Peavey Generation

This is the Generation Standard;1989 from the serial number. From the 1989 Operating guide (available for download from Peavey's support site): Solid Poplar body; Bilaminated satin finished maple neck; 12" radius maple fingerboard; 25 1/2" scale; two passive single coils; 3 position switch.

Stock bridge pickup was thin-sounding and actually didn't line up with the high e string. Replaced it with a Duncan broadcaster pickup which sounds great. Neck pup sounds fine as is. Rating is for the stock configuration.

This is nearly 20 years old, so it's sort of irrelevant, but I got this NOS, and the action was great and the intonation was right. Fret ends are a bit ragged.

Oh yeah, Peaveys are built like tanks.

Got a good site and they answer their emails promptly.

I'm a rank amateur that's been annoying my wife with this hobby for fifteen years. I've got a bunch of guitars including a Hamer T-51 that's fuller sounding (and MUCH heavier), and at one point, had a Tokai tele that I miss. For the price, I love the old USA Peavey stuff. This guy fills the bill nicely for a traditional tele vibe.

This is not a review, but an update to my original post below. Some of the info in my first post was mistaken.

Here is a run-down of Peavey's different Generation Series guitars, and how you can tell them apart:

Generation Standard - Similar to a standard Telecaster. Two single coil pickups and passive electronics. Maple neck, fingerboard, and headstock. String-through body stoptail bridge. "Pointy" Peavey logo. Circa 1988-1991.

Generation S1 - Peavey Active pickups manufactured by Peavey, sound very similar to Bartolini's. One single coil and one humbucker with a coil-tap switch. Mahoganey body with a maple cap. Flame maple neck with rosewood fingerboard. String-through body stoptail bridge. Headstock is color-matched to the body. "Pointy" Peavey logo. Circa 1988-1992.

Generation S2 - Nearly identical to the S1, but with a Kahler Spyder locking tremolo. S2's typically have nicely figured maple tops. Peavey Active pickups. Headstock is color-matched to the body. "Pointy" Peavey logo. Circa 1988-1992.

Generation Custom - Same as S2, but with an ebony fingerboard, and a poplar body instead of mahoganey to reduce weight. Headstock is color-matched to the body. "Pointy" Peavey logo. Circa 1989-1992.

Generation S3 - Uses three standard single coil pickups on a 5-way switch, like a Strat. Alder body, routed with "sound chambers" so it is very light, with a flame maple top. Maple neck and fingerboard, headstock is NOT color-matched to the body. "Pointy" Peavey logo. Circa 1991-1992.

The new Generation series guitars include the EXP and the ACM, both made overseas, and the Generation USA Custom, made in Mississippi.

The Generation USA Custom has three soapbar pickups and includes the piezo "ACM" pickup system found on the Korean-built ACM.

Only the original Generation Series (Standard, S1, S2, Custom, S3) have the "pointy" Peavey logo. The newer models (EXP, ACM, Generation USA Custom) all have the newer "block" Peavey logo.

Other Peavey guitars that have their heritage in the "T-type" design but are not officially part of the Generation Series include the Reactor, Reactor AX, and the Cropper Classic.

Manuals for all of these guitars can be downloaded for free from Peavey's wesbite.

I believe my generation is a '91 S3.It has three pickups with a 5 position switch.The pickups are passive.The neck and body I think are maple with a transparent dark brown finish on the top and black on the backside.The body is definitely a tele style , with the strings through the body.I actually traded this guitar at a small local music store that listed it for 499.cdn used.I tried it and I loved it.I offered a Korean made Lado(wouldn't stay in tune ,and a Samick custom pro with everything locking on it for the Peavey(even trade,with no cash).This guitar is so versatile that for me it was a win win situation

I play everything from Hank Williams to Downchild and everything in between.I sometimes use a Line 6 twin twelve modelling amp and also a Roland Jazz Chorus.When I really want the big weight and show I use a Peavey Mark 111 (1979 version) combo amp. They all sound great.My likes are the versatility and +++++++the weight.It weighs nothing.The neck is fasssssst.

