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Gibson Midtown HollowBody

#102
PostApocalypso said:
Neck dive city, I need to buy a suede backed strap. I haven't had a lot of time with it, but sidewinder + fuzz is a whole heck of fun. It's fairly unique sounding, not like a current SG bass, even though it has the same pups (is it the longer scale? different strings from factory? something under the guts?).
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My Jack Casady has neck dive issues, too. And it's been the suede backed strap that's helped me, as well.

A friend of mine did recommend changing the tuners to hipshot ultralites. In the case of his own Jack Casady that was enough of a change to alleviate the neck dive issues.

I'm wondering though, does the flat top feel strange at all? I know that my Casady's got the arched top. And so does the new ES-335 bass (or EB-335, whatever it's called). Funny thing though, the Midtown bass has binding, while the EB-335 doesn't. Usually binding is more of a premium feature, right? But the Midtown is supposed to be a more budget concious instrument. Gibson is certainly being more than a bit confusing with their new bass line.
 
#103
Chuck King said:
My experience so far with AMS has been a bit annoying: I ordered the bass on-line, then then the next day they called me to get my social security number to run a credit check, because I opted for the eight payments that they offered. They also wanted another phone number for me. Then they called me back again because they said they called my bank and the phone number I gave them didn't match, and that I should call my bank and change it then call them back. Hey, I gave them my cell phone and work phone numbers because they were the best ways to reach me and I'm having the bass shipped to my office.

They say they're trying to avoid fraud, but, it seems like they're not being smart about it. I've ordered many, many musical instruments from Musician's Friend or Sweetwater or wherever and nobody else ever made me jump through those kind of hoops.

Of course, it seems that they may be the only game in town for the Midtown bass, but I'm not inclined to go back to them for other purchases.
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A little unfair IMO. If you order without a payment plan, you won't get any questions from AMS. Musiciansfriend and Sweetwater don't offer payment plans. If they did, you'd have to jump through the same hoops. There's a big difference when you're buying something on credit, and when you're buying it for the full price. They'll be sending you a $1200 instrument for $150. They SHOULD check your credit, and if there are any doubts they SHOULD reaffirm. I guarantee any other online company would do the same, if you chose a payment plan. As for them calling you back the next day, I know most of these places only have certain hours that their credit dept is open. I think it's pretty cool actually that they resolved it all in the following day. I'm quite certain that would have taken longer with one of the other big online places that I won't name, but we all buy from them. :)

I'm responding to this because I'm obviously a fan of AMS, and feel the complaint was unwarranted. I've had only great experiences with them, and their customer service is quicker and more friendly than most.

As for the bas, thanks for the gas guys. Anyone know where a blue one is available, or when they will be available?
 
#105
KPJ said:
Actually, Sweetwater does. It's a three payment plan and there is no minnimum purchase.
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By jove, you're right. :) They don't advertise it as much as the other places. I checked before I posted that, and on their opening page I didn't see it. The option is there when you view an item however. I stand corrected. Thanks.

I bet they're gonna check people's credit though if they buy something over $1000, and want to use their easy payment plan.
 
#107
oh man, I have not checked what this little snowball turned into...and I still have not bought my hollow body!:D

Now I am split between being conservative and buying a dearmond/guild star fire for like half the price of a midtown, and being a hollow body but...32"

OR a vintage EB-2 which I am not sure of, I don't have any short scales and I don't think I would like it...maybe I am wrong...

32 vs 34, hollowbody vs carved solid blocks....if I could only A/B them...
 
#110
I have a De Armond Starfire, and it is one of my best sounding basses. I originally bought mine to use for acoustic shows sitting down, but for standing up the 32" does feel a bit small, but manageable. I have tried to play short scale basses (30 " ) but just can't get used to them; especially after playing Thunderbirds or my Baby Bass.
 
#111
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Totally in love with this bass.
 
#117
Loendmaestro,

Maannn! That red sure looks purdy! Hang in there brother it's going to be worth it. I think it looks better than the sunburst. In fact let me ask you this. I have the sunburts one and was thinking of having the top refinished in Blue Mist like that Gibson Jeff Tweedy SG. What do you think?

How much longer until you get the red midtown?

Regards,
Ed
 
#118
SUPPOSEDLY March the 8th. I'm calling again today. Seriously this wait is killing me, I just keep repeating to myself "it's all gonna be worth it & you got a crazy good deal on your trade in, it's all gonna be worth it & you got a crazy good deal on your trade in, it's all gonna be worth it & you got a crazy good deal on your trade in."

Yeah, the cherry is purdy. I'm glad I went that route, I like the sunburst but I already have three other sunburst basses.
I think the blue mist would be cool. I agonized over cherry vs. pelham myself.

Cross your fingers that I'm able to have a NBD post here in a couple of weeks. Plus I have a gig on the 12th that I'd love to break the Midtown in at!

Thanks for checking in....you're like my support group calexia13....
 
#119
I've had the Midtown a week now and I absolutely love it. It is a keeper for me. I'm an old fart, 55 this June, and I'm thinking I'm gonna start unloading most of my bass collection and just hang on to the truly great ones, this being one.
 

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