Peavey T-40 vs Stingray vs what?

[Faldoe]

Always eyes the T-40 and prices have increased to, well, stupid levels.

I’m still interested but also curious about a MIA Stingray as well whatever else is out there.

I play clean stuff up to chunky/heavy metal/sludge.

I’ve been listening to a lot of Chat Pile lately and the bassist uses a T-40 and it sounds awesome so that has been a source of my T-40 curiosity.

I know it’s a passive vs active - with the stingray. I’m open to other bass suggestions as well. I’m a guitar player so I mostly use a pick but have been doing more finger picking.

 

[jd56hawk]

Dare to be different!
Reverend Thundergun...passive, pure and potent. Best-kept secret in the bass world.

 

[ahbass2500]

Anyone who is considering a Stingray should try a G&L L2000 before making a purchase. I was set on a Stingray 5. Tried an L2500, bought one, and never looked back. Stingray is a great bass and you may like it more. I ended up liking the G&L more.

 

[Snert]

I know it’s a passive vs active - with the stingray.

Not really. The Stingray has a ton of EQ baked in so it's not simply active vs passive,

 

[Riff Ranger]

Always eyes the T-40 and prices have increased to, well, stupid levels.

I’m still interested but also curious about a MIA Stingray as well whatever else is out there.

I play clean stuff up to chunky/heavy metal/sludge.

I’ve been listening to a lot of Chat Pile lately and the bassist uses a T-40 and it sounds awesome so that has been a source of my T-40 curiosity.

I know it’s a passive vs active - with the stingray. I’m open to other bass suggestions as well. I’m a guitar player so I mostly use a pick but have been doing more finger picking.

I got my T-40 for about 800 USD shipped a few months ago. That might have seemed a bit steep five years ago, but it doesn’t seem bad now. I think you can still get a decent price, especially if you don’t have specific parameters in mind (I didn’t care about finish or fingerboard, but I wanted an unmodified 1980 model). Still getting to know mine, but mine seems fairly mellow compared to my Ibanez ATK (the description of which @Dr. Cheese nailed: not a Stingray clone, but a Stingray alternative) without changing amp and pedal settings. Both good instruments, just different.

 

[_One//Man//Mutiny_]

Between those 2 G&L L2000 should be in the conversation, especially with a K Mod, (single coil switch)
I’ve had 2 T40s one blade, one original.
Several SBMM 34s and 35s good value for money but not anywhere close to a T40 in terms of quality.
G&L tribute L2000 and L2500 they have the same electronics as the USA ones, I would put these pretty close to quality of a T40 same ballpark especially with a K Mod, since the tone controls on a T40 go from humbucker to single coil as you roll them down.
USA G&L and EBMM are really top tier production basses. I just recently picked a B stock L2500 and I’ve been floored with it, an excellent quality bass that covers a whole lot of ground.
Musicman has several different configurations, now, more than ever. I really prefer the 2 band to the 3 band preamp, which is all up to personal preference.

 

[-Stingray]

Having owned a couple in the 90's I can vouch the T-40 doesn't come even close to the quality you find in a Stingray. Not. Even. Close.

Get the Ray, or an alternative. The T-40's were designed to be a "workingman's bass" that were cheaply made, overpriced, and heavy as a boat anchor.

 

[Nuage420]

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

G&L Kiloton .
But if you want a StingRay…… there is no substitute .

 

[brianrost]

The T-40's were designed to be a "workingman's bass" that were cheaply made, overpriced, and heavy as a boat anchor.

Not overpriced at the time, which was the idea. List was $375 with case and I got mine for $285 out the door. In 1980 Fender P’s cost double that and also weighed a ton.

This ad is for the T60 guitar, but the point is the same.

 

[Not_Shane]

Just saying...

 

[BigBigGuy44]

Stingrays are terribly expensive but if you want one, nothing else really compares. I would not put a Stingray and T-40 in an either/or category either. I really think if you want both getting both is the best course of action. If you are patient, you can find an older Stingray and decent T-40 for less than the price of a new Stingray Special.

 

[groooooove]

both good choices.

the T-40 has some issues, but the sound(s) it makes are not one of em.

stingray is more common/popular for a reason, though.

the weird neck, lack of truss rod access typially, and weight are what kept it a "cult classic" for so long.

 

[TheReceder]

I own a EBMM HH and an L2000...

I have to agree with those that recommended going with the G&L. Love the Stingray, but the L2000 is a little more versitile. (IMO) As a die hard peavey fan, I'd still pick the Stingray over the Peavey.

 

[Lammchop93]

Stringray is not what comes to mind when I think chunky and sludgy. It’s much more precise and find tuned sounding.

maybe a g&l l2000 would do the trick and give you versatility.

 

[Maxi Funkl]

My first real bass was a 1979 T-40 which I still own (sentimental reasons) but while it served me well for many years, It is completely different than a Stingray. I have 2 specials I Love if it was one or the other and money isn't an issue Stingray Special wins hands down.

 

[MotorCityMinion]

the T-40 has some issues, but the sound(s) it makes are not one of em.

This right here is why you buy a T-40. It's a Chameleon, does many things well, and doesn't require flight training certification to pull good tones out of it right away. The workmanship on these basses blew away many productions basses from Fender / Gibson of the same era. Japanese basses were making strides at this time but the better ones were pricier than PV stuff. Yes, it's a working mans bass and will get the job done. If you can handle the weight, larger body size, and don't have room for multiple basses in your life right now, it's a great option. Don't forget resale. You'll get the same bucks for this if you decide it's not for you. Pretty basses too.

 

[FishDub]

Always eyes the T-40 and prices have increased to, well, stupid levels.

I’m still interested but also curious about a MIA Stingray as well whatever else is out there.

I play clean stuff up to chunky/heavy metal/sludge.

I’ve been listening to a lot of Chat Pile lately and the bassist uses a T-40 and it sounds awesome so that has been a source of my T-40 curiosity.

I know it’s a passive vs active - with the stingray. I’m open to other bass suggestions as well. I’m a guitar player so I mostly use a pick but have been doing more finger picking.

Everything is at stupid levels, every bass, everywhere-even here at TB(Sorry being honest). I cant even browse reverb and GC without laughing, sometimes out loud. Sorry for the derail

 

[Planespotter]

Stingray all day. The T-40s were cool when they were an inexpensive curio, but now that the cult/collector market has embraced them I wouldn’t bother.

 

[-Stingray]

Not overpriced at the time, which was the idea. List was $375 with case and I got mine for $285 out the door. In 1980 Fender P’s cost double that and also weighed a ton.

This ad is for the T60 guitar, but the point is the same.

View attachment 5250081

Agree.

I should have said ARE over priced. I too bought mine both back when they were cheap (both under $200 if my memory serves me correctly). I know Chip passed recently which made T-series guitars jump in price even more. Simply put they have become way over valued.