Club Alleva Coppolo (Part 7)

[KJung]

Pics coming soon but I wanted to let you know that the bass is killin'! Jimmy delivered the bass to me personally yesterday during my soundcheck and even adjusted the intonation for me as I tune my basses a half step down.

The rest of the band members and the sound guy RAVED about the sound of the bass and there were even some audience members who comes to the shows every month and noticed the difference in sound between the LM5 and the MM Stingray. The Stingray is still a great bass but the LM5 is KING. I FINALLY found a bass that gives me the sound I want in the mix AND at home. The venue I played last night was a great test because the room is HORRIBLE and a bass trap. I'm constantly being told to turn down because the bass gets muddy in there quick. Even with those obstacles EVERYONE was still very happy with the LM5. It's a keeper and my main gigging bass now.

Excellent! There's a reason there are so many J Basses used on recordings and 'in concert', and the LM is the best execution I've found yet. I love the tightness of the low end and fatness of the G and D strings, resulting in that 'even' response in a mix that we all talk about.

Get some pictures up of that bad boy and congratulations. Trust me, it will get better and better the more you play/hear it!

 

[Vic]

It's not that it doesn't sound great, but more that it's not as much what the LG's are about...

You're missing my counterpoint. No need for all the disclaimers. What you say here is too "limiting" IMHO. Some could take this to mean the preamp is not befitting, or maybe not as appropriate for the LG model, and I would disagree. That's all I'm saying, and I'm not at all commenting on what may or may not be for (re)sale between the models.

xkimsungminx's confusion regarding your post is an example of why I offered my comment.

 

[Ace Of Bass]

+1 It surely doesn't sound bad at all, but I was making a more general point. It's not that it doesn't sound great, but more that it's not as much what the LG's are about, especially the ones with the Nitro finish, bent plate bridges, etc., that are really designed to cop that true 60's vibe, which is passive all the way IMO.

I also think the reason you see more LG's for sale is that, like the post previous to yours, some think that 'well, it has a preamp, so I can kind of get that LM sort of tone anyway'. Not

I'm glad my LG has that wonderful pre, I just prefer the tone passive for that particular design and voicing and woods, etc.. Now, if I didn't have the LM for that more aggressive tone, the active tone of the LG would be more 'interesting' to me (i.e., if I only had the LG). As it stands, the active tone of the LM and the passive tone of the LG have all bases (basses!) covered regarding my 'Fender-type tone jones'.

Pure IMO on my part, and in the spirit of discussing the possible reason for the post that suggests you rarely see an LM for sale versus an LG. Of course, part of that could just be that Jimmy sells a bunch more LG's than LM's (which would not surprise me, given again the 'vintage' appeal and truly unique vibe of the LG's in Jimmy's line-up IMO).

I can dig this response.....what I meant by the post was, however, that the buyers of the LM models seem to be, by and large, more satisfied with their purchases.

The way I see it is that the LGs are far more popular and moreso in circulation because of the whole "vintage vibe" appeal that draws so many people in. It seems to me that there are some that get sucked into the popularity of Jimmy's basses (especially here on TB) and fall head over heels....into the hype......they end up getting the bass and find out that it's actually NOT made of magic (only mine is,LOL)and that perhaps it's not the bass for them and off it goes to the TB classifieds (or Brian Barrett's shop). The LMs don't seem to be as popular yet when someone buys one, they tend to hold on to it. But then again, there are more LGs out there so they are more likely to change hands.......I guess what I am trying to say overall is that one of you guys or gals need to put your used LM up for sale so I can buy it......

 

[Basseroni]

And here is my part rat terrier/pomeranian dog, Strikker....See the resemblance? I named the bass after him because they have similar personalities...growly and aggressive.

 

[Ace Of Bass]

NICE!.........I could swear that's like some sort of dark brown color, but I think I remember you saying it was black......love the pearloid pickguard........

 

[Bernie Connors]

Very nice! I love black with a maple board!

 

[Basseroni]

NICE!.........I could swear that's like some sort of dark brown color, but I think I remember you saying it was black......love the pearloid pickguard........

It's transparent black and you can really see the grain in the light. The light also makes it look a little brownish so I see what you're saying. However with no light it looks solid black. The painter actually stripped the first try of transparent black off the body because he was not happy with it. I think Jimmy mentioned that the painter thought the color was originally too purplish and cloudy or something to that effect but the second try turned out really nice. It was worth the wait.

 

[XavidmanX]

Congrats! I'm glad it's finally here and it's everything you imagined.

 

[Vic]

The way I see it is that the LGs are far more popular and moreso in circulation because of the whole "vintage vibe" appeal that draws so many people in. It seems to me that there are some that get sucked into the popularity of Jimmy's basses (especially here on TB) and fall head over heels....into the hype......they end up getting the bass and find out that it's actually NOT made of magic (only mine is,LOL)and that perhaps it's not the bass for them and off it goes to the TB classifieds (or Brian Barrett's shop). The LMs don't seem to be as popular yet when someone buys one, they tend to hold on to it. But then again, there are more LGs out there so they are more likely to change hands...

