Gear News
Gear News: Peavey Celebrates Its Diamond Jubilee! 60 Years of Innovation
PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT
Peavey® Electronics is celebrating its 60th anniversary! Six decades is a milestone for any business, but in the manufacturing of musical instruments and audio equipment, it is truly extraordinary. Six decades under one man’s leadership is on a whole other level. It’s not only impressive, it’s practically unprecedented. Hartley Peavey’s distinctive vision was the key that started it all in Meridian, Mississippi, and he’s the catalyst that keeps Peavey cruising ahead in the fast lane towards the future.
Hartley Peavey received his first patent for a unique speaker enclosure in 1964. However, it wasn’t until after graduating college that he founded Peavey Electronics Corporation in 1965. What started as a one-man shop above his father’s ex-music store grew into one of the largest independently owned manufacturers in the music and sound industry. Hartley famously said, “In order to be better, by definition you must be different.” Peavey’s unmatched history of innovation has continued since its beginning and has led to more than 180 patents being issued worldwide with new patents now in process. Peavey went from a one-man startup to a major manufacturer by adhering to Hartley’s prime directive: “top-notch gear at a fair price”. A significant number of aspiring artists, who might not have had the chance otherwise, were able to pursue performing careers thanks to the affordability and accessibility of Peavey gear. Long before the advent of the internet and easy access to everything from everywhere, Peavey was the brand that numerous professional artists, as well as those striving to become pros, trusted most.
It wasn’t just the artists that were directly impacted by the visions of Peavey. Hartley’s efforts changed how the whole industry operates. Peavey’s unique approach helped dealers and distributors around the world build businesses and thrive with fair pricing and innovative product solutions. This vision of collaboration is what has helped build Peavey into the global icon it is today.
Learning to play an instrument with a Peavey amp has almost become a “rite of passage”. But that wasn’t enough for Peavey. Always a leader in innovation, Peavey’s TransTube® technology released in 1982 changed how all quality solid-state guitar amplifiers sound and is still a “benchmark” to this day. Peavey’s roadworthy gear kept working musicians cranking up without breaking down. In garages across America, most bands started out with great performing and reliable Peavey amplifiers. Peavey’s established record of innovation provided top level performance at fair prices and provided professional performance to artists and groups at the highest level all the way down to beginners. As an example of this, Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age) revealed that one of Peavey’s smaller amps from the 1980s (the Decade) was “key” to the Queens’ sound. Decades went from a student amp to setting the second-hand amp market on fire! For this reason, Peavey will be releasing an updated version of this iconic little amplifier in 2025.
Peavey was the first to build electric guitars in the mid-70s on CNC (computerized numerical control) equipment when others said it couldn’t be done. Today, most guitar manufacturers utilize the same methods that Peavey pioneered. Finding inspiration from firearms in the way they were precisely mass produced, Hartley correctly surmised that the same machine used to make gun stocks could make guitar necks and bodies. Peavey could produce them quickly and at a reduced cost. Peavey’s pioneering broke down barriers and kick-started the hot-rod guitar market of the awesome ’80s, opening the doors for a myriad of new guitar brands and artists alike. Peavey’s decades of experience have helped in developing high end professional gear and has resulted in its use by many iconic artists and bands.
Peavey led the charge in the evolution of power amplifiers, as the first company to break the “dollar per watt threshold” with the legendary CS 800. Peavey continues to break ground on the fronts of pure power and “bang for the buck”. Peavey’s revolution in power amp technology continued in 2010 with the introduction of IPR switching power amplifiers. IPRs utilized advanced class D designs that allowed Peavey engineers to dramatically reduce weight while increasing output power, reliability and thermal efficiency—starting at 2,000 watts at under 7 lbs., and just pennies per watt.
Hartley’s frustration with so-called high-end loudspeaker suppliers resulted in Peavey designing its own ranges of high-performance pro loudspeakers. Its Black Widow® and Scorpion® speakers have the feature of field replaceable baskets/voice coil assemblies. This exclusive feature enables the user to eliminate expensive and tedious reconing while preserving factory specifications.
