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Peavey T-40 Club Part 2

They rarely sell for over $400, and sometimes as low as $200 if you get a great deal. $350 seems to be the magic number if it's in good condition

Yep...I paid $350 for mine. Held out for the one I really wanted (early 80's, rosewood fingerboard). Zero regrets, awesome bass :)
 
Worth it?

Let's see... a classic, american made bass that's built like it's designed to out last the next ice age, great sound, good looks, and a resale price that is higher now than it was 5 years ago.

Just be aware of a couple of things

1. yes, they are as heavy as people say
2. The neck is wide, so if you are used to jazz spacing or a 5 string bass, it's going to take some getting used to. I couldn't go back and forth between my 5 and my 4, so that's why I'm making mine into a 5 string
 
Yeah.. looks like they usually sell for around $350 on GC used. It's worth the $350? I was spoiled by the Fury and Foundation prices. :p

The T-40 has little in common with those basses, sonically, and I LOVE Foundations (cannot believe such an awesome US made bass sells for so little). Whether you prefer a T-40 to a Foundation is subjective...I have both and love them for what they are. A buddy once described the T-40 to me as "a cross between a Ric and a Gibson Ripper" and I gotta say, I completely agree. For my tastes, the T-40 can do the Ric grind thing as well as the barking midrange sound of a Gibson, or both at the same time, plays better than either of those basses and has a shocking variety of tones for a passive bass.
 
Yep...I paid $350 for mine. Held out for the one I really wanted (early 80's, rosewood fingerboard). Zero regrets, awesome bass :)

Any tips on what to look for when looking online? I have no problem buying without playing.. just don't want to get a lemon!

Worth it?

Let's see... a classic, american made bass that's built like it's designed to out last the next ice age, great sound, good looks, and a resale price that is higher now than it was 5 years ago.

Just be aware of a couple of things

1. yes, they are as heavy as people say
2. The neck is wide, so if you are used to jazz spacing or a 5 string bass, it's going to take some getting used to. I couldn't go back and forth between my 5 and my 4, so that's why I'm making mine into a 5 string

How much do they weigh? My AL-2000 is pretty heavy, so I'm used to it. :p

The T-40 has little in common with those basses, sonically, and I LOVE Foundations (cannot believe such an awesome US made bass sells for so little). Whether you prefer a T-40 to a Foundation is subjective...I have both and love them for what they are. A buddy once described the T-40 to me as "a cross between a Ric and a Gibson Ripper" and I gotta say, I completely agree. For my tastes, the T-40 can do the Ric grind thing as well as the barking midrange sound of a Gibson, or both at the same time, plays better than either of those basses and has a shocking variety of tones for a passive bass.

Really? I've been GAS'ing for a Ripper.. Maybe this can be a way to get the best of both worlds! You have pictures of yours?
 
Any tips on what to look for when looking online? I have no problem buying without playing.. just don't want to get a lemon!

There are folks way more qualified than me to answer this...the main advice I can offer is to ask lots of questions...are the pots scratchy? Is the truss rod ok? zoom in on the photos...my favorites tend to be the 81-83 painted bodies, but I'm not really sure if that's based on any sound logic, to be honest. Those have just been my personal favorites for whatever reason :)

How much do they weigh? My AL-2000 is pretty heavy, so I'm used to it. :p

I've never weighed mine, but yeah...they're heavy :)
 
Really? I've been GAS'ing for a Ripper.. Maybe this can be a way to get the best of both worlds! You have pictures of yours?

Shoot, it's at the studio, so I can't really snap a picture today...mine's a 1983 black on black with a rosewood fingerboard. I used to have a Ripper, G3 and a Grabber...probably will again someday, but for now I feel like I can get the Ripper thing pretty well with my T-40, though I'll admit I think Rippers look really cool :)
 
here's the pics of the conversion. I think it turned out great, and I am loving playing it


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I thought this was interesting. A member of the Peavey forum sent me this pic showing a 5 string t50 that Chip Todd himself made for a client.

Looks like a custom neck (wider than a regular t40) and of course a rear cavity body. More like a new bass with t40 pickups than a 5 string t40, but It's still interesting to show what a factory t50 might have looked like, if Chip Todd had anything to say about it

2006CTET-50-BobbyRios01-01.jpg
 
I thought this was interesting. A member of the Peavey forum sent me this pic showing a 5 string t50 that Chip Todd himself made for a client.

Looks like a custom neck (wider than a regular t40) and of course a rear cavity body. More like a new bass with t40 pickups than a 5 string t40, but It's still interesting to show what a factory t50 might have looked like, if Chip Todd had anything to say about it

2006CTET-50-BobbyRios01-01.jpg

Love it. Looks like a Wal. Wish I could do that to mine....wait....can I? I don't think so. Right?
 
Sure you can, here's how...

Get a warmoth body (probably a 51p, rear route with a side jack) and a paddle neck, shape the headstock, and put your electronics in it.

That body that chip used isn't a t40 body,and the neck is wider too. It's possible he made them from scratch, but there's no reason why you should.

maybe I'm bias... I'm sure Chip's t50 plays great because he's the master, but I like the way mine looks better, because it looks like a t40. It still has the same pickguard, bridge, and tuners (plus one)
 
This one came to my door yesterday, 1981 model born the same year as yours truly. There are so many tones in this bass that I am still trying to find out what I like best. So far, bridge pickup soloed, with the tone rolled off just enough to kick in the humbucker is my favorite. Its going to get a set of Dr SS Lo-Riders, and a full set up tonight. Possibly some fretwork this weekend.

20130924_183148_zps209c44e1.jpg
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20130924_183229_zps67c74f04.jpg


Did the natural finish T-40s have a matte finish? The finish on this one looks to be in pretty good shape, a few dings, but not bad for a 32 year old bass. but its not glossy at all. If its supposed to be like that I wont worry about it, if not I might take it apart and spend some time with it on my buffing station.
 
This one came to my door yesterday, 1981 model born the same year as yours truly. There are so many tones in this bass that I am still trying to find out what I like best. So far, bridge pickup soloed, with the tone rolled off just enough to kick in the humbucker is my favorite. Its going to get a set of Dr SS Lo-Riders, and a full set up tonight. Possibly some fretwork this weekend.

20130924_183148_zps209c44e1.jpg
[/URL]

20130924_183229_zps67c74f04.jpg


Did the natural finish T-40s have a matte finish? The finish on this one looks to be in pretty good shape, a few dings, but not bad for a 32 year old bass. but its not glossy at all. If its supposed to be like that I wont worry about it, if not I might take it apart and spend some time with it on my buffing station.

I have had two of the natural ash ones. Both had a matte finish on the body but seemed like more of a gloss finish on the neck.