Ernie Ball MusicMan Quality Standard

[Blue Marvel]

Hi All,

I have lurked around for many moons and just never got around to joining.
I have been playing EBMM's for many years and become quite set in my ways where these Basses and guitars are concerned. I must say the adhesion to a superior level of quality standard/bar over just about any other brand out there has me impressed. I have owned and played many MusicMan instruments through the years. Due to dealings with my job I'm quite familiar with Quality Standards as I work for a Hi Tech Production Machine Shop making parts for Aerospace, Medical, Weapons etc... and we are an ISO9000 company. Back years ago I worked for Greg Curbow and rubbed shoulders with Bill Bartolini, Adam Nitti and the like as well as playing in many bands over my 40 years of playing. The level of quality EBMM has held onto without fail since the very beginning through today has amazed me. Most companies go through times of trial but I must say through the years I have never picked up a MM with an issue as compared with many similar companies that I have seen many issues through the years with instruments not QC'ed well. I'm sure EBMM is not perfect and do not mean to imply that I'm just simply impressed with the High Level of Quality that has been held through many years. I would have to say that Sterling has played a very large part in this since he has been around from the beginning IIRC.

I'm sure this has been discussed before, does anyone else have any opinions on the quality level of these instruments? Here is my latest into the the fold followed by it's cousin. Also I'll throw a pic out there of some of my parts for comparison.

 

[Rod Trussbroken]

Welcome Blue M.

I think I know your favourite colour

The quality is very high...so much so that I have no probs buying without trying.

Stick around.

 

[HeavyDuty]

That's how I feel, too - EBMM is about the only bass I feel comfortable buying sight unseen.

Welcome!

 

[Tollywood]

Welcome to the forum, Blue Marvel.

Good point about the excellent workmanship and QC at ebmm. I am always impressed by these instruments. They are so well made.

 

[73jbass]

Welcome from a Music Man fanatic,fellow Georgia boy,and fellow machinist!

 

[Movielife]

Aye, you've hit the nail on the head. What impresses me is the paintwork and setup. The paint is just phenomenal. There is nothing like the new Musicman shiny paint.

I've also NEVER heard a bad sounding Musicman. The pickups/elecs are always spot on. The only issue people have is wear and tear or abused basses.

 

[Soulkeeper]

Of the three EBMM basses I currently own, and the two I have owned previously, there has been a problem with only one of them. As far as I understand, that issue is being fixed as we speak, not costing me anything but some waiting time.

When I get into something that requires some kind of equipment, I usually want the best tools I can get, provided it is something I can afford. I cannot afford a Rolls Royce or a McLaren F1, but I'm not a car freak. Lucky me!

When it comes to playing the bass, I find I can afford the best tools. ... Nuff said.

 

[bassmonkeee]

Aw, man--I still really miss Greg. I'll always cherish my '87 fretless.

But, yeah, the Musicman stuff is about as consistent quality as you will find.

 

[sanderhermans]

That 4string is a nice bass! And i couldn't agree more! Other brands of the same price dont have the same quality standard as ebmm. Mm really sets the standard everyonne should follow!

 

[Blue Marvel]

That 4string is a nice bass! And i couldn't agree more! Other brands of the same price don't have the same quality standard as EBMM. MM really sets the standard everyone should follow!

Exactly. That is one of the things that got me thinking about this. I was speaking with a younger friend who is a beginner guitarist. He is ready to graduate from acoustic and get an electric and an amp. I explained he needs to get a MM because of the quality to price ratio, there IMO is no one else that can compete on that level.

 

[sanderhermans]

It is a shame however that the guitars are even more expensive than the basses.
I play guitar and bass, mostly bass these days. But ive always wanted a mm guitar. They are just too expensive for mij budget so i got a 2nd hand esp and fender. Because they are affordable and ok. But not as excelent as my mm basses. Which in my opinion are better quality/price.

 

[Blue Marvel]

Maybe it has something to do with where your located. The guitars are fairly reasonable here. The price for a Luke is about the same as a Classic or in the neighborhood IIRC.

 

[donkelley]

Yea but there are much more affordable usa ebmm basses than a classic that sacrifice nothing in looks finish or features.... but the luke is as close 2 entry level as usa ebmm guitars gets pretty much. Right? Edit.... i was wrong.... thx!

So yea...basses are less pricey.

Sent from my SGH-I717D using Tapatalk 2

 

[melvin7822]

If there was such a thing as entry level in the EBMM world, I don't think the Luke would be it. I think more appropriately it would be the Silhouette which is much closer to the StingRay in price.

 

[donkelley]

If there was such a thing as entry level in the EBMM world, I don't think the Luke would be it. I think more appropriately it would be the Silhouette which is much closer to the StingRay in price.

Good info thx... i know their basses way better than guitars. Much appreciated info

Sent from my SGH-I717D using Tapatalk 2