I bought(traded) to acquire mine and the action seemed great.The guitar is 15 years old more or less so I took it to a luthier.There was nothing for him to do.It was perfect, so I said well put on some fresh strings.He got to do something.The luthier was certified by Fretworks out in western Canada.I have a full bodied Takamine about 12 years old and he did do some fretwork on it.This Generation rarely goes out of tune.Another plus.

Does this guitar withstand live playing.Can I say Hell Yes.It is also great for studio work.I recently did an EP CD in Nashville.The Generation ranks up there with the Les Paul,the Tele,and also the PRS.The strap buttons are solid,but my suggestion is that if you own a guitar that you love...buy strap locks.It would crush me to lose my guitar because of a $10.00 strap.This guitar is so dependable,that it can stand alone,and if it was the backup guitar it wouldn't be spending that much time on the guitar stand guaranteed

I have been a firm believer in Peavey products for a long time.Although I don't deal with the local Peavey dealer,Itravel 80 miles to the next Peavey deasler.It is the working mans instrument price wise and it is also found on professional stages all over the world.On the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville Peavey is one of the major choice instruments from amps to drumsets and everything in between(and I don't work for Peavey).

If this guitar were stolen or lost I would try my best to relocate another one.In fact this was the first one I had ever seen new or used,and if I have the chance to buy a second one for a backup then I will.

My Generation is an Early 90's version. It is a dark body with gold hardware, maple neck 2 pickups 1 single (neck), one double. I replaced the bridge pickup with a Duncan Distortion and the neck with another Seymour Duncan (can't remember). I bought it off my old guitarist in 95'. It is by far the coolest guitar I have ever owned. It has quite a bit of versatility in tones with the coil split switch on the humbucker. The neck is flawless. I love this guitar more than ANY guitar and I wish Peavey would start making the exact model again. I love Peavey and I will always be loyal because they have been loyal to their customers. I can't believe Guitar Center doesn't carry Peavey. Thats one reason I don't have much respect for them.

I also play through a Peavey Classic 100 watt head through a Peavey tweed 4/12 with celestions. Great amp and tone. I can convert any Peavey nonbeliever quickly with this rig! :o)

Unbelievable for every style. You can go from Clapton to VH in 1 sec. (i have the Duncan Distortion in the bridge though)

Perfect in every way. Another thing Peavey has to offer.

Yes I would use it at a gig without backup. I do.. It never goes out of tune and it sounds SOO good

I have been playing 24 years and am accomplished. This guitar is flawlessly original. I rate it head and shoulders above any guitar Fender or Gibson makes for versatility. I would personally always use a Duncan Distortion in the bridge though. I wish it had 2 single coils instead of one. 1 in the neck and one in the middle. Also if it had a 5 pos switch. This would be the ultimate guitar with these features.

This is not a review, but there seems to be some confusion over the different Generation models that Peavey has made over the years, so here is a quick run-down of the different Generation Series guitars, and how you can tell them apart:

Generation Standard - Similar to a standard Telecaster. Two single coil pickups and passive electronics. Maple neck, fingerboard, and headstock. String-through body stoptail bridge. "Pointy" Peavey logo. Circa 1988-1991.

Generation S1 - Peavey Active pickups manufactured for Peavey by Bartolini, one single coil and one humbucker with a coil-tap switch. Mahoganey body with a maple cap. Flame maple neck with rosewood fingerboard. String-through body stoptail bridge. Headstock is color-matched to the body. "Pointy" Peavey logo. Circa 1988-1992.

Generation S2 - Nearly identical to the S1, but with a Kahler Spyder locking tremolo and an ebony fingerboard instead of rosewood.Bartolini/Peavey Active pickups. Headstock is color-matched to the body. "Pointy" Peavey logo. Circa 1988-1992.

