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?

WOW - thanks to everyone for the great replies! I've never played on OLP and was just curious. The reason I was asking these questions in the first place is because I've played some other brand "entry level" models and they were terrible. I was just curious that OLP was doing the same thing to EB.

I guess they're not. Cool

 

[basspastor]

My remarks
My first bass cost $350.00 ( brand not mentioned) I went to my instructer and, oh well long story short. He could not get it set up to play as it should ( or should I say sound) I took the thing back to MLD and bought an EBMM. Made me and my instructor happy campers.

 

[skabassist13]

i got a squier starter pack for less than that, and i, and my teacher, feel it is very good for its price. and so you know i set it up entirely by myself. i think brand new by itself its like 170. but with that, and a lil elbow grease and patience you can get a bass that will do you well for a while.

 

[basadam]

There is a huge market for entry level stuff. In here (Istanbul) Cort is making a blast. This way EB gets its share from this segment of the market without much hassle. I'd say it's a clever move - businesswise better IMHO than Squier approach which is a Fender brand; EB simply licenses the design. This is not just a market for those without money. As a bass player, I wanted to buy a guitar just for fun and guess what? I bought a Cort. If there'd be an OLP Steve Morse I'd buy it instead. So again, do not underestimate entry level market; there is a lot of money circulating in there.

 

[Bassplyr]

basadam, there IS a John Petrucci OLP model now available and it is nice! I've already sold out at my store. Check it out if you have one available to try.

 

[cgworkman]

there IS a John Petrucci OLP model now available and it is nice!

Personally I don't care for those high sounding six-string basses ~ But that's just me...

 

[basadam]

basadam, there IS a John Petrucci OLP model now available and it is nice! I've already sold out at my store. Check it out if you have one available to try.

Thanks for the tip. But I guess one "high sounding six-string bass" is enough for me