The Peavey T-40 is one of those vintage basses that is much more interesting once you spend some time with it. Designed by Chip Todd and introduced in 1978, it was one of Peavey's first production instruments. This one has a very nice feel to it, with a clear vintage character in the hands and a substantial, solid build.

The two passive Peavey humbuckers give it a surprisingly broad range of sounds. It can get bright and articulate, but there is considerably more weight behind the notes than you would normally associate with a Jazz Bass. The T-40 also has one of the more unusual passive pickup circuits of its era: each pickup's tone control also changes its operation from single-coil towards humbucking as you roll it back, so the controls are doing considerably more than simply cutting treble. With both pickups selected, the separate tone controls let you blend those sounds in interesting ways, while the phase switch adds another distinctly weird option.

The result is versatile without sounding modern. There is plenty of that immediate, uncompressed quality you get from passive pickups, but the large Peavey humbuckers give it more authority and low-end weight than a typical vintage Fender bass. It also looks great: the slightly oversized hardware and distinctive body are a big part of the T-40's appeal.

This one is in very good condition for its age and fully original. There is some buckle rash and wear to the wood, along with some tarnishing of the metal hardware.

Specifications

Model: Peavey T-40

Introduced: 1978

Made in USA

Body: Ash

Neck: Maple, bolt-on

Fingerboard: Maple

Scale: 34"

Pickups: 2 passive Peavey blade-style humbuckers

Controls: Volume and tone for each pickup

Switching: 3-way pickup selector and phase switch

Pickup circuit: Tone controls vary each pickup between single-coil and humbucking operation

Bridge: Heavy-duty Peavey bridge with individually adjustable saddles

Condition: Very good for its age, with buckle rash, wood wear and some hardware tarnishing

Originality: Fully original

Manufacturer Information ▾

Peavey Electronics Corporation, 5022 Hartley Peavey Drive, Meridian, MS 39305, USAE-Mail: EU Responsible: Face BV, Hoek 76 Unit 301, 2850 Boom, BelgiumEmail: Safety information: No known safety warnings. Used musical instrument.