Peavey Rudy Sarzo Bass

34" scale, 24 fret, Ebony fingerboard w/8" radius, giant "open eye" inlays, fully humbucking wide-aperture ceramic pickups, onboard active 3-band EQ, powered by single 9 volt battery, Schaller bridge, gold plated hardware, medium neck width (1 5/8" at nut), brass nut, premium machine heads w/22:1 ratio, extra deep cutaways for maximum neck access, Unity neck through body construction, Schaller security locks, rear mounted battery compartment, bass works in full active or full passive modes. My particular Sarzo has an aftermarket gold Hipshot D-Tuner installed with matching gold tuning key.

The sound of the Sarzo pickups is distinctive with fat open tones. The bass is definitely voiced for rock in my opinion, especially with the brass nut. But I have used it with many types of music to great success (blues, funk, rock, metal, country, etc.)

I would gladly have given the Sarzo's sound a "10" but for one glaring problem - the active preamp is unacceptably noisy compared to basses made today like the nearly noise-free Peavey Cirrus line. So for passive mode I'll score the Sarzo a "9" but for active mode only a "7" for an overall score of "7.5", so I'll round up to "8".

In passive mode the bass control acts like a master tone control, which sounds very nice indeed, but without the fine tuning ability of the three band active EQ system.

Having said this, the tone of the Sarzo is superb - resonant with great punch (brass nut helps here), big fat notes, and wonderful sustain. It is a shame Peavey produced of bass of this wonderful quality and physical beauty and let the design be severely compromised by a cheap and noisy active preamp system. I have owned two Peavey Sarzos and they both suffered in this area.

I have played bass for nearly 38 years, and the Peavey Rudy Sarzo stands in my mind as one of my all-time favorites. I own basses that cost far more including a USA Tiger Cirrus 4 and I still feel the Sarzo is one of the best basses I have owned. In fact after selling my original Sarzo, I searched high and low until I recently found a 1988 model (red just like my first). Action is LOW<LOW<LOW without any fret buzz and fit and finish are superb.

I only wish Peavey had not used plastic black knobs for the EQ selectors. Better hardware would have finished off the bass more to my satisfaction.

The Sarzo is built very solidly to take the rigors of regular playing. I purchased mine from a professional Nashville, TN studio bassist who spent many hours with the bass. Aside from minor light surface scratching, the think lookd nearly new form 2 feet away. And this bass was played regularly.

The Schaller tuners keep things perfectly in correct pitch for long periods of playing time (man I wish I could say that about my Fender Jazz Basses). The Schaller roller bridge is a work of art. It is fully adjustable and easy to dial in precise bridge settings. The truss rod hardly ever needs adjusting and the 24 fret action is low and buss free all the way down the neck.I have never had a moments concern about the the Sarzo holding up well.

Peavey's customer support is among the best I have encountered. I have never had a defective Peavey bass product, but have needed customer support to assist me in finding out information about used instruments I have purchased. They are always prompt and courteous. I have a high level of confidence in them.

I have been playing nearly 38 years. I have owned own Fender Jazz Basses, G&L L-2000s, G&L L-1000, G&L ASAT, Epiphone Allen Woody Rumblekat, Peavey USA Tiger Eye Cirrus 4, and others.

I searched high and low for a replacement Sarzo after I sold my original sample several years ago. I was thrilled when I finally located a replacement red Sarzo.

If it were lost or stolen I would search high and low to find another one. The Peavey Sarzos are getting very hard to find (they were only made from the late 1980s through the early 1990s), and prices are going up on those in good condition, so grab them while you can.

I love the looks of the Sarzo with the offset body style and large "open eye" inlays against the Ebony fretboard. One of the most beautiful basses made to my eye. I also love the sound (in passive mode) with its big, thick, punchy notes. You really have to hear a Sarzo to appreciate their unique sound. I hate the fact Peavey skimped by fitting the Sarzos with noisy cheap preamp systems which really do not live up to the basses excellent quality materials, fit, and finish. But it still sounds very good in passive mode.

I own several basses, but my favorites are an Active Deluxe Fender Jazz, Peavey USA Tiger Eye Cirrus, Epiphone Allen Woody Rumblekat, and the Peavey Rudy Sarzo Signature. I would put the Sarzo up against basses costing many times more for everything except the active electronics sound. If the preamp were of better quality I believe I would give the Sarzo a "10" which I normally do not do, but considering the preamp issues and cheap black plastic knobs used for tone controls I am going to score the bass an "8.5" which I will round up to "9". The bottom line is these were the premier line for Peavey in the late 1980s and early 1990s that led to the development of the Cirrus line. The Rudy Sarzo signatures are getting pretty rare on the used market so if you find one - buy it!

