Sei Owners Club

[macmrkt]

I have my 4th Sei on order so I am a fan. I do think that after the price increase, Sei is now priced at the top of the market for us in the US - in the range of Alembics and Foderas. Of course, the weak dollar has something to do with it! Owning Alembics and having owned Foderas, the Sei's are IMHO, a better buy.

 

[sei24bass]

As for the prices, they don't rise every year, and for a decade the industry opinion has been that they are VASTLY underpriced for what you get compared to other high-end instruments (just check out the Gallery prices of the Fodera stuff which sells at a price WAY above that of a Sei)

I know I was very surprised at the price of a Sei when I was researching which make to go with. Although I'd be lying if I didn't admit that the price helped to sway me a lot with the decision, I'd quite happily pay the extra 20% and not think twice about it.

I say good on Martin and John, it's about time they were monetarily rewarded for all their hard work. I just hope the price increase doesn't do anything to bring sales down and ultimately reduce how many Sei Basses are played and seen to be played.

+1. I have looked at SEI prices a number of times over the 13+ years I''ve known Martin. Each time I have thought (and continue to think) they are amazingly good value given the resulting bass, especially when compared to some of the other basses in The Gallery. I know the weak US dollar is currently having an impact (makes US basses cheaper in the UK, but UK basses more expensive in the US), but it has not always been this way during the last 13 years.

I saw Martin today because the SEI 8 is to all intents and purposes finished...it is all I could have hoped for and so more (sonically and visually) . I go on holiday tomorrow (off-line for most of which), so I will be picking it up on my return! Martin said he will be posting pictures of it soon (probably in the the Custom section), so keep your eyes open if you are interested.

 

[largo]

Got to admit, I've owned 4 Sei Jazz basses now and with the 20% price increase I doubt I'll be going back to Martin, as I can get the custom options for the same, or less price elsewhere. It's a shame but that's the market for you. I can now get Shuker, McIntyre, Sadowsky, Nordy or others for the same or less price with the same options and "not" a 12 month build time.

If I was to prefer the more exotic shapes of his other basses, or wanted 6+ strings then the 20% wouldn't make a difference.

 

[7string]

As a little light relief from the serious discussion of market forces and price increases, here's proof that Jezebel is fitting in nicely in Glasgow !!

Jen took some more pics of Jezebel this morning and managed to get Luna, our Rotty to pose for this snap. Luna's only 10 months old, having been offered for sale as an 8 week old puppy at a car boot sale on a freezing Christmas Eve. She was carried around for a couple of hours in just a towel, so we scrambled some money together and bought her...a sad story with a happy ending.

 

[matthewfoote]

As a little light relief from the serious discussion of market forces and price increases, here's proof that Jezebel is fitting in nicely in Glasgow !!

Jen took some more pics of Jezebel this morning and managed to get Luna, our Rotty to pose for this snap. Luna's only 10 months old, having been offered for sale as an 8 week old puppy at a car boot sale on a freezing Christmas Eve. She was carried around for a couple of hours in just a towel, so we scrambled some money together and bought her...a sad story with a happy ending.

 

[Mike Flynn]

Hey doooods - OK enough of the "are they worth it stuff" - OF COURSE THEY ARE!!!

Sorry... a little happy after seeing my bass today which is coming on in leaps and bounds - I snapped a couple of phone piccies - and did a little dodgy photoshop 'blacking out' - it's now got a fretboard and the back is shaped a bit more - it feels so light and the 33" scale is so exciting for comfort and speed - a rare combination indeed! Anyway some all important pics:

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PS - I've seen, held and played the 8 string beast - now it isn't my bag and it's a huge bass so not really comfortable for me (I didn't plug it in BTW) BUT it's unbeleivably stunning!!! Martin has done a truly jaw-dropping job - it's a monster!

Oh - and I also bought my Epifani 502 head - for an amazing price, and it's still warranty - it's been a good Friday...

Have fun weekends y'all

Mike

 

[BigRedX]

Mike, that's looking very tasty indeed.

Just out of interest how long has your bass taken to get to that stage and what's the ETA of the finished instrument?

 

[Mike Flynn]

Mike, that's looking very tasty indeed.

Just out of interest how long has your bass taken to get to that stage and what's the ETA of the finished instrument?

