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I think the Foundation is such a vastly underrated bass, particularly considering price/ value/ built in the USA- the whole platform (build quality, hardware, electronics, playability and tone) all convey a sense of a bass that should cost much more than it did/ does- at least that’s certainly the case with the pre- 1990’s models.

Mine is a bit different (I've owned it for several years, but if anyone here is responsible for it’s backstory please chime in as I have no idea who, where or when): at some point a previous owner had this pristine 1987 model professionally modified including a Bartolini NSTMB 18 preamp with volume, balance, concentric bass/treble, mid (all EQ are boost/cut) and 3-way mid-EQ frequency shift switch. I don’t know how long ago this preamp was on the market, it’s no longer listed on the Bartolini site but a google search turned up an old description of it on a builder’s website (Dave King in Portland Or):

“This is Bill Bartolini's latest and most refined design. It is as quiet as anything out there (106 dB S/N) and really sounds good. To quote from the spec. sheet "(The bipolar) +9V/ -9V system allows a completely DC coupled signal path. There are no capacitors to diminish in any way the low end punch, clarity and frequency response of the instrument" (THD .003% @ 100Hz). Bill has used wide bands that overlap slightly to avoid the honky sound of other midrange controls.” The 250Hz mid could be useful as a cut option when recording. Includes a gain trimmer to match outputs with your other axes. Needs two 9V batteries".

PJ described the Foundation as “kinda like a J bass on steroids”, and describing this one as a Deluxe J bass on steroids isn’t far off the mark- although it’s actually better than that in just about every regard. I'm definitely no expert on installing preamps and it would never have occurred to me to combine the stock passive Super Ferrite pickups with an 18v Bartolini active circuit... but whoever did, it was a stroke of genius- this is a mod I can highly recommend! The tonal versatility and power of this thing is unbelievable! It is easily right up there with some of the best sounding active basses I own.

The black pearloid pickguard and back plates were a nice added touch of class too. Have any of you guys ever made any changes on yours?

Author:	paulo [ February 28th, 2017, 6:27 pm ]
Post subject:	Peavey Foundation
https://nmi.craigslist.org/msg/6006451182.html Look like a nice bass for the price, I've never got to try one.

Author:	pjmuck [ February 28th, 2017, 7:54 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Peavey Foundation
I had one. They are excellent basses and just about the cheapest USA made bass you're gonna find on the used market. They're kinda like a J bass on steroids.

Author:	superheavydeathmetal [ February 28th, 2017, 8:35 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Peavey Foundation
pjmuck wrote: They're kinda like a J bass on steroids. Damn, Pete. You know the exact words to make me wamt to buy something. That makes me really want to try this bass. Maybe one will eventually pop up closer to home.

Author:	screambasses [ March 2nd, 2017, 4:58 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Peavey Foundation
pjmuck wrote: They are excellent basses and just about the cheapest USA made bass you're gonna find on the used market. They're kinda like a J bass on steroids. Agreed. I have two; one like this, and one with a maple board. pete

Author:	johntheleftybassist [ March 3rd, 2017, 12:33 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Peavey Foundation
Exactly my very first true lefty bass.

LeftyBassist.com http://leftybassist.com./

Peavey Foundation http://leftybassist.com./viewtopic.php?f=13&t=8006	Page 1 of 1

Author:	andrew [ March 3rd, 2017, 4:38 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Peavey Foundation
johntheleftybassist wrote: Exactly my very first true lefty bass. John how close is this bass to you?

Author:	superheavydeathmetal [ March 3rd, 2017, 9:56 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Peavey Foundation
screambasses wrote: I have one with a maple board. For sale?

Author:	screambasses [ March 5th, 2017, 7:20 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Peavey Foundation
superheavydeathmetal wrote: screambasses wrote: I have one with a maple board. For sale? No. Sorry. pete

Author:	Carmine [ March 6th, 2017, 3:31 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Peavey Foundation
I think the Foundation is such a vastly underrated bass, particularly considering price/ value/ built in the USA- the whole platform (build quality, hardware, electronics, playability and tone) all convey a sense of a bass that should cost much more than it did/ does- at least that’s certainly the case with the pre- 1990’s models. Mine is a bit different (I've owned it for several years, but if anyone here is responsible for it’s backstory please chime in as I have no idea who, where or when): at some point a previous owner had this pristine 1987 model professionally modified including a Bartolini NSTMB 18 preamp with volume, balance, concentric bass/treble, mid (all EQ are boost/cut) and 3-way mid-EQ frequency shift switch. I don’t know how long ago this preamp was on the market, it’s no longer listed on the Bartolini site but a google search turned up an old description of it on a builder’s website (Dave King in Portland Or): “This is Bill Bartolini's latest and most refined design. It is as quiet as anything out there (106 dB S/N) and really sounds good. To quote from the spec. sheet "(The bipolar) +9V/ -9V system allows a completely DC coupled signal path. There are no capacitors to diminish in any way the low end punch, clarity and frequency response of the instrument" (THD .003% @ 100Hz). Bill has used wide bands that overlap slightly to avoid the honky sound of other midrange controls.” The 250Hz mid could be useful as a cut option when recording. Includes a gain trimmer to match outputs with your other axes. Needs two 9V batteries". PJ described the Foundation as “kinda like a J bass on steroids”, and describing this one as a Deluxe J bass on steroids isn’t far off the mark- although it’s actually better than that in just about every regard. I'm definitely no expert on installing preamps and it would never have occurred to me to combine the stock passive Super Ferrite pickups with an 18v Bartolini active circuit... but whoever did, it was a stroke of genius- this is a mod I can highly recommend! The tonal versatility and power of this thing is unbelievable! It is easily right up there with some of the best sounding active basses I own. The black pearloid pickguard and back plates were a nice added touch of class too. Have any of you guys ever made any changes on yours?

