VERY recent y2d photo

[fsmith]

Hey Keith,
You must be reading my mind. I thought that they had discontinued the sparkle colors before the Bongo's were announced... Things that make you say hmmmmm.

Tommy, thanks for all the picture updates. I am so damn excited about seeing Steve next week and knowing that real soon now that one of those guitars will be heading east.

Actually, I guess that one will be here next week. I wonder if Steve would believe me if I told him that my receipt is for that guitar??? It's the exact same thing I ordered. I could save EB the trouble of having to making one.

fred

 

[GWDavis28]

Hey Keith,
You must be reading my mind. I thought that they had discontinued the sparkle colors before the Bongo's were announced... Things that make you say hmmmmm.

Fred, just shows what you can get when you are a signed artist. Things are only discontinued for the common man.

Glenn |B)

 

[SteveB]

Hey Fred,

You have a good idea there..

Wouldn't it be cool if Steve Morse personally delivered the Y2D guitars? hahaha.

EBMM could just make a bunch, send 'em on tour with Steve, and when he played a town with orders, he'd hand 'em out at a show.

I call this concept "On the Pipe" Dream.

 

[Hookpunch]

Hey Fred,

You have a good idea there..

Wouldn't it be cool if Steve Morse personally delivered the Y2D guitars? hahaha.

EBMM could just make a bunch, send 'em on tour with Steve, and when he played a town with orders, he'd hand 'em out at a show.

I call this concept "On the Pipe" Dream.

That is actually a great promotional idea - a lottery so that anyone who buys an EBMM SM gets a chance to have it signed and handed over by Steve when he hits your town with Deep Purple (the Purple tickets being part of the winning package).

I think you missed your calling Steve.

 

[NorM]

Fred,
I hope you will take the time, either at the clinic or after the show, to ask Steve what the final details are on the guitars that we have ordered and paid for. It may be the only way we get to find out.
<Sorry for the dis BP. Just trying to get the 411 anyway I can. Peace>

 

[PugNinjas]

That guitar is incredible !!

Any idea what the street price will be?

Actually, I just saw the guitar on Musicians Friend for $1571.00 (w/Floyd) although there is no mention of an upgraded top

 

[lostrebel]

I thought that was Axel Rose in the 2nd pic

And isnt that the drummer from winger in the background?

















.....oh, wait....

 

[fsmith]

Fred,
I hope you will take the time, either at the clinic or after the show, to ask Steve what the final details are on the guitars that we have ordered and paid for. It may be the only way we get to find out.
<Sorry for the dis BP. Just trying to get the 411 anyway I can. Peace>

NorM,
You can count on it. I plan on getting there early for the clinic and staying late for the show. I'll have the camera to get as many pics as I can and I'll share the best. I went to watch my guitar teacher play on Saturday and the guy who opened for him is the owner of the shop that is holding the clinic for Steve on Wednesday. I had my teacher make sure he knew who I was and that I'd be there. It never hurts...

Instead of the usual questions at clinic's like "What strings do you use?", I'll be asking questions about the new guitar.

fred

 

[Big Poppa]

Hey Norm
Why the diss? I have not taken a dime from you or anyone else for the new Morse guitar. All we are doing is designing a new guitar and you seem to always be displeased with our process.

I guess from your posts regarding this guitar you are more interested in getting any guitar right away rather than letting our team and Steve refine and define this new model.

When the guitar is finalized you guys will be the first to know. I suggest that you guys ask Steve about the process of designing the guitar rather than trying to pin him down prematurely about this new guitar. I m kind of baffled because I think that you guys would appreciate that we just dont slap things together but from some of your posts Norm im not sure. Keep in mind that we took our time last time and Steve is still playin it after 20 years. You have bitched about this guitar for months...now you are pissed off that the switch is missing, and also you are dissing me in the forum because I have not held your hand and told you everything that we are working on.

