Mayones owners club.

[Matt275]

Any thoughts or inside info on why this bass has been for sale for a year? Any info would be appreciated. I am local and would hope to get the bass at a lower cost. Thanks

 

[Barticus]

Any thoughts or inside info on why this bass has been for sale for a year? Any info would be appreciated. I am local and would hope to get the bass at a lower cost. Thanks View attachment 5453945

Looks great, probably price has kept it from moving.

 

[JPK_DK]

TBH I didn't expect it to look as nice as it does.
The configurator mock-up has a lighter wenge with a less pronounced grain

View attachment 5388771

So it was definitely a pleasant surprise that it's a bit darker (contrasting better with the purpleheart) and that the grain is more pronounced. It's still a 'bolder' look than I would've opted for, even with a matte finish, but I consider that a very happy accident.

Two months later - how do you like it? How do you like the Velvetrone pups? And how would you describe the neck? How is the B string?
I own two Jabbas, but am considering to try a Patriot also...

 

[Mojo34]

That Patriot looks awesome!!
Since the previous post asks the question about Velvetrone pickups, please allow me to ask as well: for a custom Patriot I want to order, I'm thinking of the Delano stacked humbucker pickups... any opinions on those vs Velvetrone ? The neck is going to be ebony, so I thought I would avoid the Aguilar ceramic pickups to avoid having too bright of a sound. Or is that silly reasoning?

 

[gunai]

Two months later - how do you like it? How do you like the Velvetrone pups? And how would you describe the neck? How is the B string?
I own two Jabbas, but am considering to try a Patriot also...

In short, I am very pleased with the instrument.
I will try and answer in detail, apologies if there are overlaps with your Jabbas that are superfluous for your needs.

Physical:

• The neck is far less daunting than I thought a 37'' with 47mm nut width would be, and it didn't really require perceived adjusting from my 35'' 45mm Schecter other than up in the higher registers, where it is due to the 'Variable Fret' nature being more pronounced. This perceived adjusting is more muscle memory (as to play without staring down at the frets) than a technical challenge, but this is perhaps because I don't tend to play anything I'd call overly intricate up there. I am a fan of flatter radii, so the 20mm on this is welcomed and comfortable.
  
• It is an extremely comfortable neck and I never feel like I'm exerting myself when playing it sitting or standing. Specifically with standing, I am used to have the strap button horn parallel to my navel. Still, I now suspect that I would probably find a 18mm spaced bridge with a 45mm wide nut ideal. I say this more because of how my Schecter feels when I pick it up rather than due to anything I notice while playing the Mayones. I will note that I did not ask if the nut could be made narrower, and don't consider it a big deal at any rate.
  
• The instrument balances absolutely perfectly, better than any other bass I own, with a slight 'neck ascent' when rested on the not-classically-trained thigh. I was somewhat worried about there being neck dive with the scale length, all the dense woods, and the roasted and thus lighter swamp ash for the wings, but it honestly couldn't balance better than it does.
• Finishing and quality control are things you're already familiar with, and should and do come with the price point.

Audible:

• The Velvetrone Stark pick-ups are modern and full, respond well to how the instrument is played, and are without any notable frequency bumps that I could discern by ear. They don't really ever sound harsh, but I also don't feel like I'm objectively missing high mids or treble when using them.
  Subjectively, I like powerful and 'textured' pick-ups with a slight mid bump (lower or upper are both fine), but the pick-ups here slot into a wider range of genres and palettes than the split-coil MFD in my G&L SB-1 does.
  However, judging the pick-ups by themselves would be in bad faith, since Mayones basses all come with active electronics by default.
  
• The new Musashi pre-amp adds some baseline color to the pick-ups, and the active EQ versatility you can expect from the other pre-amps they continue to offer. In total, the electronics are more to my personal liking than the Fishman pick-ups and pre-amp in my Schecter SLS.
  The included (replaceable) rechargeable battery is very convenient, and having an easily accessible 9V back-up offers some extra peace of mind in case one cannot abide playing passive.
  I am indifferent towards the headphone+aux, but they seemed satisfactory in my short test of them.
• A slightly harsh top-end prediction was not met, but the expectation for a well-defined and clear bottom-end was exceeded. I had originally wondered if Mayones could do single-coil or other narrow pick-ups for the instrument, wanting a snappy attack on G1 downwards. Owning the instrument now, I am very pleased with how the G1 to B0 (and A♯0) range sounds. Be it the scale, the electronics, or some 'tonewood' aspect, the low notes are great. My Schecter already responded very well in said range, but the Mayones is better still. In particular, I suspect that the scale length lends to a tighter envelope, but I am an ignoramus when it comes to acoustics, or psychoacoustics.
• Sans pre-amp, the bass sounds natural. There are no exaggerated frequency ranges or notes. Whether this is due to the scale, the woods, the construction, or the pick-ups, and to what extent, doesn't really matter to me. I have an instrument that sounds clear, neutral and full before the light and complementary pre-amp coloration.

