I had a sunburst Predator Plus as my first guitar and used it for a good long while. For a entry level guitar, it was one of the better choices at the time (considering that Yamaha, Squier, Epiphone, Ibanez, Jay Turser, and others were simply not producing reasonably decent entry level stuff at the time) but even with that being the case, it isn't something I would put a lot of effort into elevating beyond its entry level reality. In retrospect, this guitar did teach me one important lesson. When one is looking at guitars that are priced between $100 and $2000, you are generally going to see the biggest "you get what you pay for" impact. This isn't to say that cheaper entry level guitars are terrible or that expensive guitars are always amazing but the price will inevitably dictate the kinds of features, materials, and detail you get. Sadly, there has been a pretty pronounced movement online towards an almost blind "just as good!" mindset where cheaper guitars are always the best possible choice and those who buy more expensive (perhaps $900+) instruments are somehow blind to marketing or always getting scammed. This idea that "the headstock doesn't matter" started with good intentions but has spiraled into a disturbing zealous fervor among many TH-camrs and figures in social media's guitar spaces. The Peavey Predator Plus was a good starter guitar but as I learned more not just about how to play (music theory, technique, etc) but also how various guitar types/brands/price points feel in my hands, I found that I had simply outgrown the Peavey. I had spent a good amount of time playing American Strats (my guitar teacher had some) and whenever I picked up my own Peavey, it was clear where it came up short. Eventually, I traded up that (and a few other cheap guitars that I had foolishly bought) for a used American Strat (got a fantastic deal) and to be blunt, I never, ever looked back. I still have a couple of cheaper guitars I keep around for specific purposes but that Peavey taught me that one should have a good, solid, well built guitar as their main. Something that gives them exactly what they want with no compromises.
First electric guitar I ever got when I was 10. Still have it 11 years later. If you can find one of these at a pawn shop would highly suggest swooping one up and properly setting it up. The pickups are pretty bright which is fun for indie rock kind of stuff. Good Review!!!
I bought the exact guitar while on holiday in Cromer . It’s a lefty though and plays and sounds fantastic. Thanks for posting. You play really great. Lucky I came across this guitar. It cost me £119 but it was worth it.
Got a red one for free w/ a maple board. Think it's Vietnam made. Swapped the pickups to GFS crunchy rails at the bridge, and brighton rocks for the singles. Love it!
I just bought one of these guitars - a fantastic instrument for the low price I paid (not as low as yours). BUT: I just noticed you also have an Aria Nexter behind you - I've got a gorgeous red one. They play and sound so good - it's a shame there's so little information on them.
Peavey are solid..some are awesome. .this is a Pre wolfgang guitar..not near as good. But its said pre wolf..i gave a red one. Its pretty decent for what it is. Mine has locking grovers..i dig the trem on these guitars. Solid feeling ...
Hey Brent, Firstly, 'nice chops, bro'! Good job on the vid and I was sorry when you stopped playing. I too own a predator plus which I bought about 5 years ago for $85AUD. I have found it to be exactly as you have said, plus a couple of little benefits you didn't mention: The headstock has straight string angles so there's no 'sideways' action like on LP style. Headstock angles back nicely, so theres no 'string tree' like f-style to keep B and e on the nut...fewer tuning dramas. The headstock is short , and the bridge sits close to the end of the body. Therefore, although it has 25.5" "F type" scale length, the overall dimensions are very compact. So, if you have limited room on stage due to playing in /at the back of a big band like I do, then there's another plus. The neck and action are terrific. It plays really well, as you demonstrated. How can they be so under-rated? Cheers mate, subscribed ;-) Andrew.
That's fantastic thanks for the extra info. Yeah it's great that you can pick them up so cheap. This is a keeper for me for sure. Thanks for the sub and kind words :)
I had the Predator Plus HB without the scratchplate in metallic blue. It was the last guitar I owned before I sold it and abandoned the hobby for 15 years. I really miss that guitar.
Hi, I have just got a left hooker one of these Predator Plus for £50. Mine is Made in Vietnam with Grover 406c machine heads... not sure if that was standard fitment at the factory ? Looks just like yours but left handed. Problem is its missing the tremolo arm for the Powerbend Mk3 unit. I was wondering if your right handed one has got a metric thread and what diameter is the arm, 5mm-5.5mm ? or maybe imperial which I doubt. I'm sure the machined components sizes would be the same size left or right if you get what I mean. Any info on the tremolo block would be helpful so I can get a new tremolo arm or something that will fit the block? Ps- thanks for the video
I've got a Raptor plus which was SSS and now HSH.. Roller/Roller Locking.. The part that always goes unsaid is the MIK models in my opinion are more similar.. This better to a Wolfgang than the MIA which are closer to a Strat copy . which may arguable be better for some but not if you asked me.. There are some Predator plua that don't have the scratchplate at all and are HH
Just saw one at a pawn shop (Oklahoma). Someone replaced the bridge humbucker with a Seymour Duncan. They're asking $104. I'm sure I can get it for $90 (66 £) out the door. The SD pickup alone is is nearly worth that.
chiseled out because the predator plus was a S/S/S not a H/S/S. Humbucker and pick guard is added by someone who owned it. Also, the black nut and the locking tuners are not stock. they were changed out as well.