Mine is a 1989, 5-piece neck-thru, ebony fretboard, ash body sides, volume, pickup blend, 3-band active EQ, brass nut, and all gold hardware. I was lucky enough to purchase this used from a music store in Germany in 1998 (while serving in the military). Since that day, this bass has remained my primary bass.

The active EQ works pretty well, and it allows me enough freedom to "dial-in" a room without messing with my amp's EQ. There may be some basses out there that have "bigger sounds" or "punchier sounds," but this bass has enough versatility to cover ALL styles. I've used this bass for theater pit work, classic rock, heavy metal, country, jazz combo, big band swing, calypso...everything. It was also the bass I used in the Army Band.

Since I bought mine used, the setup had already been tweeked. The action is relatively low, but not too low...it's perfect.

This bass is a rock-solid machine. It's made of good wood, and it's built to withstand anything. In the 10 years that I've owned it, I've only adjusted the truss rod once. I've used it on nearly every gig since 1998 (which is about 2-4 gigs per month). I always bring a backup to the gigs, but I've never had to use it. The only downside to the construction of this bass is the flimsey battery compartment cover (as others have said).

I've never used them.

This bass is THE BEST PLAYING bass that I have ever touched. My left hand suffers no fatigue while playing this bass, and the neck is lighning-fast. It is perfectly balanced, and it just simply feels as though it were made for me. I've been playing bass for 24 years, and I've owned other Peavey basses, Fender Jazz Bass, and a Warwick Corvette Standard 5. I have never played (whether I owned it or not) any other bass that compared to the Sarzo's playability (and I've played them all). I've played basses that had better tone, but none that were good enough to make me sacrifice the Sarzo. The playability of this bass cannot be beat (at least I haven't found one yet). This bass is definitely Peavey's crowning achievement. If this bass were lost or stolen, I would scour the earth for another one. You must understand...I can afford an expensive bass, but I just haven't found one that I like better than this one.

I bought this bass new in 1990. It's been illegibly signed with a silver pen by Rudy Sarzo (which is starting to wear off). Whitesnake was in town (Minneapolis, MN) on tour in 1990. Adrian Vandenberg and Rudy Sarzo stopped by the Knut Koupee (Mpls guitar store) to sign their signature Peavey instruments (guitar and bass). I asked an employee who at the store if Rudy played it. He said he didn't; instead, he licked it and dry humped it. Ah - the 80's...

I was making $5.00 an hour working at a print shop. I had no business buying this bass for $900.00 w/$100 hardshell case! But, I was 22 and was playing rock music in bars for beer. I had to have it! The neck through body, 24 fret, and built in preamp drew me in. I also love the style - it's a beautiful bass. The action feels good and has a beautiful sound. It takes a 9 volt in the back. All brass hardware. Low, mid and high adjustments.

This bass sounds great, whether slapping, fingering or picking. The built in preamp helps a lot!

The bass has a nice action and no oxidation. I have left mine in the case for the last 15 years so, no, there aren't any scratches or dents. My complaint?? The plastic batter compartment in the back is cheaply made and the frame around it is broken. It probably got caught on my pants while playing it. This will be fixed.
I may try to get Rudy to resign this bass - at least make it more legible.

Everything else is solid on this bass. I wouldn't dream of not using a hardshell case with it. Came with Schaller locks, by the way.

Not needed. Whenever I contacted Peavey for other things, they were always helpful.

I love this bass. Designed by a real musician and, don't forget,
Made in USA!

The Active Pick-ups and Thru-neck construction give this bass a deep and Warm sound. The Tone Electronics are Great and the Pick-ups are very sensitive giving a lot of variety and flexability.

I bought My Peavey "Rudy Sarzo" Bass from a second hand Music Store for $450.00 with the Hard Shell Case and an extra set of Bass Boomer Mid Strings in 1994. I'm an Old School Funk Basses with a little Jazz and Alternative influence. (Stanley Clark,Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Mark King and others) When I first looked at the Rudy Sarzo and it's thru-neck design, I was hesitant to purchase it but My Bass Mentor talked me into it and out the 4- Basses I have (Peavey Cirrus 5 and 6 String and my 4- String Surine Fretless) I feel that it's the best feeling and sounding Bass in My arsenal.

When I bought My Bass, the action was much to high for My taste but after setting the action, re-adjusting the Pick-ups and cleaning the Fretboard, the Bass sounds unbelievable. The Thru-neck gets a lot of attention from Bass Players and the overall Finish is pretty nice except for the knicks and scratches.

