LTD collectibility?

[lamerjay]

I think that in this context it's a variation of a model that nobody else has (unless yer BP or Dargin).

Like my DD Bongo 4HP

So basically a one of a kind...

 

[SteveB]

Yeah, a one-off is a "one of a kind". It's a little different than a prototype, because the prototype is generally testing some aspect of R&D for viability, and probably won't be used as a "playing" instrument.

A one-off is intended to be played, and is usually something very special or unique, but within existing design specs.. perhaps using different materials, etc.

In practice, EBMM usually makes 2 of any "one-off" just in case something goes wrong during the construction. ("Oops!")

At least, that's my take on it based on what I've seen here.

 

[roballanson]

Yeah, a one-off is a "one of a kind". It's a little different than a prototype, because the prototype is generally testing some aspect of R&D for viability, and probably won't be used as a "playing" instrument.

A one-off is intended to be played, and is usually something very special or unique, but within existing design specs.. perhaps using different materials, etc.

In practice, EBMM usually makes 2 of any "one-off" just in case something goes wrong during the construction. ("Oops!")

At least, that's my take on it based on what I've seen here.

Thats my take on the idea as well......even though it is two Something the likes of us mortals may never see, unless you have ordered a one of a kind DD.

(So wonder if mine counts as I think my DD will be the only one of a kind in the UK - now there is another question.)

 

[bovinehost]

Some commonly seen one-off instruments:

The Biff Baby Stingray.

The Flaming Biff Bongo.

Now on the 20th SR5 I have posted that we will have one of those at January Namm 2007 along with a Sterling 5. Im sorry that it wont be what you designed for us....

First person that bitches about the 20th SR5 gets banned for life.

Okay, not really.

Well, yeah.

Really.

Jack

 

[Big Poppa]

And the special MIAC - Music Industries Association of Canada (2000? 2001?) Silhouette models in Vintage White... I can't remember which numbers were signed by whom, but one of the 50 was signed by Big Poppa (worth more) and one of the 50 was signed by Wayne Gretzky. I imagine the Canadians liked that one!

It was 36 and I signed all of em and I had Gretz and I sign one of em

 

[teonigil]

Teo...Im not biting because you seen kind of confrontational today...but I will try to answer your whatever you call them.

1. the limiteds are truly that, I dont set a certain number because I want to try to make the dedicated fans of our stuff happy.

We sell more regular stuff that limiteds. But with over 80,000 combinations there are some rare pices that get built without any fanfare.

I think that you may be overwhelmed with the bonus stuff we have posted. It goes to show that no matter what you cannot please everyone. Most people seem to enjoy seeing stuf that the other companies go out of their way to hide from the general public. I do find it funny that you want to design the 20th sr5 and then criticize us for showing one offs

Now on the 20th SR5 I have posted that we will have one of those at January Namm 2007 along with a Sterling 5. Im sorry that it wont be what you designed for us but will have some features that you like. As I have said many times we approach anniversary instuments differently than most companies. Instead of re issuing something we try to create a bass that celebrates the original design whilst incorporating where we are today.

I wasn't planning to go that far with this thread...
The 20th SR5 "design" was just a starting point for other members to bring their imaginary ideas for the fun of it. I never expected anyone to take it seriously.

Truth is, I have nothing against the limited editions (I just don't care about crazy colors, dot marks and gold hardware), it's the new models and configurations that make people confused.
I do however criticize the number of models you come up with resulting with a somewhat blurry line of instruments. For me, for many years, the SR was a killer bass. The combination of a single PU located at the sweet spot with a simple yet correct preamp to bring the juice out of it in a way that it fits right in for any type of session, was the definition of the SR. I still believe it's the best bass design ever. It even got better when you took the same design into the 5 string realm with the SR5. I also believe that the Sabre never did catch a big market share because most pro players didn't need the extra Pickup much.
However, The reason why I do like the Bongo a lot is the fact that it's a unique bass which stands in its own right. It's not a modified SR. It will be very easy to choose between a Bongo and a standard SR (everything is different, neck, body, magnets, preamp), while on the other hand (and here's my main point) it will be harder to choose between an SR5, HH, HS, Sterling5, limited edition SR5... etc...
Bottom line is that while for others the big selection is a bless, for me it only blurs things out. I'm not saying it is a bad thing!!! just a little bit confusing, that’s all.