Interesting load of bollocks you're spouting there, Don. Mine is HSS, any other one I've come across is HSS, and I just happened to find a little article on guitar-list dot com (you'll have to google it - yoochoob wont let me post a link) which also seems to be of the same opinion. Better sticking to what you know, instead of spouting "alternative facts" 🤪.
@@tiggertoo1962 If they made some, which could have happened on a limited basis, then I was mistaken. But my info is correct for the majority of that particular version of this guitar. I based my comment on the fact that I have never seen one from the factory configured that way, and that the humbucker is OBVIOUSLY not a match to the singles. But living 2 miles from Peavey, and having worked there, along with my collection of peavey guitars, I have a pretty good idea of the “mainstream facts” regarding their product line.
Peavey Predator Plus's absolutely did come in a HSS configuration, did have locking tuners, and did have black plastic nuts. I know this because the one I bought new from a store (and absolutely bone stock and fresh out of the box) had those features.
I had a sunburst Predator Plus as my first guitar and used it for a good long while. For a entry level guitar, it was one of the better choices at the time (considering that Yamaha, Squier, Epiphone, Ibanez, Jay Turser, and others were simply not producing reasonably decent entry level stuff at the time) but even with that being the case, it isn't something I would put a lot of effort into elevating beyond its entry level reality.
In retrospect, this guitar did teach me one important lesson. When one is looking at guitars that are priced between $100 and $2000, you are generally going to see the biggest "you get what you pay for" impact. This isn't to say that cheaper entry level guitars are terrible or that expensive guitars are always amazing but the price will inevitably dictate the kinds of features, materials, and detail you get. Sadly, there has been a pretty pronounced movement online towards an almost blind "just as good!" mindset where cheaper guitars are always the best possible choice and those who buy more expensive (perhaps $900+) instruments are somehow blind to marketing or always getting scammed. This idea that "the headstock doesn't matter" started with good intentions but has spiraled into a disturbing zealous fervor among many TH-camrs and figures in social media's guitar spaces.
The Peavey Predator Plus was a good starter guitar but as I learned more not just about how to play (music theory, technique, etc) but also how various guitar types/brands/price points feel in my hands, I found that I had simply outgrown the Peavey. I had spent a good amount of time playing American Strats (my guitar teacher had some) and whenever I picked up my own Peavey, it was clear where it came up short. Eventually, I traded up that (and a few other cheap guitars that I had foolishly bought) for a used American Strat (got a fantastic deal) and to be blunt, I never, ever looked back. I still have a couple of cheaper guitars I keep around for specific purposes but that Peavey taught me that one should have a good, solid, well built guitar as their main. Something that gives them exactly what they want with no compromises.
I have two of these both in red. I really think the quality is every bit as good as my 1962 reissue japan strats from the same period of the 90s.
It's from mid-90's. Got one and i bought it brand new in 1996. Still rocking.
I love this thing !
First electric guitar I ever got when I was 10. Still have it 11 years later. If you can find one of these at a pawn shop would highly suggest swooping one up and properly setting it up. The pickups are pretty bright which is fun for indie rock kind of stuff. Good Review!!!
Thanks :)
I bought the exact guitar while on holiday in Cromer . It’s a lefty though and plays and sounds fantastic. Thanks for posting. You play really great. Lucky I came across this guitar. It cost me £119 but it was worth it.
Yeah shame I got rid of it really
Got a red one for free w/ a maple board. Think it's Vietnam made. Swapped the pickups to GFS crunchy rails at the bridge, and brighton rocks for the singles. Love it!
Many thanks for a very interesting and informative review M8ty....... May thanks for filming and sharing too....... M&MX / Mark T X
A Korean-made older Peavey is getting hard to find, but they were very well made and of good materials!
I just bought one of these guitars - a fantastic instrument for the low price I paid (not as low as yours). BUT: I just noticed you also have an Aria Nexter behind you - I've got a gorgeous red one. They play and sound so good - it's a shame there's so little information on them.
Peavey are solid..some are awesome. .this is a Pre wolfgang guitar..not near as good. But its said pre wolf..i gave a red one. Its pretty decent for what it is. Mine has locking grovers..i dig the trem on these guitars. Solid feeling ...