Do you guys think that dissing me will encourage me to continue being involved in the Forum?
NOrm take a chill pill, quit your whining and enjoy the ride.

 

[ripley]

greetings big poppa. as someone who REALLY wants to get one of these guitars, I personally woulden't care if you didn't get them out until next year's NAMM show. one of the things that make EBMM signature guitars unique is the fact that they're not just slapped together versions of standard production instruments. when you pick one up you can feel that a lot of engenering and testing (as well as personal prefrence of the artist involved) went into the guitar, and with the number of changes that seem to be seperating this morse model from the original one, I for one would be somewhat leary of having one delivered within just a few weeks of its unveiling.

also, I'm rather suspicious of dealers who are taking money and orders for this guitar at this point. When I went to the dealer in my area to see about when I could get one, he was most specific on the point that he wouldn't take mine nor anyone else's money for one until he had more specifics. later that week I had a friend claim he already had put a deposit on one with a large, national chain was was supposed to taking delivery in june. personally, I'd rather take the word of the smaller dealer who I've been shopping with for years who isnt trying to charm money out of my pocket with delivery dates for a guitar that according to the company is still more or less in the devolopment stage. I'm fine waiting because I know when I do get the final product, it's going to be as perfect as the original morse I've been playing for years. take your time.

 

[blackspy]

Yeah alot of dealers will take a 'non-refundable' deposit on expensive guitars/amps. They won't give your money back either, they'll give you store credit or something similar. I'm sure that if there are people who put deposits on these guitars, they're probably nervous.

 

[kbaim]

I think Norm may have "kid on christmas morning" disease.

I personally would rather EB take the time to build a guitar that will sell well and keep the company rolling and happy with their ROI.

Even if it means removing a switch. Norm can always add it later like he's done to his others.

But I am looking forward to reading Norm's post now that BP has pushed back

 

[NorM]

I think Norm may have "kid on christmas morning" disease.

I personally would rather EB take the time to build a guitar that will sell well and keep the company rolling and happy with their ROI.

Even if it means removing a switch. Norm can always add it later like he's done to his others.

But I am looking forward to reading Norm's post now that BP has pushed back

Yes
Yes and
Yes

I'm on travel right now but I am writing a response.
It's all good

 

[kbaim]

Norm, please be polite.

I'd hate for Big Poppa to have Steve call you personally and ask you to stop listening to his music.













(actually, that would be the funniest story ever if that happened).

 

[PeteDuBaldo]

Yeah alot of dealers will take a 'non-refundable' deposit on expensive guitars/amps. They won't give your money back either, they'll give you store credit or something similar. I'm sure that if there are people who put deposits on these guitars, they're probably nervous.

I ask for a small deposit on special ordered instruments to make sure the buyer is serious. Without requiring people to make a deposit, I have found that more often than not they are nowhere to be found once the instrument arrives, and then you are stuck with it. The small deposit won't sting the buyer if they default on the instrument as much as say 50% or more would. If someone wants to pay in full, that's fine, but not mandatory.

All that being said, & getting back to the Morse topic, I do have 1 deposit on a new Morse model, with the buyer's understanding that the guitar is still in final developement stages and has no promised release date. Yet another reason to keep the deposits small

 

[ripley]

I ask for a small deposit on special ordered instruments to make sure the buyer is serious. Without requiring people to make a deposit, I have found that more often than not they are nowhere to be found once the instrument arrives, and then you are stuck with it. The small deposit won't sting the buyer if they default on the instrument as much as say 50% or more would. If someone wants to pay in full, that's fine, but not mandatory.