This was My only Bass for many years of Studio Recordings, Live Performances and Practices and I've only had a few problems with the weather and humidity causing problems with the Neck but with just a quick, I was in ready to Jam again.

This has to be one of the best Basses ever Build and I'ld never Sell it. It's feels like it belongs in My hands, sounds like it belongs in the Studio and looks like it belongs on Stage. Because of this I bought 2- more Peavey Basses.

No need to beat a dead horse. See the other reviews. It's got everything I'd want in a bass, thus a 10. Features, features, features. The Sarzo was the precursor to the Peavey Cirrus,...another well made, killer bass.

I use it to record. Of all instruments that I play and record, I have the most difficulty getting a good bass recording. Either too muddy or too thin. I could never get that wide, round thump from my old bass. This thing is so versatile with the active pups and EQ, you can tweak a plethora of tones out of it. I only give it a 9 because it can't emulate a flatwound sound with roundwound strings. Any bass that could do that would get a 10 in my books although now we're talking about changing the physical laws of materials.

This was one of Peavey's triumps. USA made, neck thru, ebony fretboard, extremely comfortable design. Mine is a 1989 model I purchased off of ebay, but it looks almost new. There are some slight wear marks on the plastic pup covers and some swirling marks in the finish if you hold it up to the light just right, but that's it. All gold hardware is still like new. This 34 inch scale neck has two full octaves and plays with medium low action without any buzz on the entire neck.

Don't gig with it, so don't know. Usually play it sitting down since all I do is record. Seems durable and well built. I had to adjust the truss rod once a couple of weeks after I purchased it,....probably due to the change in climate from where it came.

I won't give a rating on customer support because honestly, TRUE customer support is determined when you have something go wrong under warranty. When it involves money coming out of the manufacturer's pocket to make good on a warranty, THAT'S where the rubber meets the road. This bass is 15 years old, so it's way out of warranty.

However, that being said, I went to Peavey's website to determine what year it was made and see if I could obtain a replacement Sarzo certificate for it. (I like to have the case candy for my guitars if it is still available. Gives it a little premium in case I have to unload it.) Within 24 hours, had a response on both questions. Good customer support.

I've been playing 41 of my 48 years. I'm basically a guitar player and own around 35-38 guitars currently, including Gretsch, Fender, Gibson, Epi, DeArmond, Jackson, Ricky, Danelectro, etc. (I've lost count, which sounds pathetic, I know, but it's my middle age indulgence.) I've also got a Marshall JMP, a JCM 900, two Splawn modded Plexi reissue Marshalls, Laney GH50L, Laney VC30, MusicMan 210-65, Mesa DC3, and four or five small combos by Marshall, Vox, Fender, and Harmony. I only own one other bass currently, but I've played a lot of basses throughout the years including Gibson EBO, Thunderbird, Fender Tele, Precision, Jazz, Hofner, Rick 4001 and various copies of the aforementioned, but this Peavey Sarzo is the most versatile, comfortable bass I've played for the money. At $450, it is a frickin' steal!!! This was a very expensive bass when it first was issued. If you are wanting an extremely well made, versatile, comfortable, good looking bass, you're nuts if you don't seek one of these out and at least, try it.

American made (not sure what year), 24 ebony fretboard, hard rock maple neck-thru with either alder or ash wings. Two ceramic active/passive electronics (with battery compartment) and 3-band pre-amp/eq. Built like a rock--very sturdy and stable.

The sound is just awesome. The neck-thru construction and ebony fingerboard really do it for me. I think that ebony on a longer-scaled neck sounds awesome. I am a guitar player first and foremost. Although, I prefer neck-thru or set-in necks on guitars, I believe that it is essential for a bass to be neck-thru. This adds to its sustain and stability of the sound a bass produces. I run the Sarzo clean through a rackmount eq into a GK Backline 115 with just a little chorus here and there when needed--that's it. The passive/active switch is very useful. Allows me to switch from playing Steve Harris to Jaco Pastorius very easily. Although I was pretty impressed with the stock Peavey ceramic humbuckers, I ended up switching out for some Bartolinis with alnico Vs (just personal taste that alnico's sound warmer and more complex than ceramic magnet p/us). 7.9 with stock, and 9 with the Bartolinis = about 8.5 so I'll round up to 9.

Well I got mine used off of ebay, so I had to do some work to set it up to my liking. But now it plays like a dream. I also had to clean the bridge as well as wipe down the body and fretboard. The finish has held up very well--despite some minor dings, it shines as if it were new.

