Opinions on a SR5 Fretless? (Ebony Board)

[Asomodai]

Hey guys.

Heres the Blurb.

Purchased in 1992 and owned by the original buyer since this is a great example of a fretless five string Musicman Stingray. The original Pau Ferro fingerboard was changed in 1993 by John Diggins of JD to the current beautiful piece of Ebony with maple stained fret markers and high polish polyester finish. The fingerboard has been re-polished since it was originally fitted and the whole bass is in very good condition with no missing paint finish and no rust on the fittings. The back of the highly figured bird's eye maple neck has been finished in a high polish finish to match the fingerboard. The unique bass has a wonderful feel and tone due to the Ebony fingerboard. This bass comes with the original fitted hard case.

Should be arriving Friday. +1 for Mark at bassdirect.co.uk who was very nice to talk to over the phone, and i'll have to take him up on the offer to try out some serious ampage soon!

Anyway, i was wondering what your guys opinions were on Musicman Fretless's in general? Instead of the usual Pau Ferro, this has a Ebony board. what sort of difference would this make to the MM sound? I'll be using this for Death metal, just like my Pedulla Pentabuzz. The barts on the Pedulla are very dark and i hope the MM will help me cut through more through ENGL stacked guitarists

Cheers!

Rob.

 

[Freddels]

If it sounds as good as it looks, then you should be a very, very happy camper.

 

[oli@bass]

I don't understand the combination of replacing the Pau Ferro with Ebony and finishing the Ebony with polyester. Ebony is hard and durable enough that there's no need for a poly finish.

My guess is that the sound will be more brillant due to the Ebony fretboard and then some more because of poly finish. Probably quite aggressive for a fretless... right up your alley

 

[rhythmCity944]

I would suspect if there is a difference in the tone to be snappier by a little but the ebony is really just tougher and great for round wounds

the bass looks very classy with the all black config

 

[TheAntMan]

I think it looks KILLER and I bet that glass smooth finish will make that baby sing like an angel.

Congrats.

-- Ant

 

[laneline]

Sick looking bass, congrats, I think you'll be cutting through with ease with that combination.

 

[Asomodai]

I don't understand the combination of replacing the Pau Ferro with Ebony and finishing the Ebony with polyester. Ebony is hard and durable enough that there's no need for a poly finish.

My guess is that the sound will be more brillant due to the Ebony fretboard and then some more because of poly finish. Probably quite aggressive for a fretless... right up your alley

Well my pedulla also has a poly finish (Well it should but was sanded down when the previous owner couldnt find anyone to repoly it, when i bought this SR5 i found that John Diggins does it so i am waiting for the Pedulla to be refinished now!) Apprantly it brings out some serious singing highs!

It sure does look pretty, i cant wait to receive it!

Rob.

 

[five7]

I don't think it will work for you with the type of music you are playing. I agree with oli, why put a finish on ebony. If the bass doesn't work for you, please sell it to me.