High Output Peavey Rotor EX

June 29, 2007 by Jo Minor 


Are you interested in a loud, screaming electric guitar with great good looks and a trusted name brand? The high output Peavey Rotor EX fits that description to a “T.” Peavey, a name well known and respected as a source for great amps and other electronic items, offers this extreme X-shaped guitar at a list price of about $400.

The name Peavey is almost synonymous with amplifiers and other music gig electronics. Oh, there are other companies out there, but Peavey is certainly a leader. The company was started by a Mississippi man named Hartley Peavey who first built himself an amplifier in 1957. The company began in 1965 in Mr. Peavey’s dad’s basement, but has grown to 33 factories on three continents. The company goal is to provide the best affordable electronic products using the most modern methods of computer assisted design currently available.

Peavey began with guitar amplifiers, but soon began making and marketing PA systems to better satisfy the electronics demands of the day. It was not until the mid-1970’s that the company began creating electric guitars.

Peavey has worked with a variety of rockers in designing equipment, including rock legend Eddie Van Halen. Peavey, himself, once an aspiring rocker, is included in Hollywood’s Rock Walk of Fame.

Advantages: No doubt about it, the Rotor EX is a great looking axe. The red or black high gloss finish is striking and eye-catching. It’s a great guitar for playing lead solos and riffs. The ceramic magnet humbucking pickups give it a lot of power and an edge that barks and bites. They sound great whether playing clean or distorted. You can be sure you are getting the latest in electronic design when you pick up any electric guitar put out by Peavey. Peavey is also known for offering great customer service if you happen to have any problems or questions.

The cutaway shape makes accessing the highest frets easy. It’s got a good sound for the price and the pickups are hot and especially suited to playing metal and thrash. It can handle other styles of music, too, though, so it rates high marks for versatility. The Floyd Rose locking tremelo bridge is the real deal, licensed by Mr Rose and Co., himself, so it’s not just a look-alike. Usually, you don’t this quality on a guitar this inexpensive. The Rotor EX also comes in a mahogany colored model that lacks the tremelo bridge and retails for a little less than the red or black trem models.

The high output Peavey Rotor EX electric guitar is heavy and solid in construction, for those who want some heft to their guitar. The explorer shaped body is well balanced for playing in a seated position. It stays in tune almost forever, thanks to the locking bridge system.

All in all, the Rotor EX has a lot of good features found on more expensive guitars. It’s got the sound you want, too, and is close enough to a professional model guitar that you’ll probably find it’s really worth the price.

Disadvantages: Here are some complaints made by various buyers. The white binding might have a dingy look. The finish has imperfections, although it looks pretty good. The volume knobs aren’t completely accurate, and can’t be turned completely down. If you’ve never played a guitar with a Floyd Rose locking trem bridge system, you might have to learn how to tune it and take some time getting used to it.

The strap buttons are big and secure, but since the guitar is so heavy, you will probably want to replace them with strap locks. You might need to get it set when you’re ready to bring it home.

Now, we’re talking about guitars, sound, music, and all of that, so this next “disadvantage” doesn’t have much to do with anything, but the Peavey Rotor EX is featured in a comic strip called “Proximity Effect.” Some of us prefer instruments that are not associated with cartoon characters. On the other hand, you might love the comic and find the association a wonderful advantage! Your choice!

Specs:

  • Mahogany explorer-style solid body
  • Mahogany neck
  • Rosewood fretboard
  • White binding
  • 24.75 inch scale
  • 24 jumbo frets
  • Dual torsion rod
  • Double-locking, Floyd Rose tremolo bridge
  • Die cast Grover tuners
  • Pearloid block shaped inlays
  • Two ceramic magnet humbucking pickups
  • Two volume controls in black
  • One tone control
  • Push on knobs that have rubber rings
  • Three-way, toggle style switch for selecting pickups
  • Comes in black or candy apple red
  • Mahogany-colored model available with dual compression tailpiece instead of tremelo

Here’s an article, really more like a press release, telling about the high output Peavey Rotor EX.

Here’s the link to the online comic book, “Proximity Effect,” which features a girl hero who uses a Peavey Rotor EX as a weapon. Parental guidance is suggested.

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