Musicman20

20 hours ago, Chownybass said:

 

Be nice guys!

 

So. Yes we could get our own hardware made. We've looked into it for sure. But we'd have to make LOADS of it to make it economical - tying up capital (which is stretched because of covid and brexit). So it's just not practical. Or not economical. 

 

And by all means we'll be looking at local woods where we can.

 

Yes - the goal is to make as MUCH in the UK as possible. Some things are easy (strings) and some things are hard (pickups not in a standard jazz/soapbar housing for example) But to try do that all in one go is just not practical. One step at a time. 

This is great. I wonder if at some point you could speak to those who make their own hardware in the UK and not only promote their brand, e.g. 'featuring a high end Overwater Bridge' but also add that UK flavour to the hardware. 

Obviously it is all down to price and hitting a build cost you are happy with! But I personally think the price rise is very reasonable and also means you can control your QC in-house. 

That is a great move. 

If they can make that gear with only a relatively small price increase then it makes me wonder why other brands aren't doing so....

Anything Genzler.

To be honest I use my Stomp with a Headrush FRFR 1x12 for both bass and guitar. But that is only a 1x12.

23 hours ago, drTStingray said:

I think this conversation was had in another thread. Certainly, on special bargain basement clearance deals but as indicators of new bass prices, my Stingray Classic was just short of £1700 in 2010 and my Old Smoothie 40th Anniversary Stingray over £2000 in 2016. I paid just short of £1300 for my natural SR5 in 2003. These are perhaps more indicative of retail prices. 
 

I think we have entered a period of higher inflation of prices combined with sporadic shortages of lots of products/ services. Multiple worldwide events to blame. 

I managed to get some amazing prices on brand new ordered in Musicman basses (and guitars)....for about 5-6 years.

My SR5 Classic Natural was around £1650 ordered in new.  A SR5 HH was £1400. These were brand new orders I had to wait for. Roughly 2014. 

Then my priorities changed and I realised I had more than enough.

I love what they are coming out with but I can't personally see myself outlaying £2500+ on a Musicman for a while now, unfortunately. Covid/shortages/supply/demand have all added to the issues we see now. 

Still a great brand. No idea if we will ever see the pre-Covid stock levels again. 

Off topic, but crazy to think you could get a USA Stingray SR4 for around £1000-£1300 about 4-5 years ago.

Still responding to support help on an older product - got to give you a pat on the back for that agedhorse. 

These seem incredibly cheap?! £287 for a a RM-800 EVO II?!

I assume that included delivery and any tax/import duty?

A

It's a good move and Fodera are a very high end brand, but Mudvayne....I can't them them seriously. Along with a lot of the nu-metal era....apart from a few.

21 hours ago, fretmeister said:

Quite an unusual change of look for Durst.

 

In one way it's probably a good idea that he doesn't want to look like an angry twenty something anymore, but on the other he's jumped a generation and gone straight to ancient X-factor entrant who should know better.

 

There's quite a difference between looking old and cool like Sam Elliott, and just looking old.

I think it's partly a joke/clever move to attract attention and show their fans of similar age that the Dad thing is cool.

I personally think he looks better....I never liked that daft semi hip hop thing he tried hahahah.

Why don't they just do a Mexican take on their USA Vintage style models? E.g. classic colours like shell pink/sonic blue/sunburst in a nice non-road worn nitro finish, put some good USA Fender pickups in, and only have a gig bag.  It seems a lot of the attraction to basses like the MIM Flea bass is lost...e.g. excellent quality USA pickups and a cool finish.

If they want the more modern take, say the Jazz 5, don't make them active, just put great modern pickups in (USA custom shop range).

That is stunning. I imagine a lot cheaper buying direct as well.

It seems like the concept of a dealer is slowly disappearing. 

Damn good choices. 

It's not even really a style I'd listen to much and I think the whole band sound fantastic. 

He is an absolute beast of a bass player and his tone is spot on. 

Rather this than more Bonamassa (sp?) blues boredom. 

The green is cool! 

Lovely! 

What a load of crap 😂

It's now 2021. Emails for business are essential. 

I tried a Sterling 4H that did this...years ago. It was an issue with the pickup and they had to order a new pickup. 

11 hours ago, fretmeister said:

Their website is sh1te.

Often has broken or incorrect links.

I've had good service from them but I also call to check specs on things before I buy.

The site needs a total refresh. 

Confirmation of prices here

https://bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Musicman_stock.html

So what select hardwoods are they using now? 

I'm happy I don't need to buy one at the moment. 

4 minutes ago, drTStingray said:

The one in my fretted Bongo 5HH sounds great - anyway your £1500 must have been early 2000s? 

I also think these new prices are bonkers but think it's likely it's caused by leaving the EU and any trade deal there was with the US. 

The champagne sparkle Stingray on Andertons is a BFR model which attracts a mark up - from last year - but is around the same price as one of the new sparkle models (the colour will also attract a mark up from base price) - my guess is there is around 20% or more added. 

Is this just the start of another all round hike in instrument prices from the US following Brexit actually happening? 

Thanks Nige 😏

Not sure... PRS SEs and Fenders on the guitar side haven't increased as much for 2021...

God knows what the Classics will be when they bring them back... 

The UK did use Strings & Things to distribute Musicman unless that changed recently. 

41 minutes ago, Ricky Rioli said:

I hadn't really realised that SBMM prices had reached these kinds of levels too.

The price of my made-to-order USA G&L SB-1 is suddenly looking like a bargain. (Ok not a bargain, but less of a ridiculous indulgence 😬 )

My god!!!