Since receiving the Patriot, the only real problem I've had is reminding myself to pick up my other basses, outside of when playing in lower tunings (where an open D or C are necessitated by the riff-centric music). Similarly, the only challenge right now is to stop myself from setting it up as ADGCF, since I do spend more time playing in standard tuning.

It is also objectively a far too nice instrument for someone who engages with music avocationally. I have had 'proper' multi-scale on my radar well before I bought my first bass, and being left-handed the cheaper options are a since available Spector with Fishman electronics, and Dingwalls that I take some issues with, which are beyond the relevant scope.

Is it worth it over something like the 37'' Ibanez BTB models, or the ESP B-1005? Fortunately, or unfortunately, I am not in the position to find out. However, having spent ~150 hours with it since receiving it, I am very happy with the instrument. I am also happy to see the increased availability of 'proper' multi-scale basses, even if the wider array is still limited to the not as sinister folk.
For you specifically, given that you are accustomed to Mayones, I doubt a half-the-cost bass would scratch the itch in earnest.

That Patriot looks awesome!!
Since the previous post asks the question about Velvetrone pickups, please allow me to ask as well: for a custom Patriot I want to order, I'm thinking of the Delano stacked humbucker pickups... any opinions on those vs Velvetrone ? The neck is going to be ebony, so I thought I would avoid the Aguilar ceramic pickups to avoid having too bright of a sound. Or is that silly reasoning?

I have no experience with Aguilar pick-ups, so I cannot comment directly on those.
That being said, they don't really come off as too bright in the demos I've heard.
Then again, neither do the ceramic Velvetrone in my Patriot, or the ceramic Delano PC 4 HE/M2 in my 35'' Sandberg VS.

I don't think you can really go wrong with any of the offerings, but I do think that there's something nice about having an instrument that's entirely its manufacturer's.
Thankfully, I also think it is likely you'll receive more useful and experienced input from others soon enough.

 

[JPK_DK]

In short, I am very pleased with the instrument.
I will try and answer in detail, apologies if there are overlaps with your Jabbas that are superfluous for your needs.

Physical:

• The neck is far less daunting than I thought a 37'' with 47mm nut width would be, and it didn't really require perceived adjusting from my 35'' 45mm Schecter other than up in the higher registers, where it is due to the 'Variable Fret' nature being more pronounced. This perceived adjusting is more muscle memory (as to play without staring down at the frets) than a technical challenge, but this is perhaps because I don't tend to play anything I'd call overly intricate up there. I am a fan of flatter radii, so the 20mm on this is welcomed and comfortable.
  
• It is an extremely comfortable neck and I never feel like I'm exerting myself when playing it sitting or standing. Specifically with standing, I am used to have the strap button horn parallel to my navel. Still, I now suspect that I would probably find a 18mm spaced bridge with a 45mm wide nut ideal. I say this more because of how my Schecter feels when I pick it up rather than due to anything I notice while playing the Mayones. I will note that I did not ask if the nut could be made narrower, and don't consider it a big deal at any rate.
  
• The instrument balances absolutely perfectly, better than any other bass I own, with a slight 'neck ascent' when rested on the not-classically-trained thigh. I was somewhat worried about there being neck dive with the scale length, all the dense woods, and the roasted and thus lighter swamp ash for the wings, but it honestly couldn't balance better than it does.
• Finishing and quality control are things you're already familiar with, and should and do come with the price point.

Audible:

• The Velvetrone Stark pick-ups are modern and full, respond well to how the instrument is played, and are without any notable frequency bumps that I could discern by ear. They don't really ever sound harsh, but I also don't feel like I'm objectively missing high mids or treble when using them.
  Subjectively, I like powerful and 'textured' pick-ups with a slight mid bump (lower or upper are both fine), but the pick-ups here slot into a wider range of genres and palettes than the split-coil MFD in my G&L SB-1 does.
  However, judging the pick-ups by themselves would be in bad faith, since Mayones basses all come with active electronics by default.
  
