SUB Bass

[WarMan]

Hi,

I'm seriously considering ordering a SUB bass. But I have a few questions. Somewhere I read that the diamond plate pick guard is make of some type of fiber material. Isn't it metal? Second, how well does the painted neck hold up to usage? Does the paint stay on well? Does it get shinny from wear? Any other comments on the SUB?

I would like a Stingray, but I can't afford one, that is why I am considering the SUB.

Thanks,

Ken

 

[Ken Baker]

Hi,

I'm seriously considering ordering a SUB bass. But I have a few questions. Somewhere I read that the diamond plate pick guard is make of some type of fiber material. Isn't it metal? Second, how well does the painted neck hold up to usage? Does the paint stay on well? Does it get shinny from wear? Any other comments on the SUB?

First off, you won't be able to order a new SUB, as they are no longer being produced. Look for used but don't expect a good one to go for dirt cheap. SUBs are well regarded instruments.

The pickguard appears to be phenolic resin (think printed circuit board) with aluminum diamond plate plating bonded on. The stuff is tough and stands up well to scrubbing.

The painted neck is glossy (at least on mine) and holds up very nicely.

Overall, the SUBs are great little basses. My SUB5 is one of the easiest playing 5'ers I have here. Great EBMM tone as well.

Ken...

 

[cky4ever]

Subs are great instruments, they come up on ebay every once in a while or you can post a want add here on the forum... they are well regarded instruments though and dont go dirt cheap... id try to save a few more bucks and find a battered stingray... and refinish it down the road.

 

[WarMan]

Thanks

Thanks for the feedback. And BTW, The Perfect Bass has three NOS for sale. Mike's Music in Maryland has several NOS active and passive models for sale too.

 

[Oldtoe]

Snatch one up! My SUB 4 with active preamp will go up against any bass I own. It goes with me on most gigs. Wonderful instruments!

 

[lomky]

yup! I like mine alot, the only issue I have is the non-contoured body. In fact I have started to see a little wear on the industructable coating on the corner where my arm rests! There is a little wood poking through.

Sounds great and plays great. Wouldn't sell it!

I am looking to buy a Sterling because I love love love the sterling necks, I will use the SUB as a really nice backup.

 

[bradfordws]

I know I've mentioned this before, but I'm very happy with my SUB 5 that I had contoured and refinished in silver sparkle - see my photo album. In fact, when the SUBs first came out, I was thinking about buying one and doing those mods, but never got around to it - until they discontinued them.

Used SUB 5 $500
Contours by a local shop $60
Silver Sparkle refinish $300

Total = around the same as these sold for new in the stores.

Ditch the diamond plate pickguard and get a normal one. The painted neck holds up fine, but does get a little glossy, so hit it with some steel wool to satin it up again. If you want to take it a step further, take off the neck and shoot the back with a clear satin (after lightly sanding it of course).

Regarding WarMan's original post, if you're on a budget, just get a normal pickguard and play it. It's a great bass for the money!