United States · Est. 1965
Peavey Electronics
Hartley Peavey built his brand from scratch to become one of America's most important music manufacturers, making professional quality accessible to all.
About the brand
Peavey Electronics was founded in 1965 by Hartley Peavey in Meridian, Mississippi. Hartley built the company from nothing, manufacturing amplifiers in his parents' garage before expanding into guitars, PA systems, and professional audio equipment. Peavey's philosophy was always to make professional quality accessible to working musicians at fair prices.
The Peavey T-60 (1978) was the first guitar manufactured using computer-aided design and manufacturing technology — a significant technological milestone. The Wolfgang — Eddie Van Halen's signature model — was designed in partnership with Van Halen himself and became one of the most technically refined superstrats ever produced. The EVH partnership lasted until 2004 when Van Halen moved to Fender's EVH brand.
Peavey amplifiers — the 5150, JSX, and Classic series — have been as important to the brand's legacy as the guitars. The 5150 amp's high-gain channel defined the sound of 1990s American metal. Though the company has contracted significantly in recent decades, Peavey remains an important part of American guitar and amplifier history.
Key facts
- Founded in 1965 by Hartley Peavey in Meridian, Mississippi
- T-60 (1978) was the first guitar manufactured using CAD/CAM technology
- Eddie Van Halen's Wolfgang signature model built in collaboration with EVH himself
- 5150 amplifier defined the sound of 1990s American high-gain metal
Iconic models
Peavey Wolfgang
Designed with Eddie Van Halen, it served as his official guitar for years and was one of the best American-made superstrats of the 90s.
Peavey EVH
Peavey's first collaboration with Eddie Van Halen, which laid the groundwork for their relationship and brought a guitar with the maestro's DNA to market.
Peavey Predator
The most affordable American Stratocaster-style guitar of the 80s, USA-made with great build quality at a highly competitive price.
Peavey HP2
A high-end USA-made superstrat from Peavey with premium specifications and the brand's patented vibrato system.