All that being said, & getting back to the Morse topic, I do have 1 deposit on a new Morse model, with the buyer's understanding that the guitar is still in final developement stages and has no promised release date. Yet another reason to keep the deposits small

you are right about getting stuck with special order instruments. a lot of buyers get all excited and worked up over a guitar that they end up changing their mind about before it even arrives. I used to work at a music store in college and the owner DESPISED special orders. for a couple of months he requred full payment up front with half being non-refundable. ouch.

you're being honest with your clients, which as someone who uses off the wall equipment that almost ALWAYS has to be special ordered, I really appreciate. to test the waters I called my un-friendly local giant national chain guitar store today asking about the new morse (this thread got me thinking about the psychological motivaton of commission based sellers) and the ultra high-pressure salesman gave me the biggest snake-oil dog and pony show I have EVER heard. I think his numbers last month may have been down and his boss is obviously putting pressure on him. this kid went through the whole spectrum of sales lies and B.S. - everything from saying that musicman had sent each store a sample instrument and they were expecting delivery in may, THEN he says that the rep was the one who brought the guitar to the store, then the guitar was a prototype, but they could take custom orders for the electronics configuration, then his boss had played it at the NAMM show and there was something else about the original morse being discontinued, and the end result was "come on down before the end of the week and we can definently get it here by the first week of june."

AHHH!!! there's salesmen, then there sales men....

 

[NorM]

Thank you for the chance to respond

One thing I know about myself is that I can make people angry with out even realizing it. More often than not, people seem to just go away angry rather than express their feelings. When someone does express themselves to me in a way that could be considered less than positive, I try to take the feedback as constructive criticism and an opportunity to better myself. I feel that now is exactly that type of situation so here goes.

First of all, a shout out of Thanks and Kudos to BP and anyone else who encouraged the statement responded to here. Expressing anger is difficult and risky. You might have to be prepared to present and follow up on ultimatums that you may are may not really want to. Still, most importantly, expressing yourself is vital.

Hey Norm
Why the diss? I have not taken a dime from you or anyone else for the new Morse guitar. All we are doing is designing a new guitar and you seem to always be displeased with our process.

I really don’t know what the process is. I can imagine that there are collaborations, discussions, revisions, drawings, more discussions, scheduling issues, prototyping, feedbacking and the whole process getting repeated adnausium (kind of like me and my posting). At least that’s the way it happens here in my business. I am not displeased. What I do feel is excited! Perhaps I should follow my own advice and express myself more clearly. I think that what will come out of this whole thing is an enigma. There is science and business combining to create a piece of art.

I guess from your posts regarding this guitar you are more interested in getting any guitar right away rather than letting our team and Steve refine and define this new model.

What I want is something special. Something that will make me look at it and say, “That’s Awsome!”, be a joy to play and listen to. Sure, I would like to have one of the first ones. My birthday is in a couple of months so that might be cool. There’s a holiday season at the end of the year and that would be OK. Then I always plan on having a birthday next year as well (as I hope we all do) and that would be fine too. I know I have said in my posts somewhere before:
“Better done right, than right now.”
I hope there is NOTHING I can do to interfere with letting Steve and your team define the new model. If I am interfering then maybe the design team should have it’s internet privileges revoked until they finish (or should that be me). When I did talk with Steve, I felt like he encouraged me to contact you on what I wanted for this guitar. I didn’t do that and I won’t do that. I consider my role in this process to be part of the noise in the background to be ignored. OK so I’ll
admit that I have been doing more than my share of noise.

When the guitar is finalized you guys will be the first to know. I suggest that you guys ask Steve about the process of designing the guitar rather than trying to pin him down prematurely about this new guitar.

Great Point! Listening to Steve talk about this very issue, as well as the times you have shared this process, has brought me to the edge of my seat. Sometimes you just don’t know what questions to ask.
Maybe this forum would also be a good place to ask:
What is the process?

I m kind of baffled because I think that you guys would appreciate that we just dont slap things together but from some of your posts norm im not sure. Keep in mind that we took our time last time and Steve is still playin it after 20 years.

