Peavey T40

[SlowpokeJoe]

I think every bass player should own a T-40 once in their lives.

That being said, when I had a T-40 I spent more time fiddling with the knobs and switches trying to unlock the great many hidden tones in the bass than actually playing it.

It was also very heavy and put my leg to sleep if I played it sitting down.

 

[mellowgerman]

Based on those photos of that T40, no way. The strings speak volumes... If the owner can't even string a bass properly, he surely doesn't know how to maintain it and by no means could give you a legitimate assessment of it's condition and potential issues. Not to mention, that one picture looks to be showing what is either a neck alignment issue or the illusion of a neck alignment issue caused by mile high action at a weird angle. Either way, that would be a deal breaker (assuming your tribute bass is healthy).
Also, why would he be willing to ship across the country to trade for a bass worth less than his? He should have no problem finding a tribute owner willing to trade for his t40 locally... Unless his t40 is trashed.
Highest warning. Would not proceed.

 

[allen_m]

That’s probably a 1979 model (based on “patents applied for” on the headstock). In 1980 they had patent numbers there. The “toaster” pickups were used until about ‘81. The extra holes in the pickguard were drilled by a previous owner for the tug bar which came with them new but were to be installed by the owner (they also came with a strip of foam rubber that went in the recess of the bridge for a mute). The rosewood fretboard was pretty rare throughout their run. Twisted necks are uncommon as Peavey glued up two pieces of maple, tensioned the truss rod, then carved the neck with machines originally used to carve gun stocks. However, that glue joint sometimes cracks in 40 year old necks. The switches are original and are prone to snapping off. I don’t think that’s a brass nut either, looks like the original aluminum? or what ever metal they were made from. Also, if it doesn’t have a case it can be difficult to find one that fits well.
That hole in the fretboard is weird. I wonder if someone drilled through it putting in a screw in the mounting plate?
You need to see it in person before you make the trade. It’s not every player’s cup of tea but I’d never part with mine bought new in 1979 and played ever since.

 

[J Wilson]

There's no way I'd send a bass several thousand miles away while waiting on the other guy to send his to me and think it's just going to work out fine. If nothing else, it's too easy to complain about yours and what you got was not as represented and now you got to hassle this out long distance, more freight charges, etc. I never volunteer for situations where the odds aren't encouraging.

FWIW, I've owned two T40's and an L2000 American, and I'd not be inclined to replace the G&L with a T40. A Tribute is fine with me, newer and far more versatile, and probably lighter.

 

[The Thinker]

I’ve owned both. While I loved my T-40, and am nostalgic about it since it was my first bass, I think the L2000 Tribute is a far better sounding bass.

I’m a huge fan of USA Peaveys in general, but I’m always surprised by how highly touted the T-40 has been. I can’t see paying the going price for one when models like the Dyna Bass and Foundation are available for less (and I would take either of those over the Tribute). YMMV.

 

[ejaggers]

The trade for me would be a no-brainer, I'd do the T-40 in a heartbeat.
My problem is, I'm too old school to swap with someone I don't know via the internet.

Someone has to trust, but I'm generally not the one.
He would have to send his to me first with the understanding
that I either swap or send his back.

So is he going to trust me to do that?
I doubt it.....057912

 

[Bass V]

Basis?

ownership, experience, observance, opinion, the usual suspects I rely on

 

[MDStingray]

Don't do it - They have a nice vintage look - but to my ears they sound horrible. The weight usually is north of 12 pounds, at least.

 

[prowla]

I wouldn't mind a T40 in my collection, but doing a swap is a difficult thing to evaluate.

 

[ThinCrappyTone2]

Hello good people
So I am in a dilemma atm. Don’t know what to do. A guy did approach me regarding a swap deal for my G&L Tribute L2000. He wants to swap his Peavey T40 and he unfortunately lives on the other side of the country.
What do you think I should do? Should I go for it or not? View attachment 4755264View attachment 4755263
Thanks

I’d ask if the T40 weighs more or less than 18 pounds before deciding.

