Which bass will be the next T-40?

[Space Pickle]

T-45

 

[allen_m]

I’m a T40 fanboy having owned mine since 1979. For perspective: it took nearly 40 years for the Peavey to “take off” and while it had always been a well built versatile instrument I think nostalgia is the main driving force behind current pricing. Old guys like me with some disposable income remembering their “first real bass” and willing to pay for a nice example. Not sure there is a bass in the lower/mid price range today that kids are playing that they’ll want to buy again in 2060. And if there are, they will be much more common in the market since Squires and Ibanez and Sterling today probably outnumber the T40s from 78-85 by 10 to 1?

 

[RICHIERICH66]

Mine was so heavy it’s not even funny….

My is ATK300 is 11.5 pounds...my next to heaviest bass. My BTB505 Ash is 12.2 pounds.

 

[RICHIERICH66]

I could go with the ATK. It’s a unique design that has its own sound and at the same time is a very capable instrument. The ATK also has some fugly elements that keep it out of the mainstream. I’ve actually been thinking about getting one.

I wholeheartedly disagree about the Squires and SBMM basses. There’s always going to be a cheaper P bass out there, and they don’t have any characteristics that you can only get with that instrument.

I foolishly let go of an ATK300 I bought new in the mid 90s and was lucky enough to find an ATK300RPN on FB Marketplace locally for under $200.
The ATK Prestige models look pretty sweet, when they come up, too.
I really dig mine, and it has a place in my dozen+ current basses that nothing else quite does.

 

[ShawnG]

Another vote for EBMM S.U.B. basses. These are really nice, made in SLO, basses for $750 or less? They’re a deal considering what you’re getting for that money.

 

[Larryfales]

I could go with the ATK. It’s a unique design that has its own sound and at the same time is a very capable instrument. The ATK also has some fugly elements that keep it out of the mainstream. I’ve actually been thinking about getting one.

I wholeheartedly disagree about the Squires and SBMM basses. There’s always going to be a cheaper P bass out there, and they don’t have any characteristics that you can only get with that instrument.

Everyone thought the early eighties Squier Bullets were cheap Japanese junk when they came out. Now you can't touch one for less than $600. Just saying.

 

[themarshall]

I agree Squires, Pilots and MIA SUBs are great basses and deserve any following they get, but the ATK or Epi Jack Cassidy have much more of the unique personality that drives the T40 hype.

 

[bigtone23]

The US SUBs are already on trajectory. They were $300 used forever. Now they are $650+, up to $800. They will probably break $1000 in a year or so, as long as the economy has a glimmer of hope.

 

[bikeplate]

A ships anchor

 

[Bar Band Bassman]

I’ve never seen a DeArmond badged one. Thanks for the heads up!

There's one on GC now. Listed as a "DEaRNOLD". Seriously!

The Bar Band Bassman

 

[_One//Man//Mutiny_]

I don’t know what it is, but it’s probably gonna be an Ibanez… again!

 

[DaveParker39]

everyone shh about the guild pilot we gotta keep the prices down

 

[coy garcia]

I just had my own made....it quickly became my #1.. but I doubt it will catch on or the talented builder @Freekmagnet will make another.

 

[Prodigus Filius]

Vantage VS-600B 'pbass killer'. Built like a tank.

 

[TerenceE]

Going with ATK. Just such a solid bass. Available cheap - I paid under $200 for mine.


Next I'm banking on the USA made Peavey Cirrus basses. They were a flagship, but were affordable. People are beginning to appreciate them more and more, and values are rising steadily. A poor man's Ken Smith.
Pictured is my Peavey Cirrus USA burl Redwood
and my Ibanez ATK 300 Ltd Ed.View attachment 5325487View attachment 5325489

I’m pretty sure the ship has sailed on the cirrus!

 

[starkiller19]

Squier Rascal

 

[Jason Bonilla]

Epiphone Tbird. I've read a number of places people prefer it over the Gibson.

Yup I had a 60s series Epibird, and there was really nothing other than a smaller headstock that would make me go “man I wish I had the Gibson” that was a great sounding bass.

 

[bassfiddlesteve]

Peavey Foundation, especially the first series. Currently a great value for a US made bass. They sound good too.

- Steve

 

[BGroovy]

I think the rest of the USA Peavey lineup that can still be regularly had for less than $300

• Foundation
• Fury
• Grind

While not "cheap", vastly undervalued for a USA made bass - almost any G&L

• SB-1 and SB-2
• JB-2

80s Ibanez Roadstar and Musician

Guild Pilot (just missed one on local Craigslist )

 

[higain617]

Chrysler PT Cruiser