I love Craigslist. I just picked up this Peavey Reactor for only $125. These typically sell for $200-$300 on eBay and this one is in mint condition so I would expect it to sell near the top of that range. There is literally not a scratch on it and no fretwear.
The Peavey Reactor is a really nice copy of the Fender Telecaster that was produced around '93-94 and is made in USA. It features a superb, fast playing and smooth two-piece maple neck and three piece poplar body. The pickups are decent and quite usable, but not great. The neck pup sounds rather muddy for my tastes, but the bridge pup delivers some nice treble tones and bite. With the current pickups, it is ideal for blues and rock, and although you could play country on it, it is not as twangy as you would expect compared to many of the Fender Teles.
I am planning on swapping out the pickups, getting a new pickguard, changing the pots and adding a 4-way switch for some more tonal options. I am noticing some tuning issues, so the tuners may have to go - or it could just be the old strings that I haven't changed yet.
For the money this is a great guitar with excellent build quality. It is certainly superior to many of the Mexican, Chinese, and Indonesian imports that are flooding the low end of the market and could give the USA Fender Telecasters a run for the money - if you upgraded the electronics. If you see one under $300, give it serious consideration.
I'll post pics of my upgrades when they are done.
I have that identical guitar, color and all. I've had it for about 12 years. It's a great guitar, and I take with me nearly everywhere I go. Its neck has been damaged and repaired, and I've replaced the switch, pots and jack, and it's still the nicest playing guitar I've ever found. You're right that the pickups are not great, but through a good amp, they're good enough that I haven't replaced them. I also find the intonation to be spot on, and the tuning stability to be excellent. It seems impossible to push this thing out of tune. Have fun with it!
ReplyDeleteOnly guitar I have ever sold and I have regretted it ever since.
ReplyDeleteI have one that someone added a tone boost toggle switch and sperzel tuners to. I'm considering changing out the pickups.
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