Generation Custom - Same as S2, but with a poplar body instead of mahoganey to reduce weight. Headstock is color-matched to the body. "Pointy" Peavey logo. Circa 1989-1992.

Generation S3 - Uses three standard single coil pickups on a 5-way switch, like a Strat. Alder body, routed with "sound chambers" so it is very light, with a flame maple top. Maple neck and fingerboard, headstock is NOT color-matched to the body. "Pointy" Peavey logo. Circa 1991-1992.

The newer Generation series guitars include the EXP and the ACM, both made overseas, and the Generation USA Custom, made in Mississippi.

The Generation USA Custom has three soapbar pickups and includes the piezo "ACM" pickup system.

Only the original Generation Series (Standard, S1, S2, Custom, S3) have the "pointy" Peavey logo. The newer models (EXP, ACM, Generation USA Custom) all have the newer "block" Peavey logo.

Other Peavey guitars that have their heritage in the "T-type" design but are not officially part of the Generation Series include the Reactor, Reactor AX, and the Cropper Classic. The Reactor replaced the Generation Standard, while the Cropper Classic is similar to a Generation S1.

Manuals for all of these guitars can be downloaded for free from Peavey's wesbite. Hope this helps clear up any confusion!

This is actually an update from the review I posted yesterday in which I said that the pickup configuration was the same as a Tele...its not ! There are 3 'strat style'Peavey, own brand pickups, with a 5 way selector switch. Its a typical Tele string thru body made of maple with a really pretty semi flamed,mid honey, maple top.The guitar came with a top quality gig bag - always a good sign.The tuners appear to be Peaveys own, and work fine. The neck is a lovely piece of maple, with medium size frets.Ive got to say, its about the most comfortable neck Ive ever played. If it were on a vintage Fender, people would be drawling over it!

I play blues and country, this guitar is perfect for both.The neck pickup sounds just great for blues, you can really 'dig in'Its similar to the Strats neck pickup, but because its a string through body, its got bit of 'twang' to it. The bridge one is is what you'd expect from a really good vintage Tele. Its twangy but not thin and it really cuts trough in the finest Tele tradition.

Didnt get it new, so cant comment on factory set up. The build quality is superd, this is really a Custom Shop quality finish.The neck fits perfectly, the frets are perfect, and all the hardware has worn well. The top again, is Custom Shop quality.All the controls work as they should , so no complaints there.

Ive not had it long enough to comment, but its 10+ years old and going strong.

Not needed, but Peavey is a solid company, so no worries.

Ive been playing around 30 years.Ive owned far too many guitars.I started out with Les Paul types, in fact I still have a '75 Aria pre Lawsuit, from the Matsumoko factory.Its a stunning guitar, one of the best of its type ever made.Generally speaking, Ive seemed to come down on the Fender sound though. To me,a good Tele or Strat always sounds so vibrant compared to Les Pauls, 335,s etc.Also, you can really dig in to them and get different tones, Humbucker types just seem to just sound louder. Im so impressed with this little guitar, that I scoured ebay for a Reactor to go with it.I LOVE the neck,its just so playable. I recently bought a G&L Custom Legacy, which is a great sounding guitar, and an early,mid 80's ESP strat style ,also an excellent guitar, but I prefer the G&L.However, Im going to sell 'em both, cause the Peavey's got a nicer feeling neck than the G&L, plus a better Tele tone, and the ESP, well,,, I just prefer the Peavey.As I said earlier, the neck is just so good.I'd definately get another one, in fact Im gonna try and corner the market on them,I figure when word gets out, they'll be highly sought after !!! A bit of advise,,,if you see one, BUY IT. Ipaid $219 for mine, but if you can get one for any money,especially under $400,GET IT !!!

