fbpx

Are There Any American-Made Used Bass Guitars That *Aren’t* Expensive?

American-made bass guitars, as all bass players are aware, are not cheap new or used…

…but there are a few diamonds in the rough in the used American-made bass department that won’t run you too much money.

With that said, in the mass-produced department concerning quality American-made used bass guitars, two companies usually stand out above the rest:

Carvin and Peavey.

Carvin

Carvin makes good stuff. Truly. As it states right on their home page, “American-Made Since 1946.” You buy Carvin and you’re buying American; it’s as simple as that.

The reason most bass players aren’t aware of Carvin is simply because Carvin is a factory-direct shop, meaning new Carvin axes are rarely seen in any instrument retailers. You will, however, find used Carvin bass guitars at instrument shops, and being they’re all American-made you don’t have to think about where they’re manufactured because you already know.

Here’s an example of a used Carvin listing at that popular national guitar store that begins with a G:

Capture

That’s an American-made bass for $400, and even states “USA” right in the listing.

It’s generally agreed upon that you have to spend about $400 to get a good quality used bass. Why not make it an American-made by going Carvin?

Peavey

Pevaeyhead

USA-made Peavey bass guitars have a solid reputation for being very well-made instruments. And while there’s a treasure trove of USA-made used Peavey bass guitars to be had, players typically complain of three things concerning Peavey more than anything else:

  1. Depending on model, they can weigh a ton.
  2. Parts for them can be very difficult to acquire (such as the custom Peavey-only etched metal knobs for volume/tone control, which a lot of people seem to lose for whatever reason.)
  3. Certain Peavey bass guitars do have, shall we say, “interesting” electronics.

The used USA-made Peavey bass you will most likely come across is called the Peavey Foundation; the headstock will prominently state “CRAFTED IN THE U.S.A.” or “HANDCRAFTED IN THE U.S.A. BY PEAVEY.”

The other models of Peavey bass guitars you’ll see will be the “T” series, namely the T40 and the T45. Example:

Peavey_T40_02_110429_med

Yes, these are the models with those stupid etched metal control knobs that people always lose.

“T” series Peaveys are ordinarily big, heavy instruments with big, fat top-loader bridges on them (they even have an etched/raised “PEAVEY” logo on them,) and somewhat-wacky electronics under the pick guard – but nothing you can’t handle or fix yourself.

It cannot be said enough times that if you decide to go for one of those older “T” series Peaveys, make VERY SURE it has all those etched Peavey knobs, because you can spend up to $100 for a full set of them, and that’s no joke.

A well-to-do T40 model sells for anywhere around $350 to $500 on eBay. For an American-made used bass, that’s a good deal. But again, make sure all the knobs are there. 🙂

Are Peavey “T” series considered “vintage?”

Yes, absolutely. But fortunately for you, Peavey totally over-engineered the “T” line, so you won’t end up with a rickety mess since they built them like tanks.

USA-made used Carvin and Peavey… good or bad? You tell us.

Personally, I think as far as used American-made bass guitars go, Carvin and Peavey have some good stuff available. But what do you think? Is “American-made” important enough to justify the purchase of one of the above, or are you better off with something like a Mexican-made Fender bass?

80 thoughts on “Are There Any American-Made Used Bass Guitars That *Aren’t* Expensive?”

  1. I had a Peavey 5 string back in the early 90’s when it seemed that 5’s hadn’t yet exploded in popularity. It was a nice instrument for the price and I am glad I had it.

    Reply
  2. You’re letting the cat out of the bag! I get a little flack from other musicians about playing Peavey basses, but I’ve found that they sound and play like very expensive basses at a fraction of the price. I use GV’s nearly exclusively, and couldn’t be happier with the playability, looks and tone!

    Reply
  3. I have a Peavey 4 string Fury. I bought one new in 92 and for some stupid reason I sold it. I managed to find one last year that was the same year as the one i had and its one of my main basses now.

    Reply
  4. Carvin is THE way to go! As an east coaster I got one on a whim, the prices are phenomenal! The sound is even better!

    Reply
  5. I always thought how it played and sounded were more important than where its made. Made in the USA usually just means overpriced, especially in the case of the “Big Guys”.

    Reply
  6. i bought a peavey patriot in 86 and a peavey foundation five string in 95 both were indestructable and got the same in trade for them as i paid for them. loved those “super ferite” pickups

    Reply
      • De nada. One of the few guitar-bass look alike models. The value of the T40s have actually gone up in recent years, seems to be some affinity for them over other models. Believe it or not, my T60 was as heavy as my T40! :O

        Reply
        • The T-60 did a big number on my back, it’s a awesome guitar but a back killer!
          I got rid of it for that reason!
          But I have been looking 4 one now with the price being very affordable..
          I work on guitars and repair them now and have a great plan for one of the T-60 Peavey models

          Reply
  7. I picked up an ’86 Peavey Dyna-Bass w custom moulded hard shell case in OKC for $150. Had one back in early 90’s. Solid bass, great value, and fully Made In America.

