Total gas!

F

F&NSARSI

New member
I saw this guy selling his OLP Tony Levin 5stringed bass, and i completely wanted it.

This is going to be the closest and cheapest way i can get to a MM Sr5.

I've read over the forums cheap bass shows their defects over time and stuff like that which really put that OLP down.

BUT..

I've also read the good reviews of the OLP on harmony reviews, talkbass and basschat and stuff.

Which causes abit of mixed feelings. But at the end of the day, im prepared to swap out the electronics and pickup for Bartolini. And most likely a neck and tuner change too.

So i neeed a little bit of help and advice here? Thanks SOFTIES.
 
Take the $ you're going to spend on the OLP and upgrades, add a bit more and you can probably buy a real, second-hand EBMM Stingray. Bass (used) will run ~$450. Bart pups and pre will run you ~$400. Neck... Status is the only company that makes Stingray necks that I know of unless you buy a replacement from EB. Those are not cheap (more than $600, and add shipping+GST+installation & setup). Hipshot tuners are ~$200. If you're doing that lot you'd better upgrade the bridge as well... people forget the bridge.

Get a used EBMM SR5, or a new Sterling Ray35. Those have 100% EBMM quality control.
 
Last edited:
you can do it 2 ways, get a mid range bass and zhng it, or just go straight to a higher end bass.

which would leave you with a better overall end product is subject to many factors.

but personally i'd do the latter.

furthermore if you're gonna change the NECK, which is a huge mod compared to pups and hardware (in my opinion), you'd probably do better with another bass. it might not be of much value to retain just the body and the basic design. a combination of good mods might not necessarily make a good bass.
 
Okay. Thanks for the advices.

I didnt know the upgrades caused so much. I was just mentally prepared in the long run, not like a immediate change of stuff after i get my bass.

Im still a average player, but i dont wanna invest so much in a bass guitar now. Dont have the moolah.

How about if i get the bass and do a electronics, bart pups and tuners change only?
Feasible?

Ishibashi has a 2k plus StingRay5.

If i get my OLP Tony Levin plus the above upgrades, definitely the 2nd option looks more beneficial to my wallet.

Plus i dont have that kind of money to spend. Im sorry guys, but thanks for your advices!
 
Last edited:
The Sterling Ray35 is a good deal cheaper than the EBMM SR: see MF at http://tinyurl.com/ydywv5t for a rough gauge on price.

@drumandbass SUBs are a discontinued model... slightly cheaper, still made in the US but with slightly cheaper woods that don't look very good in transparent finishes. They have textured finishes because of this. I think they've been pretty much replaced by the Sterling line.

 
Last edited:
if u can get the olp, then u shd. its just a starter bass and maybe a prelim feel to the actual MIA one. if u don't like it u can always put it back up on sale.

the sterling line is quite alright as well. more desirable and it'll ensure a higher resale value i reckon. i've never tried it personally, so i can't comment on it.
 
The sterling line looks good.
And looking at the electronics of the Ray34 and Ray 35, does it mean the Ray 35 should have more tonal options? Because you can switch between series and parallel.

Any idea where to get it locally?
 
If I'm not wrong Ray34 and Ray14 are the "cheaper" versions of the Stingray, but better then the OLP models right?
 
you can look at it this way.

OLP < SUB < Sterling < EBMM


oh and if i'm not wrong, OLP has nothing to do with EBMM. they just make copies.
 
drumandbass said:
The sterling line looks good.
And looking at the electronics of the Ray34 and Ray 35, does it mean the Ray 35 should have more tonal options? Because you can switch between series and parallel.

Any idea where to get it locally?
Click to expand...

Ray35- yes. You have more tonal options, but they're more like different sides of the same coin. Still sounds like a Stingray. Sinamex is supposed to bring in EBMM, but no idea about the Sterling line. Your best bet is probably to order in one via Ebenex or BGW
 
How do you guys find the local prices of EBMM as compared to buying online and importing. Any differences?

Wonder whether the Sinamex will bring in the new dargie delight.
Or the Special edition Stingray (the possibly NOS version), yet to be released.
 
jbarker said:
Ray35- yes. You have more tonal options, but they're more like different sides of the same coin. Still sounds like a Stingray. Sinamex is supposed to bring in EBMM, but no idea about the Sterling line. Your best bet is probably to order in one via Ebenex or BGW
Click to expand...

Oh well, if i get one i'll probably get the Ray34 than. Just to try it out.
 
drumandbass said:
How do you guys find the local prices of EBMM as compared to buying online and importing. Any differences?

Wonder whether the Sinamex will bring in the new dargie delight.
Or the Special edition Stingray (the possibly NOS version), yet to be released.
Click to expand...

They usually bring in one or two Dargie pieces. Not sure on prices, but I'm pretty sure you'll save a bunch by buying online. It's like buying a car. Nissan GTR from Tan Chong is 300k. GTR from a parallel importer is 250-270k.
 
jbarker said:
They usually bring in one or two Dargie pieces. Not sure on prices, but I'm pretty sure you'll save a bunch by buying online. It's like buying a car. Nissan GTR from Tan Chong is 300k. GTR from a parallel importer is 250-270k.
Click to expand...

Nice. Wanna check out the Dargie pieces if they do bring em in.
But there is an option to do 'custom' pieces through Sinamex. Like different options (pickup configs) and colors. But you have to wait like 4 months for it. The last time i checked.

Anyone knows whether Sinamex still offers their installment plans thing for StingRays?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

M
Which Lasalle Program to choose?
Replies
0
Views
185
Marslam
M
W
FS: MTD 535-21 US Custom Bass Tulipwood Body/Myrtle Burl Top
Replies
0
Views
2K
worshipbasslessons
W
M
25 with a voice, a poetic lyricist in search of musicians on my wavelength
Replies
0
Views
2K
melancholiac
M
L
WTS: Full Solid Sitka/Rosewood Breedlove for ONLY $850 (w/case, upgrades)
Replies
1
Views
1K
loldude333
L
M
25 with a voice, a poetic lyricist in search of musicians & songwriting/producer duo
Replies
0
Views
2K
melancholiac
M

Latest posts

Share this page

Back
Top