• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Help me choose, please: Tony Levin OLP vs S.U.B. Ray 5

#26
I owned 2 different OLP's, one of which I swapped in the TL electronics on that a seller included in the purchase (had to modify the pickguard, etc.). Neither one was very comfortable, IMO. Just heavy and kind of awkward. I didn't keep either one for very long as I couldn't get comfortable with them. They sounded fine, though. One of those things where you can take a chance and see if it works for you or go try out a known quantity.
 
#28
I was a proud owner of an OLP and played many a gig with it. There was nothing wrong with mine at all. I suspect the License was taken back because Sterling recognized they too could get some of that Budget Bass money as well and thus the new Subs. I've played on my Nephew's SUB 5 and it's a nice Bass. It's 2017 so I'd go with the SUB. And they respond nicely to a PUP/Pre Upgrade.
 
#29
Ric5 said:
now you need these

funksm.gif


May15_PG_CLM_Bass-Bench_Photo-1_WEB.jpg
Click to expand...
Some people will do anything to avoid learning the correct way to use chopsticks :rolleyes:.
 
  • Like
Reactions: dkelley, howlin and Ric5
#30
Element Zero said:
I worked at my local Guitar Center from '04-'14... Every single OLP we ever received and/or bought used was complete garbage. Squier Affinity P Bass Pack was better. And in the mid '00s, that wasn't saying much. Just my 2 cents.
Click to expand...

Well then you worked at the wrong Guitar Center. I bought my OLP from guitar center new but demo model on sale for $99. Your "garbage" description is laughably off. Now It is important to know that most OLPs were passive with no Preamp. And a Stingray takes a special preamp, not a standard one.So temporarily I rewired the passive OLP to work better since as it comes, dialing in a Stingray tone takes some serious skill. Personally I eventually built an original Leo preamp where boards were available here on TB. Works great.

Which leads us to the Tony Levin OLP. THIS IS THE ONE YOU WANT. Already has the preamp in there and generally (unless you score a dog and I've seen very few of those) does a great "Ray sound" for MUCH less cash. This is why the Levin Sigs cost more used. The Sub was a later attempt to sort of replace the OLP. They seem OK, but I like my OLP feel better. But I don't have much experience with Subs so I can't say for sure. The Tony Levin model would have saved me a big preamp hassle but would have cost more. I would have bought the Tony Levin model instead of mine in a heartbeat if they had one, but they didn't so you go with what ya got.
 
  • Like
Reactions: dkelley and brendanbassix
#31
Never played an OLP, but I have tried a SBMM SUB Ray 5 at my local GC. I compared it to a couple of Squier Vintage and Ibanez basses in the same price range, and was not impressed; it felt rough around the edges, like all the bad stories you hear about how an entry level bass feels. Minimal QA for sure. So if I were you, I'd either go with the OLP, or save your pennies to get a SBMM Ray35.
 
#32
Mosstone said:
These basses seem to be rare, and so maybe the seller thinks it has a little more cache because of it. I'd offer $350 shipped and see what he says. It's been listed for two months, so he might be motivated to move it.
Click to expand...

I hadn't thought of that! I tried first thing this morning but the price is firm...

ofajen said:
You probably already know that if you happen to be able to get up to around $500, then a used Ray35 becomes an option, which is a higher level build and hardware plus three-way switching.

Otto
Click to expand...

I had not considered that. There's one listed today about $575 shipped. Maybe it's time to upgrade to a (lower?)mid level bass.



TrustRod said:
My OLP 5 string is 8 pounds 12 ounces.
Click to expand...

Ric5 said:
now you need these

funksm.gif


May15_PG_CLM_Bass-Bench_Photo-1_WEB.jpg
Click to expand...

I told my wife last night I wanted to get me some funk fingers and I had to sleep on the couch. :whistle:
 
  • Like
Reactions: dkelley, Mosstone and Ric5
#33
harborcoat said:
I hadn't thought of that! I tried first thing this morning but the price is firm...



I had not considered that. There's one listed today about $575 shipped. Maybe it's time to upgrade to a (lower?)mid level bass.







I told my wife last night I wanted to get me some funk fingers and I had to sleep on the couch. :whistle:
Click to expand...


I have a really good comment ... but I don't need to annoy the moderators ... so use your imagination ...
 
  • Like
Reactions: dkelley
#35
Ric5 said:
I have a really good comment ... but I don't need to annoy the moderators ... so use your imagination ...
Click to expand...

I was worried I was pushing it already...

Mosstone said:
Well, it was worth a shot... He didn't have a 'Make an Offer' button, but if you don't ask, then you're saying no for him.
Click to expand...

Right. I just didn't think of it as an option. Guy was very polite and it never hurts to ask.

I don't think I'm going to go for it. It's just too darn close to a used Ray35...

As usual, thanks for all the help everyone!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mosstone
#36
bassbenj said:
Well then you worked at the wrong Guitar Center. I bought my OLP from guitar center new but demo model on sale for $99. Your "garbage" description is laughably off. Now It is important to know that most OLPs were passive with no Preamp. And a Stingray takes a special preamp, not a standard one.So temporarily I rewired the passive OLP to work better since as it comes, dialing in a Stingray tone takes some serious skill. Personally I eventually built an original Leo preamp where boards were available here on TB. Works great.

Which leads us to the Tony Levin OLP. THIS IS THE ONE YOU WANT. Already has the preamp in there and generally (unless you score a dog and I've seen very few of those) does a great "Ray sound" for MUCH less cash. This is why the Levin Sigs cost more used. The Sub was a later attempt to sort of replace the OLP. They seem OK, but I like my OLP feel better. But I don't have much experience with Subs so I can't say for sure. The Tony Levin model would have saved me a big preamp hassle but would have cost more. I would have bought the Tony Levin model instead of mine in a heartbeat if they had one, but they didn't so you go with what ya got.
Click to expand...
Sorry man but, you weren't there and didn't play them. Not saying there were a ton. Think we stopped carrying them around 2010. But the 20 or so that we had over the years were just awful. Just like every lower priced Dean bass we had. Cheaply made, crap quality control... I do understand there are diamonds in the rough, but all of ours were just rough. Played an OLP Petrucci Sig that was amazing though.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back