    Reply
  8. I have owned both Carin and Peavy bassesandwould recommend both.just replacing the electronics on my Carvin which I have owned since 1995.

    Reply
  9. I saw a T40 just like in the pic at a local pawn shop for $300. It was in good shape and played good. I was so tempted to buy it but my wife would kill me if I brought home another bass.

    Reply
    • Kramers are a bit out of the topic, as they weren’t MADE in America; at their best, they were CRAFTED in America from imported parts. Well, some Peaveys were/are too, but there are still “MIA” ones.

      Reply
  10. I have an 83 T-45 also, that I bought new. I’ve played around 3000 shows with it and would not trade it for a brand new Fender

    Reply
  11. The G-Bass is a Modulus Flea Bass without the name or price tag. God bless Hartley Peavey. Between the sturdy, sometimes remarkable basses and those virtually unkillable early bass amps, he’s taken great care of us!

    Reply
  12. You can buy Carvin from dealers outside of the USA – prices are still great and the good dealers hold stock so you can try them out as well 🙂

    Reply
  13. I think that Carvin basses are better in terms of production quality then most of expensive Fender and Gibson basses I’ve played. Soundwise they are just different but not worse.

    Reply
  14. I picked up one of these foundation Basses off of ebay got it for 100.00 bucks had to replae the pots in it but that was it it plays fantastic has great tone and best of all it was cheap it is one of my back up basses and it is fretless all 12 of my basses are fretless and i love them all all together i have less than 1500.00 in all 12

    Reply
  15. Guild Pilot anyone? Great craftsmanship and top shelf parts. EMGs, Schaller bridge, Grover tuners…the poplar ones are about 7lbs and could be had under $500. Expect to pay a premium for a maple bodied version.

    Reply
  16. Have a T-20, a Foundation, a T-40, all work horses, solid build, and solid bottoms.
    The T-20 is a fun single coil with a unique lil’ punch!!!

    Reply
  17. In a moment of impulse I bought myself a 1990 “Peavey Synth Bass” with the Peavey module, A Simple bass, great sounds, and a very playable nice little bass, built like the proverbial “Brick S—ouse. The P Bass style pick up did its job very well and the range of tones was as good as Basses of, supposedly, superior quality…, Then, the “SYNTH” It was amazing, endless Bass and Guitar sounds and THEN every attainable noise you could imagine, a simple bassist should not be let loose with such an animal, Hammond B3 with Jon Lord overdrive, Mini Moog, Juno 106, Yam DX7 plus 500+ stock sounds, full drum kit to make custom kit loops and that’s before the 1000’s of variations and in the wink of an eye, bass man seeks WORLD DOMINATION!!! The bass was the best bit and I still have it but World Domination and the Synth ended up in a great glob of a 56 sound loop from Hell and died horribly.. Never mind, one day a mad Peavey inventor and I will rise again….. OK!!!!!!!!!!….

    Reply
  18. I have a Carvin all Koa four string fretless, and a Carvin semi-acoustic four string fretless. These basses just cannot be beat. Nothing sounds sweeter than that Koa. Of course, if I truly want to rock out, there is nothing like my Fender fretless Jazz Bass (epoxy neck, Rotosound strings). Carvin amplifiers are terrific bargains as well, top notch reliability. I play out of a BX1500, a 4×10 with tweeter, and an 18″ cab. All Carvin. Crystal clear sound and easier to move (plywood, not pressed wood, construction).

    Reply
  19. I bought a1984 Peavey Patriot Bass new, one of the earlier ones with the wider neck. 29 years later,and a dozen pickup changes and a Hipshot detuner, it’s still my favorite, and still plays like a dream. I like it even better than my Mexican P-Bass (which is a good, solid, gig-able instrument, too).

    Reply
  20. I had a natural finished Foundation which I played forever, then a Grind NTB (made in Viet Nam, btw) & a 4 & a 5 string Millenium. Great basses for the price. A T-40 would’ve been a nice addition!

    Reply
  21. Personally I don’t think where the instrument is made matters one bit. If it is US, Korean,Japanese, or Mexican Made, provided it is in playable shape and had decent, though preferably fine quality control at the factory of origin then whatever country of origin it is manufactured is moot. Electronics can be replaced, hardware can be swapped and as long as the instrument is enjoyed by the player who cares where it came from. A great player can pickup any instrument and shine through. US made in my eyes is a false and misleading statement. Any and all manufacturer specifications on country of origin is best taken at face value.

