Peavey Explorer Guitars

The Peavey Explorer is actually just an Explorer shaped guitar. It is actually called the Peavey Rotor. It has been reviewed over at Ultimate Guitar as well as a few other guitar forums around the internet.

The official Peavey description has been removed from their website so I guess it's safe to say they discontinued the Peavey Explorer shaped offering.

The availability of used Peavey guitars can vary depending on your location and the current market. Be patient and keep an eye on various sources to find the right used Peavey guitar for you.

Online marketplaces, yes the websites like eBay, Reverb, and Craigslist often have listings for used musical instruments, including Peavey guitars.

About Peavey Explorers...

Researching this guitar I see there is also another model resembling the Explorer called the PXD series supposedly for metal guitarists. The official info page for this series of guitars can no longer be found at peavey.com I would imagine because it was discontinued.

The newer models that even closely resemble and Explorer would be the Tragic series and the Void series, but these are not the Explorer shape we have come to know and love, but a variance. No mention of Peavey re-introducing the Rotor any time soon.

I have personally owned and intermittently played a Peavey guitar for close to twenty five years. I have never owned or played a Rotor, but a different model all together. My experience with Peavey, in general, has been good.

Gripes that I have always has include the weight of the guitar, which I felt is a bit much. I have also felt that the thickness of the neck overall was on the heavy side. Positives from my experience with Peavey guitars and the spectacular finish and quality.

Styling and comfort have always been above average. There were great guitars coming out of Asia when I bought my last Peavey, but it has been quite a few years now and I can't give an accurate review of the newest models.

Other than these guitars being produced in Korea and Indonesia. This is all the specific info I have right now but if you'd like to add to this description I'd appreciate any additional information from an experience Rotor owner.

I'm looking for descriptions, pictures, production years, availablilty, and that sort of info. If you can help out, please do. If you are looking to buy or get an idea on prices, Same Day Music stocks Peavey equipment .

Peavey Rotor / Explorer Forum

Watch for the return of the Peavey Rotor forum...

Peavey for Dummies

For those who are unfamiliar with the Peavey brand, this is what I call "Peavey for dummies". The first Peavey guitar was introduced in 1977. Peavey Electronics Corporation, founded by Hartley Peavey in 1965, initially specialized in manufacturing amplifiers and pro audio equipment.

However, in 1977, Peavey expanded its product line to include electric guitars, marking the company's entry into the guitar manufacturing market.

The first Peavey guitar models released in 1977 were the T-60 and T-30. The T-60 was Peavey's flagship electric guitar and was notable for its innovative features, including a unique neck-through-body design, solid ash body, and dual-blade pickups. The T-30 was a more affordable version of the T-60 with a bolt-on neck design.

Both the T-60 and T-30 models gained popularity for their quality construction, playability, and affordability, making them attractive options for musicians looking for high-quality instruments at reasonable prices.

Peavey continued to expand its guitar offerings over the years, introducing various electric, acoustic, and bass guitar models. The Peavey Rotor was introduced in the late 1980s. Specifically, the Peavey Rotor guitar was first unveiled in 1987. It was a part of Peavey's innovative "Generation Series" of guitars, which featured unique designs and cutting-edge features.

The Peavey Rotor was known for its futuristic appearance, with a radical body shape and distinctive headstock design. It featured a locking tremolo system and high-output pickups, making it suitable for players who desired expressive whammy bar techniques and aggressive tones.

The Generation Series, including the Peavey Rotor, was an attempt by Peavey to tap into the growing popularity of the Superstrat-style guitars in the late 1980s, which were favored by many rock and metal guitarists.

Like many other models from the Generation Series, the Peavey Rotor had a relatively short production run, and it is considered a collectible guitar by enthusiasts and collectors today.

Peavey Electronics Corporation is a private company. Peavey was founded by Hartley Peavey in 1965 and has remained privately owned and operated since its inception.

Being a private company means that Peavey is not publicly traded on stock exchanges, and its ownership is not distributed among public shareholders. Instead, it is owned and controlled by its founder, Hartley Peavey, and potentially other private investors or stakeholders involved with the company.

