just above/below the lugs (the parts that connect to the green circuit board). You don't need a ton. Once you spray, turn the pot back and forth several times. Repeat until the scratchy sounds go away.

Oh, and you can either get a new knob from Peavey, or replace them all with something else locally.
 
#34
NicJimBass said:
Don't fret!

Yes, the battery cavity is tight, but I've used anything from store-brand to Duracell batteries with no problem.

As far as the scratchy pot, it probably just needs cleaned. Get some contact cleaner from Radio Shack or another electronics store. You can remove the entire preamp in order to get to the pot. Remove the knobs using a hex wrench, then get a crescent wrench or the right sized wrench for the nuts, remove the nuts and washers, then pull the whole thing out in one piece. Just be mindful of the wires coming from the batteries and pickups. In both my basses, there was plenty of wire coming from all of those, so you should be good.

In order to clean the pot, spray contact cleaner into the gap just above/below the lugs (the parts that connect to the green circuit board). You don't need a ton. Once you spray, turn the pot back and forth several times. Repeat until the scratchy sounds go away.

Oh, and you can either get a new knob from Peavey, or replace them all with something else locally.
Click to expand...

^^ This is good advice. Follow it.
 
#35
Root 5 said:
I don't think so.

The Bass Palace had a green G-Bass a while back, in good condition and it sold for $525. Another place had one at $599 in good condition and it sold, too.
Click to expand...

Oh, I think so.

Maybe the Bass Palace threw in a knighthood with the sale, because that's the only way they'd get $525 for a G-bass.



$340 shipped.


$350 shipped.


$365 shipped.


$425 shipped (someone must have really wanted a white one)



Say what?? You don't like ebay??! How about the talkbass classifieds?:

5 shipped.


0 shipped






Mind you, "value-wise", a G-bass is worth $500-$600. In fact, these basses *should* be priced around $1,000 on the used market. And at $300, this is one of the best deals on the used market. But $300, give or take, is where the price stands on these.
 
As an eBay Associate, TalkBass may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
#36
NicJimBass said:
Don't fret!

Yes, the battery cavity is tight, but I've used anything from store-brand to Duracell batteries with no problem.

As far as the scratchy pot, it probably just needs cleaned. Get some contact cleaner from Radio Shack or another electronics store. You can remove the entire preamp in order to get to the pot. Remove the knobs using a hex wrench, then get a crescent wrench or the right sized wrench for the nuts, remove the nuts and washers, then pull the whole thing out in one piece. Just be mindful of the wires coming from the batteries and pickups. In both my basses, there was plenty of wire coming from all of those, so you should be good.

In order to clean the pot, spray contact cleaner into the gap just above/below the lugs (the parts that connect to the green circuit board). You don't need a ton. Once you spray, turn the pot back and forth several times. Repeat until the scratchy sounds go away.

Oh, and you can either get a new knob from Peavey, or replace them all with something else locally.
Click to expand...



Thanks for the advice! I will try, however I think that the pots are glued in place as well because they don't move once the nuts are unscrewed. And I don't want to be to hard on them before I figure out a good way to do it without potentially damageing them.

Anyway, I think I got some pot cleaning spray somewhere, so I will give it a try.
 
#37
LinusKarlsson said:
Thanks for the advice! I will try, however I think that the pots are glued in place as well because they don't move once the nuts are unscrewed. And I don't want to be to hard on them before I figure out a good way to do it without potentially damageing them.

Anyway, I think I got some pot cleaning spray somewhere, so I will give it a try.
Click to expand...

Sometimes you can spray into the pots from the top if access to the back is limited. Lay the bass on its back. If your contact cleaner has the little spray hose/straw aim for the point where the shaft goes into the pot body. Repeat this 2-3 times spinning the shaft in between. Gravity will draw the cleaner into the pot and help eliminate the internal corroson. It doesn't always work, but if it doesn't all it cost you was a small bit of contact cleaner. (Make sure the cleaner is plastic safe or it could interact with the paint)
 
#38
LinusKarlsson said:
.....I think that the pots are glued in place as well because they don't move once the nuts are unscrewed.....
Click to expand...

The pots are probably stuck to the paint, which is not uncommon for any instrument that's been together for a while.

Lightly tap on the shafts of the pots with something that's not too heavy and they should break free. Please notice I said "LIGHTLY".

mech
 
#39
Alright.

So I had i friend check out the electronics for me, and he swapped the scratchy pot. So now it's in tiptop condition.

I also tried it out at a rehearsal with the entire band yesterday. One word: Awesome. It cuts through like a beast and works very well with distortion. The bottom end is fantastic. The balance is great, to. Really comfy to play. One of the guitar players picked it up and had a go, and he also liked it.

I'm so glad I made the trade. This is a great bass!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Tonedeaf Hack

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back