I have to say that it is only my own opinion and it has a lot to do with my own personal taste and experience. I'm not forcing my opinions; I'm only sharing it in the most natural place - this forum. Only good intentions here brothers!

Now, regarding that 20th ann. SR5.... must we wait until January NAMM show?!?
Maybe just a little bit of info?

 

[Big Poppa]

Teo
Good intentions starts with good words. I think that you got pretty bitchy yesterday not just expressing your ideas but kinda blanketly criticizing us for offering musicians additional choices and pushing your tastes and likes on the rest of us . Its fine if you feel that the world stops at the bongo and sr but how many on this forum have found their music man because the bongo and sr didnt do it for them.

I could not compete in a global manufacturing business just making stingrays. I have to extend the brand to provide stability in the factory and to grow our customer base.

You say that people are confused....This is baffling also. I dont think any one is confused with what we offer other than you. My dealers and distributors have never been happier with the prooduct line and their orders reflect it.

You criticize me for coming up with new ideas and models and then in the same paragraph commend me for the Bongo.....If I took your criticism to heart the Bongo would never have been developed.

We will show the 20thSr5 at the Anaheim NAMM and wont ship until june at the earliest.

What line of business are you in for curiousity sake.

 

[bovinehost]

Truth is, I have nothing against the limited editions (I just don't care about crazy colors, dot marks and gold hardware), it's the new models and configurations that make people confused.

It's been a busy year at EBMM! But when you give it some thought, it does seem pretty straightforward.

What bass do you want?

1. Stingray
2. Sterling
3. Bongo
4. Stingray 5

Once you decide that basic question, then perhaps the electronics config:

1. single H
2. dual H
3. HSC

On some models, you can even toss the piezos into the mix.

Really, that's it. The Limited Editions offer some interesting finishes and extras in some cases, martini inlays or green fuzzy cases and so on, but the basic options are easy to track.

I do however criticize the number of models you come up with resulting with a somewhat blurry line of instruments. For me, for many years, the SR was a killer bass. The combination of a single PU located at the sweet spot with a simple yet correct preamp to bring the juice out of it in a way that it fits right in for any type of session, was the definition of the SR. I still believe it's the best bass design ever.

Sounds like you're a single H Stingray guy. No problem! I can order you up ten or twelve of 'em, just say the word.

What I'm saying is that the venerable Stingray is still right here. There are plenty of people out there (you're not alone) who like the classic SR4, no fancy stuff or extra pickups, and Music Man is going to keep right on making them for you.

It even got better when you took the same design into the 5 string realm with the SR5.

Amen and amen. And, if you ever go insane, you can have that same bass with an extra pickup.

However, The reason why I do like the Bongo a lot is the fact that it's a unique bass which stands in its own right. It's not a modified SR. It will be very easy to choose between a Bongo and a standard SR (everything is different, neck, body, magnets, preamp), while on the other hand (and here's my main point) it will be harder to choose between an SR5, HH, HS, Sterling5, limited edition SR5... etc...

Harder to choose? Maybe the way to look at it is - more options to choose from. I can't tell you how many times I used to hear "I love the Stingray, but it's a one trick pony because it only has that one pickup." Words to that effect. Completely untrue and myopic point of view, but bad carpenters blame their tools, it was ever so. Now those guys have no legs to stand on. The market was (is) there for a two pickup Stingray/Stingray 5 but rest assured that the single pickup models ain't going anywhere anytime soon.

I have to say that it is only my own opinion and it has a lot to do with my own personal taste and experience. I'm not forcing my opinions; I'm only sharing it in the most natural place - this forum. Only good intentions here brothers!

Understood.

Now, regarding that 20th ann. SR5.... must we wait until January NAMM show?!?
Maybe just a little bit of info?

A little bit of info? Okay........I'm told it will be a fiver.

Jack

 

[teonigil]

Teo
Good intentions starts with good words. I think that you got pretty bitchy yesterday not just expressing your ideas but kinda blanketly criticizing us for offering musicians additional choices and pushing your tastes and likes on the rest of us . Its fine if you feel that the world stops at the bongo and sr but how many on this forum have found their music man because the bongo and sr didnt do it for them.

