New Import Cirrus, not a BXP!

[electracoyote]

They had a one-week retail program called "Peavey School" --- I went to it and its where I primarily got my information from, including meeting HP himself. Was an excellent program and I learned a lot....The very first Intro Day, HP had explained exactly why Peavey would always be a USA company much like a politician making a campaign promise....and I bought it hook, line, and sinker....maybe this is where my disparity comes from

Well, Peavey broke that promise awhile back with several of its products.

Unlike some companies that are resourceful and able to adapt and offer more lines from both USA and overseas, Peavey has struggled with that concept. The price of production is just too high to offer "Made In The USA" and compete with the plethora of high-quality instruments produced by other overseas manufacturers.

In short, in order to compete and keep the doors open, Peavey caved and kind of half-heartedly adopted the overseas product line business model. But they aren't nearly as resourceful in that area as some other manufacturers.

That original "classic era" of USA Cirrus was a ridiculous bang for the buck, it almost reminds me of the bath EBMM took on the first run of S.U.B. basses. USA Cirrus was made in three or four gorgeous stains and around five natural wood options, exotic tone woods, and one of the most well-designed production line basses of all time. The price was low for such an instrument. That's probably why they didn't last, small profit margin.

As proud as Peavey was of its reputation for USA-made products built to high standards, the realities of the world market and competition are making that harder all the time. Peavey would have to cut out most of its product line except the most popular items and shrink their facility way down in order to remain all-USA, kind of like Rickenbacker.

 

[electracoyote]

The BXP is a solid instrument whose shortcomings seem to be finish issues. For the $300 he paid, it's one of the great import bargains. His USA-made Cirrus is nothing short of amazing.

The first run of the BXP was stunning for an overseas bass. I bought one as a test drive to see if I liked the concept, and fell in love. I quickly acquired a USA Cirrus fiver, and I was surprised the differences were so marginal. The only real short cut with the BXP was in the electronics, but it still had amazing tone and versatility. That on-board EQ is no joke.

This kind of illustrates Peavey's main issue: They insist on the highest quality at all costs. They sent it overseas but they built it with the same production values as the USA version. We've come to see that most overseas lines are generally built to a markedly lower standard to cut costs and increase profit margin. But again, Peavey has a hard time with that concept.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Well, Peavey broke that promise awhile back with several of its products.

Unlike some companies that are resourceful and able to adapt and offer more lines from both USA and overseas, Peavey has struggled with that concept. In short, the price of production is just too high to offer "Made In The USA" and compete with the plethora of high-quality instruments produced by other overseas manufacturers.

In short, in order to compete and keep the doors open, Peavey caved and kind of half-heartedly adopted the overseas product line business model. But they aren't nearly as resourceful in that area as some other manufacturers.

That original "classic era" of USA Cirrus was a ridiculous bang for the buck, it almost reminds me of the bath EBMM took on the first run of S.U.B. basses. USA Cirrus was made in three or four gorgeous stains and around five natural wood options, exotic tone woods, and one of the most well-designed production line basses of all time. The price was low for such an instrument. That's probably why they didn't last, small profit margin.

In short, as proud as Peavey was of its reputation for USA-made products built to high standards, the realities of the world market and competition are making that harder all the time. Peavey would have to cut out most of its product line except the most popular items and shrink their facility way down in order to remain all-USA, kind of like Rickenbacker.

It's funny you mentioned Rickenbacker, because I was thinking of them too as a company that has survived producing very expensive basses at a smaller scale. The thing that Rickenbacker has going for them that Peavey does not is the fact Rickenbacker was the bass of choice of some very famous musicians like MacCartney, Squire, and Geddy Lee. The Cirrus was played by noteworthy bassists like Mike Porcaro, and John Taylor, but it is mainly known as a great lower priced option for someone who wants that modern tone.

 

[electracoyote]

I played one new in Singapore some time ago with two presumably single coil pickups ... I had the impression to play a very well assembled instrument with s very playable neck and a good choice of wood veneers and finishing ... the pickups or the electronic section as a whole, however, sounded a little anemic ... lot of midrange bark from the rear pickup but no ground shaking basses and low output ...

Hmmm...someone correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the Cirrus have two VFL humbuckers and 18v active electronics?

I'm not sure what Gianni was playing but it doesn't sound like any stock Cirrus I've handled.

 

[Gianni "Orlandez" Orlati]

Hmmm...someone correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the Cirrus have two VFL humbuckers and 18v active electronics?

I'm not sure what Gianni was playing but it doesn't sound like any stock Cirrus I've handled.

It was a Cirrus for sure but the pickups

Hmmm...someone correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the Cirrus have two VFL humbuckers and 18v active electronics?

I'm not sure what Gianni was playing but it doesn't sound like any stock Cirrus I've handled.

