Why OLP?

[cgworkman]

Why does EB align itself with OLP? I know their instruments are "Officially Licensed" - but why deal with them? Isn't having a $500-$600 instrument in your catalog enough? i.e. The SUB basses and guitars. If I didn't have the $ to get a SR, Sterling or Bongo - and I really wanted a EBMM bass - I'd get a SUB - not an OLP.

I've played an OLP and they don't compare to a real deal, American made EBMM. So why?

The reason I'm asking is because I noticed on EB's site and other ads they're giving away OLP stuff for some sweepstakes or something.

Does anyone think OLP tarnishes the great EBMM name? Or is this just the new and improved American way?

 

[jeffsixx]

the olp basses actually came out before the subs. i agree that they dont compare with the real deal but some people dont even have the 699.99 to get a sub but a 200 dollar olp is in their price range.

 

[oddjob]

Jeff got it right... it is pure entry level gear plain and simple.

 

[vonfog]

Does anyone think OLP tarnishes the great EBMM name?

I have owned a number of StingRays and StingRay5s. I bought one OLP 4 string and one OLP 5-string for the purpose of modifying them -- things I would never do to a real MM.

The build quality on both was outstanding for the price I paid (less than $200 each, used), and the sound was very close to the "real thing", especially if you boosted the highs and lows a bit. The sound of the low strings was just as growly but maybe not quite as focused as the "real thing"; the middle and upper register sounded great.

The only cheap bits seem to be the plastic nut and the hardware (much lighter).
The body of the MM3 is about 1/4" thinner than the StingRay5's (otherwise, the bodies are basically identical to the "real" ones). The paint, neck and fretwork were excellent on both the basses I bought.

For an entry level bass with the Music Man sound, you can't beat them. I doubt EB would have wanted to put their name on something if it was a piece of garbage. And with other inexpensive MM copies on the market, they might as well give the consumer a choice.

My 2 cents,
Adam

 

[oldbluebassman]

I bought an OLP 5-string with the intention of modifying it and using it as a spare. It was only when I got it alongside my SR5 that I realised how much tighter the string spacing was at the bridge. The OLP was a whole 1/4-inch smaller than the SR5. I hated it it so I sold it again.

Give them their due though it was well made for an entry level instrument although by the time they arrive at a UK selling price there a lot of equally good starter basss to be had for the for the same sort of money.

 

[Bassplyr]

the olp basses actually came out before the subs. i agree that they dont compare with the real deal but some people dont even have the 699.99 to get a sub but a 200 dollar olp is in their price range.

Jeffsixx is absolutely right. Most people don't want to spend anymore than they have to to get a bass or guitar. As a store owner, I can honestly say nobody wants to spend anything, but they want the best. So, a good idea is to get them into an OLP and work them into a real MM after that. Also OLP makes Spector bass copies too. They are very nice, and I've sold more of those then the MM design.
I also know guys who take their OLP to a gig and leave the $1300 MM at home. That way they don't have to worry about theft. fight breakage, beer spillage, etc.

OLP works for many people.

 

[midopa]

If they make an OLP Bongo, I'll get that so I won't have to take my soon-to-be Bongo outside of my home. Spoil your Bongo!

 

[basspastor]

My one cent thought.
Why buy something nice if you are not going to enjoy it whenever you get the chance.
That would be like me taking my new crewcab 3/4 ton chev. and my Ranger bass boat, putting them behind lock and key buying a beat up truck and a flat bottom boat and go to Lake Fork fishing in discomfort.
I buy for comfort and ....
My Hamer bass is much nicer and more expensive than my SUB, I guess I am somewhat of a showoff as is true with most of this populated world, But I am going to take my Hamer When I play in public and if something happens so be it.
I'll take the chance.
Gosh, spend a lot of bucks on nice things and hide them.

 

[Jazzbassman23]

Agreed. Why buy it if you're afraid to take it to play? Of course, I suppose if you're a studio musician, there is that. Does every manufacturer have to have an entry level instrument? Does Zon? Alembic? However, if having an entry level instrument enables the company to continue to thrive and make great higher end basses, then I'm all for it.

