Best
for Beginners Peavey Guitar
-
Overall: Affordable price makes this an ideal starter guitar for new players
-
Best Feature: Excellent build quality and attractive design make this guitar stand out from the crowd
-
TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Intermediate Peavey Guitars
-
Overall: Solid spruce top for incomparable resonance and sustain
-
Best Feature: Great sound and response with the solid top
-
TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Professional Peavey Guitars
-
Overall: Graphite-reinforced oil-finished neck and fingerboard for improved intonation.
-
Best Feature: Staggered machine placement for straight string pull.
-
TedScore™: 9/10
As a passionate guitar player and enthusiast, I always look for a new guitar to add to my collection. Peavey guitars, in particular, have caught my eye, and recently I had the pleasure of trying out some of their models.
I must say, I was quite impressed with the range of options offered by Peavey – from beginner-friendly models to more advanced guitars.
In this Peavey Guitar review, I’ll take you through my experience with a few of their top offerings and provide an overview of their features and pros/cons. So if you’re considering getting yourself a Peavey guitar, read on!
The History of Peavey Guitars
Since its founding in 1965, Peavey has been a significant force in the guitar world. Hartley Peavey started the company out of his basement in Meridian, Mississippi and quickly became one of the world’s most respected guitar manufacturers. Hartley’s original amplifiers were a hit among guitarists, and the company soon started producing guitars.
Peavey has pushed the boundaries of modern guitar technology, introducing new features and designs, such as their Wolfgang series electric guitars. The Bandit series solid-state amplifier is also highly acclaimed for its ability to replicate tube tones. Peavey guitars and amplifiers have been used by many famous artists, including Van Halen and Joe Satriani, to great success.
Over the years, Peavey has shown itself a reliable producer of quality instruments and equipment that can stand up to even the toughest competition. Today, the company strives to make the best guitars and
amps, providing musicians with all they need to create amazing music.
What Kind of Guitars Does Peavey Manufactures?
Peavey manufactures a variety of different types of guitars. The company has models for both the electric guitar and acoustic players, as well as bass guitars. Peavey guitars are typically designed to be versatile and dependable, providing great sound quality for various styles.
The most popular Peavey guitar models are the Wolfgang series and the XXX and JSX signature guitars. They boast high-quality pickups, a real guitar feel, and great price points. Peavey also has a line of affordable beginner guitars perfect for aspiring guitarists.
These guitars are also equipped with Peavey’s signature bridge and neck pickups, which provide a wide range of tones from bright trebles to deep bass tones. With their advanced sound technology and versatile design, Peavey guitars are perfect for any musician looking to take their playing to the next level.
An Ultimate Review of Peavey Guitars
Any serious guitar player just looking for a dependable instrument should look into Peavey’s impressive lineup of guitars. Whether you’re searching for the warm, twangy tones of a single-coil bridge pickup or the added punch and fullness of a neck pickup, Peavey guitars deliver. Below is a detailed overview of their top offerings’ craftsmanship, features and sound quality.
Construction of the guitar
Peavey is known for producing incredibly well-made guitars. Each instrument has been carefully inspected before leaving the factory, ensuring all parts are in perfect working order.
The wood used in their construction is high quality, and every guitar has a unique sound. Each part is designed to ensure you get the best from your Peavey guitar, from the pickups to the hardware and even the strings.
Each model features a sleek design with aesthetically pleasing contours and is comfortable to play with. The necks are smooth and easy to maneuver, allowing the higher notes to flow freely. On the other hand, the bodies of Peavey instruments are solid and sturdy, providing a rich resonance that creates an excellent tone for any genre of music.

Sound Quality
Regarding sound quality, Peavey guitars are in a league of their own. The pickups provide power and clarity, while the bridge has been designed to give sustain and resonance.
The craftsmanship of these guitars is also evident in sound production. Each part is designed to work harmoniously, creating a powerful and balanced sound. These guitars will remain distortion-free even at high volumes for a professional sound.
The craftsmanship of these guitars is also evident in sound production. Each part is designed to work harmoniously, creating a powerful and balanced sound. These guitars will remain distortion-free even at high volumes for a truly professional sound.
Price
A Peavey guitar is one of the most cost-effective ways to get a quality instrument. The company offers guitars for every level, from beginner to professional, and the prices are very reasonable compared to competitors.
Some models are available with discounts or bundled packages, allowing you to get even more value. Peavey’s amplifiers and accessories are also reasonably priced, allowing you to build a complete setup without breaking the bank.
Availability
Peavey guitars are available in many models and price points, making them accessible to almost any budget. From beginner-friendly instruments to advanced models, Peavey has something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for an electric, acoustic, or bass guitar, they have a model to suit your needs. Their professional-level instruments are truly top-notch for those with more discerning tastes and higher budgets.
Value for Money
Peavey guitars offer outstanding value for money, as they are surprisingly affordable compared to other guitar brands.
The quality of their instruments is excellent, and the build quality and sound are often comparable to guitars that cost much more. Their HP2 BE electric, and Dreadnought series guitars stand out in terms of value for money.
Cons of the Peavey Guitars
While Peavey guitars are known for their affordability and unique designs, some drawbacks exist.
Build Quality
While the build quality of Peavey guitars is generally quite good, some models can suffer from specific issues. In particular, there have been reports of neck warping and hardware malfunctioning on cheaper models.
Warranty
The warranty protection for Peavey guitars is not as comprehensive as some other brands. While the company does offer an extended warranty, it still falls short of what other companies provide and requires customers to register their instrument for coverage.
Additionally, the registration process can be quite lengthy. As such, it is essential to consider whether or not this warranty protection is sufficient before purchasing.
5 Best Peavey Guitars