Mmhh... my memory is failing as some time passed already ... the bass I tested was definitely a new Cirrus but, in effect the bass is sold with humbucking pickups ... my apologies for the incorrect descriptiin however the impression I had from playing it matches the description provided by Doc which I agree with

 

[electracoyote]

It was a Cirrus for sure but the pickups

Mmhh... my memory is failing as some time passed already ... the bass I tested was definitely a new Cirrus but, in effect the bass is sold with humbucking pickups ... my apologies for the incorrect descriptiin however the impression I had from playing it matches the description provided by Doc which I agree with

Interesting. Thanks for the clarification.

All I can add is two humbuckers through 18v is anything but "anemic" IME. All the Cirrus basses I've played have been pretty robust.

Maybe you played a lemon, or it had an electronics issue.

 

[markjazzbassist]

It's funny you mentioned Rickenbacker, because I was thinking of them too as a company that has survived producing very expensive basses at a smaller scale. The thing that Rickenbacker has going for them that Peavey does not is the fact Rickenbacker was the bass of choice of some very famous musicians like MacCartney, Squire, and Geddy Lee. The Cirrus was played by noteworthy bassists like Mike Porcaro, and John Taylor, but it is mainly known as a great lower priced option for someone who wants that modern tone.

big with the gospel crowd too, if they were smart they'd give some freebies to some big names there and have vids on all the social media of them playing in church and the like. probably sell a good amount that way. ken smith sound on the cheap? cats would be all about it.

bass mods seems to have done that already, affordable active jazz basses that gospel cats are playing all over the place? i see more and mroe of them all the time.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

big with the gospel crowd too, if they were smart they'd give some freebies to some big names there and have vids on all the social media of them playing in church and the like. probably sell a good amount that way. ken smith sound on the cheap? cats would be all about it.

bass mods seems to have done that already, affordable active jazz basses that gospel cats are playing all over the place? i see more and mroe of them all the time.

I agree, putting the new Cirrus basses in the hands of influential Gospel Artists would be a great promotional strategy.

 

[Rib 13]

USA Cirrus was made in three or four gorgeous stains and around five natural wood options, exotic tone woods, and one of the most well-designed production line basses of all time. The price was low for such an instrument. That's probably why they didn't last, small profit margin.

As proud as Peavey was of its reputation for USA-made products built to high standards, the realities of the world market and competition are making that harder all the time. Peavey would have to cut out most of its product line except the most popular items and shrink their facility way down in order to remain all-USA, kind of like Rickenbacker.

Oh, I get that. However, I do remember one thing HP drilled into us at Peavey School using the Predator as a benchmark: He had convinced us that companies buy wood and electronics (pots, wires, etc) in bulk, creating a huge discount on said products. He claimed that even after factoring in labor costs, transportation, advertisement, insurance plans and other "benes", workmans comp, unknown variables, etc. that there was no reason that any bolt-on guitar, made from all said bulk parts, should retail no more than an A-Marked $299 (at the time) so, in essence, when a person was buying the same 'standard guitar" with the exact same parts from a larger company (hint: Fender) at $999 (at the time), what was the consumer actually purchasing?

Nowadays, I think its a little bit of both what you say and plain ol greedy biz: Unfortunately, a lot of younger folks dont realize there was a negative Peavey stigma among guitarists (to a much much lesser degree among bass players, who always seemed to like and play Peavey basses even if guitarists shunned the guitars) years ago that older forumites here may remember. Guitarists, in particular, just chose to frown on Peavey anything.., Even sound companies and soundmen, who would all freely tell you that CS-Series power amps were just "Meh - OK", even though you could drop a CS-800 Power Amp out an airplane, have it land on an interstate, get run over by a truck carrying elephants, plug it in and - whatdoyaknow? - it still works! The irony of this entire conversation is that Peavey, long making underappreciated USA made products, shook that stigma for once and for all right about the time they decided on bandwagon diversification with overseas manufacturing. Irony indeed -

edit: I notice Doc Cheese isnt liking any of my posts ....Im not raining on your Parade, my friend...its just a relevant topic to your OP about Peavey's M.O. which includes the new Cirrus

 

[Rib 13]

Hmmm...someone correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the Cirrus have two VFL humbuckers and 18v active electronics?

My '04 USA, yes...it is 18v and VFL (true active) pickups....I play 5-String mostly these days so she doesnt get too much play any more but, like my G&L ASAT, I will never ever sell her.......

Although this description doesnt make sense, its sounds like the offspring of a Ken Smith and a Stingray with both pickups dimed...it also does a very good P facsimile if mid pickup soloed...and does a most excellent 'faux fretless'/Jaco with bridge pickup soloed and highs rolled down (roundwound strings for all)

For all you slappers out there: This bass is a slap BEAST......I totally agree with folks that use these with modern gospel/funk groups...Tight and punchy like a 'Ray but very 'woody' like a Ken Smith...Onboard EQ is very very flexible but this bass is (unfortunately) one of those basses that sounds incredible with Mids notched at the 0 indent (especially for slap) but it gets lost within a band mix and, therefore, needs a lil boost on the Mids to cut through the mix

btw, heres a pic ..its a lil blurry because my camera phone was dropped and hasnt worked right since

 

[kodiakblair]

I think HP was right about the $299 bolt on guitar but the difference is big F had 100's willing to pay $999 whereas Peavey had 10's willing to pay $299. Sales numbers being equal it could have panned out but their slice of the US market wasn't big enough to sustain it.Lord knows they tried.

