EBMM SIngleCut-What If?

[stingray96191]

I just can't believe how long this thread has gone on. I love all of my EBMM instruments. But the Albert Lee shape is my favorite. I'm going to call it an alternative cutaway. It doesn't change the simple fact, it looks really cool and balances perfectly for me. And isn't that what we really want? Just a little balance in the world? Can we just agree that if EBMM were to make a radically different single cut design, some people would like it.. Others may not.. But the only people that really have any idea how profitable it may or may not be, are not responding to this thread?
In summation , I prefer my Big Al. And this thread is beyond silly.
-erin

 

[oddjob]

I want a single cut, 19mm spacing, neck-through, fan fretted, game changer, with 3 strings in sparkle green


(or I'll very very happy with my Bongo and leave it at that)

 

[five7]

You could post a poll on here and let people vote. My vote would be "no"

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

Sparkle green! Combining the two best selling finishes into one. Great idea!

 

[keko]

After all written so far at this Thread, ...I really think that EBMM should stick with bolt on basses and continue what they do the best!

I mean, ...what is the point of pushing on the market something what already exist in many forms and brands, ...I must write this: -no one can beat Fodera in a single cut basses field, ...so why bother?

The same is an opposite theory, why should any company in the world should try to make a single H sweet-spotted bolt on bass, with massive stainless steel bridge and great preamp while we have EBMM Stingray, Sterling, Bongo, reflex, Big Al ...etc. basses with EBMM sticker over the headstock?

Do You guys getting the point?

 

[bassmonkeee]

I just can't believe how long this thread has gone on. I love all of my EBMM instruments. But the Albert Lee shape is my favorite. I'm going to call it an alternative cutaway. It doesn't change the simple fact, it looks really cool and balances perfectly for me. And isn't that what we really want? Just a little balance in the world? Can we just agree that if EBMM were to make a radically different single cut design, some people would like it.. Others may not.. But the only people that really have any idea how profitable it may or may not be, are not responding to this thread?
In summation , I prefer my Big Al. And this thread is beyond silly.
-erin

You could always stop reading the thread. If the mods want to close it, they can.

 

[stingray96191]

You could always stop reading the thread. If the mods want to close it, they can.

Agreed.

 

[Mabongohogany]

Ha!
LUV it...!

I need to go audition drummers (not gonna use my SC fwiw).

I can &will address, answer, and refute where necessary! all applicable points, but later!

I do have time for this though...
The Reflex (and Les Paul, ASAT, Tele) are NOT SC in the style as defined by the classic SC bass design-
So we needn't mention this again, eh?

And bassmonkee, I will STILL bet YOUR Sister's Farm (or your momma's) that drool would be ALL OVER this board IF MM showed the uber-cool SC body they could create so Gimme your pink slip, and btw-
I wear stylish and well-worn, experienced WORK boots to do my leaping!!

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

"More people" don't make them because the true SC build process is not conducive to large-scale mass production builders like you know who (Rhymes with "Bender" or "Jimenez"...

I think you have your answer there. It's hard to make it happen when there's no profit.

 

[stingray96191]

Mahongobongo.. I'm a little confused.. Are you saying you Want EBMM to engineer a new instrument with an extended attached upper horn? I am not a luthier, but it seems like this would require to completely redo the way they currently build basses. For this single cut to have any effect on anything other than cosmetics it would have to be a set neck or neck through bass.. Or is there something I don't understand. Im not saying cosmetics and ergonomics are not important. But what are you thinking would be accomplished with this? More sustain? Less dead notes? How do you picture this bass being put together? All I can imagine is a frustrating oversized wing on top of a guitar neck.

 

[Mabongohogany]

-has anyone before you ever said, "Man--I wish they would make a single cut Musicman?" And, yet you seem to think that "MOST" of the forumites would want one?

Had anyone said, "Man I wish they would make a Bongo/Big Al/Reflex/Gamechanger?"

And- Yet I KNOW that "MOST" of the forumites would DROOL over what I imagine the EBMM-SC to be-

Tell me that if this thread never happened- and the instrument was presented by Staff with an announcement-
"Coming this Fall- the New EBMM-SC bass, 4 or 5 string, fretted or fl models...etc.etc."
Tell me there wouldn't be 50+ pages of posts going ape-&^%$ over it. There would be and there should be!

See, I envision a kind of styling unlike the "other" SC models. Hold that thought, I'll get back to it.

As far as profitability, I'll also bet that the Dealer Network would buy in, and it would offer the considerable number of SC fans to examine an alternative to the $4-12K models currently on the market. You know of whom I speak, I should think. It may lead those who don't necessarily look to a 'Ray to be their axe to look at what the Company brought...

Come to think of it, when I had an all-too-brief chance to look at builders at NAMM (I was working-hard!), I was literally blown away by the # of SC basses shown by some outstanding luthiers. All smaller shops, with the exception of the high $$ 'Wicks.

I think you have your answer there. It's hard to make it happen when there's no profit.