I could not compete in a global manufacturing business just making stingrays. I have to extend the brand to provide stability in the factory and to grow our customer base.

You say that people are confused....This is baffling also. I dont think any one is confused with what we offer other than you. My dealers and distributors have never been happier with the prooduct line and their orders reflect it.

You criticize me for coming up with new ideas and models and then in the same paragraph commend me for the Bongo.....If I took your criticism to heart the Bongo would never have been developed.

We will show the 20thSr5 at the Anaheim NAMM and wont ship until june at the earliest.

What line of business are you in for curiousity sake.

What I ment to say is that it's harder to pinpoint a model and feel that it's the right choice when there are a few models that overlap or set very close to each other. I 100% for new models and creativity such as the Bongo and hope that you'll come up with many more new creations in the future.
Regarding "good intentions and good words"... well you'll have to excuse my bad english. I'm from Israel and sometimes don't pick the best or correct ways to express myself. I'm sure it would be much better when you'll learn to speak Hebrew though
Regarding the confusion, I can see more and more threads from people who are not sure which model/configuration is better, etc... it wasn't like that a while back. Things were simple. I guess you can say that about all the aspects of our "new" world... but I can still relate to your commercial needs to evolve and survive, and I actually do the same in my line of business.
I'm a CTO for a software company and can still make time to play (how about that... ), I used to be a full time musician and luthier for about 15 years in the past until I decided that I want to make some real money

 

[Big Poppa]

Now I get it...the old language barrier......

No one has posted that they are confused. Many have posted that they are tortured or broke!

 

[Big Poppa]

Now I get it...the old language barrier......

No one has posted that they are confused. Many have posted that they are tortured or broke!

 

[lamerjay]

I used to be a full time musician and luthier for about 15 years in the past until I decided that I want to make some real money

I can think of one or two luthiers and musicians that are banking

Sounds like Sterling is in his proper line of work, and you now, are too...

 

[teonigil]

Hey Jack,

There's nothing wrong with a wide selection and your categorized method makes a lot of sense of course, but lets take the following scenario (hope I spelled that right).

I am thinking of adding a 5 string to my armada, my options are going to be:
1. Original design SR5 with Alnico pu
2. SR5 H
3. SR5 HH
4. SR5 HS
5. optional piazo on the above
6. Sterling 5 (H,HS,HH...etc)
7. 20th Ann. SR5 ( + whatever configurations this one will have)
8. Not to mention the Bongo, but that's another story

Now, your method might just work here but you must take another important issue into account. One must spend some time (and gigs) with a bass to really be familiare with its bahaviour. I can easily imagine myself having second thoughts after buying one of the above such as "maybe it would have been better to have a HS instead of a H or a HH?" , "maybe the string spacing could have been easier on the SR5 than on the Sterling5".... etc...

You see, there is no method to solve that except for buying a few models or changing them frequently until I'm happy. I'm not going to ask for advice on the forum because this is a personal thing for all of us.

Once again, THIS IS NOT A BAD THING (for crying out laud), it's just something I'll have to deal with.

Hope I made my point a bit clearer.
CHeers
Gil

 

[teonigil]

OK guys, I'm getting the vibes. I quit.
Have fun now

 

[koogie2k]

Well, the fact we have so many choices is what makes EBMM that much more special. Case in point, I love the bongo. I love the HH bongo. I have 2. I got what appealed to me in the color choice. I would not have considered another option as I am happy with what I have.
I went on the hunt for another. Big Poppa told me to get the single H bongo. I went with his advice and could not be happier. However, it was a choice.

To second guess yourself is human nature. I do it all the time when I look at getting a bass or guitar. I wonder...what if this, what if that. Well, put your trust in what YOU want and let EBMM do the rest. It would be almost impossible to try every configuration of bass out there...unless you are Musicman Nut...

Again, you already know inside your head what you want. Get it. Be done with it. Know it will be the best bass and know it was made for you.

