Peavey T-45

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Page last updated Jun 11, 2026

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Price

Average Price: $1,000

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Electric Basses category, Peavey T-45 is priced in the upper end of the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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Step back into the golden era of bass guitars with the Peavey T-45, a true icon from the 1980s. Known for its versatile dual blade humbucker, this bass allows you to effortlessly switch between single coil and full humbucker settings, catering to a wide spectrum of tonal possibilities. The T-45 boasts a 34" scale length, providing a comfortable playing experience for both seasoned bassists and newcomers alike. Its construction includes a dual laminated Maple neck, ensuring durability and a sleek, smooth feel without the need for a pickguard. This no-nonsense design embraces both functionality and style, making it a standout in any collection. The Peavey T-45 was in production from 1982 to 1986, a testament to its enduring appeal among musicians. Whether you're laying down the groove in a studio session or rocking the stage, the T-45 offers both reliability and performance that can be trusted.

Key Features:

34" scale length
Dual laminated Maple neck
Dual blade humbucker for single coil or full humbucker settings
No pickguard design
Years of Production: 1982 - 1986

Product specs

Brand	Peavey
Model	T-45
Finish	Sunburst
Year	1980s
Categories	4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups	Passive Pickups
Active Preamp	No Preamp
Body Shape	Double Cutaway
Color Family	Brown
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Fretboard Material	Maple
Number of Frets	21
Number of Strings	4-String
Pickup Configuration	H
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Peavey T-45 bass guitar have?: The Peavey T-45 features passive pickups with a single humbucker configuration, providing a rich and deep tone suitable for various music styles.
How many frets does the Peavey T-45 have?: The Peavey T-45 bass guitar comes with 21 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and versatility in playing different musical genres.
Is the Peavey T-45 suitable for beginner bass players?: The Peavey T-45, with its comfortable double cutaway body shape and straightforward controls, can be suitable for beginners who are looking for a reliable and versatile bass guitar.
What is the fretboard material of the Peavey T-45?: The fretboard of the Peavey T-45 is made from maple, which offers a bright tone and smooth playability.
Does the Peavey T-45 have an active preamp?: No, the Peavey T-45 does not have an active preamp; it features passive electronics for a more traditional bass sound.

Videos

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Marcin Pendowski

PEAVEY T 45 made in USA SOUNDTEST

Marcin Pendowski

Rib13 Bass - Peavey T-45 (A Comprehensive Review)

Rib13 Bass

Peavey T-45 Bass sound Samples

Mitch Lamm

Rib13 Bass - Peavey T-40 & T-45 Side By Side Demo

Rib13 Bass

Peavey T45 Review and Demo

Kevin Johnson

Reviews

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PROS

Multifunctional knobs offer seamless single coil and humbucker switching
Offers diverse tones similar to a 1957 P bass
Superior build quality, showcasing American craftsmanship
Unique pickup provides three distinct sounds with just one configuration
Retains stunning appearance even after decades
Lightweight design enhances playability and comfort
Versatile for various playing styles: thumping, slapping, fingering, and picking
Excellent bridge grounding and quality components
Preferred over modern American P basses by some users

CONS

No true split humbucker option available

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Peavey T-45.

Build quality

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It's noted that the T-45 is as heavy as the T-40, a common deterrent despite its affordable quality.
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The absence of a serial number suggests it might be a prototype or an experimental model, aligning with other unique Peavey instruments.
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The Peavey T-40s with solid colors like red used Poplar wood, which is lighter than the Ash used in natural or sunburst models, impacting the instrument's weight.
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User experience

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Owners appreciate the playability of the T-45, with roundwound strings enhancing its performance.
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The natural finish and lack of blemishes give this T-45 a unique aesthetic appeal, drawing admiration from multiple owners.
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Value and pricing

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The T-45 remains affordable partly due to its weight, making it less appealing to some despite its quality.
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A red T-40 in good condition is considered rare and can fetch significantly higher prices due to its unique color and vintage status.
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Setup and maintenance

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One user had to use a metric toolset to address fret buzz, indicating some models may require different tools for maintenance.
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Owners suggest checking the neck heel or control cavity for a pencil-marked assembly date, common in Peavey prototypes.
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Features and functionality

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The mysterious "S" in the model name could indicate a unique or limited production run, possibly a prototype.
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The T-40's electronics are noted for their groundbreaking design, offering a very flexible sound that sits well in a mix and records excellently.
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Comparisons

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Some users speculate it might be a different scale length, possibly shorter than the standard 34".
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The T-40 has been compared to Rickenbackers for its versatility, but at a significantly lower price point, making it a "poor man's Rickenbacker" in some circles.
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Use cases and applications

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Owners value the T-40 as an ideal studio bass due to its sustain and flexible tone, despite its considerable weight being a challenge for live performances.
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Critic Reviews

Peavey T-45 | Vintage Guitar® magazine

vintageguitar.com

While the Peavey T-45 offers a unique design and a promise of tonal flexibility with its single humbucker and mid-frequency rolloff control, it struggles to escape the shadow of the more popular T-40. The review highlights its less favorable reception, suggesting that many perceive it as a budget version rather than a standalone instrument. Although it features solid build quality and innovative manufacturing techniques, the T-45's limited popularity and lack of distinct identity might deter some musicians from exploring its potential.

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