This makes tons of sense to me.

Here's the really strange part, and I've told this story before, but I had that LG and that LM at the same time. The LM was actually not spoken for, and I fully expected to be "in trouble" on that one, if you know what I mean, especially after Ken's comments. There's no disputing Ken's experience level and while we don't agree on everything, we do agree most of the time, so I really figured that LM was gonna' be mine.

Then, I played the LG. Normally, I'm pretty "luke warm" to a more vintage tone, generally favoring the more modern, more aggressive tones, but there's just something about that LG that really did it for me a lot more than the LM did, and since it came as a surprise to me, that means it was genuine. I can't really quantify much better than to say the tone just seemed to have a little more going on to my ear. I know that's crappy, but that's the best I can come up with right now.

Oh, and I did gig at least twice with each bass, so this is not just basement talk.

I definitely plan on revisiting the LM again... it was just clear to me that the first AC I needed to have was the LG... even if it meant the only AC I had.

BTW, gigged with the LG again last night, and it continues to impress.

Tomorrow I may feel differently, but that's the way I see it now at least.

 

[Ace Of Bass]

This makes tons of sense to me.

Here's the really strange part, and I've told this story before, but I had that LG and that LM at the same time. The LM was actually not spoken for, and I fully expected to be "in trouble" on that one, if you know what I mean, especially after Ken's comments. There's no disputing Ken's experience level and while we don't agree on everything, we do agree most of the time, so I really figured that LM was gonna' be mine.

Then, I played the LG. Normally, I'm pretty "luke warm" to a more vintage tone, generally favoring the more modern, more aggressive tones, but there's just something about that LG that really did it for me a lot more than the LM did, and since it came as a surprise to me, that means it was genuine. I can't really quantify much better than to say the tone just seemed to have a little more going on to my ear. I know that's crappy, but that's the best I can come up with right now.

Oh, and I did gig at least twice with each bass, so this is not just basement talk.

I definitely plan on revisiting the LM again... it was just clear to me that the first AC I needed to have was the LG... even if it meant the only AC I had.

BTW, gigged with the LG again last night, and it continues to impress.

Tomorrow I may feel differently, but that's the way I see it now at least.

I hear ya.......I remember when you had what eventually ended up being Kim's bass and the infamous blue LM......I was kinda surprised with by our preference myself, seeing what you usually lean towards sonically but grabbing something totally different makes all the sense in the world to me........whatever happened to that blue LM.........?

 

[Vic]

I hear ya.......I remember when you had what eventually ended up being Kim's bass and the infamous blue LM......I was kinda surprised with by our preference myself, seeing what you usually lean towards sonically but grabbing something totally different makes all the sense in the world to me........whatever happened to that blue LM.........?

Went back to Jimmy. He already had another buyer... dunno who it was.

 

[narud]

This makes tons of sense to me.

Here's the really strange part, and I've told this story before, but I had that LG and that LM at the same time. The LM was actually not spoken for, and I fully expected to be "in trouble" on that one, if you know what I mean, especially after Ken's comments. There's no disputing Ken's experience level and while we don't agree on everything, we do agree most of the time, so I really figured that LM was gonna' be mine.

Then, I played the LG. Normally, I'm pretty "luke warm" to a more vintage tone, generally favoring the more modern, more aggressive tones, but there's just something about that LG that really did it for me a lot more than the LM did, and since it came as a surprise to me, that means it was genuine. I can't really quantify much better than to say the tone just seemed to have a little more going on to my ear. I know that's crappy, but that's the best I can come up with right now.

Oh, and I did gig at least twice with each bass, so this is not just basement talk.

I definitely plan on revisiting the LM again... it was just clear to me that the first AC I needed to have was the LG... even if it meant the only AC I had.

BTW, gigged with the LG again last night, and it continues to impress.

Tomorrow I may feel differently, but that's the way I see it now at least.

the sound of that lm5 wasnt all that imo and doesnt surprise me that you preferred the lg5. those lgs really do get the era theyre going for and the rosewood he uses on those necks really pops. the brazilian boarded p5 he had at namm had some pop that the maple boarded basses i played didnt.

the two best sounding lm5's ive played (by best, i mean at least in the ballpark of a 70's jazz) were the heavy one that went to sleek elite and ehtan farmers bass. i thought that ehtans bass with dead strings was more solid sounding than the one you checked out. that one and the booker king bass didnt move me at all.

looking back at all the basses ive played of his, they kind of remind me of some of the more foo foo basses in that they all react different and are pretty unique. where as some of the other fender boutiques, you kind of know what to expect.

 

[Ace Of Bass]

I can get with the whole heavier LMs sounding better coment too........I prefer heavy ash bodies too....... My old teach Walter has a nice LM with a badass that is, well, badass but still he covets his 12 pound '78 jazz the most.....

