I’ve been contemplating buying a new guitar for some time now, and being a big fan of Steve Morse I have more or less settled on a Morse ebmm. My problem however is that I live in Norway, and very few Morse models (Both the old one, and the Y2D) find their way over here, so I’ve never actually tried one. I’ve been to a Steve Morse clinic and a Deep Purple gig, so I have have heard both the Y2D and the old model in action. My biggest problem is deciding which model to buy, the old one or the Y2D. I love the looks of the Y2D, but perhaps someone who’s tried both can tell me if the strat type pickup on the old model is something you’d miss on the new one? I’m also considering importing the guitar my self, I would probably save about $ 500 for a Y2D. Can anyone recommend a US music store that does international shipping? It’s a lot to spend on a guitar I probably won’t have a chance to try out before I buy it, so please share your positive/negative experiences with these guitars!
- Thread starter Chris K
- Start date
beej
Moderator
Hi Chris- welcome to the forum. Lotsa great guys here. A few not too far from you, in fact.
I have both the original model and the Y2D and love 'em both. There are pros and cons to both:
Y2D:
- Easier switching (1 five-way switch)
- Bridge height is easier to adjust, easier to set up
Original
- Extra pickup for more sound combinations
- More complicated switching, but allows for more flexibility
The necks are the same on both models (the original one has an updated neck profile, the older ones are a bit thicker) and the body shapes are the same.
Basically, they're both great guitars. Just have to decide if you like the look of one over another, and if the extra pickup/switching matters to you. (I have to admit, I do like the extra pickup on the old Morse, but I use it sparingly.)
As for importing- you'd have to get a dealer to send it to someone else first and then you. Dealers aren't allowed to ship out of their country. A few good dealers on this board- my suggestion is to contact Pete Dubaldo (you'll see him here) and he'll treat you right. Or you could always look at a used one if you're comfortable with that.
I have both the original model and the Y2D and love 'em both. There are pros and cons to both:
Y2D:
- Easier switching (1 five-way switch)
- Bridge height is easier to adjust, easier to set up
Original
- Extra pickup for more sound combinations
- More complicated switching, but allows for more flexibility
The necks are the same on both models (the original one has an updated neck profile, the older ones are a bit thicker) and the body shapes are the same.
Basically, they're both great guitars. Just have to decide if you like the look of one over another, and if the extra pickup/switching matters to you. (I have to admit, I do like the extra pickup on the old Morse, but I use it sparingly.)
As for importing- you'd have to get a dealer to send it to someone else first and then you. Dealers aren't allowed to ship out of their country. A few good dealers on this board- my suggestion is to contact Pete Dubaldo (you'll see him here) and he'll treat you right. Or you could always look at a used one if you're comfortable with that.
Colin
Well-known member
I have an original Morse and my Y2D should be here very soon. The pickup that was removed is not a pickup I use live at all, but I think I'm going to miss the switching on the old one. I still plan on using both guitars, either way you will not be disappointed. Maybe price will make the decision for you? Please post pics if you get one.
Colin
Colin
Colin
Well-known member
Just be careful if you do get a friend in the states to help you out. If it needs warranty work done, it could pose a problem. Having said that you don't see many problems with EBMM, the quality is first rate.Chris K said:
Colin
fbecir
Well-known member
Hello Chris
I own an original Steve Morse MM since 2001. It is a great guitar and I am very happy with it.
Concerning the pickups and the switching of the Y2D, I think it is a regression. Indeed, with a 5 positions switch, it is harder to change quickly and surely your pickup (especially if you want the position 2 or 4). If you own a Strat you see what I mean.
With the original Steve Morse, at the beginning it is a bit confusing (2 toggle switches and one 3-positions switch). But after some time, you feel really at home and you will be able to change quickly your pickup configuration.
Concerning the "missing" pickup, personnaly I need it (for clean sounds and for twin single coil sounds).
If you play mainly with humbuckers, ok you don't need really this pickup. It depends on the music you play.
The Y2D is more "sexy" (nice quilted top ...) but personnaly I prefer the "raw" aspect of the original model. Again, it is a personnal choice (between an old Telecaster and a brand new PRS, I prefer the old Tele).
Concerning the price, I bought my guitar through an autorized shop of the french distributor of Music Man. I think the price was good. If you compare the "french" price and the price of a US dealer + the VAT + the custom cost + the risk (if there is for instance a damage during the trip) ... well it is not worth the trouble. Besides, with a music shop, you can ask for a setup "free of charge".
Happy shopping !
I own an original Steve Morse MM since 2001. It is a great guitar and I am very happy with it.
Concerning the pickups and the switching of the Y2D, I think it is a regression. Indeed, with a 5 positions switch, it is harder to change quickly and surely your pickup (especially if you want the position 2 or 4). If you own a Strat you see what I mean.
With the original Steve Morse, at the beginning it is a bit confusing (2 toggle switches and one 3-positions switch). But after some time, you feel really at home and you will be able to change quickly your pickup configuration.
Concerning the "missing" pickup, personnaly I need it (for clean sounds and for twin single coil sounds).
If you play mainly with humbuckers, ok you don't need really this pickup. It depends on the music you play.
The Y2D is more "sexy" (nice quilted top ...) but personnaly I prefer the "raw" aspect of the original model. Again, it is a personnal choice (between an old Telecaster and a brand new PRS, I prefer the old Tele).
Concerning the price, I bought my guitar through an autorized shop of the french distributor of Music Man. I think the price was good. If you compare the "french" price and the price of a US dealer + the VAT + the custom cost + the risk (if there is for instance a damage during the trip) ... well it is not worth the trouble. Besides, with a music shop, you can ask for a setup "free of charge".
Happy shopping !
fbecir said:
Thanks for the info fbecir. It's a difficult decision, to be honest, I want both models!
As for the Norwegian price vs. the American, an old model with standard bridge would cost me about $ 2500 new in Norway. An US dealer charges somewhere arund $ 1500, a major difference! The Norwegian VAT is 25 %, making the total price about $ 1875. Shipping can't possibly be more than $ 100... And for damage during the shipping, that's what insurance is for. Maybe this can clarify why I'd prefer to buy one in the US.
fbecir
Well-known member
Chris K said:
Oups, that's very expensive. The prices are high in Norway. It was cheaper in France 4 years ago.
Come live in France, the prices and the climate are better
In fact, the problem with the shipping exists if there is a small problem. If the guitar is completly destroyed during shipping, well no problem, you will have your money back. But, if there is a small problem (a dent in the finish for instance), you will have more problem to have a refund.
The MM guitars come all in a very good case, so the shipping itself is not really the problem, but if the guitar is coming from a shop, you never know what was the previous life of this guitar. Perhaps, the guitar was used as a demo guitar. Hard to know.
Good luck
