Why are old Peaveys so cheap?

[GAPendragon]

No, it's a BXP. I was aiming for a DE originally but then the BXP came up for a very good price so I grabbed it. I didn't realise it was Asian at the time, being a fairly new bassist. I'll probably still grab a DE at some point if I see one for sale for a decent price.

 

[phillybass101]

Hint. They were cheap when they were new. Cheap does not imply that they do not sound good. I should say inexpensive.

 

[Ken J]

These are my favorites. Dyna Unity Koa.
The fretless was purchased for $350.00 and the fretted for $400.00 both with the original cases and the fretless with a factory D-tuner. The fretless was upgraded with the following pickups. The fretted to follow.
Bartolini 9J1 Jazz Bass Bridge Pickup - $59.99
Bartolini 8S P-Bass Pickup - $89.99

 

[smcd]

I know some people here love Peavey stuff ... I am always disappointed with Peavey. That is my personal opinion. If it works for you guys then go for it. Peavey will get the job done but it is always a lower priced option for when I can't afford what I really want.

Sounds odd coming from a Rickenbacker fan. I have a Ric 4003 and I like it, but frankly, it's a one-trick pony and if it weren't for the market for Ric's distinct retro styling, Ric as a company would be loooong out of business.

I've owned several Rics, and the quality of construction of every Peavey bass I've held is equal to, but usually exceeds the build quality of a Rickenbacker. I remember the first time I took the pickguard off a 4003. I laughed out loud. I mean, for God's sake, look at this -

I'm still laughing. I guarantee you that this kind of high school shop work would never appear on any Peavey bass.

I don't want this to seem like a Ric-bashing post, but seriously.... being a Ric fanatic and being disappointed with Peavey is like being an MG fan and being disappointed with Toyota.

 

[smcd]

I guess there was a Zodiac DE, which is the more desirable model, and BXP models, which were cheaper. Not saying you should avoid all import Peavey basses, but you can usually get a US made bass for close to the same price as a lot of imports.

Some of the BXP basses are very nice. The DE Scorpio Zodiac bass is amazing. I own an Indonesian made Cirrus 5, and it's also pretty incredible. It's 80% of what my US Cirrus is. Though that doesn't go for all BXP Cirrus'. I've played some really disappointing Chinese Cirrus'.

 

[ggvicviper]

Some of the BXP basses are very nice. The DE Scorpio Zodiac bass is amazing. I own an Indonesian made Cirrus 5, and it's also pretty incredible. It's 80% of what my US Cirrus is. Though that doesn't go for all BXP Cirrus'. I've played some really disappointing Chinese Cirrus'.

Aside from the Cirrus, is there any other Peavey that is currently MIA?

 

[smcd]

Aside from the Cirrus, is there any other Peavey that is currently MIA?

Negative. In fact, from what I understand, the Cirrus is a custom shop only product right now.

 

[Joe Kyle]

My 6 string cirrus is perhaps my favourite bass.

 

[smcd]

cuz theyre notoriously unreliable .........

I'd just like to point out that my friend here ^^ has decided not to elaborate.


See, this is the thing about Peavey detractors. Someone told them at some time that Peavey gear was "junk", and they just swallowed that nonsense whole without giving it a second thought. I've found this to be the case with most who don't like Peavey basses. They can't or won't explain why, but they have no problem at all spreading the false word.

On one level this is fine with me. I've gotten insane deals on Peavey basses. A rare black Fury with a black fretboard WITH a factory hardshell case for $129! Let me tell you, I was walking on air after that one. Almost as good as picking up a US Millennium in the uncommon J/J pickup configuration for $179. Or a mint late-80's Foundation with the original hardshell case for $150. This is just plain crazy awesome! But on the other hand, I see people slag Peavey and I think - This is completely absurd. These people don't know what they're talking about!

 

[gard0300]

I'm up to five US made Peaveys. I'm always looking. G-Bass, Millennium, RJIV, Patriot and Fury. All are keepers. Believe it or not the Fury is the most fun and gratifying for me to play.... even with the vinyl inlays. Haha. Just a great P-bass.

 

[ggvicviper]

Negative. In fact, from what I understand, the Cirrus is a custom shop only product right now.

Mmmmm. You know, sometimes I wish I'd jumped on that $99 Foundation 5 - never find a deal like that again. NicJimBass, I hope you're still happy with that purchase!

 

[maturanesa]

Old Peaveys were cheap when they were new... so... why Peavey would sell his basses so cheap if they are top quality basses like some players say? "Made in usa" dont mean nothing... Top of the line Yamaha´s and some Ken Smiths are made in Japan

 

[ggvicviper]

I'd just like to point out that my friend here ^^ has decided not to elaborate.

I think I asked you to do this once, but please (re-)fill out your gear profile! I always hear you talking about these basses that you own that aren't listed in your profile.

 

[NicJimBass]

Mmmmm. You know, sometimes I wish I'd jumped on that $99 Foundation 5 - never find a deal like that again. NicJimBass, I hope you're still happy with that purchase!

I was really happy with it, but sold it recently, as it started collecting dust

 

[NicJimBass]

To those who have stated that older Peavey basses were inexpensive when new, thus they are inexpensive now, I believe that may be the case with some models, particularly the Foundation and Fury, but is absolutely not the case with others like the G-Bass, GV and Millennium. IIRC, these basses sold for over $1K when new, but can now be found for dirt cheap, if you know where to look and strike while the iron is hot.

 

[bootsox]

Old Peaveys were cheap when they were new... so... why Peavey would sell his basses so cheap if they are top quality basses like some players say? "Made in usa" dont mean nothing... Top of the line Yamaha´s and some Ken Smiths are made in Japan

The difference between Peavey USA and Fender USA is the name.

 

[kellyrojo]

Most of the opinions about Peavey being great bang for the buck and just great instruments in general is true...but man, the way some people defend Peavey, you would of thought you peed on their grandma!

 

[mark beem]

Most of the opinions about Peavey being great bang for the buck and just great instruments in general is true...but man, the way some people defend Peavey, you would of thought you peed on their grandma!

I think that stems mainly from those who disparage the brand without having any REAL hands-on experience.

 

[CrewsControl]

Old Peaveys were cheap when they were new...

The Peavey Patriot Custom in my avatar sold new for $349.50 + $55 for the case in 1987, according to Peavey (who seem to keep pretty good records on all the gear they made over the years). How does that compare to the original retail price of a US Fender Precision Bass of the same vintage?

 

[dickfitts]

Most of the opinions about Peavey being great bang for the buck and just great instruments in general is true...but man, the way some people defend Peavey, you would of thought you peed on their grandma!

Y'know, it's kind of funny you bring this up. About a month ago there was a thread about which club had the most intensely loyal devotees. Of course, the trophy seemed to go to Spector, with Ric and Fender close in there too. Not so much as a BREATH of Peavey. I, like many I'm sure, said nothing, because...with two kids? And all I really want to spend my money on is an early 80s foundy with rosewood fretboard (to turn into fretless, unless I can find one already in said state...feeler?)? You can better bet your last $200 I want 'em to stay cheap...but of course I do feel a bit "Horton Hears a Who" trying to talk to fellow bassists, or anybody for that matter, about how flippin' awesome they are, and why they deserve the recognition they do. Sometimes it seems like it's always a sad, lonely thing to know the truth...at least, in this case, it's still affordable!