DESIGNED FOR: Intermediate to advanced players
FEATURES: Scooped headstock tilted 10 degrees.
OTHER INFO: 3-way toggle pickup switch
Peavey HP2 Electric Guitar
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Graphite-reinforced oil-finished neck and fingerboard for improved intonation.
- Staggered ergonomic tuning machine placement for straight string pull.
- Locking top nut for better sustain and stability.
- Schaller tuning machines for improved accuracy.
- The three pickups allow you to create a range of tones.
- Flamed maple top with moonburst finish that is sure to impress.
- Not suitable for beginner-level players.
- Expensive compared to other similarly featured guitars.

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.

DESIGNED FOR: Perfect for Beginners
FEATURES: It features a basswood body construction and comes equipped with a 25.5-inch scale, 12-inch radius and 22 frets on its rosewood fretboard.
OTHER INFO: Fitted with bright-sounding single coil pickups and Fulcrum tremolo bridge
Raptor Plus Red Electric Guitar
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Affordable price makes this an ideal starter guitar for new players
- Excellent build quality and attractive design make this guitar stand out from the crowd
- Wide top pole piece single coil pickups provide plenty of focused sounds
- Dual action torsion rod offers enhanced tuning stability with easy adjustments
- Lightweight and comfortable to play, even during long practice sessions
- Plenty of room for playing lead lines and power chords.
- Not suitable for advanced players who are looking for more complex sound capabilities
- Limited tonal options as compared to higher-end guitars
- Lack of humbucker pickups means that heavy, distorted sounds are not as achievable

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.

DESIGNED FOR: Beginner to Intermediate players
FEATURES: Height: 40.5"
OTHER INFO: Bright sounding Peavey design single coil pickups
Raptor Custom Silverburst Electric Guitar
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Exclusive PowerPlate bridge increases sustain and clarity of notes
- Painted headstock and black pickguard for a stylish look
- Basswood body for a lightweight feel and classic tone
- Steel bridge with adjustable truss rod for secure string placement
- Onboard electronics may need to be swapped out for a more complex sound
- Strings can sometimes become loose with heavy playing

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.

DESIGNED FOR: Beginner to intermediate bass players
FEATURES: The guitar features a 4-string with a 34" scale and 20 frets
OTHER INFO: One split single-coil pickup and one straight single-coil pickup
Milestone 4 String Bass Guitar
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Offers excellent value for money.
- An affordable price point makes it accessible to most players.
- Stamped steel bridge and chrome hardware for a polished look.
- Uniquely sculpted body and improved neck joint for improved access to the upper frets.
- 12" radius fretboard for comfortable playing.
- Does not include a gig bag or hard case.
- Electronics are essential, offering limited tonal options.

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.

DESIGNED FOR: Beginner to Intermediate Players
FEATURES: Solid spruce top for incomparable resonance and sustain
OTHER INFO: Sealed tuning machines
DW-2 Solid Top Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Great sound and response with the solid top
- Lightweight construction makes it easy to take anywhere
- Traditional dreadnought body shape makes it easy to learn on
- Affordable price point for those just starting out
- Not durable enough for heavy-handed strumming
- Some players find the action a bit low