Not too sure of the exact model,it looks like the Steve Cropper Classic, standard Tele shape,string thru body and standard Tele pickup configuration, but with a Strat style 5 way switch.The bridge is a modern Tele type. It looks fantastic, the guitar is probably 10 years old, but the finish is still excellent. The body appears to be maple with a fabulous maple top,and a male neck[I much prefer them to rosewood or ebony]

It dosnt have a great range of sounds, but what it does, it does really well.The neck pickup has a really great bluesy twang, its similar to a vintage Tele, but a tad thicker, whilst the bridge is as good a Tele sound as Ive heard.Bright and clear, but not thin like so many inexpensive Tele types, not to mention Fenders own.[I recently played a 2 year old USA one, and to me, it sounded awful.] In fact, its no different than a '71 Tele I used to own,and that was a beaut.Im using it with an old Randall 60,which although a tranny amp, has a really good sound, and is also 100% reliable.

As I didnt get it new, I couldnt comment on the factory set up. Everything else, is first rate, especially considering the price.

Havent had it that long, buteverything has lasted so far

Never needed it.

Ive been playing for over 20 years. and have had way too many guitars to mention, both cheap and expensive. To me, Fender types sound far more natural and alive than heavy weight Les Pauls and the like. That thick humbucker sound sounds dead to my ears, but Strats and Teles always sound like theyve got a fresh set of strings on them ! You can really dig into them,listen to Rory Gallagher to see what I mean. This little Peavey is an outstanding guitar for any price, but the best thing about it, which Ive left untill last, is the neck. Its gotta be the most comfortable Ive ever played, not clubby, not flat, just perfect.If this were fitted to a vintage Fender, people would be drooling over it. Im so impressed, Ive just searched out a Peavey Reactor to try that out. I cant say a bad word about this guitar, if you see one advertised, snap it up, if you can get it for under $300 like I did, its a steal.

I believe this is either a 1990 or '91 Generation, SN#04149689, but it may have been made as early as '89 if the last two digits of the serial number are any indication. I bought it new in the showroom in Santa Cruz, CA. It is Tele-style 6-string with mahogany neck, deep mahogany tigerwood finish with gold hardware. Neck pickup is single-coil, bridge pick-up is twin coil, both are covered in black plastic. It is a very solid and quite heavy instrument. I can't say the guitar has tons of features, but for what I want it to do, it is perfect.

I play almsot strictly originals, sort of a mix between Bruce Hornsby (without the piano) and Tom Petty (without the whine). I use it with all V and T knobs full, on the neck pick-up only; I have never used the bridge pickup. I run it through a ART SGX2000 Express Pre-Amp, through a ADA B200S Stereo BiPolar Amp that drives two separate enclosed cabs each containing a single 12' JBL SRO speaker.

This guitar was taken from the showroom floor and immediately plugged in and played. Whatever adjustments and set-up they did at the factory was right on. It is an absolute tank. The gold plated hardware on the knobs and bridgeplate has seen better days, and after 15 years I suppose new frets are finally in order, but the thing is just a pure workhorse dream and has never let me down once. The action is perfect. I have never had the intonation adjusted, it has never been worked on by any luthier, and it NEVER goes out of tune. It's almost spooky in that sense.

This guitar has spent years by the Pacific and years in the high desert and has shown no problems of any sort. Indeed, I can depend on it like a faithful dog. For both live performances and home studio recording, it is the only electric guitar I've used for the past fifteen years. (I have a very fine Guild acoutstic/electric but rarely use it.)

I have never had to deal with Peavey for any reason. I wrote them a glowing letter about this beautiful instrument about five years ago, but never heard a word, and that's been it. I played my pedal steel through their Nashville Session 400 amp on the road for years and never had a problem with the amp, either.

I've been playing for nearly 40 years. I have owned 9 electrics, 8 acoustics and 5 pedal steels, and this is far and away the most sturdy and reliable instrument of them all, hands down. Perhaps this guitar chose me, because I chose it strictly on impluse, simply for looks and the ultra-affordable price--a snap-decision without even playing the guitar (!!) which is something I have never done before or since. Consequently, it has turned out to be the best musical investment I have ever made. I have owned guitars costing three and four times as much that can't hold a candle to it.

