What to check at the store when buying a MM bass?

[lggranada]

Hello!
Newbie question: what do i need to check at the store when buying a MM bass?(string height, neck,etc?)
Thanks!

 

[mro]

I would check the set up of the bass. Neck relief, fret buzz if any, fit and finish, sound. I ordered a Stingray thru Bass central and it really comes direct from MM and it was awesome. In a store where many people handle them, and some know what they are doing and some don't i would approach any bass as how it is set up and plays. Scratches, etc.
Typically the MM's are very fine!!!

 

[bovinehost]

Color?

 

[Aussie Mark]

Strap length

 

[Figjam]

EB basses are very consistant, just check to make sure they are taken care of, set up decently,and everything funtions as i should.

 

[JB1]

Response

 

[agplate]

Listen very carefully to the difference in tone and sustain between the G-string and the other strings. Some Stingrays and Sterlings have a reputation of having inconsistencies and dead spots on the G. Otherwise enjoy the quality.

 

[SterlingFan]

How the strings line up down the neck. Is the B or E or G sting too close to the edge. Also, check the neck pocket. While a little gap is OK, should be no more that the thickness of a sheet of paper. While holding the top horn, give the neck a pull side to side. If it moves make sure the bolts are tight. If they are, pass on it. EBMM has the best QC in the business, so it is hard to find a bad one. I've never seen one. On my recent shopping trip when I purchased my Sterling, all I played had excellent fit and finish.

 

[armybass]

I don't even worry too much about the actyion because even if it is a little high, I know how easy it dcan be adjusted. With that said, I am going through all of our basses in the shop today and give em a tweak I hope. I think it helps to sell a bass if it is set up well, as this thread confirms.

 

[tkarter]

Right you are Scott. The shop I generally visit keeps the basses nice and playable. Even the el cheapo ones. You get a real chance to look at something other than a setup when a shop takes care of things that way.

All a buyer needs to do in a shop like that is pick the color and the new amp to go with the killer EB bass.

IMHO


tk

 

[Morrow]

" strap length"


I had to giggle.Honestly ,they are probably the finest and most consistant production bass made in America today.

They can get a little shopworn from grubby little hands in the store so have a good look at it.

They are one of the easiest basses to set up. You should learn how to adjust the string height /truss rod/intonation to suit your playing style.It ain't rocket science. The only time that I have seen a bad neck pocket was a refin that some fool had sanded out.I have never noticed any movement with the six bolt neck.

Some are prettier than others......