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Lightwave basses

T

thekorean

Feb 20, 2009
213
1
Massachusetts
#1
I was looking at a lightwave bass and noticed that they are retailing for around 1200 and found one for 550. I was wondering if this was a cheaper model. it is strange because of the blockish inlays rather than dots like the ones on the sight.

lightwave.jpg

sorry didnt have time to resize
 
#2
Cant remember for sure when. But few yrs ago, maybe as many as 7 or so. There was a lightwave bass available for around $700 new. Looked rather like that on e cept for the diff colored area just below neck. Maybe thats one of them. They where well regarded. Only issue Ive seen raised about them is how long will company be in bussiness and able to provide replacement battery. Or will replacment battery be available elsewhere. They had internal rechargeable battery. I had concidered getting one. But wasnt sure if Id be able to get it serviced yrs from then.

Anyway, Id say that was a fair price. Its age would make service check for the battery due. Even if battery needed replacement, shouldnt run more then maybe $75 bucks or so. Probably more like $50 give or take if similiar to cell phone ones.

Interested to hear how you like it if gets, and what lightwave says when you contact about any service checks etc. Keep us posted please.
 
#4
The bridge is the pickup - optical sensors transmit the vibration of the strings to a board in the cavity, that turns it into a usable audio signal.

Very clean, very bright tone. I bought one from Jauqo III-X and couldn't get used to the sound, but for someone seeking a very unique, clean tone, they're something to try for sure.

Can't comment on them beyond that, really.
 
#7
I had one of the prototypes. Very distinctive sound and actually way too flexible; It was hard to find the sound... but its there! Control were very tricky, but once you found the sound, that baby could speak! Especially liked the way it sounded with TI Jazz Flats.
 
#9
thekorean said:
I was looking at a lightwave bass and noticed that they are retailing for around 1200 and found one for 550. I was wondering if this was a cheaper model. it is strange because of the blockish inlays rather than dots like the ones on the sight.

That Saber Bass is one of the pilot production models. When I was near completion of the Saber design we did some limited production runs, and that is also why there are some subtle differences in body shape and contours compared with the newer models. The electronics have also evolved some over time, but that instrument has the basic Saber design. You can still buy replacement battery packs for any of our instruments, any time, typically in the $25 - 30 range.
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#10
Chris Willcox said:
thekorean said:
I was looking at a lightwave bass and noticed that they are retailing for around 1200 and found one for 550. I was wondering if this was a cheaper model. it is strange because of the blockish inlays rather than dots like the ones on the sight.

That Saber Bass is one of the pilot production models. When I was near completion of the Saber design we did some limited production runs, and that is also why there are some subtle differences in body shape and contours compared with the newer models. The electronics have also evolved some over time, but that instrument has the basic Saber design. You can still buy replacement battery packs for any of our instruments, any time, typically in the $25 - 30 range.
Click to expand...
That's good to know. The one I had is available and I've been hesitating mostly because I don't know what condition the battery was in. I may be rejoining the club soon.:D
Click to expand...
 

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