Perhaps the biggest, but often unseen, Peavey innovation started in 1993 when its MediaMatrix® system revolutionized pro audio in large pro venues. MediaMatrix® was the first digitally configured and controlled audio networking system that is now utilized in over 10,000 commercial installations globally, including many international airports, casinos, cruise ships, and other large pro applications.
Far from its humble beginnings, Peavey is now one of the largest makers and suppliers of musical instruments, amplifiers, and professional audio systems in the world—distributing more than 2,000 products in 136 countries. Headline artists of all genres and pro audio installations use Peavey equipment.
Peavey is both proud and grateful for the support it has received from artists, dealers and end users for the past six decades. Peavey, in cooperation with its customers, has continued to find workable solutions for artists of all types in all situations STILL at affordable prices. Whether you work in a club, auditorium, or church, Peavey is there for you. Music is a most rewarding activity, and a “gift” that continues to give for as long as we live.
The core values that Peavey was founded on 60 years ago are still intact today, and they will continue to be what drives this company both now and, in the future… simply put, “The party is still going on!”
To learn more about Peavey, please visit www.Peavey.com.
Trace Elliot® debuts the new Transformer DI. Designed for all musical instrument applications, using a new proprietary transformer design, the DI converts between balanced and unbalanced signals at a perfect 1-to-1 ratio with audiophile quality and total transparency. With a frequency response between 14Hz and 80kHz, this unit is essential for five-string bassists, other drop-tuned instruments, and artists wanting the sound of their instruments uncolored by the PA interface. The new transformer DI is now available worldwide via online and local retailers.
A transformer DI (direct-interface) box is a 100% passive impedance conversion device that converts unbalanced signals into balanced signals for direct connection to mixing consoles and recording devices. The Trace Elliot Transformer DI sets itself apart from active DI boxes by providing a pristine signal path that will never suffer clipping or distortion between the source and the balanced input. Furthermore, it outperforms other passive DI boxes by its ability to do so far beyond the range of human hearing. By balancing the signal, the transformer DI reduces noise and interference while keeping signal integrity. Its durable die-cast enclosure and high-quality parts provide steady signal performance for both live and studio environments.
With individual ¼” and XLR jacks for both inputs and outputs, and a recessed GROUND LIFT button, this unit is an essential must-have for any professional musician or audio engineer.
For more information, please visit www.traceelliot.com
Retail: $229.99 USD
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) today announced the launch of the Vintera III Series, the next evolution of its acclaimed vintage-inspired lineup. Reimagined from the ground up, the highly anticipated range delivers meticulously crafted instruments that capture the defining sounds, aesthetics and feel of the early, mid and late ’50s, ’60s and ’70s.
Designed for players seeking true vintage character, the Vintera III series introduces an all-new philosophy: a targeted focus on iconic moments in Fender history. This “greatest hits” approach highlights some of the most celebrated specifications from the company’s golden eras, giving musicians access to some of the most revered tones ever produced.
This refined direction marks a significant evolution from previous Vintera collections – while earlier generations drew broadly from generations of production, the Vintera III Series narrows its focus to distinct, era-defining designs, allowing Fender to achieve a new level of historical accuracy and authenticity. Every instrument in the range reflects painstaking attention to detail – from period-correct aesthetics and colours, to carefully recreated neck construction and pickups – faithfully capturing the look, feel and sonic character of legendary vintage Fender models.
“With the Vintera III Series, we set out to capture the defining moments that shaped Fender’s legacy,” said Max Gutnik, Chief Product Officer at Fender. “Rather than broadly representing entire decades, we focused on the most iconic specifications that players continue to seek out today. By zeroing in on these historic designs – from era-correct pickups and neck profiles to period-accurate aesthetics – we’re giving today’s musicians an authentic connection to the instruments that helped define modern music.”
To ensure era-accurate tone, Fender’s engineers revisited the company’s original archives, developing vintage-style pickups matched to each period. Players will experience the warm, rounded character of Alnico II and the punch and clarity of Alnico V designs.
