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Bolin NS5


Owen
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I have decided that my Bolin time is up.

These were made for a short period some time ago - I have no idea when, by Bolin Guitars in the US. Designed by Ned Steinberger it is a lightweight 7.6 pounds, 5 string LP-esque shape with fancy wood carved top. It has an EMG P + 3 band (swept mids) EQ and also a Fishman Piezo bridge with vol and roll off. The P bit does what it says on the box. I could swap the P pick up for a CS if you fancy, or you can have both (Extra £35) and plug then in one after the other to see which does it for you. With the locking machines and quick connect EMG system it is approx a 7 minute job.

The Piezo in the Bolin is all I thought they should be but I had never actually heard. I am not particularly fussed about the airy top end (but it is certainly there), it is the rich as chocolate low end which sends me (maaaan). The bottom end seems to extend all the way down. It is not a muddy rumble, just really clean and smooth with real LF extension. It sits REALLY well with acoustic instruments in a way that all my active basses over the years do not quite manage for me (and I have come to the stage where I am not particularly bothered what anyone else thinks). It comes with a fitted HSC.

[attachment=74503:Bolin003.jpg]

[attachment=74504:Bolin007.jpg]

I lent it out to someone last year and it came back with some wear on the inside bottom rim. It was not great moment and I will not be lending stuff out again. Ever.

[attachment=74505:IMG_0988.jpg]

[attachment=74506:IMG_0989.jpg]


Let's face it, it is fitter than a fit thing. Need it you know you do.

Edited by owen
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That is certainly wetter than a wet dream.

Shame about the wear. Is it through to the wood? Or just surface?

You say the sound is full spectrum, is it very clean?

I'm sort of tempted, mainly because you won't see anyone else with one. But I've got serious Warwick GAS at the moment.

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Hi Owen,

I've watched this being bought and sold over the last few years, always trying to justify buying it myself....

I can't imagine how you felt when you saw those marks for the first time! - My parker was damaged by a dep a year or so ago and i still haven't got over it! :)

Any chance of a sound clip or two?

Edited by daflewis
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[quote name='daflewis' post='1157810' date='Mar 11 2011, 11:05 AM']Hi Owen,

I've watched this being bought and sold over the last few years, always trying to justify buying it myself....[/quote]

Me too. Thankfully this time around i have so little money i can't torture myself over the possibility of snagging it!

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[quote name='wotnwhy' post='1157826' date='Mar 11 2011, 11:15 AM']Me too. Thankfully this time around i have so little money i can't torture myself over the possibility of snagging it![/quote]
:)

unfortunately i'm in that horrible situation where i've actually got the cash and am supposed to be looking for a fretless.....

and now this pops up! :)

bugger!

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[quote name='Big Black Shed' post='1157549' date='Mar 11 2011, 01:49 AM']I'm sort of tempted, mainly because you won't see anyone else with one. But I've got serious Warwick GAS at the moment.[/quote]
You're unlikely to see another 5 very often that is for sure but stay away from the NE as you may bump into me playing a Bolin 4... Oh and I understand about the Warwick GAS! :)

[quote name='Clarky' post='1157774' date='Mar 11 2011, 10:39 AM']Where's Bolin aficionado warwickhunt when you need him?!!![/quote]
Oddly enough Clarky, I actually sold this Bolin to Owen. :)

I can fully empathise with how Owen must have felt when the loaned bass was returned as it was lush! :lol:

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[quote name='daflewis' post='1158111' date='Mar 11 2011, 02:39 PM']:)

unfortunately i'm in that horrible situation where i've actually got the cash and am supposed to be looking for a fretless.....

and now this pops up! :)

bugger![/quote]

I have a good set of pliers and an hour with nothing to do tomorrow before we beat Ireland. I could make it lovely for you :lol:

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[quote name='daflewis' post='1157810' date='Mar 11 2011, 11:05 AM']Hi Owen,

I've watched this being bought and sold over the last few years, always trying to justify buying it myself....

I can't imagine how you felt when you saw those marks for the first time! - My parker was damaged by a dep a year or so ago and i still haven't got over it! :)

Any chance of a sound clip or two?[/quote]

I will try and record some stuff over the weekend. Feeling the pressure to get my chops up :)

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Sound clips. I can do more now that I understand the whole soundcloud experience :) All straight into Logic through an M Audio. Raw recordings apart from normalising them all.

[url="http://soundcloud.com/owen-lloyd-evans/piezo-chordal"]http://soundcloud.com/owen-lloyd-evans/piezo-chordal[/url]

[url="http://soundcloud.com/owen-lloyd-evans/piezo"]http://soundcloud.com/owen-lloyd-evans/piezo[/url]

[url="http://soundcloud.com/owen-lloyd-evans/p-piezo"]http://soundcloud.com/owen-lloyd-evans/p-piezo[/url]

[url="http://soundcloud.com/owen-lloyd-evans/p-with-touch-of-lf-boost"]http://soundcloud.com/owen-lloyd-evans/p-w...uch-of-lf-boost[/url]

Edited by owen
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[quote name='owen' post='1158781' date='Mar 11 2011, 10:53 PM']I have a good set of pliers and an hour with nothing to do tomorrow before we beat Ireland. I could make it lovely for you :D[/quote]

:) :) :lol:

Though, actually......

Lovely sound; seems to have great sustain especially noticeable on the first clip.... Could make a great fretless...

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