N1/2BD - My Miezo 18 Arrived!!!

[B-Mac]

Yes. It’s an octave up. There are some options for alternate tunings with various string sizes, including custom winds. I didn’t ask the exact gauges but it’s feeling like a standard six string set without the low B.

So is this technically a Piccolo bass of sorts?

 

[monsterthompson]

Do you have any idea what scale of the X3M would be the shortest while still allowing normal tuning? 30"?

I think the X3M just looks better, what I can't get past on the Miezo 18 is the headstock shape... Just rubs me the wrong way. Nu-uh.

Another question to you, is fretless an option?

I'm thinking a fretless 6 string X3M in the shirtest scale possible...

Headstocks are a real issue. I get it. Honestly, I want one of their faux headstocks with the bridge tuners just for the look.

I think you could get away with a 25 or 27 scale X3M. Plan to use a "B String" for your lowest string, but tuned to E. I'd think of it as - If I had a 5 string with a capo on the 5th fret, how long would the scale have to be to mimic that? You could probably cheat the tuning up/down with some creative string choices.

Definitely contact Mau directly for his take on it. He's seen some wild string options to achieve tuning goals. I'd trust his suggestions. Someone posted a video of a 16" with custom strings getting down to a standard EADG. I'm sure it was a challenge and had compromises.

 

[monsterthompson]

So is this technically a Piccolo bass of sorts?

Certainly one way to look at it.

In theory, it is strung with the top 5 from a 6 string set, without the low B string. I could restring it starting with the B and adjust the tuning around to get some lower pitches. Probably not down to a standard E. Also, the harmonics aren't the same (I mean, they are, but how they present themselves sounds different).

 

[NoiseNinja]

I'll refrain from telling you my opinion on the relation between scale length/string gauge/string tension/string flexibility/string inflexibility and tone, what matters is that what you got works for you, and that you are happy with your new mini bass.

Congratulations.

Also, how about calling it "Mini Me"?

 

[monsterthompson]

I'll refrain from telling you my opinion on the relation between scale length/string gauge/string tension/flexibility/inflexibility and tone, what matters is that what you got works for you, and that you are happy with your new mini bass.

Feel free to PM me your thoughts on strings if yo don't want to raise a public ruckus. This is a big experiment to me, so I'm open to ideas. As they are, the strings are a little sticky and stiff for my liking, but the sound I'm getting is working for me. My goal wasn't to "replace a bass" with this. I wanted something that would compliment a bass in a recording, but not be a guitar.

 

[Katoosie]

Feel free to PM me your thoughts on strings if yo don't want to raise a public ruckus. This is a big experiment to me, so I'm open to ideas. As they are, the strings are a little sticky and stiff for my liking, but the sound I'm getting is working for me. My goal wasn't to "replace a bass" with this. I wanted something that would compliment a bass in a recording, but not be a guitar.

May I also be included?

 

[NoiseNinja]

Feel free to PM me your thoughts on strings if yo don't want to raise a public ruckus. This is a big experiment to me, so I'm open to ideas. As they are, the strings are a little sticky and stiff for my liking, but the sound I'm getting is working for me. My goal wasn't to "replace a bass" with this. I wanted something that would compliment a bass in a recording, but not be a guitar.

Cool, will do, and will add some IRL examples as well from my own experience with short scale basses and my 28,6" scale Ibanez Mikro Bass, and using alternate tunings (though I admittedly never owned a bass with such a short scale).

However I was quite early up this morning and am pretty tired, so can't be assed right now to do so, but promise I will write you a PM tomorrow at some point with my thoughts on this subject, advise and suggestions, that you of course are free to take into consideration or not, and otherwise use as you see fit.

In any case enjoy your new instrument.

Changing things up a bit from the usual habitual usually brings out new exiting ideas, and from what you tell it seems like you are experiencing this too.

May I also be included?

Of course.

 

[ugly_bassplayer]

Cool, will do, and will add some IRL examples as well from my own experience with short scale basses and my 28,6" scale Ibanez Mikro Bass, and using alternate tunings (though I admittedly never owned a bass with such a short scale).

However I was quite early up this morning and am pretty tired, so can't be assed right now to do so, but promise I will write you a PM tomorrow at some point with my thoughts on this subject, advise and suggestions, that you of course is free to take into consideration or not, and otherwise use as you see fit.

In any case enjoy your new instrument.

Changing things up a bit from the usual habitual usually brings out new exiting ideas, and from what you say it seems like you are experiencing this too.



Of course.

Same, I’m inches away from getting one.
Please.
Also interested

 

[Matt Dean]

Wow… I just saw something new. Thanks for sharing…

 

[monsterthompson]

Wow… I just saw something new.

And now you can never say that again

 

[MovinTarget]

I mean, I think 95% of all disappointments stem from us setting inaccurate expectations of the Instrument X sounding too much or too little like instrument Y

 

[B-Mac]

A rough idea of what I was trying to get out of this beast.
Miezo in drop D. Dunwich Wizard Fuzz. Hilbish Sol Invictus and Compressimiser. Zoia and OTO BAM for delay and reverb.

