Double Bass Attaching Pecanic Tail Piece

[Bob Branstetter]

Perhaps we just have more intelligent people here than they have at that other list.

 

[Jeff Bollbach]

Well, having been trashed myself a couple of times on the infamous 2x list this thread caught my eye. I checked out the brouhaha from the archives and yeah, the dude was pretty livid. Actually, I see that there was a misunderstanding about the product and can easily see that it was a problem for him. But here's the thing. I know Mike well. If he had told the guy-can't help ya or tuff noogies I could allow for the guy to start wailing-OOOO, him no professional! But Mike is professional-if by definition that means he will do whatever it takes to make the customer happy. I know Mike would bend over backwards to make the situation right. So for this guy to go on the net and in front of what-600 bassists? trash Mike is way not cool. No professional him!

Forgetting holes, on the issue of quality as an aside-I know the old Kolstein tps[made in Jaques Gagnon's shop] and the new[Gagnon knock-offs]
They are OK, but there is a level of quality that is not apparent that is in Mike's tps. I know what Mike charges and I know how much detail work he puts in. Believe me, unlike the Luthier Gods of 2x. Mike is not in it for the money.

 

[Damon Rondeau]

Well, I said no more from me, but maybe just this ONE more thing. I agree 100%, Jeff: Vito's temper tantrum was "no professional, no".

I almost spit out my morning coffee laughing...

 

[kpo]

Originally posted by Damon Rondeau
On the issue of no holes: at least some folks think it's a bit odd that there are no holes -- without asking. If you weren't told that in advance, or if you didn't scrutinize the pictures closely enough on the site, you might be surprised -- unpleasantly -- when the piece arrived without holes of any kind at all. I would have been, but I've only bought and installed two TPs in my day.

This is it, exactly. I'd *never* installed a tailpiece before, but cerainly expected that a complete product would arrive. By selling an incomplete product you "unpleasantly surprise" two of the three segments of Bassists - those at the bottom who have no clue but figure there's something missing... and those who know exactly what they're doing. Both will be put off to discover that they have to spend more money and time on what should be quite standardized. The middle segment (many surly DIYers included) might also be offended simply at the intimation of their incompentence as DIY-ers!
I've never seen a tailpiece with holes that wouldn't fit coat-hanger wire and/or airline cable; just a "standard hole".
I may want an even longer tailpiece for my Big Bass; after all the otherwise GREAT reviews of Mike's products, on both 2xbasslist and here, I would even like commissioning one from him - but I'm Damn Glad to know ahead of time to make sure it has all the holes! That still boggles....

 

[Vunz]

From Mike Pecanic's website:

All MPM tailpieces are handmade, by order. If you wish, we will install two through holes at the bottom of the piece, free of charge, to assist in a professional installation, but we must be notified, in advance, of this. We can, at an additional charge, install a pocket hole, with holes exiting the bottom of the piece The additional charge is $35.00. We suggest that you contact your luthier to determine which might be appropriate for your application. Please contact us before ordering.

 

[Bob Branstetter]

What a place. Where else can you find a guy proclaiming that a business is not responsible, condescending, and selling people short one day and then declare that he is considering commissioning a product from this very same business a day or so later. Only on TalkBass!

 

[Damon Rondeau]

Thanks, Vunz, for the quote from MP's site. It's hard to see how you can get much clearer and more polite than that.

I had pointed the 2xbasslist folks to the thread here at TB where MP speaks for himself. I've been to the MPM site before, but I confess I didn't go there before opening up my trap on this issue. I should have.

 

[Pacman]

Originally posted by Vunz
From Mike Pecanic's website: All MPM tailpieces are handmade, by order. If you wish, we will install two through holes at the bottom of the piece, free of charge, to assist in a professional installation, but we must be notified, in advance, of this. We can, at an additional charge, install a pocket hole, with holes exiting the bottom of the piece The additional charge is $35.00. We suggest that you contact your luthier to determine which might be appropriate for your application. Please contact us before ordering.

So, KPO, which of the three segments of bassists doesn't read well?

 

[davegr8house]

I have a MPM Tailpiece and have been more than pleased with it. I had Mike install a pocket in mine. I personally dont think installing a Tailpiece should be done by a non-luthier or a wantabe. Yes Mike will drill holes if you want. Hes the professional luthier, not me and to tell him where to drill a hole when I and many others dont have a clue is kinda like a shot in the dark. Mike was great to do business with and is VERY knowledgeable.

 

[kpo]

Originally posted by Pacman
So, KPO, which of the three segments of bassists doesn't read well?

Being the *Simpleton's* Advocate:

Where does it say that there are no tailwire holes to start with? For starters, this "enraged guy" is Italian. Non-English-Speakers, along with the very "duffers" that this policy is aimed to help, might expect that they don't need any extra holes to "assist professional instalation", and they don't want to spend more on a "pocket hole"...

Then again, maybe most of the "duffers" go for cheaper products in the first place. Mr Pecanic's clientelle is probally largely interested in getting the best and doing it right. which would also negate the need for leaving out the holes....

**************
Contrary to what others have repeatedly implied, I never thought Mr Pecanic less than responsible - rather, obviously very serious, and have only ever heard rave review of the products (once drilled!). The "no holes" thing, though, is unique in most string players' experience and surprising, and the explanations about "forcing professional installation" - weird. Being condescending or overly-conscientious? Either way, "no holes" is a surprise.

 

[Bob Branstetter]

Originally posted by kpo
Contrary to what others have repeatedly implied, I never thought Mr Pecanic less than responsible - rather, obviously very serious, and have only ever heard rave review of the products (once drilled!). The "no holes" thing, though, is unique in most string players' experience and surprising, and the explanations about "forcing professional installation" - weird. Being condescending or overly-conscientious? Either way, "no holes" is a surprise.

Unfortunately, we had no way of knowing what you thought because we only had what you said to go by.