    Reply
  22. Both Carvin and Peavey make high-quality instruments. Having had experience with both I strongly recommend them as favorable alternatives to the “big 2” or overseas manufacturers. Carvin especially outshines the competition with bang-for-buck factor and custom shop level materials, craftmanship, and playability at prices that decimated the competition

    Reply
  23. Have to agree. I have two mid 80’s Patriots and did not feel bad about taking my router and refitting them with better pickups (EMG and SD Basslines). Solid craftsmanship, wonderful players, and around $150 each.

    Reply
  24. Back in the late 80’s early 90’s I had a Peavey TL5 & a TL6. Both sounded, looked & played great. The TL5 was the better of the two. I also have a Peavey Axcelerator Fretless in my closet. It’s dark metalic blue, a color the bass was never offered in. I won’t be parting with that one, thank you.

    Reply
  25. I had done a benefit show @ a local Peavey dealer and since it was being broadcast they wanted us to use Peavey products, they gave me a Rudy Sarzo signature, years later I ended up searching one out it was just as good as I remembered it, very heavy but superb sound! Still a favorite of mine, I believe they were the begining that ended up being the cirrus line

    Reply
  26. I had a Peavey T40 back in the early 80s. It was quite heavy. I then bought a new Peavey DynaBass around 87 or 88. It’s still my main bass…LOVE IT!

    Reply
  27. i have a lefty carvin that i picked out everything i wanted. I had no choice with the other manufacturers. And it was still 1/2 the price of the other 1’s.

    Reply
  28. I’ve played both carvin and peavey. Currently own an early 90’s fury and a mid 80’s foundation. Picked both up for around 100 bucks each. Love them both, but my main bass is a 5 string bass I made using a carvin neck-through neck blank as a foundation to build my bass around. Love the feel and profile of carvin necks, hate their body styles… That’s why I made my own. 😉

    Reply
  29. Have owned 4 carvin 5-string basses since 1989 and currently have 2 bunny brunels one of which is fretless! I also have a carvin Holdsworth guitar. Great sounding solid instruments. Have owned; Warwick, Spector, Tobias, scaled down but kept all carvins!

    Reply
  30. I own not one but TWO Peavey Foundation 5 string basses. Bought the 1st one to keep in my band’s practice studio and liked it so much I bought a second for my on-the-road back up bass. Paid under $250.00 for each! The older Foundations with the Super Ferrite p/u’s are low frequency bulldozers.
    By the way-I’m a custom builder (scratch built, not “parts” built) and play my own basses as front line of course, but these are my “go-to” for rehearsal and back-up basses.

    Reply
  31. I Picked up a used Carvin B5 some years back and i is really a fantastic instrument. It is extremely well crafted and extremely versatile. I would say it does not have a great deal of “character” in its tone though and if you are wanting an iconic bass sound, the older bolt neck series from Carvin may not do it for you. that being said it is an incredibly versatile and necessary tool in my bag and I love it to death.

    I am planning on picking up a more recent version or maybe their new P5 model soon!

    Reply
  32. I picked up a Peavey Millenium 5 (USA) a while ago. Those basses retailed for about $1500, but best $500 I could’ve spent on a flame-top, incredibly versatile bass. HUGE range of tone, very playable.

    Reply
  33. Does it have to be American or North American? Our neioghbors to the north in Canada( AY!) make Godin Basses and they are very good quality/craftmanship. I highly recommend the Godin Shifter Classic 4 Electric Bass Guitar Creme Brulee with either the maple or the rosewood neck. The bass is very balanced with good pickups(PB/JB config) awesome tone classic tone. It was reviewed in an online issue of ‘No Treble’ you can get one for @ $790. I would also recommend the Schecter Rob DeLeo Model-T. I am a Fender J-Bass player ( owned the same bass for 44 years) but use these with confidence also depending on my mood….Hope this helps.

    Reply
  34. I think the old Kramer aluminum necks were made in New Jersey. I have a Kramer 450B from 1976. Paid $150 for it back in 1980. Stanley Clarke was the Kramer poster guy at the time it was made.

    Reply
  35. I have three Peavey T-60 basses, one is my first bass that I ever owned. For the price I paid in 1978 ($350.00), they kicked ass on the Fenders and Gibsons available at the time. In fact, they still hold their own in comparison to virtually any bass under $1000.00 as far as sound and playability…and you can always use one as a boat anchor in a pinch, they are that mind-bogglingly heavy!

    Reply
  36. I didn’t see it mentioned in the article or the comments but the BK4 as pictured in the “G…” ad is a kit bass. (BK4 = bolt kit 4 sting) The fact that it was assembled by a customer from Carvin-supplied parts rather than in the factory may be part of the low asking price. Still, there are certainly many great deals to be had on used Carvin basses!