Hey Brent, Firstly, 'nice chops, bro'! Good job on the vid and I was sorry when you stopped playing. I too own a predator plus which I bought about 5 years ago for $85AUD. I have found it to be exactly as you have said, plus a couple of little benefits you didn't mention:
The headstock has straight string angles so there's no 'sideways' action like on LP style.
Headstock angles back nicely, so theres no 'string tree' like f-style to keep B and e on the nut...fewer tuning dramas.
The headstock is short , and the bridge sits close to the end of the body. Therefore, although it has 25.5" "F type" scale length, the overall dimensions are very compact. So, if you have limited room on stage due to playing in /at the back of a big band like I do, then there's another plus.
The neck and action are terrific. It plays really well, as you demonstrated.
How can they be so under-rated? Cheers mate,
subscribed ;-)
Andrew.
That's fantastic thanks for the extra info. Yeah it's great that you can pick them up so cheap. This is a keeper for me for sure. Thanks for the sub and kind words :)
Right on agreed. These are cool guitars..heavy but cool
Nice review. Picking one up tomorrow. \m/
Got one for free. Thrown in with some other gear I purchased. Great guitar. Heavy sound out of the bridge. Great neck.
I just bought one Sunday and I think a Made good choice 😅
I had the Predator Plus HB without the scratchplate in metallic blue. It was the last guitar I owned before I sold it and abandoned the hobby for 15 years. I really miss that guitar.
Ahh yes I have sold guitars that I miss too.
Hi, I have just got a left hooker one of these Predator Plus for £50. Mine is Made in Vietnam with Grover 406c machine heads... not sure if that was standard fitment at the factory ? Looks just like yours but left handed. Problem is its missing the tremolo arm for the Powerbend Mk3 unit. I was wondering if your right handed one has got a metric thread and what diameter is the arm, 5mm-5.5mm ? or maybe imperial which I doubt. I'm sure the machined components sizes would be the same size left or right if you get what I mean. Any info on the tremolo block would be helpful so I can get a new tremolo arm or something that will fit the block? Ps- thanks for the video
Sound awesome for a cheap guitar I would definitely purchase one
Excellent review 👌🏻🙏
Wow this is a very good deal. The guitar is in a very good condition.
I've got a Raptor plus which was SSS and now HSH.. Roller/Roller Locking..
The part that always goes unsaid is the MIK models in my opinion are more similar.. This better to a Wolfgang than the MIA which are closer to a Strat copy
. which may arguable be better for some but not if you asked me.. There are some Predator plua that don't have the scratchplate at all and are HH
Interesting stuff man thanks
Just saw one at a pawn shop (Oklahoma). Someone replaced the bridge humbucker with a Seymour Duncan. They're asking $104. I'm sure I can get it for $90 (66 £) out the door. The SD pickup alone is is nearly worth that.
For sure that's a good deal
Hope u bought it
I like the bridge very unique
cool review n cool guitar
Where can I get a tremolo arm for this guitar?
Ebay
Damn I had this guitar and was looking to sell it and switched up how much a used one should cost and found this
I found one from 99 in 180£ does it a good deal?
don't tell everyone or it'll be harder for us to get the bargains :)
Afternoon, any recommendations for a replacement whammy bar? I picked one up without the bar.
Best place is ebay you will need to know the size of the thread
Brent Hutchinson do you have it?
@@mcloum what guitar is it?
The one in the video?
Brent Hutchinson sane as the video. Peavey raptor plus
I have one of those in red
chiseled out because the predator plus was a S/S/S not a H/S/S. Humbucker and pick guard is added by someone who owned it.
Also, the black nut and the locking tuners are not stock. they were changed out as well.
Interesting
Interesting load of bollocks you're spouting there, Don. Mine is HSS, any other one I've come across is HSS, and I just happened to find a little article on guitar-list dot com (you'll have to google it - yoochoob wont let me post a link) which also seems to be of the same opinion. Better sticking to what you know, instead of spouting "alternative facts" 🤪.
No, Brent's information is correct.
@@tiggertoo1962
If they made some, which could have happened on a limited basis, then I was mistaken.
But my info is correct for the majority of that particular version of this guitar.
I based my comment on the fact that I have never seen one from the factory configured that way, and that the humbucker is OBVIOUSLY not a match to the singles.
But living 2 miles from Peavey, and having worked there, along with my collection of peavey guitars, I have a pretty good idea of the “mainstream facts” regarding their product line.
Peavey Predator Plus's absolutely did come in a HSS configuration, did have locking tuners, and did have black plastic nuts. I know this because the one I bought new from a store (and absolutely bone stock and fresh out of the box) had those features.
are we hearing a different backing track to what your playing to?,,,, just asking as it seems way off.
Is it updown tremolo?
Hi.. no it's not
up
Tengo una es increíble , es alrrededor del año 2000
Que nacionalidad es? Tengo una igual