[B]My Morse Dilemma[/B]

[meenahga]

I thought that maybe I can gain some insight into my dilemma by asking my fellow ballers their opinions and thoughts regarding this matter.

For some time I really wanted a Steve Morse guitar. I dig great tones and after hearing the Morse guitar and having read about them, and enjoying Steve's music, I was finally able to pick one up. I discovered that although a tremendous guitar, I don't know if it's right for me. It is a beauty and the tonal options are really something. The neck is very nice, plays like butter. As all EBMM guitars I have played, the build is the best. My concern is ergonomic, the lack of a contoured body on the Morse. I am a seasoned player and can adjust my picking arm and wrist to accomodate this, but it is much more comfortable and natural for me to play a guitar that has a contour for the picking hand ( underside of the forearm). I see Steve's picking arm is held a bit more forward as he plays, hence the flatter top design of the Morse guitar. Have any of you encountered this?
Alas, for me, the Silhouettes are the bomb. I got my first silo way back, an '89 after playing every guitar in the shop (an 89 trans red HH), str#ts, les p@uls, and everything else under the sun. The silo just felt ( and sounded) right. As a player, I believe a guitar should be played, and I just don't see my Morse getting the attention it deserves. I now have 2 silos, and a silo special( LarryAndrews Lucious Rolls Burgandy) which are all getting the playing time.
My problem is I listed the Morse on the Music Man Guitars for Sale Thread, and when I got the guitar out to inspect it for the description, I started playing it a bit and now I'm not sure if I should get rid of it or keep it. I could sell it and get another Silo, or maybe try an Axis or an Albert Lee. Or I could keep it and I'm back where I started at the beginning of this message. Dang these Music man guitars are so well constructed and finished. Arghhh! What a dilemma! Please et me know your thoughts and experiences on this matter and maybe give me some insight.

 

[banjoplayer]

I know the dilemma, to own more than one guitar you like and cannot play every guitar all the time. but I like them and I own them (most are modded) so selling isn´t the solution for me. Hard decision which I can´t help (I would keep every guitar, if it is possible, if you don´t need the money necessary)

I don´t miss the contours on the Morse. First the body is really small and second the edges are well rounded, so I feel sometimes (very seldom), that there is an edge but it doesn´t bother me. But mostly I don´t even feel it.

I mean a Les Paul isn´t contoured in that way also and nobody cares?!?

 

[robelinda2]

I held onto my Y2D until i just couldnt take it anymore. Loved the look, but i didnt like the lack of contours, and didnt love the tones either, also it was a bit too heavy for me. Played GREAT, and was such a beautiful axe, but it wasnt for me so i let her go. I wasnt sad as i bought 2 ALs with the money! I'm more into AL's, Silos and ASS's, all wonderfully contoured. Not every EBMM axe is gonna suit everyone, you just gotta play them all and find the ones that work for you.

 

[poj]

I try the morse and found that it's kind of heavy which I don't like, the neck is great though.

 

[robelinda2]

hey poj, i just noticed you are after a rosewood ASS hardtail MM90, ive been playing mine all day, GREAT axe, excellent tones, highly recommended!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[brentrocks]

the Morse is on the heavy side...that was really my only complaint

 

[rrhea]

I second the guys here on the heavy part. Mine weighs in at 9.5 lbs! For some reason I was under the impression that Poplar was a lighter wood than this.

I also agree with and understand the discomfort due to the lack of contouring... particularly for the rib cage. I play Teles, too, so I am used to it (don't like it, but used to it).

So, despite all these strange "features" Morse built in to his guitar, I am and will always be in love with my Y2d. It is one of my favorites and could easily become my main player.

RR

 

[beej]

My Morse is quite a bit lighter than my Y2D. Luck of the draw I guess.

It's a great guitar, but hey, it's not for everyone. If the lack of contours really bothers you then personally I'd sell it (you can always get another one down the road). And if you like the pickups/switching, you could always wire one of your Silhouettes up like that.

If it sits around and gets no love ... pass 'er on to a good home. Buy something you love. (Btw, the Axis top has no contours either so that may be an issue.)

 

[fbecir]

The Morse is heavy, but I am heavier

The weight was never an issue because this guitar has such a good equilibrium. Most of the guitars are neck heavy or body heavy but in the case of the Morse there is no "asymmetry". If you have a good strap, you can play all the night and never feel tired.

 

[KungFu Grip]

That's part of the charm of the EBMM instrument catalog. They have many different tools for many different guitarists. If you find that you can't attach yourself to the instrument, don't sweat it like you think you have to. There's a lot of choices out there that are made for you, instead of trying to shoehorn yourself into an instrument that may not be suited to your musical style or taste.

 

[John Czajkowski]

Bingo. That is the one issue I have with it. It is my main axe, so I've just gotten used to it it. I'm actually seriously considering putting a contour on my second of two SM. I really, really hate to alter it in any way becuase I don't want to mess with the sustain.

 

[Jimmyb]

Isn't there a video where Steve gives his reasoning for not having a contour?

I think he said it has because he was used to playing classical guitar, where he would anchor the guitar into his body using his arm.

[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkI3Kffq4H4"]YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.[/nomedia]

 

[Headstock]

That is the one issue I had with the Morse when I bought it back in 2000. I could not stand it, but I loved the neck and the balance. I kept playing it. Now I hardly notice it anymore. I really don't think about it at all but read your post and thought ah I remember.

 

[poj]

hey poj, i just noticed you are after a rosewood ASS hardtail MM90, ive been playing mine all day, GREAT axe, excellent tones, highly recommended!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey rob, I'm still looking around for it. A used one at great price like yours is what I'm looking for.

 

[Headstock]

poj - Mine is mint! I'll trade it for your 20th (i'll even through in some cash)

 

[poj]

Ah.... let me think......
NO WAY !

I'm glad I've got my 20th silo, the more I play, the more I love this guitar.

 

[rmh925]

I love my morse...I don't mind the weight or the contours, but if it's not for you and it's not getting played get something else that will suit you..I believe in an instrument being confortable to play.

 

[Colin]

I must be lucky, my Y2D is light and sounds great. Lighter than anything with a Floyd on it