For this single cut to have any effect on anything other than cosmetics it would have to be a set neck or neck through bass

IMO- No, and NO. There would be profit, and at least in my thought process (as I stated earlier) the EBMM-SC would be a bolt-on.It's been done; the neck-through may be the purist SC build as to form and function, but to answer this:

So do you love the single cut design just because of that feature or is it the bass overall? It does have a certain aesthetic, but there are many more elements to making a nice instrument that it's interesting that you are focusing on that particular design feature.

It is the overall aesthetic of the bass. I'm focusing on that feature because there presently is no high-quality
production SC bass available, not a USA-made, affordable one anyway.

Here's something to ponder: How many opposed to or indifferent/against this concept have spent quality time PLAYING a SC? If it's as simple as the looks don't appeal, then that's that.
But the ergonomic and design and vibe, at least to me, of the SC shape is over-the-top:

I'm thinking this type of body style with either an existing, or perhaps new EBMM electronics package, and the fine bridge, compensated nut, finish, etc. of a MM bass. I'm no graphic designer, but I can envision
a unique angular design approach to the instrument, and I'm betting again:

It would look awesome, play like a MusicMan, and get a LOT of love- from those already down with SC basses, and those that would want to be after seeing this!

 

[MudvilleStomper]

I 100% agree with the OP that if EBMM put out a $2500 - $3000 single cut bass (in something besides black or 3-tone sunburst) the crowd here would be doing backflips and the praise would be endless. I'm also confident that if such a bass was produced, it would be an absolutely wonderful bass.

Should EBMM do it? Um, I dunno.

Will they? Probably not.


Still, I agree with the premise. It would be good, and it would be loved.

 

[bassmonkeee]

Don't get me wrong--I'd love to see what EB/MM would do with the concept of a single cutaway. The Anthony Jackson version is the gold standard, to me. I'd do endless droolly praiseful backflips along with everybody else.

I'd also love to see them make a Hollowbody like the Lakland, or Jack Cassidy Epiphone. A 3" thick hollow 5Hp fretless Bongo with soundholes on the front and flats. That is my dream Musicman, personally. But, I don't think I'll ever see it.

The OP essentially is only asking Musicman to make their next bass a singlecutaway with the upper horn attaching somewhere between the 12th and 14th frets. On a bolt-on. With a new body shape. And, maybe some new electronics.


But, they don't design new models to post pictures for the forumites. And, the demand as in "Here's my $2500-$3000" for one in limited color options, or even one really-cool-and-only-available-on-this-model-but-it's-the-wrong-really-cool color simply isn't there. For one single singlecut design with no options when it comes to electronics, pickups, placement, etc? Nope. That's why there are 30 builders doing different versions with different pickup/electronics loads, neck profiles, scale lengths, nut width, bridge options, fancy woods, etc. That's the only way the singlecut design gets sold.

Do you think manufacturers (any of them) don't notice what is being played? The reason no one is doing it is because there isn't a market for one design.

The best you can really hope for is a drawing. And, even that would cost money for them to do, because you know they don't do anything half-assed.

 

[Mabongohogany]

Wow, still going; Good!

Sterling...are you there? What do YOU think?
(If you do it, all I ask is a presentation model with flames for my input!)

There are way more than 30 builders doing SC basses, I've probably talked to almost that many before I found my amazing 4-string fretted SC, a rarity in the SC world.

There seem to be several "camps" re: the EBMM-SC

The "theyre fugly" crowd, which is (IMO) absurd, juvenile, and untrue even though we all get to opine, eh?

The "there's no market for them!" crowd, which I STRONGLY believe to be untrue- wake up and smell the coffee as to who's playing an SC and how they are regarded by a very important and high-level sector of players.

The reason no one is doing it is because there isn't a market for one design.

What??? Tell it to Fodera, and Elrick who have been doing it for years and sell more than they can feasibly build, tell it to the vast number of custom builders who love to do SC's; where on Earth does that come from; I mean besides the inate desire to make your point???????

Google "Custom SingleCut Bass Guitar" then report back after you've seen Clement, Pavel, Watson, etc etc etc and others.
But THIS is about an EBMM-SC, remember???

Besides, I stated before- A FORWARD Sales effort is the development and up-raising of an existing product, with a Company's own unique character and improvements and features to the product, in this case a SC bass.

And yeah, EBMM could do this in spades, and yeah, the reaction would be overwhelming in the positive sense. Still gladly taking all bets. As a matter of fact, I'll raise my bet to include
More positive reactions than other models introduced, providing one can envision as I do what the Company could bring to the table with a bass like this.

The "bean-counter" camp that says it is not feasible, would run into tremendous costs to develop and could not be built at a profitable price-point...
I'm totally calling BS on that. What do you think they're set up to do in SLO besides develop and build basses?? Oh yeah, and errr. those skinny neck things.

A bolt-on SC would not be rocket science, and could be developed in the $2-3K price point in my estimation.

No big deal here; If I wanted to, I could commission a SC build with the equivalent of MM pups, etc.

But it wouldn't be a MusicMan bass.

And YOu know and I know that the EBMM-SC would KILL.

KILL! Sonically, style-wise, sales-wise, otherwise. Hey, gimme a break; it would be a MM Bass fer cryinoutloud. Jeesh>

KILL. Whether it happens or not.
Place your bets....

