Musicman20

[quote name='charic' timestamp='1327398875' post='1510428'] You're quite right... You'll be selling those other basses in no time [/quote] Haha, well I regreted selling my Stingray's to get the newer models with compensated nut/dual pups, so that won't happen again. Everrything I have now was at very very good prices, which I won't be able to get again. I eventually got excellent replacements, so they are staying put. Not only that, I've tried delving into other brands, but may as well admit the fact that if it isn't Fender or Musicman, I crave a Fender or Musicman! I've learnt my lesson. I also prefer a 34" scale, just for the overall tension and 'feel' of the strings. Again, that's me.

[quote name='mike257' timestamp='1327367976' post='1510260'] I think you're in luck then! This seems to have wiped about a hundred quid off the second hand prices overnight - I was going to sell mine to fund guitar gear I need, and I'm going to have to sell my Ampeg instead now, sad times. I use mine through an Ampeg 610HLF and have never found the low end lacking - play with the EQ pretty much flat, just a touch of low end boost on the bass itself, and it's face-melting! Come on now Gareth, we've all seen the gear you go through, nothing has everything you want [/quote] It is a shame about the second hand market, I agree. The same happened when the RH450 was dropped in price when the RH750 came out. Don't get me wrong, through the right cab, the 6.0 is a big sounding amp, and the 410HLF you have is probably has the biggest fattest low end out of any Ampeg cab. It's tuned for that big low end, so the Shuttle 6.0 will be a nice match. I have been through some gear, but I've hardly sold a thing recently apart from unused strings and a duplicate pedal. I'll never be at the stage of buying new one month then selling it two weeks later after barely playing it. I am a bit greedy though, but I guess that comes with this website! I've slowed down considerably because other things (normal life) have taken over. I was very tempted to pick up a 6.0/9.0 in the sale...still tempted to be honest.

Don't get me wrong, as I've said, these style of basses are growing on me. I just can't see myself having 7 or so normal 34" 4 or 5 string basses, and one Dingwall with a different scale, different fret system, etc.I'd have to spend a good few hours on one before making a decision. It is very much a niche market, which is growing rapidly by the looks of things.

I've heard the price point is great, but some of them aren't made so well...bit of a gamble. BUT, I think thats part of why they have changed to manufacturing near their head office.

I doubt it will be much, and I think the quality will be much better. Not due to the fact its in USA but because Gallien has more control over it.

Eude - I'd wait til the new USA made ones hit the UK Polar Audio told me the MB800 should be here April, with the new cabs and powered cabs in Summer.

It's probably the case that the brand has built up that 'super high end' following that their name is as much a part of why people buy one. Having that Fodera to them might be similar to why my Dad has always wanted a Porsche Carrera. He know the cars are far from perfect, but something draws you in.

Looking through the Talkbass thread, it seems almost as if Fodera ultimate high end bass in terms of attention to detail and cost. I quite like the tone of the Ying Yang Standard...and the build shape, but the Ying Yang is a big no for me...(just seems a bit cheesy...always reminds me of grunge kids or people trying to be hippies).

Definitely. The Shuttle 2 cabinets are also quite a substantial upgrade to the Shuttle cabs. The 6.2 Combo at £999.00 is virtually the same price as the old one, with the significant upgrades. Tempting!

I love the Fodera concept, and the workmanship is stunning. Totally out of my price range though, and unless bass was my career (and paid well) I wouldn't dare use it anyway.

New product video. The new looks is much more in line with the styles that are popular today. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hp_C6_xJASc MB800 and MB800 Fusion both there, but no demo.

[quote name='Prime_BASS' timestamp='1327258354' post='1508479'] Same for me in the EBMM Stingray copies. Other brands with the MM type of pickup just seem like they are missing something, although I'm happy with my corvette (for now) it's definatly not the same as my sterling or stingray. Polite is a good way of putting it. The "faillings" of fender or EBMM is what makes them sound unique, but I guess it helps having the pedigree aswell. [/quote] This is true. I've tried other humbuckers on other brands, in exactly the same sweetspot (even a proper Ray with a replacement) and I STILL think the Ernie Ball/Musicman/original design has SOMETHING about it...and I can't put my finger on it. Just a really individual tone. Even when Musicman make other basses, with a different position (HH Bongo, Big Al SSS) they STILL have that unique sound...its weird, but I like it. I've just seen the new arrival of Lakland basses (including Jazzes) at GuitarGuitar. My word, their string to pup, and string to centre of fretboard alignment, is WELL off on most of them. My USA 2011 Jazz is perfect, and allows you to move the string alignment if needs be.

I doubt we will see the new gear for a long time. Thats my only gripe with GK....they never seem to get the timings right.

It HAS happened! KJung on Talkbass has mentioned he tested one at NAMM

I've read that Markbass are discontinuing the F1/F500 for this new 'Big Bang'. Weird. It seems to be that recently they've lost touch with what modern bass player's want. I would personally assume that the LM3, F1/500, and the new Randy Jackson TTE are the best sellers, but what do I know haha. They just needed a LM4 with the new upgrades and a button mute, and a price drop on the F500 or a new version that is more budget friendly, (its been in productions for years but the price is still high).

Tom Bowlus has mentioned on talkbass: "I am not sure if you guys have heard yet, but beginning in February, production on all GK models is moving back to the Stockton, CA facility. The last day of production in China was 12/31.@ Impressive and bold move. I think they may have had enough of the problems they had with the earlier MB2500, and the teething problems the MBE cabs have had. I'm still interested in the MB800...nothing on Polar Audio's site though.

I've tried boutique 'jazz' basses, mainly Sadowsky, and no, they don't sound close enough to the Fender tone. A much dryer, flatter, less exciting tone. Hardly any of that jazz grind when both pups are on. Indeed, I ventured into trying many brands, just to see if I could own a non Fender Jazz. It didn't work..,they were all super-jazz basses (more modern and often quite polite sounding) or the QC (in the Lakland Skylines) was worse than the Fenders. Eventually I just gambled on Fender again and got a good one!

Its a 200W handling cab to match the 200W head...think its so you have a super portable combo.... That is probably the best value low volume/light combo going.

Apart from the bling badge, I prefer it. It looks more classic. Everything seems to be heading towards nostalgia city in music at the moment. P basses, tube amps, flatwounds, old designs and vintage aesthetics.

Isn't it weird how simple little basslines can set off an audience like that?! Something for guitarists to be aware of. Stick a great drummer with a bassist and a lot of fun can be had!

Seem they are having an overhaul of the aesthetics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bassplayermag/6728896827/in/photostream

The Gus properly suits the band and your overall style.

Pop music, IMO, has taken a turn in the right direction recently. Some superb live bands with vocalists eg this, Gaga, and Bruno Mars. Cool video. Live pop like that looks like so much fun to play!

I'd like an MB800, but still waiting for them to get here.