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Peavey Patriot USA 1987

I have one of these on the way myself. What price are they asking? These are really excellent, well made USA instruments. That pickup is quite ballsy (as in aggressive) - I've heard it described as a P-pickup on steroids, but it really has a sound of it's own. Very punchy (lots of mids) and bitey as well. The necks play extremely well and the action can get super low (as long as the bass has been taken care of over time). I've heard they are *slightly* neck heavy, but can't really say for myself yet as I've only played one sitting down.

Here's the thing: You need to try it for yourself and decide if you like it. It's not everybody's cup of tea. I can tell you things about it, but only you can decide if it's going to work for what you do musically.

If you have any specific questions I'd be happy to answer what I can, and I'm sure Tim (MNAirHead) will be along shortly - or you can PM him with questions. He's the Peavey expert here on the forums.
 
Yes, MNAirhead knows nearly all about all things Peavey. I had one exactly like this. I got it very cheap. It had a fast neck and a very growly, gnarly, punchy mid-type tone to it. I never thought it sounded like a P bass. I liked it well enough, but not enough to keep it.
 
Thank you very much tbassist4 for quick answer! ;)
Yes I will try it don't worry, but I like TB opinions! But from this what you told me that is perfect bass for me, mids oriented, agressive, punchy, ballsy, maple neck, low action!!! Nice! ;)
How's playing with the pick?
 
Thank you very much tbassist4 for quick answer! ;)
Yes I will try it don't worry, but I like TB opinions! But from this what you told me that is perfect bass for me, mids oriented, agressive, punchy, ballsy, maple neck, low action!!! Nice! ;)
How's playing with the pick?
It sounds like a good match for you. Played fine with me for a pick, but that relates more to setup I guess.

Happy to help! As N.F.A. said it does sound like a good match for you. I've never tried one with a pick, but based on my experience with basses with super ferrite pickups like this, you might actually have to tame the highs and high-mids a bit more than usual and dial in a lot more lows. That growly, aggressive, and punchy character just gets brought out even more when you play with a pick. Especially the aggressive part. It'll get pretty harsh on you if you're not careful.
 
You are a good man.
19.entment.gif

If you mean me... thanks!
Anyway to the OP. Another factor in your decision might be small. The case that bass comes in has become somewhat sought after in Peavey world. It's probably worth 50 bucks or so on its own.
 
If you mean me... thanks!
Anyway to the OP. Another factor in your decision might be small. The case that bass comes in has become somewhat sought after in Peavey world. It's probably worth 50 bucks or so on its own.

+1. And they're super tough cases. Tim (MNAirHead) says he's thrown one off a something like a 20-30 foot drop with a Peavey Foundation inside, and there was absolutely no damage to the bass whatsoever. I've got one sitting in my basement right now. Feels much more solid than my Fender hardcase, and I believe it's double-walled. You'll need to replace the foam though, it disintegrates and can ruin the finish. Once you replace that though, it'll be a super nice case.
 
The Patriots had the "Superferrite" pick-ups ..... a very unique sound. It will cut thru a mix with no trouble, but there is more presence of the mids and high. I have my highs cut almost completely out on the combo amp eq knobs. ( Acoustic B100 )
It has one of the best necks you'll ever play.
I have one from the mid to late 70's probably the same as the mid 80s one and it is my regular player.
It's the last one I'd get rid of .... but I wouldn't get rid of it.


Matt

btw- they are boat anchors ..... mines all mohagany .
 
I have a low quality, sloppy played clip on soundclick :).

SoundClick artist: Mess With Texas - A couple of basses, a drum machine, a mic and a bunch of effects. What more could you ask for?

The track title is Rubber. All the non-vocal is a Patriot through some effects real hasty-like. Slap at the beginning with more finger style in the middle, but no pick. The finger style stuff is blended in with a lot of effects as well. Probably not exactly what you are looking for either, but you can add it to the list of crap you've listened to and start to cipher what the damn thing sounds like :D.

I love my Patriot. The thing absolutely slices through a mix.
 
For the really low prices they fetch, you can't go wrong with a functioning Patriot. My brother has one, I've played and adjusted it through the years. Sounds pretty good though I never thought it got a very deep tone. Ballsy and aggressive, yes, though. On the one I've used, I can adjust it for very nice action, but it doesn't seem to hold a setup very well. It needs more frequent neck adjustments than other basses in the circle. But that's just my experience with this one, probably not the norm. If you like it, definitely get it. P.S., the Super Ferrite pickup sounds great when mounted in the neck position on a short scale bass!
 
No, no, no...terrible basses. You buy it and I'll gladly take it off your hands for ya.

:hiding:

No?


All right all right, I admit it, they are wonderful basses and everything everyone said is true (except not holding a set up well, I think spufman was right and just got unlucky, mine held its set up beautifully through several New England season changes) I LOVED mine and had to sell it for grocery money and miss it terribly! What a handsome bass too.
:bawl:
 

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