Made in the U.S. between 1978 and 1988, the Peavey T-60 was perhaps Peavey's most prominent solidbody guitar made during that era, and the first guitar the brand ever produced. Many believe the T-60 has been grievously overlooked when examining historically great guitars. Though it is heavy, like many Peavey products from this time period, players have found that the tones of these guitars are so unique that it more than makes up for the instrument's mass.
Key Features:
Body and Neck:
- Body: The Peavey T-60 features a solid body, typically made of ash, which contributes to its bright and resonant tone. The body is relatively heavy compared to other guitars, giving it a substantial feel.
- Neck: It has a bolt-on maple neck with a maple fretboard, which is known for its smooth playability and bright, snappy tone. The neck profile is typically a medium C-shape, making it comfortable for a wide range of playing styles.
Electronics:
- Pickups: The T-60 is equipped with two humbucking pickups that can be split into single coils. This feature gives the guitar a wide range of tonal possibilities, from thick, warm humbucker tones to bright, articulate single-coil sounds.
- Controls: It has a unique control layout with two volume knobs, two tone knobs, and a three-way pickup selector switch. The tone knobs also act as coil-split controls—turning them down from 10 to 7 gradually shifts the humbuckers to single-coil mode, providing even more tonal flexibility.
- Phase Switch: The T-60 also includes a phase switch that allows you to put the pickups out of phase when both are selected, giving a thinner, more cutting tone.
Design and Aesthetics:
- Maple Fretboard: The maple fretboard offers a bright tone with excellent note definition, and it complements the guitar’s aesthetic with a light, smooth finish.
- Headstock: The headstock features the distinctive Peavey logo, and the tuners are typically high-quality, offering stable tuning.
- Finish Options: The Peavey T-60 was available in various finishes, including natural, black, sunburst, and others. The natural finish is particularly popular, showcasing the grain of the ash body.
Sound and Playability:
- Tonal Versatility: The T-60 is known for its versatility, capable of producing a wide range of sounds suitable for rock, blues, country, and even jazz. The ability to switch between humbucking and single-coil tones makes it a versatile instrument in both live and studio settings.
- Playability: The maple neck and fretboard provide a smooth playing experience, with a fast feel that’s great for both rhythm and lead playing. The medium-jumbo frets and 12-inch fretboard radius makes bending notes easier and more comfortable.
Historical Significance:
- Innovation: The Peavey T-60 was groundbreaking in its use of CNC technology for mass production, which set a new standard for quality and affordability in electric guitars.
- Popularity: Though it was initially produced in the late 1970s and 1980s, the T-60 has since become a cult classic, particularly among collectors and players who appreciate its unique features and solid build quality.