Choices are what keeps a company around. If EBMM only made one kind of bass, only one color, with 1 pick up, maple neck, matching head stock.....we would not be here. It is the choices and options offered by EBMM that keeps them ahead of everyone else.

Here's the really cool part.....out of all the choices you get to choose from...your bass is unique to you. Sure, maybe others have the same configuration or color, but you decided what you wanted out of the 80,000 options available.

As for confusion.....where? The only confusion I see is on my wife's face when I tell her I need another one....

 

[Big Poppa]

OK guys, I'm getting the vibes. I quit.
Have fun now

Teo the vibes were bad earlier they are fine now...I think you made your point and then some but stick around!

 

[Eggman]

I'm taking the approach of trying to buy one of each configuration. I will eliminate the confusion as a stumbling block at the time of purchase. I will be content in knowing that I can produce any bass sound known to man. And my basement will be filled with a ton of really great gear!

 

[Musicman Nut]

No offense, but with the hypothetical presented here, the only answers of merit are "who knows," "maybe," and/or "probably."


How can anyone know in a limted numbered run how the numbering scheme is set up when it's a hypothetical?

Since, to my knowledge, there hasn't been a x/xxx run that crosses models, your guess is as good as anyone else's.

As Far as I Know, I don't think EB Keeps a Track record as Close as Some other Companies do as far as Serial # 0000126 Meaning 126th one made out of the LE run, Rather it be 126 of 200 etc. But I don't collect these as Much as what they'll be woth in 40 years being that I'm 48 now, I buy them and hunt the cool ones because they make the very best bass on the market and I just happened to play these basses.

 

[phatduckk]

personally this is how i feel about the LE's:

if its my fav instrument (ex: when the Sterling anniv comes out) ill make sure to have one: ill wait, order... whatever it takes. otherwise ill get an LE if it happens to coincide with a time that I'm in a position to buy a new bass. So if im in the market and an LE exists that i like the options of (color/features) ill consider it.

I wont buy a new instrument just because its an LE. that's just me. I didnt buy a DD and an 06. I wanted one (or each) but given my "collection" and gig schedule, adding more to the arsenal wasnt something i could justify at the time... but there's always the possibility NOS and ebay later; cant bank on it, but its totally possible (i see 20th SR's for sale every once in a while).

as far as the options go. i love it. id rather have options than not. I mean... you deal with this when you buy a car too. should i toss in extra $ for the convertible? manual/automatic, upgraded stero, turbo version or not, interior color & material (cloth/leather/fake leather), exterior color...

IMHO... MM's options make sense. HH Ray vs. Ray: the difference makes sense... "oh it has 2 humbuckers". there's another company or 2 that have 8 zillion versions of the same thing and it requires an encyclopedia to figure out how the hell one differs from another and sometimes the differences are tiny.

MM has options ... and the options make sense. i like that

 

[Musicman Nut]

Teo
Good intentions starts with good words. I think that you got pretty bitchy yesterday not just expressing your ideas but kinda blanketly criticizing us for offering musicians additional choices and pushing your tastes and likes on the rest of us . Its fine if you feel that the world stops at the bongo and sr but how many on this forum have found their music man because the bongo and sr didnt do it for them.

I could not compete in a global manufacturing business just making stingrays. I have to extend the brand to provide stability in the factory and to grow our customer base.

You say that people are confused....This is baffling also. I dont think any one is confused with what we offer other than you. My dealers and distributors have never been happier with the prooduct line and their orders reflect it.

You criticize me for coming up with new ideas and models and then in the same paragraph commend me for the Bongo.....If I took your criticism to heart the Bongo would never have been developed.

We will show the 20thSr5 at the Anaheim NAMM and wont ship until june at the earliest.

What line of business are you in for curiousity sake.

PERFECT, couldn't agree more, I wasn't so much a Bongo Guy til Both Sterling and Dudley Had me check it out, at first Glance no it's no a Bass I would have walked over and Picked up and Played.

But now I LOVE it, I guess we all are a little narrow Minded at times, Ernie Ball Can Not Afford to be. They sell instruments and they have to service the Public needs and that means staying on the cutting edge as Much as Possible.

As long as they make the basses I like then l'll continue to support this incredible company, I'm a Music Man Guy and will Always be an Music Man Guy.