 

[bassmonkeee]

Well, if anyone knows "the inate[sic] desire to make your point..." I've been pretty clear as to my thinking. You simply expect this to be a blockbuster seller at any price point.

Whatever.

I'm out.

 

[Mabongohogany]

Oh gosh, I left an "n" out of innate; glad you pointed that out.
That is very relevant to topic! **&^%$ keyboard!
Now my SC idea will NEVER fly!!!!

So sorry to see you leave;
I personally would be happy to bat this back & forth, repudiate, enlighten, argue...whatever.

E.g.

You simply expect this to be a blockbuster seller at any price point.

Really? Where was this stated? Was it in the part where I clearly mentioned that it could IMO be built at around a 2.5-3K price point??

And yes, I will still take your Farm on the premise it would be a blockbuster and bring new players into the MM Bass fold.

Oh, never mind; I forgot-
You're out.

(Man I would love to see the EBMM-SC Bass! Maybe 2014??)

 

[tunaman4u2]

I have to admire your passion for your idea...
You always end with posts with place your bets

Maybe you can photoshop a picture, features, realistic price & post a poll

A poll would be more objective than going back n forth with everybody as to what the real demand for this product is

You feel the demand is high, they feel its low... so 6 pages deep we have no conclusion. A poll is the only way to figure out where we are at.

Although as the 19mm 5er shows, clicking YES on a poll & actually putting your hard earned cash on the table are 2 different things

 

[Mabongohogany]

I have to admire your passion for your idea...
You always end with posts with place your bets

Well, I'm not a gambling man. but my Dad (RIP, Dad!) always taught me to never make a bet you can't win, so....


Maybe you can photoshop a picture, features, realistic price & post a poll

I don't have photoshop and I'm not a graphic designer. The "Bongo SC" presented was a massive FAIL and not at all what should be produced, and not at all what the design parameters should be- Leave the Bongo alone, it's a Bongo, not a SC.

A poll would be more objective than going back n forth with everybody as to what the real demand for this product is

A poll means nothing, at least to me, not concerning the viability of and market share for this Bass (if it were built). It only involves those who would bother to participate.
I'll state again- If this thread never happened, and the EBMM-SC was built- You know what would happen here.
Take a poll on that.

You feel the demand is high, they feel its low... so 6 pages deep we have no conclusion. A poll is the only way to figure out where we are at.


Who are "THEY" that feel it is low?? What portion of the bass guitar market do they represent, over here on the EBMM forum; How many have played a SC and/or know what it's about, other than to offer comments along the lines of:"It's fugly and makes my wife sick because it looks like a shark on a BBQ"

Although as the 19mm 5er shows, clicking YES on a poll & actually putting your hard earned cash on the table are 2 different things

The 5-string spacing fiasco has nothing at all in common with a new model from MM, entering the SC market with what I feel could be one of the "most rad" -to borrow a phrase from several pages back-
SC basses on the market.

My premise dictates that IF the Bass were built (Read thread title) it would be a major development insofar as a USA-made boutique-quality SC Bass Guitar at a super competetive price for the value (Like ALL MM basses) entering the SC bass market. AND it would be a MusicMan SC Bass! How about them apples???

There will not be a conclusion; my premise is only that- a premise.
No more bets; I'll leave it to those who desire to do so; to envision in their own minds the shape and style of an EBMM-SC.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

What would be the point of making a single cut as a bolt on (other than aesthetics)? Isn't the whole design concept of the single cut to have the added stability that the extra wood in that location provides?

 

[Mabongohogany]

What would be the point of making a single cut as a bolt on (other than aesthetics)? Isn't the whole design concept of the single cut to have the added stability that the extra wood in that location provides?

What's "the point" of building the Big Al?? Or the Reflex?? Or the Bongo?? New electronics, etc.??
Fine! BRING IT to the EBMM-SC or use any number of existing pre-amps/pups. I'd LOVE to see MM Alnico Humbuckers in a SC MusicMan Bass! I'd love to see (and HEAR/PLAY) that. That would be the point, as would this:
(brief EDIT to correct typo; wouldn't want to have my concept invalidated!)

My premise dictates that IF the Bass were built (Read thread title) it would be a major development insofar as a USA-made boutique-quality SC Bass Guitar at a super competetive price for the value (Like ALL MM basses) entering the SC bass market. AND it would be a MusicMan SC Bass! How about them apples???







Bass # 1 SC B/O Cost approx $3.5K
Bass #2 Discontinued, Cost was approx $2K
Bass #3 Cost approx $3600 + depending on options

Three different builders employing (3) different bolt-on SC builds.
Although the neck-through is considered "the" format for the SC body, the same discussion could be held as to NT "vs." B/O in a traditional DC Bass.

I've played B/O singlecuts, including one pictured here that employs an ingenious 1-bolt connection and is as stable as they come. What an awesome instrument it is.

Aesthetic of the SC is BIG to me; that's why I started thread. My feeling is that the NT build would not be practical-or needed- by EBMM IF they decided to approach building a EBMM-SC.

Which they should. I'm tellin' ya.
It would be Off- the Hook.