Looking at the previous reviews, I can't help to wonder if I own a rare version of the Generation series. Mine is blue with a maple neck but instead of a tele pick-up configuration ( 2 single coils) I have a strat set-up ( 3 pick-ups and 5 way switch)this is just awsome ..a tele feel with a strat sound.

It was bought by my wife on our 10 th weeding annivesary in 1993 and had been lying in the music store for more than a year. retail $799.00 and got it for $399.00 canadian.

I paly some country rock and 70's rock. Having a strat like versatility...this guitar answers the call. Setting the switch to the neck pick-up gives a fatter blues sound.

the first guy who set it up had a nut fettish and a couple a open string buzzes when played. This guitar is mint.

I have played about 7 gigs with it and it stays in tune. I have done nothing to it yet.

I have not dealth with the co.

I have been playing for 26 years and using a Roland Cube 100 for amplification.I just wish it had a whammy bar.....Please contact me if you have ever heard of anyone else with a strat set up on a Generation series.

I beleive this guitar was made in the late 80's / early 90's. I think it was made in the USA, but not sure. It has 22 frets, laminated top, volume, tone and a hree way switch. Mine is a generation II guitar with active pick-ups, the guitar takes a 9 volt battery. I brought this guitar new so that is the way it came. The neck is rose wood and the body has the finished look of a Paul Reed Smith. The body style is shaped like a telecaster, but maybe a little wider. The bridgr is like a tune-o-matic and the tuners are standerd. The color is black/ gary or a dark smoke color with the wood grain showing through the finnish. All hardware is gold. This is one pretty guitar.

I play top 40, Fuck and Fusion style music and this guitar meets and exceeds my demands. The sound is much warmer than a telecaster. The combination of active electronics, 3-way switch and tone control can make this guitar sound like many other guitars known for their unique sounds. The action is so fast that I was amazed at how fast I could really run. When I'm on stage the guitar becomes an exstention of me. There is some distortion or noise when using the bridge pick-up alone, exspecially if you push the electronics by turning up the guitar's volume knob. If you maintain good control of the volume control the guitar can produce rich and warm sound when using the neck pick-up alone or in combination with the bridge pick-up. However I found that using the bridge pick-up alone dose not sound so clean. I alway felt that a guitar should be clean then add distortion on the demand of an exsternal unit. KEEP THE GUITAR CLEAN!

This guitar was set up very well by the factory. I alway beleive that if a guitar plays very well before super tuning it, then the better it will play after super tuning. The pick-ups adjustment was satifactory, however I made adjustments to my picking style. The guitar was made to last! I was fortunate in purchasing it new, I have had it for about 14 years and it is flawless! The machined, pick-up switches etc have never givin me a problem.

When I brought this guitar all my other guitars were put a way for years. I played this guitar every gig. I actually could not see my self playing any where without it. After a show I would have one of my band members hold my guitar while I go and get my car and park it in front of the club or bar. Then I would get my guitar and jump in the car, because I would not take the chance of being robbed of it. If some one had robbed me of it, well I would first call everywhere to see if I could get another one, then I would deal with that dead man walking that stole it from me!

I never had a need to seek customer support. I am going to have to give this category a less that 10 evaluation because my dissatifaction is in the rareness of the guitars. Why was peavey so quick to move to another design! I really don't understand this! Look at Gibson, Fender and PRS, they are still selling many of their original guitars, Les Paul, STratocaster, Telecaster etc.

I have been playing 31 years. I own a 1965 Fender Jag, 1979 Gibson SG, 1998 Gibson Les Paul, 1980 Fender Strat squire, 1999 Gibson Blues Hawk, Yamaha aquostic electric,etc too much to list. If I could find one of these guitars now I would buy it just for an investment! I like the fast action and tone or mood of this guitar. The only thing I don't like is that you have to unplug the guitar cord from the guitar or else the batteries will go dead. I wish there was a small switch where you could turn the active electronics off.