The Vintera III Series also faithfully recreates Fender’s historic neck profiles, from the substantial V and D shapes of the mid and late ’50s to the comfortable medium C profiles of the early ’60s and the slimmer C shapes that defined the late ’60s and early ’70s. Each model is completed with era-specific headstocks, decals, fingerboard inlays, stamps and finishes, delivering an instrument that feels as authentic as it sounds.
With Vintera III, Fender brings the spirit of its most influential eras to a new generation of players – offering a lineup that celebrates the instruments, tones and innovations that helped shape modern music.
Models include:
- Vintera® III Late ‘50s Stratocaster®
- Limited Edition Vintera® III Late ‘50s Stratocaster®
- Vintera® III Early ‘60s Stratocaster®
- Vintera® III Late ‘60s Stratocaster®
- Limited Edition Vintera® III Early ‘60s Custom Telecaster®
- Vintera® III Late ‘50s Telecaster®
- Vintera® III Mid ‘60s Telecaster®
- Vintera® III Mid ‘60s Jazzmaster®
- Vintera® III Mid ‘60s Jaguar®
- Vintera® III Mid ‘60s Mustang®
- Vintera® III Early ‘60s Jazz Bass®
- Vintera® III Early ‘70s Jazz Bass®
- Vintera® III Late ‘60s Precision Bass®
- Vintera® III Early ‘60s Bass VI
For more information, visit fender.com
EBS Professional Bass Equipment is proud to announce Hyperactive Audiotechnik GmbH as its new exclusive distributor in Germany and Austria, effective March 1, 2026.
Germany is the largest domestic market for musical equipment in Europe, and is significant to EBS. Partnering with Hyperactive will strengthen the brand’s presence and make EBS products more accessible to bass players in both Germany and Austria.
“We are confident that Hyperactive is the perfect partner for EBS,” says Bo Engberg, CEO of EBS. “Their deep market knowledge and commitment to high-quality brands will allow us to maintain the high level of customer support EBS is known for, while growing in the direction we want.”
EBS’s reputation for delivering musically transparent sound that respects the character of the bass is solid. EBS products are designed to let the personalities of both the bass player and their instrument shine, while offering powerful, tone-shaping tools to set the stage for different genres.
In recent years, EBS has also expanded beyond the traditional bass market with innovative, space-saving pedalboard accessories, most notably the original flat patch cables, widely used by both bassists and guitarists worldwide.
Hyperactive has extensive experience distributing premium music equipment brands. Their network, industry expertise, and shared vision for long-term growth make this partnership a natural fit.
“We are proud to welcome EBS to our brand portfolio. With our strong dealer network and clear brand strategy, we look forward to further developing EBS in Germany and Austria and increasing the brand’s visibility in both markets”, says Marc von Garnier, CEO of Hyperactive.
EBS expresses its gratitude to its former distributor, Sky Music Distribution, and looks forward to beginning this next chapter with Hyperactive Audiotechnik GmbH to deliver uncompromising bass tone, innovative design, and reliable performance to musicians all over Germany and Austria.
Find out more:
“The new MAGELLAN® 800+… We’ve Upgraded a Legend!!” Jeff Genzler
After 10 years in service, GENZLER® AMPLIFICATION is proud to introduce the next generation of this 800-watt professional, tour-class bass guitar amplifier — the new MAGELLAN® 800+. Carrying forward the legacy of night-after-night reliability, the new MAGELLAN® 800+ reaches even higher achievements in performance with several new features, improved preamp circuitry, an expanded EQ network, and all within the same rugged chassis and stringent design and build expertise we are known to achieve.
The MAGELLAN® 800+ delivers the most powerful, feature-laden, compact bass amplifier available in its class. This new model offers improved dynamic response and feel; along with superior low-noise thresholds and increased dynamic headroom. This is exactly what players have come to expect from the GENZLER® AMPLIFICATION design team – innovation, performance, reliability and versatility.