Whoa!

What a sound scape!

 

[monsterthompson]

I mean, I think 95% of all disappointments stem from us setting inaccurate expectations of the Instrument X sounding too much or too little like instrument Y

Absolutely. I think Mau spent a fair amount of energy at the start trying to guide me to something that would be "familiar" so I wouldn't be disappointed with the end result. I can't blame him for trying, and I'm sure his experience building has helped him figure out what works for the common user. I kept assuring him that I wasn't after a conventional sounding "bass" instrument, though I wasn't looking to go completely off the rails. If you want something to replace a bass, this version of the Miezo is not it (I'm not sure if any are). If you're looking for something that has the roots of a bass, then this is it. The string size and spacing are comfortable. You aren't tempted to strum it like a guitar, or play lead lines with wild bends. It is refreshing. Probably not a primary instrument for most players, but a fun tool to have available for some variety.

 

[ugly_bassplayer]

Absolutely. I think Mau spent a fair amount of energy at the start trying to guide me to something that would be "familiar" so I wouldn't be disappointed with the end result. I can't blame him for trying, and I'm sure his experience building has helped him figure out what works for the common user. I kept assuring him that I wasn't after a conventional sounding "bass" instrument, though I wasn't looking to go completely off the rails. If you want something to replace a bass, this version of the Miezo is not it (I'm not sure if any are). If you're looking for something that has the roots of a bass, then this is it. The string size and spacing are comfortable. You aren't tempted to strum it like a guitar, or play lead lines with wild bends. It is refreshing. Probably not a primary instrument for most players, but a fun tool to have available for some variety.

Enabler

 

[MovinTarget]

only ~4" longer in scale and appears to be tuned E-G

 

[monsterthompson]

only ~4" longer in scale and appears to be tuned E-G

NICE!
Assuming that's a string set that would normally be a BEAD tuning gauge for a 34" or 35" bass.
For reference on a 34" bass
18" is about midway between frets 11 and 12, where the dots are.
23" is about the 7th fret.
26" is about the 5th fret.

I could see a 26" scale with a BEAD set of strings getting you a "capo effect" approximating the 5th fret of a 34" bass, which would put you at about EADG. The tension might not work out exactly the same, but I'd guess it would be close.

 

[Obese Chess]

Some of it may be expectations. The underlying boom isn’t there, which is actually beneficial for my needs. It’s not twangy or tinny, but it’s lean and mean. There are a few variables to consider. The ebony board is a bright/snappy thing generally. I don’t know what the strings are, but I’d guess they lean towards a SS vibe, and the tension is a tad higher than I’m used to. That could just be the shorter speaking length feel when I try to bend notes (I’ve got weak hands). These pickups are new to me. I like the bridge sound best, and that will inherently be a leaner sound.

I believe he uses SIT strings exclusively, my G5 came with nickel power wounds.

A rough idea of what I was trying to get out of this beast.
Miezo in drop D. Dunwich Wizard Fuzz. Hilbish Sol Invictus and Compressimiser. Zoia and OTO BAM for delay and reverb.

The tune, the player, and the instrument are all top shelf.

Agreed, sounds fantastic.

Do you have any idea what scale of the X3M would be the shortest while still allowing normal tuning? 30"?

I think the X3M just looks better, what I can't get past on the Miezo 18 is the headstock shape... Just rubs me the wrong way. Nu-uh.

Another question to you, is fretless an option?

I'm thinking a fretless 6 string X3M in the shirtest scale possible...

Mau is pretty much willing to do anything you want. You could absolutely do a, say, 27" fretless 6-string X3M.

No affiliation, just really love the guy and his basses.

 

[monsterthompson]

I dropped everything a whole step and the tension is a bit easier on the fingers. There’s a bit more “opportunity” for string/fret buzz but not much. In fact the lighter tension allows me more consistent fretting. I even dropped the low string down to a C and it seems to work.

I started doing some exercises and practiced sliding and the fretboard is starting to get easier to navigate by feel.

I’m plugged into an old 10” tube combo amp and it’s not bad at all.

 

[JimmyM]

I dropped everything a whole step and the tension is a bit easier on the fingers. There’s a bit more “opportunity” for string/fret buzz but not much. In fact the lighter tension allows me more consistent fretting. I even dropped the low string down to a C and it seems to work.

I started doing some exercises and practiced sliding and the fretboard is starting to get easier to navigate by feel.

I’m plugged into an old 10” tube combo amp and it’s not bad at all.

Have you tried to get super low action on it? Is it capable? What's your tuning now?

 

[monsterthompson]

Have you tried to get super low action on it? Is it capable? What's your tuning now?

It’s decently “low” though not speed racer low. I haven’t tried tweaking the bridge. I’m in DGCFA# but testing a C on the low string too (drop C).