 

[Bassplyr]

Does every manufacturer have to have an entry level instrument? Does Zon? Alembic? However, if having an entry level instrument enables the company to continue to thrive and make great higher end basses, then I'm all for it.

The way i see it, most compnaies DO have a mid or entry level foreign made line to supplement the expense of their American made lines: Gibson has Epiphone, Fender has Squier, PRS is now making the SE and PE series overseas, Lakland makes the Skyline overseas, Schecter has the Diamond Series and the list goes on.

With the influx of quality made gear overseas, manufactureres have to find a way to get their gear out to the customers and still maintain standards.
I wish I would have had all the options of basses to buy they have now when I started playing 22 years ago. Guaranteed it WOULDN'T have been a Peavey.

 

[TSanders]

I dont care what anyone says the OLP's are good basses for the price. They are targeted at entry level players. Perfect for what they were intended for.

 

[spectorbassguy]

If they make an OLP Bongo, I'll get that so I won't have to take my soon-to-be Bongo outside of my home. Spoil your Bongo!

Ask and Ye shall Receive.....

 

[SGMan88]

If only it was real

 

[spectorbassguy]

If only it was real

The OLP or the Peeper in the background?

 

[Bassplyr]

The OLP or the Peeper in the background?

Oh, man that's hilarious! I just noticed. Better not let your wife/girlfriend suntan back there!

 

[Bassplyr]

I dont care what anyone says the OLP's are good basses for the price. They are targeted at entry level players. Perfect for what they were intended for.

I agree.

 

[bovinehost]

I think some of us got a bit concerned at first because EB had never done anything like that, while the majority of other manufacturers had been at it for years.

Think of all the Fender clones you see day in and day out on eBay.

Well, our brand of preference hadn't, to that point, delved into the beginner/entry level market and I admit that I was worried that this signaled the appearance of Stingray clones, cheaply built with crappy tone.

We Stingray players were ABOVE all that, heh heh.

But I'm over it. I can't stay snobby very long, which is good, as I have very little to be snobby about. I'm sure there are plenty of OLP players out there who soon enough move up to a "real" American Ernie Ball bass, which is, I'm guessing, exactly what the EBMM guys wanted.

In any case, I guess you could say that I worried that somehow the brand would be "diminished", but I don't think that's happened, do you?

 

[Soulfinger]

There's a definite need for entry level instruments. I'm really impressed with how nice of a bass you can get these days for very little money.

When I got my first bass (a Squier II p-bass), that was about the only option in the stores around me. Now, beginners have so many options.

I played on OLP once, and I really thought it was a much more expensive bass, until I looked at the price tag.


By the way....I think I recognize the peeper in the picture.

 

[spectorbassguy]

I think some of us got a bit concerned at first because EB had never done anything like that, while the majority of other manufacturers had been at it for years.

Think of all the Fender clones you see day in and day out on eBay.

Well, our brand of preference hadn't, to that point, delved into the beginner/entry level market and I admit that I was worried that this signaled the appearance of Stingray clones, cheaply built with crappy tone.

We Stingray players were ABOVE all that, heh heh.

But I'm over it. I can't stay snobby very long, which is good, as I have very little to be snobby about. I'm sure there are plenty of OLP players out there who soon enough move up to a "real" American Ernie Ball bass, which is, I'm guessing, exactly what the EBMM guys wanted.

In any case, I guess you could say that I worried that somehow the brand would be "diminished", but I don't think that's happened, do you?

No I don't think it is happening at all. Yes you can get a very good starter bass for a couple hundred bucks these days, and some people will always be happy with playing a $200.00 bass. But I think everyone knows that for real American built quality control you're going to have to pay for it. Personally I want the person building my instrument to make a good living, not make 75 cents a day in some sweat shop overseas. Understanding the difference and being willing to pay for quality - that's what makes us Music-Manners, right?

 

[midopa]

Well it's either sweatshops or child prostitution... The world is a nasty place.