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3 Similar MM style basses I'm considering. Your thoughts?

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by therhodeo, Jul 8, 2013.

  1. Jul 8, 2013 #1
    therhodeo

    therhodeo

    Feb 28, 2011
    Owasso OK
    Ibanez Atk805
    SBMM Ray35
    Brubaker Brute MJX-5

    Any easily overlooked things that make any one of these stand out over the other 2 other than obvious things? Currently using a MTD Kingston Artist and want something similar for a backup but in a 34" scale. For now I'm just going to list the cons I've found so far.

    ATK - unbalanced pickups, ugly pickguard
    Ray35 - Single pickup, no local dealer has one to try
    Brute - 2 band pre, top mount jack, couldn't try before I buy


    As of right now I'm leaning Ray35 or Atk but thought the Brute is similar enough that I should hear out any suggestions on it.
     
  2. Jul 8, 2013 #2
    liveburning274

    liveburning274 Supporting Member

    Mar 25, 2008
    Peoria, IL
    I personally love my Ray35! It is the MM sound with out the made in US price tag. I wanted that unique tone, and with the 3-way pickup switch and 3-band preamp, there's not much I can't dial in. For a $600-$800 bass, it is a real steal!
     
  3. Jul 8, 2013 #3
    StuartV

    StuartV Finally figuring out what I really like Supporting Member

    Jul 27, 2006
    Manassas, VA
    The Ray35 is the only one that will have the correct preamp to really give you the MM sound.
     
  4. Jul 8, 2013 #4
    therhodeo

    therhodeo

    Feb 28, 2011
    Owasso OK
    Not necessarily looking for the exact MM sound. My artist is getting an Aggie OPB-2 and EMG VMC pre.
     
  5. Jul 8, 2013 #5
    fisticuffs

    fisticuffs Commercial User

    May 3, 2011
    Madison, WI
    Might want to throw a G&L L2500 into the discussion. And then just buy that instead.
     
  6. Jul 8, 2013 #6
    mmbongo

    mmbongo I have too many basses. Supporting Member

    Aug 5, 2009
    Upstate, South Carolina
    The Brubaker Brute will be the closest to your MTD by a long shot. The others have narrow spacing while the Brute has normal spacing just like your MTD. Necks are similar.
     
  7. Jul 8, 2013 #7
    therhodeo

    therhodeo

    Feb 28, 2011
    Owasso OK
    I've played the Atk and a Sub Ray 5 and like the necks well enough. Honestly I play fingerstyle 98% of the time so somewhat narrow isn't a huge concern. I go back and forth between my MTD and a Schecter Stargazer alot and its really narrow. Honestly that might be a big positive. I'm looking for something a bit slinkier feeling.
     
  8. Jul 8, 2013 #8
    Immigrant

    Immigrant In Memoriam

    Jul 2, 2010
    West of Stumptown, USA
    The Brute would be my first choice also, but that new ATK is nice! FWIW, the new 805e has 18mm spacing, up from what I believe was 16.5mm.
     
  9. Jul 8, 2013 #9
    Din Of Win

    Din Of Win

    Feb 24, 2009
    Frederick, Maryland
    I'm gonna agree with this.
     
  10. Jul 8, 2013 #10
    therhodeo

    therhodeo

    Feb 28, 2011
    Owasso OK
    I like G&L in 4's but not really 5's. Just don't do it for me.
     
  11. Jul 8, 2013 #11
    laneline

    laneline Supporting Member

    Aug 18, 2006
    North Jersey
    The Ray 35 is as stable and sounds as good as a US MM,
    it is frustrating not to be able to try out an instrument but if you play an SR5 you'll have a good reference point, the Ray is really that close, imo. I own both and find the Ray is as enjoyable to play as the SR5. Good luck in your bass quest.
     
  12. Jul 9, 2013 #12
    therhodeo

    therhodeo

    Feb 28, 2011
    Owasso OK
    So several votes for the Ray and the G&L that I'm not really interested in.
     
  13. Jul 9, 2013 #13
    jamminology101

    jamminology101

    Aug 22, 2012
    Indianapolis In
    Endorsing Artist: Glockenklang
    Rays rock....I like how diehard bass homers(this one happens to be a G&L homer) throw their pick out there even though the thread just asks for 3 very specific brands. Annoying.
     
  14. Jul 9, 2013 #14
    mmbongo

    mmbongo I have too many basses. Supporting Member

    Aug 5, 2009
    Upstate, South Carolina
    Wait..so now do you want something close to your MTD, or totally opposite of your MTD??
     
  15. Jul 9, 2013 #15
    therhodeo

    therhodeo

    Feb 28, 2011
    Owasso OK
    Similar tonally. Basically just having that general stingray sound in the bridge position. Feel wise I'm open to something more compact and quick playing.
     
  16. Jul 10, 2013 #16
    therhodeo

    therhodeo

    Feb 28, 2011
    Owasso OK
    Bump
     
  17. Aug 16, 2013 #17
    phillybass101

    phillybass101

    Jan 12, 2011
    Artist, Trickfish Amplification Bartolini Emerging Artist, MTD Kingston Emerging Artist. Artist, Tsunami Cables
    If you want the SR sound then buy the Ray. The Brute does not sound like a Ray at all. I can't speak for the ATK but I hear they sound close. I went with Brubaker because I often choose the road less travelled. I know when I walk into place no one is playing on what I'm playing on. I never was to much of a follower and I like to express myself and not sound like the next guy that has the same bass as thousands of other bass players have. Again if you WANT the ray sound buy the Ray.
     
  18. Aug 16, 2013 #18
    Up the dose

    Up the dose

    Mar 10, 2013
    I own a MM Stingray and a Sterling. I have played an ATK and was very impressed. In fact, any Ibanez bass I have ever played has been very good to great sounding. Their build quality seems very consistent to me.
    I vote ATK.