• The new Musashi pre-amp adds some baseline color to the pick-ups, and the active EQ versatility you can expect from the other pre-amps they continue to offer. In total, the electronics are more to my personal liking than the Fishman pick-ups and pre-amp in my Schecter SLS.
  The included (replaceable) rechargeable battery is very convenient, and having an easily accessible 9V back-up offers some extra peace of mind in case one cannot abide playing passive.
  I am indifferent towards the headphone+aux, but they seemed satisfactory in my short test of them.
• A slightly harsh top-end prediction was not met, but the expectation for a well-defined and clear bottom-end was exceeded. I had originally wondered if Mayones could do single-coil or other narrow pick-ups for the instrument, wanting a snappy attack on G1 downwards. Owning the instrument now, I am very pleased with how the G1 to B0 (and A♯0) range sounds. Be it the scale, the electronics, or some 'tonewood' aspect, the low notes are great. My Schecter already responded very well in said range, but the Mayones is better still. In particular, I suspect that the scale length lends to a tighter envelope, but I am an ignoramus when it comes to acoustics, or psychoacoustics.
• Sans pre-amp, the bass sounds natural. There are no exaggerated frequency ranges or notes. Whether this is due to the scale, the woods, the construction, or the pick-ups, and to what extent, doesn't really matter to me. I have an instrument that sounds clear, neutral and full before the light and complementary pre-amp coloration.

Since receiving the Patriot, the only real problem I've had is reminding myself to pick up my other basses, outside of when playing in lower tunings (where an open D or C are necessitated by the riff-centric music). Similarly, the only challenge right now is to stop myself from setting it up as ADGCF, since I do spend more time playing in standard tuning.

It is also objectively a far too nice instrument for someone who engages with music avocationally. I have had 'proper' multi-scale on my radar well before I bought my first bass, and being left-handed the cheaper options are a since available Spector with Fishman electronics, and Dingwalls that I take some issues with, which are beyond the relevant scope.

Is it worth it over something like the 37'' Ibanez BTB models, or the ESP B-1005? Fortunately, or unfortunately, I am not in the position to find out. However, having spent ~150 hours with it since receiving it, I am very happy with the instrument. I am also happy to see the increased availability of 'proper' multi-scale basses, even if the wider array is still limited to the not as sinister folk.
For you specifically, given that you are accustomed to Mayones, I doubt a half-the-cost bass would scratch the itch in earnest.



I have no experience with Aguilar pick-ups, so I cannot comment directly on those.
That being said, they don't really come off as too bright in the demos I've heard.
Then again, neither do the ceramic Velvetrone in my Patriot, or the ceramic Delano PC 4 HE/M2 in my 35'' Sandberg VS.

I don't think you can really go wrong with any of the offerings, but I do think that there's something nice about having an instrument that's entirely its manufacturer's.
Thankfully, I also think it is likely you'll receive more useful and experienced input from others soon enough.

Thanks so much for taking the time to write such a balanced and informative reply. A lot of what you describe resonates very much with my own "philosophies" and preferences.
The only follow-up question I would have (and only in order to put part of what you said in perspective) is: what type of strings were/are on the bass for your initial testing? Did you leave the factory-strings (I guess XLs!?) on the bass? Thx!

 

[gunai]

Thanks so much for taking the time to write such a balanced and informative reply. A lot of what you describe resonates very much with my own "philosophies" and preferences.
The only follow-up question I would have (and only in order to put part of what you said in perspective) is: what type of strings were/are on the bass for your initial testing? Did you leave the factory-strings (I guess XLs!?) on the bass? Thx!

I'm glad that I could provide some information.

The bass arrived with La Bella strings, which Mayones were unable to recall the exact model of. I would guess these, but I'm unsure.
I soon swapped them out, and tried D'Addario NYXL which are currently on it, and briefly Dingwall's nickel set (pending further use in the future). I also have sets by SIT and String Joy to try before deciding on what to keep them stringed with going forward.
While I cannot say which strings I found most suitable, I can say that both the D'Addario and the Dingwall strings sound much better than whatever the bass came with, which almost felt like someone introduced a thin porous membrane somewhere in the signal chain. Not enough to truly blanket any sounds, but enough to have made the instrument sound a bit dull and suffocated rather than natural.

I'm picky with strings. My other roundwound strung basses all have DR Lo-Riders (both nickel and stainless steel variants), but that is not currently an option for 37''. Given the positive difference they make on 35'' B0, C1 and D1 to my plebeian ears, I hope that it won't be too long before I could put them on the Patriot as well.

 

[JPK_DK]

I'm glad that I could provide some information.

