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Music Man Caprice: True Boutique Quality

#661
Inara said:
Maybe a Nate Mendel P with the AVRI pickup installed? The Nate has a slim neck, though not Jazz/Caprice slim ... it's 1.615, versus the standard modern P of 1.625, versus the AVRI at 1.74. Or just an AVRI with a different (more modern feelng) neck fit to it?
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It's funny, I was thinking that exact thing. Nate Mendel with the AVRI pickup is a definite option.
 
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#666
I'll preface what I'm about to say by saying I'm a huge MM fan - I love my Sterling HH and have both versions of Big Al which I will never sell. I'm probably going to get in trouble but I tried a Caprice yesterday and was totally underwhelmed (not helped that for some reason Caprice's are ridiculously expensive in Australia). Lined up next to a Fender Elite P bass (which costs the same here) I couldn't believe how much lower the output was. I also thought the tone was too aggressive and abrasive (personal choice admittedly) and couldn't be "softened" and the neck dive annoying enough for the cost. The neck is also deeper/fatter front to back than all of my above mentioned MM Basses so just didn't feel right.

I know the Big Al is definitely not everyone's cup of tea, but the passive tones (especially out of the SSS), are much more rounded and I find you have much more scope to alter the tones to your requirements compared to the Caprice. I may look weird standing on stage with a Big Al -I get it - it's not everyone's cup of tea aesthetically - but the scope, output, neck and tones when compared to the Caprice has curtailed my GAS for a Caprice.
 
#667
Bass Urges said:
I'll preface what I'm about to say by saying I'm a huge MM fan - I love my Sterling HH and have both versions of Big Al which I will never sell. I'm probably going to get in trouble but I tried a Caprice yesterday and was totally underwhelmed (not helped that for some reason Caprice's are ridiculously expensive in Australia). Lined up next to a Fender Elite P bass (which costs the same here) I couldn't believe how much lower the output was. I also thought the tone was too aggressive and abrasive (personal choice admittedly) and couldn't be "softened" and the neck dive annoying enough for the cost. The neck is also deeper/fatter front to back than all of my above mentioned MM Basses so just didn't feel right.

I know the Big Al is definitely not everyone's cup of tea, but the passive tones (especially out of the SSS), are much more rounded and I find you have much more scope to alter the tones to your requirements compared to the Caprice. I may look weird standing on stage with a Big Al -I get it - it's not everyone's cup of tea aesthetically - but the scope, output, neck and tones when compared to the Caprice has curtailed my GAS for a Caprice.
Click to expand...

I think if th Big Al were made with a normal body shape, it would have been very successful.
 
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#669
Bass Urges said:
I'll preface what I'm about to say by saying I'm a huge MM fan - I love my Sterling HH and have both versions of Big Al which I will never sell. I'm probably going to get in trouble but I tried a Caprice yesterday and was totally underwhelmed (not helped that for some reason Caprice's are ridiculously expensive in Australia). Lined up next to a Fender Elite P bass (which costs the same here) I couldn't believe how much lower the output was. I also thought the tone was too aggressive and abrasive (personal choice admittedly) and couldn't be "softened" and the neck dive annoying enough for the cost. The neck is also deeper/fatter front to back than all of my above mentioned MM Basses so just didn't feel right.

I know the Big Al is definitely not everyone's cup of tea, but the passive tones (especially out of the SSS), are much more rounded and I find you have much more scope to alter the tones to your requirements compared to the Caprice. I may look weird standing on stage with a Big Al -I get it - it's not everyone's cup of tea aesthetically - but the scope, output, neck and tones when compared to the Caprice has curtailed my GAS for a Caprice.
Click to expand...

Every bass is not everyone's cup of tea . If we all liked and preferred the same things , life would be boring . You gave it an honest try. I can see why some would prefer another bass. I'm just glad I've found the Caprice to my liking .
 
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#670
After selling all my gear and not playing for almost a year, I have this coming to me hopefully this week. I found it used, but in mint condition on Reverb from a seller offering 20% off at checkout, so I got it for $1415 out the door.

This and a Phil Jones Double Four should sound quite nice :)

caprice2.PNG
 
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#671
fourstringdrums said:
After selling all my gear and not playing for almost a year, I have this coming to me hopefully this week. I found it used, but in mint condition on Reverb from a seller offering 20% off at checkout, so I got it for $1415 out the door.

This and a Phil Jones Double Four should sound quite nice :)

View attachment 2824410
Click to expand...
Looking forward to an updated review once you receive it.
 
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#673
My Caprice has arrived!

It's amazing. I installed Labella Low Tension flats and it's perfect. I get the nice round, fat p-bass tone I love, but I can add the bridge pickup for some extra bite. The tone control is the most usable of any I've ever had. All the way off it's not complete mud and all the way on it's not obnoxiously harsh.

20171204_161827.jpg
caprice2.PNG
 
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#674
fourstringdrums said:
My Caprice has arrived!

It's amazing. I installed Labella Low Tension flats and it's perfect. I get the nice round, fat p-bass tone I love, but I can add the bridge pickup for some extra bite. The tone control is the most usable of any I've ever had. All the way off it's not complete mud and all the way on it's not obnoxiously harsh.

View attachment 2833154 View attachment 2833155
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Congrats, beautiful bass. I have a sunburst/rosewood as well.

Anyone know of any sound clips of a Caprice with flats on it? I'm considering giving some a try but would like to hear them first if possible.
 
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#679
I tried a Caprice tonight at Guitar Center. The action was too high, but that's easily corrected. Anyways, normally when I pick up a bass at GC I play just a few notes and then put it back. Tonight, I probably played the Caprice for fifteen minutes or more. Nice tones available with simple passive controls. And I have the funds in my slush fund to cover it. Hmmmmm....
 
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#680
MultiScaleMale said:
I tried a Caprice tonight at Guitar Center. The action was too high, but that's easily corrected. Anyways, normally when I pick up a bass at GC I play just a few notes and then put it back. Tonight, I probably played the Caprice for fifteen minutes or more. Nice tones available with simple passive controls. And I have the funds in my slush fund to cover it. Hmmmmm....
Click to expand...


A Caprice would make a great Christmas gift to yourself . Mine is one of the best gifts I've ever received from myself.
 
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