Like I mentioned before--built like a tank. Very stable, very durable. One thing that I did notice...I would have liked it better if Peavey had used better plastic in their parts (i.e. battery compartment lid, volume knobs, etc.)--had to replace my volume knobs with black chrome volume knobs. No biggie though.

N/A--never had to deal with them.

Been playing guitar and bass since 1989, but actually didn't play anything for 6-7 years so really 9 yrs. This bass just plain rocks. My roots are in metal--Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Metallica and hard rock--Whitesnake, Dokken, Gn'R. However, I listen and play everything else too from blues, swing, jazz, classic rock, reggae, r&b--this bass can cover it all. Still wished Peavey made quality stuff like this and the Vandenberg guitar instead of concentrating on the lower end stuff. If it were lost or stolen, I would definitely be scouring the earth for another.

This is a 1990 vintage 4 string, solid-body bass of neck-through construction, made in the U.S.A. It has a 34" scale, an ebony fretboard with oval eye-shaped mother of pearl inlays, a gold plated Schaller top-loading roller bridge and Schaller tuning keys. It has single volume and P/U blend controls, 2 Peavey soapbar pickups and active electronics with a 3 band EQ, though it also has a bypass switch to select passive mode if desired. The double-cutaway body "wings" are a glossy black with the middle section a natural finish and the instrument is finished in what appears to be a glossy urethane. The tuners are a 4 in-line configuration and the neck is super-thin, rather like a Stratocaster more than a bass. It's an impressively seductive looking bass, probably the highest quality product I've ever seen bearing the Peavey name. It came with a hardshell case, really the only needed accessory for a bass like this.

My "style", if it can be quantified, is just playing by myself, playing the tunes I played long ago in bands of which I was a member. I've got an Acoustic 370 (remember the '70s?) for playing at neighbor-disturbing volumes and a little Behringer practice amp for less obnoxious sound levels. I've got about 15 or so different basses (Fender, Peavey, Rick, Kramer, et. al.) including a couple of active instruments and this is the single best sounding, most versatile bass of all. I've A/B'd this against Fender Jazz basses and a Tele bass in passive mode and against an active Washburn and an Ibanez ATK 305 and I find this more versatile and better sounding than any of them. I fingerpick in a'60s - '70s style and I can get virtually any type of sound I want by adjusting the EQ and amp controls. It's noiseless in my setups and has great sustain, the thin neck and low setup make it ridiculously easy to play. If any instrument I own deserves a 10 for sound, this is it.

I got this 2 years ago via an E-Bay auction, sort of as a lark as I haven't played in a band in 25 years now, and didn't know what to expect. For a used bass almost 15 years old, I was floored at the quality of its construction. Whoever owned this prior to me obviously took great care of it; it's been used but not abused. The urethane finish has only a few minor scratches on the front and seems almost bulletproof otherwise. The only minus here is that the input jack is a bit dirty and crackles once in awhile; guess I'll address that one of these days.

I haven't gigged in many years but this bass seems to be anything one could want in a durable, reliable, super-quality bass. The gold hardware is in great shape, the finish seems impervious to wear, and truss rod adjustment? I seldom have to even tune this bass much less adjust the truss rod even though it might sit unused for weeks. Should I ever gig again, unlikely though that may be, I'd probably swap the strap buttons for straplocks simply because this is a technological improvement. The wise musician, however, never gigs without a backup since one never knows when someone might step on your cord and damage the input jack, a drunk may crash into you, a string breaks, or any other permutation of Murphy's Law for musicians. Always carry a backup as insurance against the unforseen.

I've dealt with Peavey several times and have always received friendly, intelligent, and responsible service. You can find most anything on their website and forums, too. Any warranty expired long ago but that's a non-issue.

I've been playing for longer than I care to think about, since about 1968. I played until 1979, then dropped out of music totally for the "normal" life with wife, kids, house and mortgage, 2 cars, and a white picket fence around the yard. My kids are grown now and I started fiddling with my old Fender basses about 2 years ago. Now, I've got about 18 guitars, 15 basses, and too many amps. I don't "collect" as much as "accumulate" instruments, stuff that strikes my fancy, like this bass. I used a Fender Tele bass for a lot of years playing semi-pro and a Gibson EB-2 before that. The Fender was a vast improvement over the Gibson (that bass looked great but sounded awful) and I only wish this bass had been available in the early '70s since I could have really had fun with the sounds it can make with my Acoustic 370. Well, that's life. This is a great instrument and the price is inexpensive since Peavey gets little respect as a brand name. In all, a great looking and great sounding bass.

