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telemike

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Oct 8, 2009
Messages
312
Location
Greensboro, NC
I found a like-new Sub 1 for sale. I can't play it as it's across the country. I think I will like it since I like bright tones and I hear the pickups are brighter than normal. I am unsure about the fact that it has a trem. I just don't like tuning and intonating floating bridges. If the bridge sits on the body that is cool. I really did not like the Fender 2 point trem on a Big Apple Strat I had years ago. I guess i can always add coil taps as well.

How is the textured finish and why is the neck black satin instead of clear satin?
 

Sweat

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Joined
Dec 31, 2006
Messages
7,356
Location
Texas Finally!
I found a like-new Sub 1 for sale. I can't play it as it's across the country. I think I will like it since I like bright tones and I hear the pickups are brighter than normal. I am unsure about the fact that it has a trem. I just don't like tuning and intonating floating bridges. If the bridge sits on the body that is cool. I really did not like the Fender 2 point trem on a Big Apple Strat I had years ago. I guess i can always add coil taps as well.

How is the textured finish and why is the neck black satin instead of clear satin?

Talk you into, OK first subs are easy to play light weight, have killer stock pups, the textured finish is fine and new pickguards are readily available, trem is flush and if you do not want to use it just add extra springs.

The neck is painted, just how the we made by EBMM, if its in good shape and a good price cant recommend it enough.
 

telemike

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Joined
Oct 8, 2009
Messages
312
Location
Greensboro, NC
I was going to get a Sterling Silo20 but then I found a couple used Sub 1's (hard to find). I really like Telecasters but want to get something that has a buckers for something different.
 

DrBob

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Joined
Jan 6, 2006
Messages
347
Location
Sutton, Surrey, England
I think that the real 'stripped down, pure functionality' feel that you get from the Tele will be the same with the SUB1. These are quite simply great, stripped down Rock & Roll machines. I want a white 1 with 1 bridge HB and a trem...
 

brokenvail

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Joined
Jul 6, 2007
Messages
755
Location
Lakeland, FL
I will just say this; if you pass on the sub would you be nice enough to inform us of where it is because knuckleheads buy up subs when we find them :D Because a Ball made in the USA is going to be great quility and good tone period.
 

Jack FFR1846

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Joined
Feb 17, 2008
Messages
2,176
Location
Hopkinton, MA
Mike,

The krinkle finish and painted neck were cost saving measures. Really nice paint costs money and hand finished unpainted necks cost money. The sub 1 is a top notch guitar from a craftsmanship and materials point of view. If you've seen my Sublhouette thread, you'll see that the neck can indeed become unfinished, then tru-oil'd and then waxed with a good carnouba wax. It's also inexpensive enough to experiment with later. I am NO carpenter but was able to get the forearm contour and belly contour perfect for me. I have figured out that the contour on the lower horn is quite practical if you're stretching to the upper frets. It does give you that little bit more hand room. If I do another, I might bite my lip and try those horn contours.

The sub does play nicely and the humbuckers CAN be coilsplit. There are 4 conductors out of each one.

I've seen them on and off for very cheap ($300-$400) but they never are for sale long at those prices. I've missed several in those ranges.

They originally came in a gig bag but they, of course, fit into a music man hard case and you can leave on the trem arm as with other EBMM guitars.
 

MikeVt

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Joined
Apr 1, 2005
Messages
1,663
Location
Vermont
I'll chime in too. I LOVE the crinkle finish. I never have to worry about fingerprints, scratches, etc. Given the choice, I'd have it on most of my solid colored guitars. The black satin neck feels the same as clear satin. It's just....well....black. How much more black could it be? None more. None more black. You don't see it from the front anyway, so who cares?

The bridge can float, or you can crank down on the trem claw and rest it against the body. When it's against the body, you don't have to worry about typical floating trem tuning issues. It also has locking tuners (trem version only), which makes tuning that much more stable.

The pups were the biggest surprise. The neck pickup produces some amazing tones. I have 5 EBMMs, and 4 others - and I can get tones from this that I can't get from any of my others.

Are you in yet?
Mike
 

Sub1 Zero

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Jan 8, 2006
Messages
2,159
Location
Tulsa, OK
The SUB1 is one of the finest guitars out there, do not be fooled by its price. The pickups are PERFECT, the trem can be shelled by mortars and hold intonation, and the neck is superb. Get ready for one of the sweetest sounding neck pickups you've ever heard!
 

SubMariner61

Active member
Joined
Apr 7, 2006
Messages
40
Location
South Florida
As years go by, I believe the Sub1 will become one of the more sought after pre-owned Music Mans due to the "guitar for the money" factor. The quality is superb, the guitar in stock form is fantastic for just about any style of music and as others have noted, the neck pickup on this fiddle is a unicorn among a forest of uninspiring humbuckers.
 

telemike

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Joined
Oct 8, 2009
Messages
312
Location
Greensboro, NC
My other options were the new John5 Squier Tele, an Agile 3100 Les Paul copy, the Sterling Silo20.......until I found the sub 1 line.
 

Slingy

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Aug 15, 2007
Messages
1,526
Location
Fair Oaks, CA
Subs rule! I'd buy that in a second. It will blow those other guitars you mentioned out of the water. These are not copies of anything, they are their own thing. I believe the two humbucker trem model was about $600 new. I've got some nice guitars but I play my Sub more than any of them. The pick ups have four wires so they can be wired to split with the right switch.
 
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paranoid70

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Feb 9, 2007
Messages
2,647
Location
Long Beach, CA
TeleMike. That guy has had that SUB1 listed for some time, he has reposted it several times. He is likely a 'motivated seller'. From the photos it looks very nice, and I think it is definitely worth the price. I do believe you will be happy with it.
 

Smellybum

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Joined
Dec 11, 2004
Messages
3,418
Location
Evanton, United Kingdom
Talk you into a sub?
err no...

These guitars and basses were amazing, and I really wish you could still get them as an option.

Used SUB's are a no brainer - a USA Made guitar with the feel tone and shape of a musicman - cheque, charge, or cash???

I don't want to talk anyone into buying a sub, because it creates competition when they come up for sale! - I got my last one (NOS/USed) for £129 - and to quote BP makes a good doorstop at that price, there's a used bass wazoo posted on the guitar ebay thread (DOH!) - but I'm considering that one too - SUB's Were BP's gift to those who couldn't stretch to the higher models, I'd buy 10 tomorrow.

When you look at what 'other companies' were offering at the time, SE, Mex, or your repro choice from Korea - a USA made guitar for Far east money was simply amazing....

Smelly the Fanboi....
 

telemike

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Joined
Oct 8, 2009
Messages
312
Location
Greensboro, NC
Here's why I like the John5 Squier

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7QjBWJUCm0"]YouTube - John 5 at home with his new Squier® model[/ame]
 
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