Question Anyone else go from other brands to 100% EBMM?

[OldSchool Noob]

GASP!

I have a Bongo that I love and I recently bought another EBMM bass that I'll talk about when it gets here later this week. Unfortunately, I am still really really REALLY yearning for a Big Al. In order to make room for the BA, I'd have to get rid of another bass. (My self-imposed rule is 3 fivers and a 4. That's all I want to spend on basses and that number keeps "she who will be obeyed" happy.)

If I got rid of that other bass (a Jazz-style bass but not a Fender), it would take me very close to being EBMM only.
I'm wondering how many others here have become EBMM exclusive after owning a mixed stable?

At the risk of being flamed, I'll say that the "at-risk" bass is a Yamaha Nathan East and to be perfectly honest, it is a very, VERY nice instrument -- one of the nicest I've ever owned. On the other hand, the Big Al SSS is REALLY calling my name. I've become very curious about whether the "triple S" configuration can deliver what's needed for me and my gig.

Hmmmmmmm.

EDIT: I am really not looking to start a flame session -- neither against me or against other brands. I'm just seriously considering changing my philosophy on what I play and what I need and some other insights would be welcome.

 

[MrMusashi]

i have a few basses of other brands that i will always keep for personal reasons.
i dont play them, they just lie there in their cases. i cant help it but they just dont feel right.. if i wasnt attached to them i would sell them in a blink of an eye to get me some more ebs.. the new roasted neck basses look awesome

MrM

 

[Lynottfan]

Variety is the spice of life my friend, simple fact EBMM dont make a P or J bass, Fender do, I wanted one of both, for me they need to be in the arsenal, I dont really subcribe to the sycophantic level that some people show on various different forums. Do I play a Stingray, yes, do I think it is the best of "off the rack" if you will, bass money can buy, YES, are there other great basses out there that I want, yes, will I get another EBMM, oh yes, but exclusive to one brand, for me personally a foolish thing to do.

 

[Boogie.Man]

Variety is the spice of life my friend, simple fact EBMM dont make a P or J bass, Fender do, I wanted one of both, for me they need to be in the arsenal, I dont really subcribe to the sycophantic level that some people show on various different forums. Do I play a Stingray, yes, do I think it is the best of "off the rack" if you will, bass money can buy, YES, are there other great basses out there that I want, yes, will I get another EBMM, oh yes, but exclusive to one brand, for me personally a foolish thing to do.

+1 If nothing else, having another brand helps you appreciate the MMs even more.

 

[Chuck B]

I have got my first StingRay very early so I think it's quite natural that I tried other brands when I could afford them. But the last three years I went back to MusicMan. I am very happy now.

 

[bovinehost]

I play Music Man basses. I can't imagine gigging or even rehearsing with anything else.

There's a 62 RI Jazz in the closet and there may still be an F bass in there, too, but they're both in cases and likely to remain so until the boy inherits everything.

 

[Aussie Mark]

There's a 62 RI Jazz in the closet and there may still be an F bass in there, too.

And the R piece of art.

 

[Aussie Mark]

I've owned (various) EBMM basses for 11 years now, but I also own other brands as well. The Big Al is probably the most impressive bass I've ever owned (and the tally is well over 60), but that doesn't mean that I can't appreciate the sound, vibe, or look of other brands. Also, some of my basses are more appropriate visually for the various tribute bands I've been playing in during the past 3 years. That said, I gig my EBMMs whenever I can!

 

[TNT]

Guitar:

When I walk into a guitar shop, the only guitar I look for are MM!!! If they don't have any I don't play.

I mean "why" bother?? What guitar "feels" like a MM?? As far as strings - same thing!!

 

[JayDawg]

This past April I switched over to EBMM after using an other brand for almost 20 years. With my Sterling 4H, it has the best sound of any bass that I have ever heard. Every tone and frequency is heard on that bass crystal clear. I also recently bought a new bass in May of previous brand that I used for so long. At the store it had a great sound and when I brought it home it still had a great sound but then I plugged my Sterling in and to be quite honest, it made my new bass sound like pooh. There simply was no comparison between the 2 basses. I still own 4 of the other brand of basses but don't really play them anymore. I have thought about selling them but there is sentimental value in them because every bit of work that I did in the 90's and first part of this century was done with 2 of them. The other 2 I am considering selling right now and buying another EBMM bass from that money. But concerning EBMM basses, I don't plan on ever buying or playing anything else ever again. My Classic will be here Friday and I will have my Dargie's Delight II Bongo off of layaway hopefully this month or next month at the latest. Once I get those, I then hope to add a few more EBMM basses to my collection. Hopefully 1 a year from tax money but that is my long term goal until I have at least a few more basses by the EBMM company.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I have other brand basses and play other brand basses. I like my EBMMs too. I will continue to have both. It's all good!

 

[sitonmybass]

I have five EBMM 5-strings.

I have two C****n 5-strings.

I have one L*****d 5-string.

I also have one used P****y 5-string "beater" bass.


I love having other brands and I always will, but the numbers speak for themselves.

 

[mmbassplayer]

I only Non-EBMM is a cheap imported 12 String bass for the occasional time i play Pearl Jam's Jeremy. JOSH

 

[MadMatt]

Well... my de-fretted beater has been put in its case and buried in the basement. That leaves me with my 25th 5HH as my only instrument. It does all I need it to do. Having said that, I am gassing for a Big Al though... and a Ray... or maybe a Sterling. Oh! and those new roasted necks are SICK!!!

Oh dear, its starting again... repeat after me... "Be a responsable adult"... "Be a responsable adult"

 

[drTStingray]

I only use EBMM - I've tried loads of others but always come back to them. If I had a P or J bass they would rarely, if ever get used for what I do (gigs with several bands in the local music scene ranging from 50s rock and roll/rockabilly to blues rock, to 80s/90s style fusion - along with some recording). The Musicman basses I have, combined with my fingers and rig do all of these styles.

Back in 1979 I bought a Ray because it was the best reasonably priced production bass of its era. My new Classic reminds me very much of the feel and sound of that bass, but it's far better in looks and can produce a broader range of sound.

 

[danny-79]

The only non EBMM i have i keep for sentimental reasons, have tried, used an owned various other brands over the years and always come full circle and gone back to MM and more than happy staying there.
At the end of the day its what ever works the best for you .

 

[adouglas]

All MM, all the time.

 

[stingray56funk]

I am a waffler...I go back on forth on whether I play all MM or whether I mix in something else like a Fender or Yamaha BB. Right now I am on an all MM kick...selling my '62 RI Jazz as I type.

Honestly, the feel, sound, and build quality of the 30th AV 'Ray and the Classic 'Rays have brought me back to playing MM all the time. The neck and balance feels absolutely perfect to me, and the sound is so flexible. MM all the way!

 

[cellkirk74]

I am a big fan of EBMM Basses with my first "real" bass having been a Stingray nearly 20 years ago, but I also do like P-Basses for what they are.

I try to play my MMs whenever I can and it fits into the gig.

What's that talking of roasted necks? Did I miss on something?

 

[MadMatt]

What's that talking of roasted necks? Did I miss on something?

Take one maple neck... stick it a Big Poppa smoker and viola... out comes a roasted neck

http://www.ernieball.com/forums/music-man-basses/45716-roasted-maple-necks.html