The bass arrived with La Bella strings, which Mayones were unable to recall the exact model of. I would guess these, but I'm unsure.
I soon swapped them out, and tried D'Addario NYXL which are currently on it, and briefly Dingwall's nickel set (pending further use in the future). I also have sets by SIT and String Joy to try before deciding on what to keep them stringed with going forward.
While I cannot say which strings I found most suitable, I can say that both the D'Addario and the Dingwall strings sound much better than whatever the bass came with, which almost felt like someone introduced a thin porous membrane somewhere in the signal chain. Not enough to truly blanket any sounds, but enough to have made the instrument sound a bit dull and suffocated rather than natural.

I'm picky with strings. My other roundwound strung basses all have DR Lo-Riders (both nickel and stainless steel variants), but that is not currently an option for 37''. Given the positive difference they make on 35'' B0, C1 and D1 to my plebeian ears, I hope that it won't be too long before I could put them on the Patriot as well.

Thank you - very helpful!

And, congratulations again on that bass!!

 

[JimS]

I ordered this in August 2023 from Alain at Sebastapol musicand it came in last week.
The goal was to get as close as possible to a recreation of the discontinued Wojtek Pilichowski Pi bass.

Craftsmanship and tone are wonderful. Playability is excellent but I need to adapt from the radius of my other basses which nearly are half of Mayones 20 inch fingerboard radius.

 

[Mojo34]

That is 100% absolutely gorgeous. I have a custom Patriot 4-string on order, ordered in July 2024. Until it arrives, I have no GAS to keep buying instruments, and once I have it, I hope it'll be my number one for many years. In any case, yours looks amazing and must sound incredible.

 

[JPK_DK]

I ordered this in August 2023 from Alain at Sebastapol musicand it came in last week.
The goal was to get as close as possible to a recreation of the discontinued Wojtek Pilichowski Pi bass.

Craftsmanship and tone are wonderful. Playability is excellent but I need to adapt from the radius of my other basses which nearly are half of Mayones 20 inch fingerboard radius.



View attachment 7049950

Nice! And 14 months is not too bad

 

[JimS]

 

[Gungr1]

Has anyone had communication issues with Mayones before? I placed an order for a Patriot last year and it has been built with the wrong fingerboard, getting information out of the sales team is proving to be quite difficult, and the phone number on their email signature doesn't seem to work.

 

[five7]

What would this one be valued at, thanks.

 

[JPK_DK]

Has anyone had communication issues with Mayones before? I placed an order for a Patriot last year and it has been built with the wrong fingerboard, getting information out of the sales team is proving to be quite difficult, and the phone number on their email signature doesn't seem to work.

Did you order directly with Mayones? Where are you based in the world?
It is indeed probably a better idea to go through one of their dealers, as they in turn take care of the dialog with Mayones. I know of several bass playing friends who have used Zjon from Zjon's Guitarstore in the Netherlands. He might be willing to assist if at all possible...

In any case, did you get one of those (see attachment; only partially shown)?? That should detail all the specs of the build.

 

[Gungr1]

I really appreciate the advice.

I ordered through one of their dealers where I am based, in the UK.

I did receieve an initial spec sheet showing a Pau Ferro fingerboard, but I then noticed the mistake and asked the dealer to correct it, the extra charge was added to my invoice for it. I have asked for the updated spec sheet.

I did ask if Mayones took any pictures of the manufacturing process, mainly to manage my excitement, but also to give me the potential at heading off any issues during the build. I didn't hear anything back about this.

When the bass initially arrived, it was damaged, and so was sent back for repair. I asked for some pics of the bass and that is when I noticed the error. I asked the dealer to request Mayones fix both the damage to the instrument and change the fingerboard to the Ebony I requested, to which Mayones responded saying it was "impossible to replace it (the fingerboard) now the instrument is finished".

All communication was done via the dealer until this last message - I was rather alarmed by what I was told here so wanted some further information. My first email to Mayones took 6 days to get a response and my last email was sent 10 days ago, currently unanswered.

To say this has been an underwhelming experience is to put it very mildly.

 

[JPK_DK]

I really appreciate the advice.

I ordered through one of their dealers where I am based, in the UK.

I did receieve an initial spec sheet showing a Pau Ferro fingerboard, but I then noticed the mistake and asked the dealer to correct it, the extra charge was added to my invoice for it. I have asked for the updated spec sheet.

I did ask if Mayones took any pictures of the manufacturing process, mainly to manage my excitement, but also to give me the potential at heading off any issues during the build. I didn't hear anything back about this.

