What's the story with OLP?

[bradfordws]

I did a search in here to see if this was already covered, but found nothing. I didn't just discover OLP, but now I'm curious about their business since all they make is EB/MM copies. I would imagine they pay fees to EB/MM and I guess it's good for EB/MM because the kids who buy these guitars will eventually want to upgrade to a real EB/MM, but that's just my guess. Is EB/MM involved with OLP or are they just collecting the licensing fees? Why does EB/MM even allow this company to exist when they don't even make any of their own designs? Inquiring minds want to know.

BTW, I'm a Sterling H owner and have a Sterling 5HS on order - can't wait!

 

[danomar]

What I know is that EBMM licensed them to build basses (specifically the headstock design) and that the license expires soon. OLP will no longer produce EBMM-alikes. They are/were made in China.

Did you look at <http://www.olpguitars.com/>?

I have a Tony Levin Signature and actually like it for what it is.

 

[Big Poppa]

It was a licensing deal with the Hanser group (Kustom, BC Rich) that expired. We are in the process of stating over with a new company

 

[TNT]

I like starting over



sometimes!!

 

[strummer]

It was a licensing deal with the Hanser group (Kustom, BC Rich) that expired. We are in the process of stating over with a new company

Man, I really hope there will be a Baritone again

 

[Sodacake]

It was a licensing deal with the Hanser group (Kustom, BC Rich) that expired. We are in the process of stating over with a new company

Looking forward to seeing who you guys choose.

 

[Duarte]

Yeah, let us know?

 

[carpedebass]

Weren' t they also in league with Michael Kelly and Traben?

 

[mynan]

Weren' t they also in league with Michael Kelly and Traben?

Google is your friend...hanser music group

 

[carpedebass]

Yes, yes...google...sweet google.

 

[Soul Man]

I had an OLP and it was a quality instrument for that price point. I only let it go after getting my Sterling.

 

[Sodacake]

Google is your friend...hanser music group

Ew BC Rich

 

[leoszem]

Any news on who builds OLP now as Gary Hanser obviously has lost his contract with Sterling Ball? (contact adress is in FL)

 

[the unrepentant]

The contract hasn't been given to anyone else yet, though Sterling is looking for someone.

 

[Big Poppa]

WE will be debuting the newest member of the Music Man Family at Anaheim NAMM. It is done by the Park Family and is called Sterling by Music Man...(I fought the name but was overruled by Guitar Center and Dargie and the staff)

 

[fly]

cool news to know.........i have an Axis OLP and it plays nice........no probs at all with it.

anything that BP touches lately has been smokin'.....(insert new HSS basses)...so i'm sure the choice will be the right one.

 

[TNT]

Actually, I think it's a good catchy name (how can it not be, lol,lol,lol), however there may be "some" slight confusion because of the Sterling bass.

Never-the-less, being overuled by that group could have only been overcome had Mrs. Ball objected.

Best of luck to the EBMM/Park family collaboration!

 

[Colin]

WE will be debuting the newest member of the Music Man Family at Anaheim NAMM. It is done by the Park Family and is called Sterling by Music Man...(I fought the name but was overruled by Guitar Center and Dargie and the staff)

how cool is that! looking forward to see them.

 

[adouglas]

It is is called Sterling by Music Man...

Must...prevent...self...from...making...wrongity-wrong... pronunciation joke.....

AARRRGGHHHH!!!!!!

I hope it's a st... er, compelling product!

 

[leoszem]

WE will be debuting the newest member of the Music Man Family at Anaheim NAMM. It is done by the Park Family and is called Sterling by Music Man...(I fought the name but was overruled by Guitar Center and Dargie and the staff)

Ok, thank you for the information, Mr. Ball, that's thrilling news. Just to understand it right: The OLP brand will be discontinued, and a new one, Sterling by Music Man, will be established. Just asking, as on the OLP homepage the license by EBMM is still advertised ... Or is OLP allowed to continue building the "old" MM models?

Anyway I'm very curious about the new ones? Where will they be built? Japan? Korea? China? Elsewhere?