The MG-800+® is a solid-state, all analog design and provides a simple, musical interface, and the tonal palette needed to cover all of the bassist’s amplifier requirements; from natural, pristine, transparent reproduction of the bass instrument to classic, vintage harmonic textures with “weighted feel to the notes”. This is packaged within the classic Magellan styling and all-aluminum chassis, weighing only 6.25 lbs.
The MAGELLAN® 800+ is equipped with an expanded list of features:
- Updated input circuitry for increased dynamics
- All new DRIVE circuitry delivering a wide range of tube-like harmonics and compression — and foot switchable
- New HPF (High Pass Filter) — multi-slope, frequency-dependent and adjustable between 25-120Hz
- Our unique Dual Contour Circuit—now foot switchable and separately adjustable
- New 4 Band Active EQ with two Sweepable midrange frequencies
- New high-grade op-amps for lower noise threshold and higher dynamic headroom, throughout the preamp
- Optional dual-function footswitch —- DRIVE & CONTOUR functions
- Light weight @ 6.25 Lbs
The MAGELLAN® 800+ is the latest innovative product from GENZLER® AMPLIFICATION, known for unique and highly valued bass amplifiers and speaker systems. This newest design is a dramatic departure from GENZLER® AMPLIFICATION’S current lineup of popular bass heads, the Kinetix® 800 and MAGELLAN® 350. All GENZLER bass heads are an ideal match to their line of speaker enclosures, like the BASS ARRAY® SERIES 2, NU CLASSIC® and new MAGELLAN® ULV series of bass cabinets.
The MAGELLAN® 800+ is now available and shipping throughout the company’s global network of dealers as well as online.
USA MAP $1,199.99.
For more information, visit online at genzleramplification.com/shop/magellan-800-plus/
Gibson, the iconic American instrument brand, proudly announces the worldwide release of the new Gibson Thunderbird™ Bass, arriving worldwide in two striking finishes: Ebony and Tobacco Burst Perimeter. First introduced in 1963, the original Thunderbird was unlike anything the music world had ever seen. Designed by renowned automotive designer Ray Dietrich—who also created the Gibson Firebird™—the bass featured a bold, curvaceous, and asymmetrical body shape that was groundbreaking at the time and remains instantly recognizable today. The Gibson Thunderbird Bass is available worldwide at Gibson Garage locations, via authorized Gibson dealers, and on Gibson.com.
Early Thunderbird models were built with a nine-ply neck-through-body design with mahogany wings, marking the first use of neck-through construction on a Gibson bass. It was also the first Gibson bass to feature a long 34” scale length, departing from the shorter 30.5” scale used previously. Today, Gibson honors that heritage with a new Thunderbird Bass that blends the spirit of the original with modern craftsmanship and performance.
The instrument features a solid mahogany body in the classic Reverse shape, complete with the raised center section that evokes the look of the early neck-through design. A glued-in, set mahogany neck with a fast SlimTaper™ profile offers exceptional comfort and playability, while the updated Non-Reverse style headstock makes tuning intuitive and familiar for today’s players. Modern hardware upgrades include Hipshot® Ultralite® Mini Clover tuners for precise tuning and improved balance, along with a Hipshot Supertone bridge that provides full intonation control and adjustable action height.
True to its name, the Thunderbird delivers powerful, thunderous low end thanks to its two EB Bass Humbucker™ pickups. These high-output pickups offer deep punch, clarity, and dynamic range, with independent volume controls that allow players to blend tones effortlessly. A master tone control provides additional shaping, giving the bass a wide sonic palette suited for any genre or playing style. The instrument is completed with the Thunderbird’s signature 3-ply white pickguard, proudly displaying the iconic Thunderbird logo.
Each Thunderbird Bass ships with a Gibson hardshell case, ensuring reliable protection for touring musicians, studio professionals, and collectors alike. With its unmistakable style, modern enhancements, and legendary tone, the new Gibson Thunderbird Bass in Ebony and Tobacco Burst Perimeter is ready to take its place on stages and in studios around the world.
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