Peavey T-40, at last!

[MuttBastard]

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!

 

[kodiakblair]

Was going to say " Looks OK to me" then I spotted the 5th tuner hole

Knock that filler out and turn it into a T 405

 

[MuttBastard]

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!

 

[LowNloud1]

They are a great instrument to own and play. I enjoy mine and encourage players to try them out. They aren't for everyone but they do have some great tone features and are a well built bass.

 

[Bill Whitehurst]

I would not be too upset to have a T40 that looked like that.
It sounds like you got a deal that should cover a mulitude of sins, anyway.
Given the repaired split on the headstock, I think that one needs to stay 4 string.

If anyone else finds a T40 with case for 200 bux, please let me know.

 

[lug]

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 have a 6 digit model....I think I've only seen one other guy post one here. Would love to know how many they produced.

 

[Mark Andrew]

T

I would not be too upset to have a T40 that looked like that.
It sounds like you got a deal that should cover a mulitude of sins, anyway.
Given the repaired split on the headstock, I think that one needs to stay 4 string.

If anyone else finds a T40 with case for 200 bux, please let me know.

This was a bloody steal there up at 600 euros at least over here great find....Want....

 

[LowActionHero]

Nice! Looks just like mine, but with a better case (I have the teardrop case, not a fan), and frets.

What year is yours?

 

[Dluxe]

That is definitely a'78. My Fretless is a six digit number although most of them are zeros.

 

[H2okie]

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!

Dang! Anytime I see something close to that for $200 or less I'm on it! I'm starting to get that way with Foundations. I'll even pick up a parts bass for that! Nice get! Somehow they are even more fun to play when they were a "Deal" ... enjoy. Let us know how that case works out. I have some cases that need help too.

 

[kodiakblair]

Nice line-up you have there, kodiakblair!

Thanks. That's not even the tip of the iceberg,the Peavey numbers in this house are 51 basses and 1 guitar. Me and the cat are serious about Peaveys.

 

[Geri O]

Was going to say " Looks OK to me" then I spotted the 5th tuner hole

Knock that filler out and turn it into a T 405
View attachment 2812078

Making a T-45 or T-405 or even a T-50, whatever, is on my radar as soon as I can find a good one to convert.

 

[kodiakblair]

@Geri O
There actually was a T 50. Chip Todd built a prototype.

 

[Geri O]

@Geri O
There actually was a T 50. Chip Todd built a prototype.
View attachment 2813051

I’ve heard about that bass, but I’ve never seen it, so thanx for sharing! I guess I’ll have to call mine something else... Kinda jealous that I can't do the tuners 3+2 as on that prototype. Oh well, I'll get over it...

 

[40Hz]

Congrats! I have a T-40 and a T-20. Really like them both. They get a lot of play time.

 

[kodiakblair]

I’ve heard about that bass, but I’ve never seen it, so thanx for sharing! I guess I’ll havd to call mine something else...

It's well worth doing. Got a set of La Bella Jamerson flats on mine and the neck handled them no problem.

 

[MuttBastard]

Dang! Anytime I see something close to that for $200 or less I'm on it! I'm starting to get that way with Foundations. I'll even pick up a parts bass for that! Nice get! Somehow they are even more fun to play when they were a "Deal" ... enjoy. Let us know how that case works out. I have some cases that need help too.

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!

 

[MuttBastard]

Thanks. That's not even the tip of the iceberg,the Peavey numbers in this house are 51 basses and 1 guitar. Me and the cat are serious about Peaveys.

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!

 

[H2okie]

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! View attachment 2813667

That foundation is sweet. Haven't found one of those natural wood in decent condition. Yours looks awesome. For the situations I play in ... I need a 5er ... so I've been using a Foundation 5 or Cirrus most of the time.

 

[MuttBastard]

That foundation is sweet. Haven't found one of those natural wood in decent condition. Yours looks awesome. For the situations I play in ... I need a 5er ... so I've been using a Foundation 5 or Cirrus most of the time.

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.