    Reply
  37. I hauled my old T40 out of the storage after 30 years. Everything worked, and after some practice sessions I used it for a charity gig. Worked like a charm. Playing again (reliving my youth), I thoughg about replacing it with a new model. The only thing that came close was a crazy-priced Music Man. I’m sticking with my T40 and might even replace the decades-old strings…

    Reply
  38. after owning a custom carvin, a coupla aria mij’s, many fender usa and mij’s, peavey dyna’s and the best of all…a guild pilot…i come back to the homely and wonderful t-20….really all you need in a bass, cheap, sounds amazing, plays even better…the 2 best basses for the money or otherwise???? t-20 peavey and guild pilot….the rick is just a show-off, and the best bass in the world is a 1969 Carvin 77-AGB…nuff said. just ask bosco mann.

    Reply
  39. have an early 80s Foundation with rosewood neck, have had for over 20 years and still amazes people when they hear it. I guy who owned a studio wanted to buy it off me! solid, heavy and kicks ass. I have 11 basses and this one still sounds the best. oicked up a Peavey Millennium bxp recently also. BIG sound from that as ell, but not “made in USA”. the old Peavey Mark III bass head still thumps after 20+ yrs also!!!

    Reply
  40. I have a Peavey Dyna bass five strings and I am having a hard time finding the tuning keys can someone tell me how to get the correct ones?

    Reply
  41. Got three T-40s, and they’re great instruments. The T-40’s bridge isn’t a top-loader though – it’s a through-body.

    Reply
  42. I’am debating on a couple peavey basses but I have a 1976 Carvin LB70 it is a killer bass I have it up for sale I must be crazy but it’s there 1st long scale bass. It is a lawsuit Fender P copy w Humbuckers and mono and stereo output it is a Fender P Music Man and Rick all in 1 and it is built just as good as any Fender of that era very rare bass

    Reply
  43. Now; I’ve got a Peavey Dyna-Bass, its black with black string mounts, dark wood neck, with silver frets, the tuners are black. I don’t know much about them, from what I foundd, they’re an 80s bass. Mine just suffered an unfortunate accident, shattering the neck in half- my grandfather clock fell on it, and another guitar, breaking the head in half on that one. Where, or how can I find a replacement neck for this poor unfortunate Dynabass?

    Reply
  44. Never in a million years would I have given a second look at a Peavey instrument, after all, I’ve always associated Peavey with hair metal and church bands. After a long string of cheap-ass Fenders and Squiers, I decided to go to GC and test out “other” brands and models. I tried everything in the store and the top of the line Fender Elite American basses were the only new things in the store that really sounded and felt like what I’d expected they should. In the used room, I found an old 1989 Peavey Dyna Bass on the wall in great condition. I thought, why not give it a try, I tried all that other crap. Man, was I impressed. This bass feels and sounds amazing!!! I could not believe that I had passed these up for so many years because of how they looked. $399 with the OG molded case, I couldn’t pass it up. I got a well crafted American made bass for the price of an Indonesian entry level model with crummy hardware and spotty workmanship. This bass feels very solid and the active tone is killer.
    After a month, I am still very impressed with this bass and it has quickly become one of my favorite basses I’ve ever owned.

    Reply
  45. Had a Peavey T40 back in 82 that I used over a Gibson SB which I wish I would have kept. Heavy for certain and I wish I would have made two custom Teles for friends out of the Ash T40. Only used the phase switch on two country songs for a so called trio, White Lightning and I think Lukenbach or whatever since we hardly ever spent money for a lead player. Hey Rick D. Jim was too drunk for us to use him, so sorry for that, I know he was your uncle. Dayton was a nice easy to please market back then. Fake email sorry again Rick that I passed on your cousin but we had to part ways.

    Reply
  46. Did anyone mention the Peavey Forum bass? I am the lucky owner of a robin’s egg blue one with a figured maple neck and let me tell you, it’s a great instrument. Sounds great and I love the slender J bass neck. All for $250 with prices on this model having remained pretty stable. An excellent USA-made bass for under $300. Can’t beat it!

    Reply
  47. I am new to this world and have not played my Peavey Axcelerator 4-string in about 20 years (carpal tunnel surgery and a major accident to my right hand sort of took it off my list of things to do). Anyway, I’m now in my seventies and am downsizing, but don’t know much about the value or quality of the bass bought in a pawn shop oh so many years ago. From what I can find (mostly the serial number … 07056661) I am guessing it is from 1994. Anybody have some advice?

    Reply

Leave a Comment

Want a New Set of Pickups?
Enter for a chance to win: