HypnoBassMan Posted September 17, 2003 Share Posted September 17, 2003 Hi Group, I thought some of you would be interesting in knowing that MusiciansFriend.com is running a clearance, and they are advertising the OLP bassis (MM-2 & MM-3) for $149. I ordered one (MM-3 as a backup/toy for my Fender Jazz Delux 5-String) and expect it to arive this afternoon! Here is the link to the bass clearance page. Boom, boom, boom. HypnoBassMan The deeper you go the better you feel! (True for bass and hypnosis.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addix Metzatricity Posted September 17, 2003 Share Posted September 17, 2003 Oh my... I can actually afford that! Is it worth it? Perhaps I should wait 'till I can buy a good 4-string.... "Bass isn't just for breakfast anymore..." http://www.mp3.com/Addix_Metzatricity Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDL Posted September 17, 2003 Share Posted September 17, 2003 Whoa. JDL on Purevolume Bird\'s Eye View on Purevolume Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Bear Jew Posted September 17, 2003 Share Posted September 17, 2003 The OLPs are OK for what they are... Music Man clones made of low-quality wood and average electronics. I think you could probably make an OLP into something pretty sweet if you replaced the pick-up and bridge. The necks are almost the same as MM necks... Truth be told, I almost bought one a few years ago. \m/ Erik "To fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists of breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting." --Sun Tzu Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dcr Posted September 17, 2003 Share Posted September 17, 2003 Holy crap! Hmm, piccolo... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeremy c Posted September 17, 2003 Share Posted September 17, 2003 Oh no! It comes in blue! Free download of my cd!. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onamission Posted September 17, 2003 Share Posted September 17, 2003 BTW, Did you see the price on Rotosounds! 17.99 - Jon ----- You have the right to remain in the groove, any solos cannot be used against you, you have the right to snap and pop, if you cannot snap and pop, two fingers can provide the funk just fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaCosaNostradamus Posted September 18, 2003 Share Posted September 18, 2003 It's important to mention that the $149 price is for a factory refurbished bass. I don't know if that means it was returned and needed work, or that it left the shop as a factory second- Musician's Friend told me they aren't told what the original problem was. I just now(and I do mean just now) received mine, and gave it a play. Here's my $0.02... (I don't work for OLP) The bass arrived boxed and bagged, detuned. Construction- 9/10. VERY solid neck pocket, nut is perfectly cut plastic. The bass needed no truss rod or intonation adjustment. I can only assume this was done at the shop, and simply detuned for shipping (I did not order a case). The bridge, tuners and pickguard were all well done. The rear strap button hole is drilled slightly off-kilter, tho. The fretwork is nice, with no jagged edges or high frets. Dressed/polished well. The knobs are press-fit metal and the pots are solid and smooth in turning. Finish- 7/10. Anticipating poor quality wood if covered with paint, I ordered the natural finish. The gloss is very nice. The wood is of good quality, and the aesthetics are perfect, save an area at the 17th fret bass side which shows some whitening right where the body and neck meet. The blemish is about 1/2" long, and roughly the width of a B string. There are also two tiny dents in the finish which could very well have happened in transit (I would have liked better packing). The neck is matte, and also very well finished. The tuners are well made, consistently angled and smooth. The pickguard isn't cut at quite the angle I'd have liked (you can tell from the front it's a 3-ply, but only barely). Sound- 9/10. This bass has a wonderful tone as it is, and it is LOUD. Very pianolike with the stock EB Slinkys. Surprisingly, the B is 100%- I could not ask for more from a B string. I have played five string instruments costing several times as much with less clarity. It's quiet even with one coil soloed, but I'm gonna shield mine out of habit. The only downside is that there's not a lot of variety in tone, but that is understood when buying a passive MM style bass. You could install an active EQ/preamp and have more, but for most styles, this'll do fine. Your hands and all that. Durability- TBD. Seems a tank, tho. I don't expect this instrument to fall apart or go pretzel on me. Upgradability- 5/10. I have a Basslines MM pickup I planned on installing in this one, but I don't need to- the stock pickup and etronics are fine. But if you suffer from BPS (Boutique Pickup Syndrome), you may be S.O.L.- at @ 62mm over the rear coil, the string spacing is just a bit too narrow for the Basslines or a Carvin. Changing out the bridge isn't a great idea, because it's designed to go with the neck. Also, the pickguard is routed for the old-school pickup with tabs, and the Duncan is wider than the OLP housing without tabs. You'll have to rout it to fit anything else. The body rout may be larger- I haven't looked. Bartolni may have something, I dunno. If you're into the slap thing (I'm not), consider another instrument or improve your technique. Summary- I've owned a few "name" basses (a 70s Precison, a 70s Jazz, some Warmoth copies -but never a Stingray, strangely enough) and more cheap basses than I care to mention. This is not a beginner instrument by any definition. It's extremely well made and sounds fantastic. If you're looking for the EB sound at a discount, you'll have to be the judge, as I've never owned one, and only played one for 30 minutes at a store. But if you don't care about slapping or name recognition, and are looking for a great buy in a passive bass with the classic Stingray look, this will be the best $150 you ever spent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davebassman Posted September 18, 2003 Share Posted September 18, 2003 ...and check the amazing discount on the Jaco t-shirt... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dohhhhh6 Posted September 18, 2003 Share Posted September 18, 2003 I have an OLP MM2 4 stringer. I think it's a great bass for a begginer. My only problem is the input jack thing came loose and spun and eventually broke the wire. Nothing someone with a solder can fix, but still annoying. I took mine into Guitar Center, got it fixed and haven't had any problems since. In Skynyrd We Trust Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basshappi Posted September 18, 2003 Share Posted September 18, 2003 OLP finally decided to offer the 4 string in a lefthanded version. It's only available in black with a black peraloid pickguard and rosewood fretboard (I would prefer maple, but oh well)but it looks cool! I handled one the other day at the store and it seemed very nice but I didn't have time to plug it in. I'm going back to do that this weekend. I have always wanted a Stingray but the price of new ones is rather steep and used ones (especially lefties)are still around $800.The OLP would be a back up to my Jazz and at $250 that's not bad, if they are well built which they seem to be. I also noticed that OLP has been licened to copy Spector basses. The store had two of them and they sure looked sweet!Maybe a few years from now they'll decide to make those lefty to! Nothing is as it seems but everything is exactly what it is - B. Banzai Life is what happens while you are busy playing in bands. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Capasso Posted September 18, 2003 Share Posted September 18, 2003 LaCosaNostradamus - thanks for a thorough review!! Tom www.stoneflyrocks.com Acoustic Color Be practical as well as generous in your ideals. Keep your eyes on the stars and keep your feet on the ground. - Theodore Roosevelt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HypnoBassMan Posted September 18, 2003 Author Share Posted September 18, 2003 Hello Boomers I received my refurbished MM3 yesterday at work. Boy that was tough having it sitting right by my desk all day while I worked. Fortunately Im the boss, so I managed to I cancel my last appointment and go home early :-) When I got home I tried it out on two amps. The first one in my practice amp, a SWR Workingmans 10. I found that the MM3 sounded a bit thin compared to my other basses. Then I went down stairs and plugged into a 500 watt PA and I thought is sounded anemic and a bit strange. I checked the intonation and it was way off. But I was able to fix that pretty quick and it really sweetened up the overall sound of the bass. As I continued to play with it, it still sounded pretty mid-rangy, no matter how I dialed it in using the mixing board and the tone knobs on the bass. Maybe this mid-rangy tone is a more modern sound than Im used to, I thought? I have a Fender 5-String Active Jazz Deluxe and Squire 4-String PJ, both have a more classic tone. Obviously the MIM, Active Jazz base has a much better tone and ability to shape the tone. Even the Squire has a warmer tone than the MM3. I took it back upstairs and plugged into the SWR for the rest of the night and kept playing it off and on. I started liking it more and more. Im thinking about putting some different strings on it, perhaps the same kind I have on the Jazz, DAddario (sp?) XLs . I read a review about the MM3 bass somewhere and the reviewer said that he changed the strings and liked the bass a lot more. Ill let you know more. So far, I think it is a great looking and very playable bass. I like the neck, but the strings could be a little wider apart for my tastes. It is a lot lighter than my Fender 5-sting and I like that a lot. I basically bought this bass so that I could leave it plugged into my practice amp and not have to worry about the battery going dead because I forgot to unplug the cord. (That is what I was using the Squire for, but I wanted to replace it with the MM3 5-string.) On other thing: The pick guard came scratched up, so I would like to replace it. Does anyone know if I can get a replacement from either OLP or MusicMan? Are the parts interchangeable? That be it for now. HypnoBassMan The deeper you go the better you feel! (True for bass and hypnosis.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addix Metzatricity Posted September 18, 2003 Share Posted September 18, 2003 Wow... This sounds like such a steal. I'm 84.66% sure I'm getting one now! (New job monday, finances iffy. That accounts for the missing 15.32%) "Bass isn't just for breakfast anymore..." http://www.mp3.com/Addix_Metzatricity Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onamission Posted September 18, 2003 Share Posted September 18, 2003 Here's there definition of "Refurb" "Manufacturer's Refurbs These are products that have been completely refurbished and tested by their manufacturers to meet original factory specifications. You'll realize HUGE savings when you purchase refurbed gear. All Manufacturer's Refurbs products include manufacturer's warranties PLUS the Musician's Friend 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Take a full 45 days to check out the gear before deciding to keep it." - Jon ----- You have the right to remain in the groove, any solos cannot be used against you, you have the right to snap and pop, if you cannot snap and pop, two fingers can provide the funk just fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doc taz Posted September 18, 2003 Share Posted September 18, 2003 I'd still get mine new. That's just me. From Samash.com: 1 MM-3 Natural bass, $199.99 1 D'Addario Soft gauge set strings (45-130), $22.99 1 Guitar Research AGC-400 bass case, $49.99 1 Levys Artist Guitar Strap, 3 inch, $17.99 4 Jim Dunlop Ergo-lock strap retainers, $4.00 (Usually I favor using the Dunlops' Straplok system, but in this case the strap buttons seem big enough, so the retainers should do.) Total: $294.96 before shipping. I don't live in NY or Florida, so I don't pay any taxes. Of course, that changes the moment I go to their 48th st. store in Manhattan in NYC. sevenstring.org profile my flickr page Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HypnoBassMan Posted September 18, 2003 Author Share Posted September 18, 2003 Oops! I don't like to admit this but upon second look my pick guard was not scratched. It still had the protective plastic coating on it. I pealed it off and it is a glossy black underneath. I'd sill like to know about replacement pick guards. I think this would look great with a natural or grey tortis shell pick guard, and it wouldn't show the finger prints as bad. I played my "new" MM3 some more this morning and I'm liking it more and more. HypnoBassMan The deeper you go the better you feel! (True for bass and hypnosis.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Bear Jew Posted September 18, 2003 Share Posted September 18, 2003 Check it, HypnO: Pickguards out the wazoo. You can get anything you want, my man. Have a blast. \m/ Erik "To fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists of breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting." --Sun Tzu Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rumpelstiltskin. Posted September 18, 2003 Share Posted September 18, 2003 Originally posted by HypnoBassMan: Then I went down stairs and plugged into a 500 watt PA and I thought is sounded anemic and a bit strange.part of the strange sound could be that it's a passive bass going into an (assumedly) low Z input. a pasive bass requires a high Z input to sound "amplified" -- like it's plugged into a bass amp. i expect any bass with a P pickup in the P position to sound somewhat fuller than a passive MM pickup in the "sweet spot", but do either the OLP or the squier sound as "amplified" as the active J? robb. because i like people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Phil Posted September 18, 2003 Share Posted September 18, 2003 Originally posted by Addix Metzatricity: Wow... This sounds like such a steal. I'm 84.66% sure I'm getting one now! (New job monday, finances iffy. That accounts for the missing 15.32%)Excuse me, but you would have 15.34% left over. http://www.briantimpe.com/images/LDL/dots/blue.JPGhttp://www.briantimpe.com/images/LDL/dots/black.JPGhttp://www.briantimpe.com/images/LDL/dots/fuscia.JPGhttp://www.briantimpe.com/images/LDL/dots/grey.JPGhttp://www.briantimpe.com/images/LDL/dots/orange.JPGhttp://www.briantimpe.com/images/LDL/dots/purple.JPGhttp://www.briantimpe.com/images/LDL/dots/red.JPGhttp://www.briantimpe.com/images/LDL/dots/yellow.JPG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addix Metzatricity Posted September 18, 2003 Share Posted September 18, 2003 Originally posted by phil6006: Originally posted by Addix Metzatricity: Wow... This sounds like such a steal. I'm 84.66% sure I'm getting one now! (New job monday, finances iffy. That accounts for the missing 15.32%)Excuse me, but you would have 15.34% left over. You mean I'm still missing 2%?!?!?! I'd better check my other pants... "Bass isn't just for breakfast anymore..." http://www.mp3.com/Addix_Metzatricity Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaCosaNostradamus Posted September 19, 2003 Share Posted September 19, 2003 An update... Upon looking under the hood, I discovered that the pickup/control cavity has been partially shielded with conductive paint. I say "partially" because the paint goes only about halfway up the "walls" of the rout. Why a manufacturer would bother to begin shielding but not finish the job is beyond me, but I guess it's more of a positive that there's any at all -considering the price- than a negative that it's not complete. It does extend over the top edge at one area and there it makes contact with the strip of foil beneath the pickguard, and it seems (soundwise) to be adequate. A gig or three will tell for sure. The wiring is well done, with shrinkwrap at the ends of the leads where the hot and ground connect to the pots. The pots are 500k- a strange choice for what appears to be simply two single-coils in one housing. The pickup cavity is large enough to fit a replacement Stingray pickup from whoever, so upgrading would require modifications to the pickguard only. Once again, I have to say that as far as passive bolt-neck basses go, I'm very impressed with this one. But I did take the liberty of checking the Bartolini site for a potential upgrade, and their specs are 66mm to 73mm for their (tabbed)MM5 replacement, which they say has the four-string housing. Maybe someone here can tell me (rather than my emailing Bartolini and waiting for a reply) why the minimum spacing matters (within bounds of reason) for a blade-magnet pickup. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HypnoBassMan Posted September 20, 2003 Author Share Posted September 20, 2003 Erik & Everyone, Thanks for the link to the pick guard site. I checked it out and emailed them to find out if they have pick guards for the MM3 or if they know whether the StingRay 5-string pick guard will fit without modification. Regarding the bass. I'm having a lot of fun playing it. It is well worth the $149. Later on I will try another set of strings and see what happens, and then if I get real serious about it, I'll check into a replacement pickup. I have to resist the desire to try and make it sound like my Fender Jazz Active Deluxe 5-String. It makes more sense to have basses that sound a little different from each other. I suppose I should go out and try a real StingRay and hear what it sounds like and go for that It's always nice to have a new project HypnoBassMan The deeper you go the better you feel! (True for bass and hypnosis.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addix Metzatricity Posted September 20, 2003 Share Posted September 20, 2003 I looked at it again today, they're down to $129.99!!! I bought one... "Bass isn't just for breakfast anymore..." http://www.mp3.com/Addix_Metzatricity Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HypnoBassMan Posted September 23, 2003 Author Share Posted September 23, 2003 Here is a group for OLP Bass Players. OLP Bass Players Group on Yahoo Click and check it out. HypnoBassPlayer HypnoBassMan The deeper you go the better you feel! (True for bass and hypnosis.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HypnoBassMan Posted September 23, 2003 Author Share Posted September 23, 2003 Hi Robb Thanks for the input on input z. The inputs that I am using are do not indicate high or low impedence. I have plugged another passive bass into the same amps and it sound fine. It just seems that the MM3 is midrangy. I'm thinking of chaging strings to some D'Aderio XLs. That is what I have on my active Fender Jazz bass and they sound great but I'm not sure how they will sound on my OLP MM3. Its kind of fun having a project. I'm also thinking of putting some flat wounds or tape wounds on it too. Oh, by the way this bass is rather loud even though it has passive electronics. Thanks for the input... HypnoBassMan The deeper you go the better you feel! (True for bass and hypnosis.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DWBass Posted September 23, 2003 Share Posted September 23, 2003 How about those Washburns for the same price? www.myspace.com/thefunkfather Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HypnoBassMan Posted October 1, 2003 Author Share Posted October 1, 2003 Hi Group, Just in case you are interested MusicianFriend.com is now offering refurbished MM3s (black only) for $139.99! A few weeks ago I bought the MM3 in a natural finish for $149 and have come to believe that there is no better deal in the under $350 price range. Its got great looks, great neck and a modern tone. Then if you want later you can beef it up with custom pickups and still have less than $300 into the bass. If you have one of these basses or want to learn more about them I recommend that you check out a group on Yahoo that I set up for OLP bass players. Go to OLP Bass Players Group on Yahoo Have fun, Da HypnoBassMan HypnoBassMan The deeper you go the better you feel! (True for bass and hypnosis.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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