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Just got an EB5 -- is there a war on Gibson?

#81
I had the 4-string version of your bass, OP. Definitely killer value at the blow-out prices, which is when/why I bought mine. Still, it didn't end up being my cup of tea... I'm a short-scale hollowbody kind of guy.
That said, my #1 acoustic is an early 2000's Gibson L-130 (off-beat, short-lived model) which is one of the most amazing acoustics I've ever played. Surprised me at a local musicians' swap-meet and I couldn't leave without it. Maybe I got lucky and it's just a gem by chance and/or is just perfect for my style of playing, but it impressed me more than any Martin I've ever picked up. Honestly, I was always 100% a Guild acoustic guitars fan first and foremost, but since playing this L-130, I consider myself a convert. Not to say all Gibsons are as nice, but it's proof that they certainly can be!
I've got no gripe with their experimentation these last few years. I think the new DC Jr. is a cool design and I think all of their old designs had their merits too (whether or not they were the most ergonomic). I will agree that some of their quality control is pretty spotty though. I've certainly come across some Gibson lemons over the years.
 
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#82
oldfclefer said:
I was looking for a backup bass for my Fender American Precision Pro V. I checked all my options in the price range of $500-$600. This popped up on Reverb for $599. Anyway I pulled the trigger and now it's mine. I did an NBD thread, got a couple of nice comments, but mostly ignored. NBD -- No big deal I guess.
So I'm surfing around TB this morning and I get to looking on some of these threads about the new Les Paul Jr. bass that's out there now, and I'm seeing a lot of negativity surrounding Gibson in general. I watched the vid where the guy interviews someone from Keissel (Carvin) guitars because Gibson is warning legal action for trademark infringement etc. It seems that is how it's going for Gibson these days. A bunch of bean counting dweebs have taken over the legal branch. There's no way me or any of my friends would pay more for a Gibson acoustic than a Martin, but Gibson seems to think their stuff is worth that much. I hope they get back to earth on their pricing soon. In the mean time, they've gotten a new CEO. Don't remember the guy's name, but he's a guitarist at least on some level so maybe some sanity will return to management at Gibson. However, they're still making guitars and basses. I can tell you one thing, this EB5 is one fine instrument, and I got it new at a really nice price. I think Gibson is going through a mid-life crisis. Trying to rebrand when their old brand was working just fine. Trying to chase down clones is a waste of time IMO. All that said, I really like my new Gibson!View attachment 3720887
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Some of the Gibson basses are really nice and some are questionable, imho. The single biggest grudge I have against them is they have a habit of purchasing solid brands and then killing them off or at the very least removing the feature or features that made them desirable.

John
 
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#83
1C826F90-6717-433F-B3D4-B35272052267.jpeg
bassplayer9512 said:
If you don't use nylon or polished leather straps nothing should neck dive. Everyone complains about t-birds and neck dive and none of mine have the issue. I also only use 3 or 4 inch wide leather straps too.
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#84
Frenchy-Lefty said:
I actually do but I use a Larrivee OM3R. It is just that J200's are more expensive than D28's. Personally, I'd take a J45 any time over many Martins. Although I absolutely love the cheaper 000-15.
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Well, where I'm from -- 30 miles from the "Bluegrass" Commonwealth of Kentucky -- a fellow brought in a Gibson Hummingbird, really nice one, the guys all looked it over, actually they handled it like a turd, then handed it back to him without saying a word. Around here, in Bluegrass, it's Gibson banjos and mandos, Kay basses, and Martin guitars -- and nothing else.
 
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#85
Scarysharkface said:
Some of the Gibson basses are really nice and some are questionable, imho. The single biggest grudge I have against them is they have a habit of purchasing solid brands and then killing them off or at the very least removing the feature or features that made them desirable.

John
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Yeah like Kramer and Steinberger. Although I did have a Spirit that I really liked.
 
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#86
Scarysharkface said:
Some of the Gibson basses are really nice and some are questionable, imho. The single biggest grudge I have against them is they have a habit of purchasing solid brands and then killing them off or at the very least removing the feature or features that made them desirable.

John
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Sure but Fender might be the worst offender in that regard. Especially when it comes to bass amp companies.
 
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#87
ezstep said:
When I win the lottery, I will get a Hummingbird, and probably a Martin, too.
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I have a superb Sigma 000-28V, early 2008 Chinese with slotted head, that does stand back very little on its original. My neighbor has one, so we made a 1:1 comparison, the Martin has a little more of a crisp only, so one may ask if the 4-5000$ difference is justified (outta series meanwhile).
 
#88
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#89
ajkula66 said:
Do bear in mind that the original prototype of that bass was made by Gibson, long before Carvin made him a signature model. It's for sale by BB himself on Reverb:

Gibson Bunny Brunel 4 Str. Fretless 1986 Pearl White
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That’s cool. I had not seen that. I just knew that it was a design that has gone with him to different makers over the years, like some other signature models. I know that ESP is making it now
 
#93
oldfclefer said:
I was looking for a backup bass for my Fender American Precision Pro V. I checked all my options in the price range of $500-$600. This popped up on Reverb for $599. Anyway I pulled the trigger and now it's mine. I did an NBD thread, got a couple of nice comments, but mostly ignored. NBD -- No big deal I guess.
So I'm surfing around TB this morning and I get to looking on some of these threads about the new Les Paul Jr. bass that's out there now, and I'm seeing a lot of negativity surrounding Gibson in general. I watched the vid where the guy interviews someone from Keissel (Carvin) guitars because Gibson is warning legal action for trademark infringement etc. It seems that is how it's going for Gibson these days. A bunch of bean counting dweebs have taken over the legal branch. There's no way me or any of my friends would pay more for a Gibson acoustic than a Martin, but Gibson seems to think their stuff is worth that much. I hope they get back to earth on their pricing soon. In the mean time, they've gotten a new CEO. Don't remember the guy's name, but he's a guitarist at least on some level so maybe some sanity will return to management at Gibson. However, they're still making guitars and basses. I can tell you one thing, this EB5 is one fine instrument, and I got it new at a really nice price. I think Gibson is going through a mid-life crisis. Trying to rebrand when their old brand was working just fine. Trying to chase down clones is a waste of time IMO. All that said, I really like my new Gibson!View attachment 3720887
Click to expand...
being SO stoked with my Epi 'bird IV even more after raising the PUs this thread is quite apropo
the EB4 I grabbed off the wall years back looked intriguing and I've since heard great things about'm, but sanding marks and a meh overal appearance had me putting it back fast.
regarding the LP Jr., the myriad problems were insanely unacceptable, a cool stick disrespected.
compared to my immaculate, monstrous, and virtually dead perfect Epi (just snagged for tip money) there is no excuse for anything less by anybody, so yes, the war is on.
 

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