Marcus Miller 5 $1000 more than a 4?

[z6e9n]

Anyone know why the Marcus Miller 5 string is 1000 dollars more than the 4 string model?

 

[your idol]

because someone is willing to pay it

 

[funkout5]

the 5 is MIA and the 4 is MIJ or CIJ (dont know which)

I have no idea why though

 

[Ben Lesser]

Doesn't it have something to do with the preamp inside of the MM5? It's been a while, so I can't remember the answer, myself.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

It's not an import. Some don't like the preamp, but it is an extremely well made American bass. It is the only quality Seventies five commercially available. Remember the DJ5 is based on a 1966 Jazz. The only other non-boutique option is KSD.

 

[burk48237]

It's not an import. Some don't like the preamp, but it is an extremely well made American bass. It is the only quality Seventies five commercially available. Remember the DJ5 is based on a 1966 Jazz. The only other non-boutique option is KSD.

True but it retails for about the same price as a UV 70 Sadowsky Metro. I've always felt the four was a good deal, and before the last price hikes it was GREAT deal. I played one that had been set passive at a GTG, killer bass. OTOH, I've played three of the fives, and the only one that I liked was a seriously customized example from the Fender Custom shop.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

True but it retails for about the same price as a UV 70 Sadowsky Metro. I've always felt the four was a good deal, and before the last price hikes it was GREAT deal. I played one that had been set passive at a GTG, killer bass. OTOH, I've played three of the fives, and the only one that I liked was a seriously customized example from the Fender Custom shop.

OP, Fenders are very common. Try to play a MM5 if you can.
I think higher end Fenders are great basses. Sadowsky players usually aren't that crazy about them. Only you know what you like, and trust your own ears, not someone else's.

BTW, for new basses UV75 Metros are about $500 more than MM5s. Used, MM5s are probably much better deals.

 

[jmercer91]

less of a market for it so it can't be as mass produced.

 

[JonPol]

Check out this link from his website..

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[z6e9n]

Thanks for all the info guys. I love the sound of the MM5(from what I have heard online), but it sounds like I am better off getting a Sadowsky. I did play the MM4 at GC and I liked the sound but it had a terrible set up. Whenever a bass is set up with ridiculously high action it makes me think something is wrong with it. I haven't been able to play the five because there are no stores here in Indianapolis that stock really good basses that are set up properly.

 

[bucephylus]

FWIW, my 2c is you really need to play the bass in question before making up your mind. The "experts" here have good experience, but there is a lot of personal preference involved.

I was playing a Sadowsky RV5 several years ago that was a marvelous instrument; then checked out a MM5 at the Bass Place, sold the Sadowsky, bought the MM5 and never looked back.

Not to say I wouldn't go right back to a Sadowsky NYC someday, and might. But. I would want to spec a few things.

The MM5 was carefully tuned by Marcus working with the CS. It has a number of nice features for those who prefer certain characteristics. The four was a pretty straight design change for Fender, which is why they probably did it in JP. The 5 is a harder instrument to get right; and the MM5 has more departures from standard things. The fretboard has a smaller radius and narrower nut than the standard Sadowsky, which gives it more of a '70's J feel. I like the preamp in mine just fine, and feel it behaves so similarly to the Sadowsky that its not worth messing with. But, some guys don't like it. Again, you really should check out the instruments before making up your mind.

BTW, cost-wise, IIRC the RV5 was about $2500 with the SC pups and VTC from the shop. The MM5 was $1600 out the door. Maybe prices have changed; but my sense was that Fender was putting up a quality 5 for a fair price.

 

[z6e9n]

I would love to know where you got one for $1600. It looks like they are running $2300 online. I would be more willing to pick one up at 1600 than I would at 2300.

 

[bucephylus]

That was two years ago now; so, Fender may have changed their price structure. I got mine at the Bass Place in Tempe AZ.

Here's a link to my original post about the instrument.
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=5892804&highlight=#post5892804

Don't get me wrong, Roger makes GREAT instruments. You really can't go wrong with them. As I said, I may go for an NYC some day myself. But, the MM5 is just a really decent instrument, and the one I was lucky enough to find is really quite excellent.

GL

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I would love to know where you got one for $1600. It looks like they are running $2300 online. I would be more willing to pick one up at 1600 than I would at 2300.

Fender had a big price hike in 2009. Before that, a new MM5 would have been $1,600-$1,900.

 

[TonyP-]

I think I was just mis quated on the phone yesterday from GC for 1299.99 for this bass...I should held them to it and paid for it over the phone.

 

[hands5]

I would love to know where you got one for $1600. It looks like they are running $2300 online. I would be more willing to pick one up at 1600 than I would at 2300.

for $2300.00 there are other Jazz type basses that I think are better,unless you want a Marcus Miller V