 

[Vic]

the sound of that lm5 wasnt all that imo and doesnt surprise me that you preferred the lg5. those lgs really do get the era theyre going for and the rosewood he uses on those necks really pops. the brazilian boarded p5 he had at namm had some pop that the maple boarded basses i played didnt.

the two best sounding lm5's ive played (by best, i mean at least in the ballpark of a 70's jazz) were the heavy one that went to sleek elite and ehtan farmers bass. i thought that ehtans bass with dead strings was more solid sounding than the one you checked out. that one and the booker king bass didnt move me at all.

looking back at all the basses ive played of his, they kind of remind me of some of the more foo foo basses in that they all react different and are pretty unique. where as some of the other fender boutiques, you kind of know what to expect.

Wow, cool post.

Man, after having played all those AC's, I wish you coulda' checked mine out before it shipped. I'd love to have heard your opinions on it.

 

[svtb15]

great looking Puupy.. oh yeah, nice bass too!

i love that color combo!

And here is my part rat terrier/pomeranian dog, Strikker....See the resemblance? I named the bass after him because they have similar personalities...growly and aggressive.

 

[KJung]

I can dig this response.....what I meant by the post was, however, that the buyers of the LM models seem to be, by and large, more satisfied with their purchases.

+1 That was the spirit in which I was responding, and I think we are saying the exact same thing. I believe some LG purchasers 'think' they want a 60's vibe bass due to all the 'vintage hype' that's been out in the market about those era of Fenders, and then when they get them, the more mellow voicing, etc. ends up not being their thing. This would be especially true if they went 'whole hog' and got the nitro, the bent plate, the old brazilian board, which I understand works together to make the basses more warm and mellow than even the 'typical LG'.

However, when you look at what basses quite a few of the people want 'in trade' for their LG's (FBass, Sadowsky, Alleva LM, etc.), it seems that even though many 'get what they hoped for' (i.e., a pretty legitimate take on an early Fender), they find out that it wasn't their thing.

It's a totally different vibe with the LM IMO. For many of us, many of those 70's era Fenders hold no good memories (at least for those of us who were actually there). When you buy an LM, it's because you want that basic aggressive 70's type tone, and there's no mojo or vibe involved with wood choice or era of fretboard material or whatever. Except for Narud, there aren't many of us (as you can see from the virtual lack of used selling of the LM's) who are disappointed by the LM. I ordered a boutique 5 string that I was hoping to have sound like at least some of the 70's J's I've played. It delivers totally IMO and IME!!!! It is around 9.5 pounds or so, and is not a total lightweight, but it's not stupid heavy either! It's in that sweet spot of dense and heavy enough to have some balls, but not a back breaker. I would agree with all that a VERY lightweight LM would not be a good thing (although I feel that way about any ash/maple bass myself!).

That being said, if the LG works better for some, have at it. I like that model also!

 

[KJung]

This makes tons of sense to me.

Here's the really strange part, and I've told this story before, but I had that LG and that LM at the same time. The LM was actually not spoken for, and I fully expected to be "in trouble" on that one, if you know what I mean, especially after Ken's comments. There's no disputing Ken's experience level and while we don't agree on everything, we do agree most of the time, so I really figured that LM was gonna' be mine.

Then, I played the LG. Normally, I'm pretty "luke warm" to a more vintage tone, generally favoring the more modern, more aggressive tones, but there's just something about that LG that really did it for me a lot more than the LM did, and since it came as a surprise to me, that means it was genuine. I can't really quantify much better than to say the tone just seemed to have a little more going on to my ear. I know that's crappy, but that's the best I can come up with right now.

Oh, and I did gig at least twice with each bass, so this is not just basement talk.

I definitely plan on revisiting the LM again... it was just clear to me that the first AC I needed to have was the LG... even if it meant the only AC I had.

BTW, gigged with the LG again last night, and it continues to impress.

Tomorrow I may feel differently, but that's the way I see it now at least.

Again, given your recent FBass experience (which I think was identical to your Alleva experience where you chose a more 60's inspired instrument), and also looking at the basses in your stable that you really dig, this doesn't really surprise me any more.

I again love both models for what they are!

 

[NickyBass]

Just like some 'think' they want a 60's vibe and really don't...

I have owned many 60's Fenders and have played alot more. My main bass is a 1959 P Bass refin. So, I do know, and love the 60's tone.

The main reason that I'm selling my LG is that the birth of my daughter is fast approaching. I don't NEED the money right now, but I never want my kids to be in a situation where I wished that I had only sold a few basses.

But, yeah, there aren't many LM's for sale. Though, I haven't seen many LG's until the last 3 or 4 months.

 

[KJung]

I have owned many 60's Fenders and have played alot more. My main bass is a 1959 P Bass refin. So, I do know, and love the 60's tone.

The main reason that I'm selling my LG is that the birth of my daughter is fast approaching. I don't NEED the money right now, but I never want my kids to be in a situation where I wished that I had only sold a few basses.

But, yeah, there aren't many LM's for sale. Though, I haven't seen many LG's until the last 3 or 4 months.

Hence, my use of the term 'some'

Congrats in advance on your daughter

 

[KJung]

NICE one! Enjoy!