Author:	superheavydeathmetal [ March 6th, 2017, 6:46 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Peavey Foundation
Thanks for taking the time to provide such detailed information, Carmine! When you say it is now more like a "Deluxe Jazz on Steroids," does that imply a more or less aggressive tone? screambasses wrote: superheavydeathmetal wrote: For sale? No. Sorry. No worries, Pete. I was just kicking tires.

Author:	ezstep [ March 6th, 2017, 8:05 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Peavey Foundation
I had one, fretless, back in the late 80's??? maybe. I wish I could find another one, fretless. This is one that "got away."

Author:	fivebass52 [ March 7th, 2017, 5:24 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Peavey Foundation
Carmine, that is ONE Sexy looking bass! Great back-story... the pearloid pick, and cavity covers, just adds to the coolness of this unique bass... Great score!

Author:	Carmine [ March 7th, 2017, 9:50 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Peavey Foundation
superheavydeathmetal wrote: Thanks for taking the time to provide such detailed information, Carmine! When you say it is now more like a "Deluxe Jazz on Steroids," does that imply a more or less aggressive tone? Well... I'd say both actually- significantly more drive and usable versatility overall across the entire tonal range- it can definitely get aggressive and growly tones but handles warm and fat equally well ( by soloing the neck pickup and using the midrange frequency shift you can get a killer P bass tone) while always maintaining great definition and clarity. It would be great in a "only bring one bass" scenario live or studio as you can get just about anything you want out of it- which I wouldn't say about my Fender deluxe jazz (not to disparage the deluxe jazz which is fine in its own right). I'm convinced that the magic of this particular bass is down to the unique marriage of the Peavey super ferrite pickups with the bartolini 18v preamp. Super ferrites are single coil blades with 2 large ceramic bar magnets and are deeper and heavier than jazz pickups. Their tone kinda splits the difference between a J with a bit more bite and a P (thus again PJ's description of a "jazz on steroids"). During the 80's the Peavey Dyna Bass combined a switchable passive/active Peavey 9v preamp with super ferrite pickups (see below). I haven't heard one, but I'd be shocked if it sounded anywhere near as good as mine does. I don't think they were offered in a lefty? Additionally the Peavey T20 and Peavey Patriot basses featured just one super ferrite placed in the Precision position (see below)- so Peavey thought that just one was enough to get the job done- but I've never played either one of those so I can't say... I don't think those were ever offered in a lefty either?

Author:	Carmine [ March 7th, 2017, 10:03 am ]
Post subject:	Re: Peavey Foundation
fivebass52 wrote: Carmine, that is ONE Sexy looking bass! Great back-story... the pearloid pick, and cavity covers, just adds to the coolness of this unique bass... Great score! Thanks five, I wish I could take credit for it! But it does illustrate that the stock Foundation- despite its great sound and build quality- was a fairly mundane utilitarian looking instrument. Perhaps that had an impact on it's market perception? Imo adding that pearloid treatment elevated this one to a new level aesthetically!

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Author:	pjmuck [ March 7th, 2017, 12:34 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Peavey Foundation
Carmine wrote: I think the Foundation is such a vastly underrated bass, particularly considering price/ value/ built in the USA- the whole platform (build quality, hardware, electronics, playability and tone) all convey a sense of a bass that should cost much more than it did/ does- at least that’s certainly the case with the pre- 1990’s models. Mine is a bit different (I've owned it for several years, but if anyone here is responsible for it’s backstory please chime in as I have no idea who, where or when): at some point a previous owner had this pristine 1987 model professionally modified including a Bartolini NSTMB 18 preamp with volume, balance, concentric bass/treble, mid (all EQ are boost/cut) and 3-way mid-EQ frequency shift switch. I don’t know how long ago this preamp was on the market, it’s no longer listed on the Bartolini site but a google search turned up an old description of it on a builder’s website (Dave King in Portland Or): “This is Bill Bartolini's latest and most refined design. It is as quiet as anything out there (106 dB S/N) and really sounds good. To quote from the spec. sheet "(The bipolar) +9V/ -9V system allows a completely DC coupled signal path. There are no capacitors to diminish in any way the low end punch, clarity and frequency response of the instrument" (THD .003% @ 100Hz). Bill has used wide bands that overlap slightly to avoid the honky sound of other midrange controls.” The 250Hz mid could be useful as a cut option when recording. Includes a gain trimmer to match outputs with your other axes. Needs two 9V batteries". PJ described the Foundation as “kinda like a J bass on steroids”, and describing this one as a Deluxe J bass on steroids isn’t far off the mark- although it’s actually better than that in just about every regard. I'm definitely no expert on installing preamps and it would never have occurred to me to combine the stock passive Super Ferrite pickups with an 18v Bartolini active circuit... but whoever did, it was a stroke of genius- this is a mod I can highly recommend! The tonal versatility and power of this thing is unbelievable! It is easily right up there with some of the best sounding active basses I own. The black pearloid pickguard and back plates were a nice added touch of class too. Have any of you guys ever made any changes on yours? Nice! That pickguard combo reminds me a bit of the Line 6 Variax bass. (That'll be my next project. Buy a righty Variax bass and gut it to install the electronics into a lefty). I wonder if the pickguard had to be custom ordered.

Author:	fivebass52 [ March 7th, 2017, 3:23 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: Peavey Foundation
Carmine, in the back of the neck plate, there is a small hole... is that for adjusting the angle of the neck?