Why Were the SUBs Discontinued?

[DaphneBlue]

I just received my SUB today. And boy is it an amazing bass! The tones from the single humbucker and the 2-band EQ are truly amazing. I love the color (textured red), I'm just not crazy about the feel of the texture. It sort of feels like vinyl stucco to me. But I think I can get used to it. It's probably the heaviest bass I own, but it's worth the weight (sorry for the bad pun). The neck is fast. It's a bit chunkier than I prefer, but certainly not hard to get used to. I guess a Sterling neck would be perfect for me.

I'm just wondering why they were discontinued. I can't be the only one who's realized what a gem these basses are. I'm sure EBMM sold quite a few of them during the past four years. So why are they history?

 

[jaylegroove]

Info about discontinuing of the SUB series is here :

http://www.ernieball.com/forums/music-man-basses/18205-music-man-sub-r-i-p.html

You're right, these are awesome basses.

Cheers
Jay

 

[RitchieDarling]

I believe they became too expensive to manufacture in America.

So, rather than sacrifice quality by having the Koreans build them, it was decided to discontinue the line.

An outstanding decision on behalf of BP.

Integrity before profit.

Rare in any company these days.

That's just one of the reasons we like them so much!

Ritchie

P.S. I better stop before I ass kiss myself into a coma!

 

[fireyshadow08]

that would be correct. i just picked up an SUB 4 active as well. got it at guitar center new in black with a black pickguard for $500. I also have a thing about the textured finish. i like to play hardcore/metalcore and i often use a pick to play those really fast lines and it feels like im getting rug burn on my arm after a while. such a great bass though awesome tone. wish i could've gotten my hands on a SUB sterling...

 

[jasper383]

I believe they became too expensive to manufacture in America.

So, rather than sacrifice quality by having the Koreans build them, it was decided to discontinue the line.

An outstanding decision on behalf of BP.

Integrity before profit.

Rare in any company these days.

That's just one of the reasons we like them so much!

Ritchie

P.S. I better stop before I ass kiss myself into a coma!

Many companies must move overseas, or go out of business. It's not just an integrity thing.

OLPs are made overseas.

 

[kneeoh]

OLPs are made overseas.

OLP is not a division of Ernie Ball Musicman

Back on topic... I really like the SUB instruments. Every time I see one languishing away in some guitar shop, I wish I could rescue them.

 

[hankSRay]

I still kick myself every once in a while for not buying a passive white SUB.

 

[jasone]

I think the reason jasper383 mentioned OLP is because EB licenses the design to them, and with no SUBs, OLP is the answer for those who can't afford the real thing. I think the mention was on topic.

Having said that, I have owned a few EBs over the years. I have a lot of respect for the company and badly want to find another EB I can grow old with. My budget currently won't allow for a "real" EB, and I was looking into the SUBs when I learned they were discontinued. OLP is not the answer for me, so I might have to start looking for used.

OLP is not a division of Ernie Ball Musicman

Back on topic... I really like the SUB instruments. Every time I see one languishing away in some guitar shop, I wish I could rescue them.

 

[Musicman Nut]

Many companies must move overseas, or go out of business. It's not just an integrity thing.

OLPs are made overseas.

And the reason why is for many reasons of course but one I know of for sure is. Americans Have lost their Pride in building Quality. At one time Made In The USA meant something. These days it doesn't. Ernie Ball is Just one in a Hand Full who still Care, but I can Guarantee BP has to stay on it too keep the standards High.

Another reason, Competition is so competitive most companies have to go over seas just too keep the prices to where the normal folk can buy.

There is Other reasons but l'll let the next person chime in.

 

[Big Poppa]

I actually don thave to stay on to pof the team they know what butters the bread...great team

 

[Colin]

they know what butters the bread...

any vegemite on that bread?

 

[equinox]

Love my SUB 5

Hi everyone,

I got my Active SUB 5 in black, around 3 weeks ago, and I really enjoyed it. It's becoming quite a treasure here in Jakarta, since the SR are insanely expensive (for us Indonesian mind you).

I just want to thank BP and the team of EBMM for bulding such as astonishing Bass, with such a friendly price.

Cheers,

 

[pudgychef]

SUBS are great for the $$. They still sell for $1200 here in Korea but that is quite a bit less than a standard SR. Luckily I got mine Stateside so it was considerably less.

I have been trying to convince one of the shops here to drop the price since they are discontinued...they see it differently than I do

 

[lomky]

that would be correct. i just picked up an SUB 4 active as well. got it at guitar center new in black with a black pickguard for $500. I also have a thing about the textured finish. i like to play hardcore/metalcore and i often use a pick to play those really fast lines and it feels like im getting rug burn on my arm after a while. such a great bass though awesome tone. wish i could've gotten my hands on a SUB sterling...

Hey, I was in the same boat, I almost considered planing the body profile, but I ended up buying a velcro fastened wrist band (got it at a drug store, I think it's for wrist injuries or something) Works GREAT! Try it out.

And we have a new song on our myspace!!! Recorded my very own SUB!

http://www.myspace.com/prisonercinema

 

[pepperman]

My budget currently won't allow for a "real" EB, and I was looking into the SUBs when I learned they were discontinued.

Weeeellllll... technically, Jasone, the SUB IS a real EB. I know what you meant there, but didn't want anyone to get the idea that the SUB is any less quality than the flagship lines. Just built with the budget minded musician in mind.

 

[Big Poppa]

Subs are secret weapons...Tonight at dinner Tony levin was talkng about a sub he played in montrael and he loved it....

 

[Slingy]

Musicians Friend still has the guitar ones brand new. But I wouldn't worry to much about buying a used Sub, because the finish is pretty much indestructable. As long as the neck looks good your good to go.

 

[Frankie5Angels]

I own two subs, a S.U.B. and a SUB Sterling, both of which I bought used. The S.U.B., which is four years old, looks like it just came out of the box. There's not a scratch on it. Though with the finish I don't know if it's even possible to scratch these things! I love them both to death. But my only complaint about the S.U.B. is that it is heavy. The SUB Sterling is a lightweight in comparison.

 

[mynan]

The difference in weight between a SUB and SUB Sterling is the same, generally as between the Stingray and the Sterling. Same bodies.

 

[jasper383]

Subs are secret weapons...Tonight at dinner Tony levin was talkng about a sub he played in montrael and he loved it....

Name dropper!






(just envious of those who have names to drop)