I've been shopping for a new bass guitar all month. I love playing bass, but I know almost nothing about them. Plus, there's the small issue of not wanting to spend a lot of money. Like $300 or less. This complicates things.
After spending hours trolling bass forums and Craigslist, last weekend I picked up an 1981 Peavey T-40 from a guy in Tacoma who collects them (he had four T-40s and was selling off two). They don't make them anymore and they're just on the edge of "vintage," but they're not exactly rare.
The T-40 is built like a tank. I read somewhere that Peavey used firearm design for inspiration, and I believe it. Everything about it feels weaponized. It's also way heavier than any other bass I've tried. The intonation is great, and I'm only beginning to grok all the tone controls.
It's got a few dings and scuffs -- which I prefer to think of as scars.
The original heavy bronze strings were too hurty for my soft, delicate hands, so I replaced them with some DR Lo Riders, and now I don't cry so much when I play it -- which is a lot. Play it, that is. I'm a little obsessed with the T-40.
I must give it a badass-sounding name. Suggestions?