3 String MM bass

[Shockmask]

I thought I read somewhere that Tony Levin said he was hoping to get another 3 string bass to replace the one that was destroyed. Is this correct? Would you ever consider producing one for the consumer?

Thanks.

 

[SWR_n_EB]

ok..um why would u want a 3 string bass..sounds pointless to me.

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

Strings are less expensive...

 

[Eric Moesle]

Why you might want a 3 string bass?


Ever play with a pair of Tony Levin's "funk fingers", the little wooden things that strap to your fingers? They produce a great sound and percussive attack, but they are very difficult to control with tight string spacing. I can't use them when playing my 5. I can do a 4, but I must be very careful and concentrate. If I had a bass stretching 3 strings over a 4 string-sized neck, it would be very easy to use and I would definitely use them more.

. . . so there's your answer.

 

[Shockmask]

Just wondering if Greg or Derek can get back to me on this.

Thanks.

 

[hands 5]

Strings are less expensive...

Well the problem with that is nobody sells a 3-string pack most likely you will have to by them separate at proably $7.00 bucks a string with tax .Thats about $20 bucks and some change the price of a 4 string pack of D'Darrios.Why go thru the trouble hell if you insist on having a so called 3 string bass,just take of the G-string of the 4 string bass................amazing.

 

[SWR_n_EB]

ok, well i actually saw where they were coming from. It was a joke on Rods part, and when you use funk finger, i guess it makes it harder to hit the strings you want,. I guess the make ur finger a little larger... i don't know, but taking of the G would acieve nothing, unless you replaced the nut and bridge, along with the pick ups......

I doubt that the string price has anything to do with it..

 

[thumper]

ok, well i actually saw where they were coming from. It was a joke on Rods part, and when you use funk finger, i guess it makes it harder to hit the strings you want,. I guess the make ur finger a little larger... i don't know, but taking of the G would acieve nothing, unless you replaced the nut and bridge, along with the pick ups......

I doubt that the string price has anything to do with it..

I agree with everything you just said.......And really i have nothing else to add...Bravo swr....

Thumper

 

[Derek]

To my knowlege Tony has not mentioned needing another 3 string Bass.
It is not probable that we would offer a 3 string version of a Stingray for the public. We have not had a overwhelming amount of people inquire or desire a 3 string version. Yes it would be fun and there would be some people who would enjoy it and maybe order one, but I would bet it would be the minority. Tony does a great job with his 5 String and the funk fingers as I witnessed at a Namm concert a few years back. He is such a great player.


Thanks

Derek

 

[LeftyLB]

From memory, Tony said that we wanted something a little different when he was asking the MM guys to build him a new bass. He said that at the time he felt that the lower strings were really the "BASS" of the instument and he could concentrate on the low end having only three strings.

He also mentioned that the wider string spacing made it easier to use the funk fingers.

He had it made with no volume control as he said he always has volume set to full on anyway. I believe it was also colour matched with his Harley for him by MM.

The bass was "lost" in a fire in the barn at his home and Tony being the arty person he is stuck the charred remains into the snow and photographed it for an Album cover.

He has mentioned in interview the fact that he would consider getting another one made, but it was more off the cuff than a serious request.

Happy 4th July to our friends over the pond.

Liam