1989, 34" scale, 24 frets, ebony fretboard, mother of pearl inlays, 3 band EQ, active humbucker pickups, active/passive switch, neck-through body, dark brown/natural finish, gold plated tuners/bridge, brass nut, 1 5/8" width at nut

What can't you do with this bass? I play rock and metal, and I like bright, punchy sounds, and I'm able to get that sound, even with flatwounds! With roundwounds you may get even more punch. It can sound like a P bass, very mellow, or bright and agressive. It a full, even sound that could suit many different styles.

I play with the action pretty low and this is how I recieved the bass. It was very easy to play the first time I picked it up. I have small hands, and the neck was not too thick, even for me. It's 15 years old and the finish has held up very well. I have only a few deep scratches on mine, but they don't pierce the finish.

This bass has takens some abuse and come back for more. The tuning pegs were a little beat up, but, I bought mine used. The strap pin on the upper horn seems to come loose, however, that may be because I replaced the original pins with strap locks. I tightened it and have not had any other problems with it.

I've only ever posted questions on their forums on the website. I asked questions about dating my bass, when it was manufactured, and if I could find certain replacement parts. All my question have been promptly answered, and all parts found, for little money.

I'm somewhat of a beginner, only playing for 3 years, and my other bass is a beginner's Yamaha. However, in my search for a top-of-the-line bass, I played Tobias, Epiphone, Fender, and many other companys. None of them had the features the Sarzo did. I took a bit of a risk buying it used with no warranty or return, but it has payed off. If stolen, I'd try like hell to find another one. They're inexpensive, and play great! I love how the bass balances, looks, sounds, and plays. I only wish it had one of those in-tune things on the headstock, like Fenders do. My G string tends to be slightly flat, but that may be because it's stored in a gigbag and gets bumped a little. Everything else is always A 440, even months after tuning.

I bought this bass new in '97 from a little shop in California. Don't know what year it is, But I just liked the looks & it was in the right price range. It has all the same features as these other review's on this page.

With the electronics in this bass you can pretty much get any sound you like,it's just a matter of playing around with it a bit.

All I have to say is Iv'e been playing bass for 27 years & played them all from a mustang bass to Ibanez futura to a kramer aluminum neck. This bass has the best action period. FROM THE FACTORY!!!. 2 full octives what more can you ask for. Oh did I mention how comfortable it is 1 to 10 --- 10.

I have had it since '97 the neck has never had to be ajusted, and it seems like it stays in tune forever.I don't play gigs much anymore but I know I could trust this bass for years. Just bring an extra battery.

If you come across one of these basses ask to try it you won't be disappointed.

34" scale, 24 frets, ebony fret board w/8" radius, pearl inlay(eye shaped),full humbucking wide aperature ceramics pick-ups,active 3-band eq,schaller bridge, gold hardware, neck width 1 5/8", premium machine heads 22-1 ratio, red translucent finish, neck thru construction, deep cut away!

I've owned this bass since it was new in 1991, and have used it for country music, both live and in the studio. It's range of sound is limitless. Because of the neck thru style, this bass has very solid bottom tones, and with the flick of a switch or spin of a knob, it can be near tin if I like. It's heavy body and active eq allow me to play single notes (in slow passages) that sustain beautifully, while holding up in the mix. This guitar has raised a few eyebrows.

Peavy was asleep at the wheel when they made the
electronics cover on the back of the bass, the access hole for the pre-amp gain is mis-aligned, and if you place a screw driver thru the hole your actually scratching the printed board for the active eq. Other than that, my bass was perfect when purchased, and the finish has held up well (I play every week) very tough. As for action, I have ajusted the intonation only once and it has remained "right on" I can play a whole set of music, and it's still right on 440.

I play this bass almost every week-end live, plus I use it for practise. After 10 years of sweat there is a small amount of wear on the tuners and some tiny pits in the gold hardware, but not bad for the hours on this guitar. The frets have held up well. I have never adjusted the truss rod but it's due. Intonation was set once and has remained dead on. Body finish is very tough and scratch resistant, still looks basicly new. Strap locks wore out years ago. My spare bass is rusting in the case, I've never needed it!

Came with a one year warranty. Never had a problem.

I've been playing since 1967 and played many bass guitars. I lucked out when I bought the "rudy". While I'm sure there are better instruments out there, I doubt if there is a better bass for the money, nor a more reliable one.
This bass has it all when it comes to range of sound and pure power. I have had many compliments on it's sound and beauty. I would bought two had I known what I know now.