Peavey has worldwide distributors for its musical instruments, audio equipment, and pro audio products. Peavey Electronics Corporation has a broad distribution network that allows its products to be available in many countries across the globe.

Having a global distribution network enables Peavey to reach a wide audience of musicians, audio professionals, and consumers, making their products easily accessible in various markets. It also helps to support the brand's reputation as a reliable and widely recognized name in the music and audio industry.

Pros and Cons of Peavey Guitars

As with any guitar brand, Peavey has received both positive feedback and occasional complaints from guitar players and customers. It's important to note that individual experiences can vary, and what might be a complaint for one person might not be an issue for another. Some of the common complaints or criticisms about Peavey guitars reported by some players include:

1. Quality Control: Some players have reported issues with quality control, particularly on certain models. Complaints include uneven fretwork, sharp fret ends, or minor cosmetic flaws.
2. Electronics and Hardware: Occasionally, players have experienced problems with the stock electronics and hardware, such as pickups, switches, or tuners. Some players prefer to upgrade these components to suit their preferences.
3. Playability: While Peavey guitars are generally known for their playability, some players might find that certain guitars may require adjustments or setup to optimize playability and intonation.
4. Design and Aesthetics: Peavey guitars, especially certain models, have unique and distinctive designs that may not appeal to everyone's aesthetic tastes.
5. Availability: Some players have found it challenging to find specific Peavey guitar models in their local music stores or regions due to limited availability.
6. Resale Value: Some players feel that the resale value of Peavey guitars is lower compared to certain other guitar brands.

It's important to keep in mind that these complaints represent only a portion of the feedback from players, and many other musicians have had positive experiences with their Peavey guitars. Peavey is known for producing a wide range of guitars at various price points, catering to different playing styles and preferences. But Peavey has plenty of staunch supporters as well.

Owning a Peavey guitar can be a rewarding experience for many musicians. Peavey offers a variety of guitars that cater to different playing styles and preferences. Here are some of the best reasons to consider owning a Peavey guitar:

1. Quality Construction: Peavey guitars are built with attention to detail and quality craftsmanship. They use solid tonewoods and components that contribute to the overall durability and playability of the instrument.
2. Affordable Pricing: Peavey guitars provide a balance of quality and affordability. They offer an accessible entry point for players who want a reliable instrument without breaking the bank.
3. Diverse Model Selection: Peavey offers a wide range of guitar models, including classic designs and modern variations. Whether you prefer a timeless style like a Stratocaster or Les Paul, or a more unique and distinctive design, Peavey likely has a model to suit your taste.
4. Suitable for Various Genres: Peavey guitars are versatile instruments that can handle various musical genres. They are well-regarded in rock, blues, country, and metal styles, making them adaptable to different playing preferences.
5. Unique Innovations: Peavey has introduced innovative features and technology in some of its guitar models. For example, the Peavey HP Special offers an adjustable "T-60 style" bridge system, allowing players to fine-tune the guitar's intonation.
6. Solid Performance: Many players praise Peavey guitars for their reliable performance and consistent tone. They are considered workhorse instruments that deliver excellent playability and sound, making them ideal for both live performances and studio recordings.
7. Wide Availability: Peavey guitars are available through various music retailers and dealers, making them easily accessible for purchase.
8. Reputation and Legacy: Peavey is a well-established brand with a long history in the music industry. The company's reputation for producing quality instruments has earned them a dedicated fan base over the years.
9. Support and Service: Peavey provides customer support and service for their instruments. If any issues arise, you can rely on Peavey's warranty and customer care.
10. Unique and Collectible Models: Peavey has produced unique and limited-edition guitars throughout its history, some of which have become collectible items sought after by guitar enthusiasts.

Ultimately, the best reason to own a Peavey guitar is the satisfaction and enjoyment you get from playing it. You may have to check out the stores and see what's out there from the Peavey lineup.

Other Explorer style guitars...

See also: Agile | Aria Pro | Cort | Dean | Dommenget | Epiphone | ESP | Gordon Smith | Hamer | Ibanez | Jackson | Kramer | LTD | O Hagan | Peavey | Tokai