I am thrilled, jump up and shout happy, that jon (sorry to drag you into this jon but it is in a positive way) and people like him put my guitars together. I am in awe of the amazing job they do. I really didn’t think I would get my Petrucci back so fast. That was amazing but not expected. Furthermore, it’s not expected from me for the new Morse or the other guitars I plan on buying from you.
Still, the fact that Steve is still playing the same guitar after twenty years is truly a testimony to loyalty that is so lacking from today’s society. It is fuel for my argument whenever I sing EB’s or Steve’s praises. I would like to think that I aspire to be that way. If the end result, after you guys and Steve finish with the development of this guitar, turns out to be a fence post with bailing wire stapled to the ends I still want one. If you and Steve say it’s cool then I will love it. Hopefully I will get to play it for at least 20 years.

You have bitched about this guitar for months...now you are pissed off that the switch is missing, and also you are dissing me in the forum
because I have not held your hand and told you everything that we are working on.

Ouch. But if the truth hurts, it’s the truth’s fault.

You did show that we here on the forum can’t agree on any one thing. When you did that I said ”Wow, he’s right!” After that post I never asked for anything. So I like to use the forum as a place to exchange thoughts, ideas, feelings and maintain relationships with the fine people I have had the pleasure to meet on this board. I look at us all as a bunch of passionate souls about our guitars and I am the biggest one. That and I think Keith is funny. Don’t you?

As for the switch, Keith (who asked me to say he knows nothing about this) is right. If I want one there I will put one there. Still it gives me pause. I remember hearing Steve talk about the original guitar. He related the idea that EBMM wanted to do the wiring the way he (Steve) wanted it. And that Steve was willing to have the production model be more traditional. I thought that was a cool part of the process to know about. Also it shows how much EBMM wanted to build this guitar Steve’s way. So the switch is gone? What is the metal in its place? (I know, it’s the chap norm’s hyde button. <--That’s suppose to be funny)
Don’t answer that yet. I respect that you as a company don’t want to release the final details of the guitar until you know what they are. I do look forward to knowing the final details and when all is said and done the details of the different variations that were tried would be interesting as well. All part of understanding the process.

Still (as Keith (who still doesn’t know anything about this) eloquently stated), I am a kid at the Christmas tree. A spoiled rotten brat of a kid none the less. I am just excited as I can be about this guitar. If I set my head on fire and run around the house twice it’s just because I am that excited. That’s just what I do.

Do you guys think that dissing me will encourage me to continue being involved in the Forum?

Of course not. Frankly I’m surprised and honored that you even acknowledge our existence. So here’s a question for you. In order to encourage your participation here on the forum, what topics would you like to see discussed?

NOrm

Whether or not the missed capitalization was intentional is of no concern to me. If it was, then point taken and well done (genius). If not, I still think it’s applicable. And I like it.

take a chill pill, quit your whining and enjoy the ride.

This is the ride I live for. Color me Sitting Down, Strapped in, Shutting up and holding on. Thanks for turning the wheel, mashing the GAS and stepping on the
brake once and a while.

Peace?

 

[koogie2k]

Nice way to put things buddy. I know you (as well as most of us) are excited about the new Morse axe. I am going to have the privledge of seeing Steve live this week up in New York with my bro OC. I get to see the new axe (hopefully) being played to it's upmost potential. Shoot, I'm even excited about the new guitar. Probably not as much as you though....hehehehe....

NorM, you are one of the biggest advocators of EBMM and Steve Morse along with Kbaim. I appreciate your enthusiasm and excitement. I am sure BP does as well and I am sure you as well as the rest of us will not be disappointed in any way shape or ForM....hehehehehe......

 

[kbaim]

In an unrelated matter...I have cut all ties to NorM.



PS When I saw Steve in JAN, he only played the new git on 3 tunes in the dregs set (ROAD EXPENSE, IONIZED, and, heavens to betsy, I forget the 3rd one ) and none in the SMB set.

It'll be interesting to hear if he plays it on more songs by now with changes occurring.

 

[fsmith]

In an unrelated matter...I have cut all ties to NorM.

NorM? Don't know any NorM...