Peavey T-40, at last!

The back story: I'm primarily a solo singer/acoustic rhythm player, for almost half a century. About 20 years ago, a friend's band lost their bassist and they invited me to take his place. (I still don't grok the logic behind that idea!) I gave it a shot, figured if I just follow the rhythm guitar with my left hand and the drummer's right foot with my right hand, I couldn't go too far astray! So, I went out bass shopping... had no idea what I was looking for... bought a Peavey T-40 from a pawn shop for $65. I played around with the controls enough to find a sound I liked, and had at it... had a lot of fun, and managed to not embarrass myself. Being on-key and on-time covers a lot of sins! The band broke up after less than a year, and I sold the bass for what I had in it, figuring I'd never play bass again.

Fast forward 15 years or so, neck surgery had dented my singing voice, effectively ending my solo gigging days. I started to explore the guitar a bit more, and a friend gave me a crappy old bass (JBPlayer P-bass knockoff) which reminded me, I really did like playing bass!

So, in recent years, I've been gradually upgrading my instruments. Remembering my first T-40, I sought out Peavey basses; I now have 2 very sweet Foundations, '87 4-string and '96(?) 5-string. But the memory of the T-40 still itched!

Last week, I spotted one for sale on FaceBook, looked to be in rough shape, for $200 with case. Knowing I could always part it out and make a profit, I bought it. Looks like hell, plays like heaven! Feels like home!

 

I'd rather keep this one original, if possible, considering the PAF and 6-digit SN. Gonna have a chat with a luthier and see if this headstock can be restored. I'd love to have a T-40 5-string eventually, though, but my Foundation 5 scratches that itch well enough for the time being. I also have a MilestoneV ($40 yard sale find!) that's going to become fretless if & when I have the time and a decent workspace.

I'm hoping to get that original case relined, too... it's a lot worse than the pictures show

Nice line-up you have there, kodiakblair!

 

I'm with you, H2okie, on the Foundations... for that matter, I'll grab nearly any USA Peavey, if the price is right. I got my '87 Foundation from GC, of all places, for $160 with case (+ $30 tax & shipping) perfect condition except for legit player wear, which to me is better than perfect!

 

I feel like such a piker, now! My Peaveys now number 4 basses and 4 guitars. Total of 22 (I think) stringed instruments in the apartment, and if I bring in any more I'll have to sleep in the bathtub!

 

I guess I am kinda partial to natural finishes, probably has to do with my acoustic guitar roots. I also have a natural Peavey Patriot guitar. I've been thinking about stripping my Foundation5 as well to go natural as it has a lot of chips in the black finish anyway.