Peavey T-40 to replace a fender precision?

[cdef]

... I've seen the 'toaster pickups' on all the t-40's i've seen, what do the other ones that I should avoid look like?

The "toasters" are the originals. The later "blades" look just the same, except for a strip of metal across each of the black inserts. Internally they are different, as "blades" use only one magnet. They're reported to have a slightly hotter output, but less "warmth", however that may translate. I personally don't feel there's any reason to avoid them. It's more of a snobby thing.

Also, are there particular years of production that are better/worse?

Not really. Hartley Peavey was the first to implement CNC-aided production, and T-40s are very consistent structurally. Those from the 1980s have a bit more contouring, and some of the painted ones from that era may have lighter alder bodies instead of ash.

EDIT: TBer Eilif is our inofficial curator of all things T-40, and you can read his fact sheet here:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=5608727#post5608727

 

[stevellss]

cdef thanks for that link it was quite helpful

 

[w33nie]

anyone ever put a pre amp in a t40?

 

[Mutant Corn]

yep, though it looks like he didn't really want to work for it..

link

 

[ishouldbeking]

haha, oh man... posting in this thread got me all jazzed to get a second T-40... and I did! Looks to be in slightly better shape than my current natural-finish T-40, and it's the color I've been looking for: black w/ maple neck. Snagged it for $270 plus mildly overpriced shipping of $45.

here are the pics from the sale page:
Invalid Link Removed

 

[ishouldbeking]

Oh, and something else I just figured I'd mention... Since this thread is mainly about T-40's versus Precision basses, I thought I should say that to me, the T-40 tones don't so much align with Fender (Jazz or P) tones as they do with Rickenbackers and perhaps some of the 70s Gibson designs. We're all talking passive bass tones, but the T-40 with pups wide open comes closest to a Ric tone IMO, perhaps akin to some Gibson rippers/grabbers I've heard. While the humbucker mode to my ears more closely resembles the sound you get from a Gibson EB-3 or a Guild JS-2 (another bass I own), though the Peavey pups don't seem as overwhelming as a true mudbucker. But something important to keep in mind: very few basses can cop the Ric tone besides a Ric, and we all know how expensive those are nowadays. Besides maybe a Guild B-302 and the aforementioned ripper/grabber/G3's, the Peavey is definitely the cheapest way to achieve that tone, and that's why it's such a valued part of my arsenal.

 

[Scott in Dallas]

LOL..seriously though he's right! it should be listed as a WMD...

Actually, SHE's right. Makes the post even funnier.

 

[DSW]

Dude...T-40's are heavy...as in they weigh a lot. At least that is my main memory of the one that I owned back in the late 80s-early 90s...made my shoulder hurt. Very heavy. I was glad when I got rid of it just for that reason. I got a P-bass Plus Deluxe (lace active pickups) in the 90s. Never regretted getting rid of the T-40 the P-bass. I will be buried with my P-bass.

 

[lobey]

Reading this makes me GAS for one real bad. I found one today at a pawnshop here. They want $275, and it's not worth that much. Got a fair amount of dings and damage, but it's all there...except the E string, and it's also right handed. I'm so screwed.

 

[cdef]

You want thump, you want a P or a T-40. The heaviosity of Peaveys is no consideration. You guys have shoulders, right?

 

[lug]

Oh, and something else I just figured I'd mention... Since this thread is mainly about T-40's versus Precision basses, I thought I should say that to me, the T-40 tones don't so much align with Fender (Jazz or P) tones as they do with Rickenbackers and perhaps some of the 70s Gibson designs. We're all talking passive bass tones, but the T-40 with pups wide open comes closest to a Ric tone IMO, perhaps akin to some Gibson rippers/grabbers I've heard. While the humbucker mode to my ears more closely resembles the sound you get from a Gibson EB-3 or a Guild JS-2 (another bass I own), though the Peavey pups don't seem as overwhelming as a true mudbucker. But something important to keep in mind: very few basses can cop the Ric tone besides a Ric, and we all know how expensive those are nowadays. Besides maybe a Guild B-302 and the aforementioned ripper/grabber/G3's, the Peavey is definitely the cheapest way to achieve that tone, and that's why it's such a valued part of my arsenal.

Yup

 

[ThunderLizard]

And ok someone has to say it....T40s are also the weapon of choice if its the only thing you can grab to physically defend your self. I:

HA! well said. If you want a Peavey (or anything else), get it. But don't give up your Pbass.

 

[Eilif]

I realize the OP may have already made his choice, but despite what I put in my infosheet, I think that in general it's a mistake to think of the T-40 as simulating or replacing other basses. It is versatile, but it definatley has a tone all it's own. If you like it, get it, but don't expect it to sound like any thing other that a t-40. My T-40 can't replace my P-bass, but niether does my P-bass negate the usefullness of my T-40.

That said, I do think the t-40 does a great ric'esque tone, and one sound that the T-40 can absolutely nail is the Telebass Humbucker tone. The look, nostalgia (one of the first vintage basses I fell in love with) and weight means that I still want a Squire TB, but I know full well that I already have it's sonic territory fully covered with my '79 T-40.

 

[ishouldbeking]

That said, I do think the t-40 does a great ric'esque tone, and one sound that the T-40 can absolutely nail is the Telebass Humbucker tone.

+1

I equated it to the Gibson/Guild type of mudbucker, but since the majority of those basses are short-scale (making them even muddier), your comparison to a Tele bass I think is a better one, and more accurate sonically.

 

[6Steve6Harris6]

I switch between a Precision and a T40 when I play in my high school's jazz band. The T40 sounds great, despite what bad shape it's in. It's got some of the hottest pickups I've ever heard, active or otherwise, and it's tone controls are very versatile.

My only qualm, is that it weighs close to 15lbs. It's a real back breaker.

 

[dannybuoy]

I've just bought a '79 T-40 with the older toaster pickups, and also have a Squier VM Precision. The Peavey sounds much fuller and richer than the P, but it can't cop it's tones. Strangely, the T-40 sounds like I'm playing through a compressor - there doesn't seem to be much volume difference between soft and heavy playing, and hard punky pick playing that sounds so good on the P just doesn't work that well on the T-40.

The Peavey has become my main bass now though, I love it's sound. The sheer weight and through body stringing make it really resonate acoustically, much more so than my P (although I've yet to try an MIA P with through-body stringing). I'm definitely hanging onto the P though as it has a sound if its own.

 

[downtownblues]

I've had my '79 for nearly 30 years now. And you're right - it's not a P. It's not a cello or harp either - it's a T-40. It's way more versatile then a P, it's earned a lot more $ then my P.

The pups are sensitive. If you think they sound "compressed" lower their deck height, esp the neck pup. If that isn't enough, diff strings can make a big difference.

But stick with it. You wound up with the greatest price/performance ratio bass ever made.

Not to mention: it's so cool!

 

[T-Forty]

I now have an AV 62 Precision and my T40 and recognize that the T-40 doesn't sound like a precision at any setting.