220$ Ebony pieces Total 400$ on Engels?

Slaps McGoo · #1 03-27-2008, 03:43 PM

Looking at ebony prices for fingerboards and tailpieces on bob gollihurs site, they come out to around 220$ for both pieces. However, after talking to Jerry Fretwell and comparing prices, he says the only real difference between Engelhardt ES/EM1 and the supreme model, is the ebony vs jatoba fingerboard.

EM1 = $1150
ES1 (supreme) = $1550

The math doesn't add up, is there anything noticeably superior about the Supreme's besides the fingerboards that the EM1s don't have? Besides that, I find the appearence of the EM/EC1 to be much nicer.

Cheers.

CPike · #2 03-27-2008, 04:43 PM

It may be because the fingerboards from Gollihur aren't fitted, planed and dressed - they are probably blank. It takes a good bit of work to fit a blank fingerboard to a neck and make it just right.

If you have the extra $, get the ebony - you won't regret it.

Chris

Slaps McGoo · #3 03-27-2008, 04:56 PM

It would be generally the same thing if the jatoba wasn't fixed up, you'd need to knock labour costs off for that, which are probably about the same? (i assume)

And unfortunately, though I'd love the ebony, it's a couple hundred bucks outside my price-range. Living where I do shipping will be near 150-200$. Credit card maxes out at $1500. If I had the extra cash I'd probably even buy the Swingmaster.

Rvl · #4 03-27-2008, 10:25 PM

Its usually best to wait another month or 2 to get a better bass
Its possible that a better used bass pops up

I am waiting too, putting aside a little more money each month
I want a better bass with an ebony board
Might take a little while but I am patient
My teacher is renting me his spare bass until I can find really nice one

Thanks

Robert VanLane

ctcruiser · #5 03-28-2008, 10:38 AM

As explained on the Gollihur site, the ES-1 uses "better" appearing wood for the back and sides (more flaming) than other models.

toman · #6 03-28-2008, 02:09 PM

Not to hijack the thread, but am I the only one who has a bit of a problem with a teacher renting a bass to a student? I mean, I can see it if the guy teaches out of a music shop or something, but in a normal teacher/student relationship...

I don't teach at the moment, but if I did I'd be more than happy to loan a bass to a serious student until he could get into a new one, and over the years I've been fortunate enough to borrow a bass on many occasions when mine have been out of commision or I've been traveling/whatever.

Jake deVilliers · #7 03-28-2008, 07:57 PM

Why shouldn't the teacher rent the student a bass; the student needs to rent one from somebody.

Are you having PMS Toman or what? Two threads you're bitching about and I've only looked at four this evening!

Slaps McGoo · #8 03-28-2008, 08:16 PM

Please keep any bickering and nay-saying out of the thread, would appreciate it greatly. Saying this to prevent anything from going beyond what it may as it stands, not pointing fingers.

toman · #9 03-28-2008, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jake deVilliers

Why shouldn't the teacher rent the student a bass; the student needs to rent one from somebody.

Are you having PMS Toman or what? Two threads you're bitching about and I've only looked at four this evening!

Hey I'm not bitching, it just seems like sort of a conflict of interest, that's all... I was wondering if anybody else did.

Carry on...

Rvl · #10 03-28-2008, 11:21 PM

I dont want to make this off topic
My teacher offered it to me free , I refused and said I'd rent it from him. Why rent it? He had just had a new bridge,strings and an pickup installed . My present bass needs a fair amount of work to make playable. Another bass player , my teacher and a shop said they would look around and call me if a nice one in my meager price range pops up. I would really like one of Ken Smith's but my wife would castrate me , shoot me and then do something really nasty.

Thanks

Robert

Slaps McGoo · #11 03-29-2008, 08:36 AM

like i said tom, not pointing fingers hehe, just cutting it off before anything actually happened. thanks!

jonas · #12 03-29-2008, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toman

Not to hijack the thread, but am I the only one who has a bit of a problem with a teacher renting a bass to a student?

What's wrong about renting as a teacher? Don't you take money for teaching, either?
Renting a bass is always a little bit risky. A damage or even a total loss may occur. And the strings get older and need to be replaced someday. Why not take money for that?

**Bob Gollihur** · #13 03-29-2008, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slaps McGoo

Looking at ebony prices for fingerboards and tailpieces on bob gollihurs site, they come out to around 220$ for both pieces. However, after talking to Jerry Fretwell and comparing prices, he says the only real difference between Engelhardt ES/EM1 and the supreme model, is the ebony vs jatoba fingerboard.

EM1 = $1150
ES1 (supreme) = $1550

The math doesn't add up, is there anything noticeably superior about the Supreme's besides the fingerboards that the EM1s don't have? Besides that, I find the appearence of the EM/EC1 to be much nicer.

Cheers.

The EM/EC basses have a more dense finish to mask the plain/inconsistent grain of the wood used. The ES/EG series has prettier woods and are done with a more transparent finish to show off the wood grain.

That was the 'x' missing in the equation.

Slaps McGoo · #14 03-29-2008, 04:39 PM

Thanks everyone for the info. Would there be any way to get an EC1 or EM1 with an ebony fretboard for a lesser price than the supreme? I prefer the appearence and pricing of these basses, if I could get an in-between price for one of them, that'd be perfect. I was considering going for a carlo robelli 300 if I couldn't get this (ebony fingerboard, carved top, $1k) but it turns out I can't get that either, they don't ship to Canada. Also, Bob, since I've got your attention hehe. I notice on your site you reccomend ebony for slapping (i plan to play rockabilly). Should I bother saving up the cash, or will jatboa hold me for a couple of years? I'll be graduating around that time and be working full time. This question is open to anyone else of course.

My current limit is about $1500 (shipping included).

Rvl · #15 03-30-2008, 08:11 AM

Save up and get the better one

Thanks

Robert

**Bob Gollihur** · #16 03-30-2008, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slaps McGoo

Thanks everyone for the info. Would there be any way to get an EC1 or EM1 with an ebony fretboard for a lesser price than the supreme? I prefer the appearence and pricing of these basses, if I could get an in-between price for one of them, that'd be perfect. I was considering going for a carlo robelli 300 if I couldn't get this (ebony fingerboard, carved top, $1k) but it turns out I can't get that either, they don't ship to Canada. Also, Bob, since I've got your attention hehe. I notice on your site you reccomend ebony for slapping (i plan to play rockabilly). Should I bother saving up the cash, or will jatboa hold me for a couple of years? I'll be graduating around that time and be working full time. This question is open to anyone else of course.

My current limit is about $1500 (shipping included).

Jatoba is a hard wood, that's why they chose it. The strings, time of play, etc., will determine how quickly the board will wear. I don't see RB players replacing boards every year or two, so I can't imagine that it would not hold you... and ebony wears, too. I didn't play RB with it, but the maple board on my Kay lasted fifteen years before I replaced it.