The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Peavey Guitar Review
Summary
The Peavey guitar range is an impressive collection of instruments featuring various models tailored to different skill levels and styles. From the beginner-friendly Raptor Plus to the more advanced DW-2 Dreadnought, Peavey guitars offer an impressive range of features at an affordable price.
Each model has its unique tone and character, so whether you’re a budding bluesman, a seasoned shredder, or just starting, there’s sure to be something in the Peavey range that’s perfect for you.
However, customers should know the limited warranty protection and potential build quality issues with its cheaper models.
But, overall, Peavey guitars are an excellent choice for guitarists who want a quality instrument at an affordable price.
So, ready to make your next move? Step up to a new Peavey session!
And remember, if you need to figure out what accessories to buy, take a look at our Top 21 Vital Accessories article.
FAQ's
Peavey guitars are the creation of a renowned musical instrument and equipment producer, the Peavey Corporation. Founded in 1965 by Hartley Peavey, this Mississippi-based company has become one of the world’s largest producers of sound gear and instruments.
They have been crafting some of the world’s highest-quality guitars, amplifiers, and professional audio systems for more than five decades. This commitment to excellence is seen in all their products, from the more affordable Peavey Raptor Plus and Peavey Grind series guitars to the much higher quality top-end Peavey Wolfgang, Reactor and Vypyr Pro Series of instruments.
All their guitars are designed with sound quality and player comfort. The materials used are chosen for maximum resonance, projection and playability, while the body shapes have been crafted to feel comfortable no matter how long you’re playing. On top of that, Peavey guitars come equipped with their own set of pickups and hardware specifically designed to enhance each instrument’s signature tone.
The company also produces a range of amplifiers to match its instruments. From the classic Peavey Classic Series to the new Peavey Vypyr series, there’s an amp for every guitarist. With technological advances, these amplifiers feature digital sound processing, modelling, and traditional analogue circuits, allowing you to get the most out of your guitar.
Peavey is also a leader in professional audio equipment, with their P.A. systems and studio monitors being used in some of the biggest arenas and venues worldwide. All this attention to detail has earned Peavey numerous industry awards and recognition over the years, cementing its place as one of the premier guitar manufacturers in the world.
Now the company has become a global powerhouse, distributing over 2,000 products to over 130 countries worldwide. They continue to set the standard for quality and excellence in musical instruments and audio equipment, providing musicians with the tools they need to bring their dreams of music to life.
From legendary blues guitarists to hard rock shredders, Peavey proudly boasts an impressive roster of professional and amateur guitarists who use their amplifiers and instruments. Ben Bruce of Asking Alexandria relies on the Peavey 6534 Plus, while Brad Walst of Three Days Grace turns to their Headliner 1000 1000-Watt Bass Amp Head. Corey Beaulieu of Trivium goes with the Peavey 6505 Plus, and Brian Eschbach of The Black Dahlia Murder chooses the original Peavey 6505. There’s the versatile Peavey DTH™ 5 Acoustic Guitar Amplifier for acoustic guitarists.
A host of other renowned artists, including Ed Eason of Carrie Underwood’s band, Denny Hemingson of Tim McGraw’s band, Kevin Thrasher of Escape The Fate, and Josh Burke of The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus have all chosen to rely on Peavey for their amplification needs. From up-and-coming indie groups to major-label acts, it’s clear that Peavey has the power and performance to meet every musician’s needs.
Peavey guitars are still made in the USA, but much of their production has been moved to China. While most guitars with the Peavey brand are produced in China, some manufacturing is still done in North America. This ensures that the quality of Peavey guitars remains consistent with their commitment to quality and excellence. Some models are now manufactured in China to appeal to a larger market. However, each country produces the same high-quality instruments at competitive prices.
Yes! Peavey produces a range of top-notch acoustic guitars, from the entry-level Peavey Renegade to their premium Performer series. The Peavey Acoustic guitars are designed for superior playability, sound quality and craftsmanship. These guitars feature solid Sitka spruce tops, mahogany necks with rosewood fingerboards and a dreadnought body shape. The neck has a slim C-shaped profile, offering an incredibly comfortable feel and fast-playing action for chords and single notes.
The Peavey acoustic guitars also have Floyd Rose tremolo bridges, allowing excellent tuning stability and enhanced sonic range. The hardware is all premium quality, providing a lifetime of reliability.
You can expect to get a tremendous unplugged acoustic tone from these guitars. The bass will be tight and full, the midrange will be sweet, and the treble will sparkle. The chords are projected assertively, and single-note picket lines are loud and clear. With their great value for money and premium craftsmanship, Peavey acoustic guitars deliver a fantastic playing experience.
Peavey Electronics is a privately held company that is still owned and operated by its founder, Hartley Peavey. Peavey has been at the helm of the company since its inception in 1965 and remains actively involved in its day-to-day operations.
Ah, the cons section, the heartbreak chapter of any guitar article. Guess it’s not a Peavey party without a couple of downers, huh?
In regards to value for money, it’s tricky. Many argue that you’re paying for the brand name with Peavey. However, from a purely musical standpoint, especially for specific genres, the investment can be justified due to their unique sound profile. Would love to hear others’ thoughts on this. Are there comparable alternatives out there that offer the same quality without the brand name markup?
Look into brands like Yamaha or Squier for balance between cost and quality. They’ve got some solid models worth checking out.
Got any recommendations for those alternatives? On a tight budget here.
peavey guitars have that unique sound quality that’s just unbeatable for mixing tracks love how this review highlights that big fan here
Just read the bit on construction quality of Peavey guitars. It’s super important to me that my next guitar stands the test of time. Anyone have personal experiences they can share about how their Peavey has held up over the years?
Had mine for about 7 years, still plays like a charm. Just the usual wear and tear!