 

[Rib 13]

I think HP was right about the $299 bolt on guitar but the difference is big F had 100's willing to pay $999 whereas Peavey had 10's willing to pay $299. Sales numbers being equal it could have panned out but their slice of the US market wasn't big enough to sustain it.Lord knows they tried.

If you ask me, Peavey's Marketing and Research people arent doing their job right...If I was Peavey's Marketing folks, Id be pushing the following (regardless if USA or manufactured abroad)

PEAVEY CIRRUS - Yes, they are doing that again Yay -- that took awhile

PEAVEY B-QUAD - Here is a bass that is holding its value in used markets. Hint - Start making these again: There is a Reason why these are in demand...Start with limited runs to test its marketability

PEAVEY T-40: This one is a NO BRAINER. Why they havent re-issued the T-40 is a complete headscratcher to me.... Not only should they re-issue it but they can also deal with some of its issues (example: chambering in the body to take some weight off without drastically affecting tone)....It should be available in 4 and 5 string models (6 if possible) and in TWO distinct types: The Classic Model, which is for all intents and purposes, a reissued Classic T-40 up to and including its "military-grade" hardware and parts. There should also be a "Modern Player" version, with the neck pickup moved to the mid position, giving the combined pickup voicing structure more of a "tighter" modern tone and , (bonus!) at the same time, making that area of the neck more friendly for slap players. Another bonus would be getting a decent P-Bass facsimile with the mid pickup soloed......I would also do away with the Tone Rolloff Hum/Single-coil select and just add another switch to tap coils

They would sell the crap out of these models as long as its price-point is comparable(~ +/- reasonable $) to the used market

 

[BassikLee]

Here's one: how would you compare the new Cirrus to the cirrus BXP? Just curious.

 

[kodiakblair]

@SpazzTheBassist
B-Quad is Bromberg's sig bass and his deal is with Carvin now so rules that out. The costs of a T-40 today would be near $2000 if I remember right.

 

[Gianni "Orlandez" Orlati]

Interesting. Thanks for the clarification.

All I can add is two humbuckers through 18v is anything but "anemic" IME. All the Cirrus basses I've played have been pretty robust.

Maybe you played a lemon, or it had an electronics issue.

I've played two ... one made in USA used at a small shop and another one new, same finish level apparently and, since it was new, I believe made in Indonesia or where ever Peavey manufactures them now ... both sounded similar to me, that is characterised by a modern sound focused on midrange frequencies but, as I've said, both instruments had to be set up ... on the same occasion I tested several new Ibanez of the SGR 1xxx & over series (to mention basses with similar finish level and market sector) provided with Bartolini or Nordstrand pickups + std. Ibanez electronics and they sounded objectively more bass centred (at least to me... then everybody is free to have its own opinion according to its personal taste and inclinations)

 

[Rib 13]

@SpazzTheBassist
B-Quad is Bromberg's sig bass and his deal is with Carvin now so rules that out. The costs of a T-40 today would be near $2000 if I remember right.

Re: Does Bromberg own the actual geometry/design? Thats too bad if he does...Doesnt have to be called the B-Quad, call it something else (much in the same way the Sarzo became the Verdine White with different pickups)

Re: T-40.....Im going by HP's mantra at Peavey School (see Post #49 above) concerning cost/profit and marketability...It shouldn't be no where near an A-marked $2000 Retail if Peavey still followed that motif (especially if made overseas) ....If he's not following his former mantra, then -yeah - $2000

 

[kodiakblair]

@SpazzTheBassist
He had the design with him at Dean as well as Carvin so I'm thinking it's his or most of it anyway, Dean had single coils.

 

[kodiakblair]

02.50am here in Scotland. I better call it a night. Cheers fellas

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Here's one: how would you compare the new Cirrus to the cirrus BXP? Just curious.

The new Cirrus made me think of a USA Cirrus with sticky pots. It sounded and played like a Mississippi Cirrus. The body finish looked different, but not cheap.

 

[Rib 13]

The new Cirrus made me think of a USA Cirrus with sticky pots. It sounded and played like a Mississippi Cirrus. The body finish looked different, but not cheap.

the big question is really finding out if the new ones are 18v true active or 9v onboard pre. Im sure they would still sound good but will be marginally different than the Classics and will also make a difference if there is any (even slight) noise

as far as finish, some USAs had an issue with finish bubbling ( Im not sure if there is a term for it) where the clear coat would bubble/blister like it had a small pocket of air then would crack and/or flake off.......Mine did that at the headstock way back when I first got it and had to be sent back to the factory a year or so later: Peavey refinished the headstock and also added the newer logo which is why mine is an '04 with the newer logo. This was apparently a problem with quite a few of them and Im hoping Peavey rectified this

I would also like to know if the tops are true tops and not a 'foto'-lamenate (not really a big deal to me, Im just curious)