When the bass initially arrived, it was damaged, and so was sent back for repair. I asked for some pics of the bass and that is when I noticed the error. I asked the dealer to request Mayones fix both the damage to the instrument and change the fingerboard to the Ebony I requested, to which Mayones responded saying it was "impossible to replace it (the fingerboard) now the instrument is finished".

All communication was done via the dealer until this last message - I was rather alarmed by what I was told here so wanted some further information. My first email to Mayones took 6 days to get a response and my last email was sent 10 days ago, currently unanswered.

To say this has been an underwhelming experience is to put it very mildly.

I am very sorry to hear about this bad experience you had (and are still having). A friend of mine had ordered through Zjon from the US, and they had forgotten a switch he had spec'd (for serial/parallel pickup routing, I think) and that was found via photos shared. Zjon apparently took care of all the shipping back and forth and there was (of course, I am tempted to say) no extra charge.

I am wondering whether Mayones has arrived at that stage of a company's development where they start to be overwhelmed by their own success and sloppiness and lack of qualified staff are creeping in!?

Is the neck and fingerboard highly spec'd (profile, wood, matching finish, radius, inlays, ...) that they feel they can't "reuse" is somewhere else? Even so, they should replace the entire neck if necessary to give you what you have ordered!
Has your dealer intervened on your behalf in any way? Apparently, some dealers are better than others in communicating with both the customer and the manufacturers. They really should step in and settle this for you!

By the way, I have a Patriot on order, due to be finished sometime next summer. Now, you have me rattled a bit...

 

[Gungr1]

I am very sorry to hear about this bad experience you had (and are still having). A friend of mine had ordered through Zjon from the US, and they had forgotten a switch he had spec'd (for serial/parallel pickup routing, I think) and that was found via photos shared. Zjon apparently took care of all the shipping back and forth and there was (of course, I am tempted to say) no extra charge.

I am wondering whether Mayones has arrived at that stage of a company's development where they start to be overwhelmed by their own success and sloppiness and lack of qualified staff are creeping in!?

Is the neck and fingerboard highly spec'd (profile, wood, matching finish, radius, inlays, ...) that they feel they can't "reuse" is somewhere else? Even so, they should replace the entire neck if necessary to give you what you have ordered!
Has your dealer intervened on your behalf in any way? Apparently, some dealers are better than others in communicating with both the customer and the manufacturers. They really should step in and settle this for you!

By the way, I have a Patriot on order, due to be finished sometime next summer. Now, you have me rattled a bit...

So far the dealer has been great - quick communication and they have offered to take the hit on this bass and get another on order. I'm a little reluctant to wait another 13 months after this.

I'm not entirely sure how this error was made, so I am trying not to speculate on the reason for the mistake. I just wished they would engage with me. I can understand them not wanting to field generic sales questions, that's why they have a relationship with the dealers. But this situation is a little beyond that scope, and I don't think it unreasonable to expect Mayones to act with a little more care and urgency than currently displayed.

The fingerboard is entirely plain & unlined. Patriots are neck-through, so I can understand not being able to "replace" the neck, but the fingerboard should be entirely replaceable.

I have reached out to the guys over at Shuker, who have said they would be happy to take a look at replacing the fingerboard - so I am currently waiting for the bass to arrive back at the shop so we can send over some pictures.

I absolutely did not mean to cause any anxiety with this, I am sure your bass will arrive earlier than expected and be an utter joy to play.

 

[JPK_DK]

Patriots are neck-through,

Ah, yes, had forgotten about that
I own two Jabbas (which have bolt-on necks) and they play very, very well - my favorite basses, in fact!

I think for Mayones (as a company) the added challenge is to have customer reps that feel fully confident communicating in English. I know they ought to have such people, but just saying...

I have mainly been in contact with Artur and Mateusz (Matt) - I'd be happy to share their contact details with you over DM, if that could help.

And, no worries about the "anxiety". While I am sad to hear about your issues, my previous experience with Mayones (their products) has been outstanding and I look forward to receiving my Patriot as well made as my other two Mayones basses.

 

[Gungr1]

Ah, yes, had forgotten about that
I own two Jabbas (which have bolt-on necks) and they play very, very well - my favorite basses, in fact!

I think for Mayones (as a company) the added challenge is to have customer reps that feel fully confident communicating in English. I know they ought to have such people, but just saying...

I have mainly been in contact with Artur and Mateusz (Matt) - I'd be happy to share their contact details with you over DM, if that could help.

And, no worries about the "anxiety". While I am sad to hear about your issues, my previous experience with Mayones (their products) has been outstanding and I look forward to receiving my Patriot as well made as my other two Mayones basses.

The last response I had was from Matt, but I would really appreciate any help!