 

[lug]

Aren't L2000's heavy, too?

L2000 weight can be all over the place. Mine is heavier than either T40 I own.

 

[groooooove]

man,

those are two really different basses. a G&L L2000 is a well rounded, super versatile bass. has the leo fender connection and everything. solid bass.

a T40 is something quite different. I think T40's are seriously awesome basses. they really sound remarkably good and i'd argue may be the most versatile (strictly speaking about the electronics) design of all time. But, they have their issues. they are super heavy. the look is not for everyone. the big one for me is the truss rods are impossible to adjust.

I'm a real bass nut and collector of sorts, and even I couldn't keep a T40. I tried two different ones and sold them immediately after. I'm glad i had them to get to know the sounds and all, but I couldn't adjust either to play how i need my basses to play.

so, if the "cool factor," niche market, collectors aspect of a T40 excites you it may be a good trade? but for the vast majority of TBers, the G&L is a far more logical choice.

 

[Sam Dingle]

no seems sketchy to me

 

[BobKos]

Honestly for me personally it would depend on the neck( is it straight, twisted, is the truss rod functioning)…all the parts seem to be there… does it have a hairline crack on the rear of the headstock by the E string?… sounds to good to be true unless you could see it in person.. I’d pass

This could very easily describe a G&L or a Peavey.

 

[DanAdams]

I gassed for a T40 for a long time. Then when I got one I was underwhelmed by it's sound, and yes, I studied it's controls A LOT, including all the weird little things like *The pickup is a hum bucker when the tone knob is at the 7 position!!!
So my take would be:
-If you want the higher collector value and cool factor, go for the Peavey.
-If you want the better playing, better sounding, more ergonomic bass, go for the l2000

 

[creaturegods]

I’d ask if the T40 weighs more or less than 18 pounds before deciding.

It's gotta be at least 18 pounds or it'll feel like a toy to you, right?

 

[ThinCrappyTone2]

It's gotta be at least 18 pounds or it'll feel like a toy to you, right?

17 lbs just doesn't sustain those long notes

 

[Vitrius Humor]

Avoid this trade. Your current bass is probably a fairly good bass. If you really want a T-40, I'd wait for one you could physically try out and in a lot better condition as that one. A T-40 is one of the first basses I ever played, but the weight just killed any interest I could have developed for one. I used to think they were made of OAK. I still think they are made of oak! LOL

 

[Vitrius Humor]

Very few know that the T in T40 stands for "truss."

I thought it stood for (T)otal weight, 40 lbs

 

[capnjagg]

The T-40 being a blonde/natural body but with a rosewood fretboard is odd. I am use to seeing them with maple fretboards and always liked them.
Your call. I like T-40s but who is to say this is the one, if you are patient you may be able to get a better one close enough that you can try it first.

They’re less common, but not rare. I’ve an ‘82 in this exact combo. This one’s an earlier year than mine, likely when Chip Todd still worked for the company, based on the pickups (they switched from the toasters to the blade style after he left). The Chip Todd era ones are more desirable as they are less prone to electronics issues.

To the OP, I’d agree with the others that if the neck is good and all else checks out, and there’s a way to actually get your hands on it first, it’s a good deal. Peavey is likely never going to make the T-40 again, but G&L is still making L2Ks, and won’t stop any time soon. If you don’t get on with it, you could sell it, snag another Tribute, and have some cash in pocket. This all depends though on if you have a genuine interest in the T-40 though. As far as tone goes, you won’t lose or gain much. Both are Swiss Army Knives, the Peavey gets closer to a Ric, and the G&L maybe more like a Super Jazz, but in a mix they both do fine. Everyone talks about the weight of the T-40s (which can be combatted with a good strap), but another thing of note is that they have pencil thin necks, which some like and some hate, but is definitely going to be an adjustment coming from an L2K.