I mean, the original Sabre had the option of running the pickups in, or out of phase, as well as having that bright switch, so any of those features could be fundamental to the tone you're remembering.
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Musicman Sabre Club
- Thread starter fourstringdrums
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OK 80s/90s EB Sabre owners, I have a couple of questions to try to get the best sounds from my '87(ish) Sabre:
1) How do you have your pickup heights set? The current EB FQ (FAQ ) "How do I set up my Music Man bass?" says:
"If you have a single pickup bass set the pickup height to 6/32" from the plastic pickup cover to the bottom of the G string. Adjust the bass side of the pickup to be parallel with the pickguard. If you have a dual pickup bass set the bridge pickup to the specs above. Follow the same procedure for the neck pickup except set that to 8/32"."
This seems to be an extreme tilt of the pickups for a Sabre, and I'm not sure it applies
2) For the 5 position switch, how would describe the "modes"? I have them listed below and how I think of them, but interested in others' experiences:
Position 1 = most forward toward the neck
Position 5 = most rearward toward the bridge:
Position 1 = "Precision" mode: Both coils of the neck pickup (not convinced that this is a good imitation of a P though, given the pickup height question)?
Position 2 = "Sabre" mode: Both coils of both pickups
Position 3 = "Stingray" mode: Both coils of the bridge pickup:
Position 4 = "Sterling HS" or "Lakland" mode: Rear coil of neck pickup (single coil) and both coils of the bridge pickup (humbucking)
Position 5 = "Front-Pickup-Jazz" mode: Rear coil of the neck pickup (single coil) (not convinced that this is a good imitation of a Jazz though)
Thanks everyone!
1) How do you have your pickup heights set? The current EB FQ (FAQ ) "How do I set up my Music Man bass?" says:
"If you have a single pickup bass set the pickup height to 6/32" from the plastic pickup cover to the bottom of the G string. Adjust the bass side of the pickup to be parallel with the pickguard. If you have a dual pickup bass set the bridge pickup to the specs above. Follow the same procedure for the neck pickup except set that to 8/32"."
This seems to be an extreme tilt of the pickups for a Sabre, and I'm not sure it applies
2) For the 5 position switch, how would describe the "modes"? I have them listed below and how I think of them, but interested in others' experiences:
Position 1 = most forward toward the neck
Position 5 = most rearward toward the bridge:
Position 1 = "Precision" mode: Both coils of the neck pickup (not convinced that this is a good imitation of a P though, given the pickup height question)?
Position 2 = "Sabre" mode: Both coils of both pickups
Position 3 = "Stingray" mode: Both coils of the bridge pickup:
Position 4 = "Sterling HS" or "Lakland" mode: Rear coil of neck pickup (single coil) and both coils of the bridge pickup (humbucking)
Position 5 = "Front-Pickup-Jazz" mode: Rear coil of the neck pickup (single coil) (not convinced that this is a good imitation of a Jazz though)
Thanks everyone!
Anyone?
On another note, I managed to get a hold of 2 Music Man SKB-style cases that look like they are brand new, a Stingray and a Bongo 6. Both have the tool set, and one even came in the original box from Guitar Center. The Stingray case will be the new home for my Sabre, but only my 24-fret length neck basses (my Carvins and Pedulla Buzz) fit in the Bongo case. Debating on keeping the Bongo, as I already have cases for those.
Nice cases overall, though. Wonder why EB decided to stop using these and go with the Mono gig bags.
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Just installed the clear pickguard. Loving the look!
Request to join !
I recently bought this all original PreEB '79 MM Sabre from the original owner.
I just love the aged Olympic White finish and the pure mojo that this beautiful bass has.
This is my 4 MM bass - also have a PreEB Stingray4, a Stingray 5H and a Reflex 4HH.
I recently bought this all original PreEB '79 MM Sabre from the original owner.
I just love the aged Olympic White finish and the pure mojo that this beautiful bass has.
This is my 4 MM bass - also have a PreEB Stingray4, a Stingray 5H and a Reflex 4HH.
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Congrats. I nearly snagged it a few months ago. Timing wasn't right…good to see it here. Cheers
I finally found another black-on-black fretless '79 Sabre. It's in Italy, hopefully it makes it to Seattle in one piece. I've been low-key searching for one of these for twenty years. I had one in high school and stupidly sold it. I spent way too much money on it, but you only live once and I doubt I'll ever see another. Can't believe it!
I guess I won't until it's in my hands.
I guess I won't until it's in my hands.
Btw, seller said there were only about twenty of these made, is that right? Anyone here have any additional information on this specific version?
Should ship out to me this coming week.
My '79 Mocha SabreRay. It has a replacement neck from a StingRay. Mutes missing which I bought a replacement set but only to find out that one of the bridge screw holes is a different diameter. I can live without them, but would be nice to have. Why the heck did they have the phase switch for these, when would that ever be used? Thanks.
JayT
JayT
It's here! I guess I'm ready for a number!
It's in desperate need of some tlc and new strings, but I'm pleased as punch.
It's in desperate need of some tlc and new strings, but I'm pleased as punch.
Gorgeous - amazing condition!
If you happen to open the control cavity, would you mind taking pictures of the preamp, wiring, and pots? I'm designing a replica preamp for the Sabre so I'm interested in how everything is laid out.
Howdy! Would love to join.
This is my baby. a '13 Classic reissue. in Tangerine Pearl.
Bought from a friend who worked at a guitar shop and ordered directly from EBMM.
Apparently he requested the non-production color with the argument of "I've sold so many instruments for you guys over the years", and the request was run up the chain to Sterling Ball who approved it. Making it one of a kind.
(Apparently...I've literally no way to verify if the story is true or not.)
This is my baby. a '13 Classic reissue. in Tangerine Pearl.
Bought from a friend who worked at a guitar shop and ordered directly from EBMM.
Apparently he requested the non-production color with the argument of "I've sold so many instruments for you guys over the years", and the request was run up the chain to Sterling Ball who approved it. Making it one of a kind.
(Apparently...I've literally no way to verify if the story is true or not.)