Hey Red - I put my money down in Feb - and I reckon I'm on for a Christmas finish - but that's optimistic - Martin's now on holiday for three weeks... the bass is looking sweet though \

M

 

[Paddy]

Hey Guys - been offline for the last to weeks as on holiday. Been around the Med on the mother of all ships (300m long 150ft high and 16 decks!) - some of the sights I've seen have blown me away - Vatican city, Colosseum and Pompeii being the big highlights

I've taken in

1. Venice
2. Athens
3. Istanbul
4. Mykonos
5. Naples (inc Capri)
6. Rome
7. Pisa
8. Marseille
9. Barcelona

You lot have been busy around here haven't you!!!!!

Mike - the meetup is an excellent idea, I'm in. And your singlecut looks pretty damn cool

Notrt - Wow, looks awesome - won't be long till you get your hands on that baby now.

Had an email from Spark in Japan who wants to join. He owns the fretless flam with Wal pickups - standby for some interesting pics!!!

As for the price increase, well they haven't raised their prices for quite a while so it's not unexpected and still below most other luthiers and (IMHO) a build quality that surpasses ALL the others.

The finishers have just received my fretless, could be a while yet but that's cool.

Anyways - off to HQ this afternoon to pick up my fretted which has received a setup and some TLC. I'll mention Sei merchandise to Alex, see if it's something that could be a goer, I'd be up for a t-shirt or two. I'm sure I'll sneak a look at some of your builds while I'm there. Updates Later.

 

[melt]

Mike, that bass looks fantastic. if I was going to get another Sei (made more unlikely by the price rise, but never say never) it would probably look almost exactly like that. Stunning.

Only problem I have at the moment is my Sei doesn't sound as good through my current rig as it did through the EBS in the shop (it sounds a LOT thinner, and is kind of swamped in my band ), and it's looking like it'll be a fair while before I can afford some EBS. What makes matters worse is I tried one of my Rics (my most used basses) through the EBS and it didn't work at all, and I'm loathe to have to end up with 2 rigs, even assuming I could afford it. Anyone have any suggestions for a cheaper compromise (currently using an Ashdown ABM500 through 2 1x12 Aguilars)? Markbass maybe? I'm hoping to borrow a friend's Markbass head soon to see what that's like with both sets of basses(and the Alembic of course).

 

[Mike Flynn]

Mike, that bass looks fantastic. if I was going to get another Sei (made more unlikely by the price rise, but never say never) it would probably look almost exactly like that. Stunning.

Only problem I have at the moment is my Sei doesn't sound as good through my current rig as it did through the EBS in the shop (it sounds a LOT thinner, and is kind of swamped in my band ), and it's looking like it'll be a fair while before I can afford some EBS. What makes matters worse is I tried one of my Rics (my most used basses) through the EBS and it didn't work at all, and I'm loathe to have to end up with 2 rigs, even assuming I could afford it. Anyone have any suggestions for a cheaper compromise (currently using an Ashdown ABM500 through 2 1x12 Aguilars)? Markbass maybe? I'm hoping to borrow a friend's Markbass head soon to see what that's like with both sets of basses(and the Alembic of course).

Melt!!!! I'm selling my EBS HD350 - I just sent you a PM - hope we can sort something out - drop me a line or give me a call. No rush.

Cheers

Mike

 

[Paddy]

Well - I'm back from HQ. Saw a couple of basses.

Notrt - beautiful, simply beautiful. The fanned fret thing isn't for me but you are not going to be disappointed.

Howie - Yours is doing very nicely now, you need to get up there and take a look. Won't be long before it goes to the finishers. The edging is very neatly done.

Mike - Your singlecut is going to be awesome, looks better in the flesh than the pics.

Sei24Bass - That is a MONSTER . As all Sei's, it looks absolutely fantastic. But my God man - there is such a thing as self-restraint An 8 string, unlined fretless - you brave bugger

 

[7string]

Great to hear how well the builds are getting on.

Mike - Great lookin' bass !!

I remember seeing my Sei for the first time. Just unbelievable to see my Sei. After all the waiting and even a rendering of what it might look like, it was a great moment to hold my bass for the first time.

Problem was, I then had to wait and imagine what it would sound like

 

[KCOBLE]

Mike, that bass looks fantastic. if I was going to get another Sei (made more unlikely by the price rise, but never say never) it would probably look almost exactly like that. Stunning.

Only problem I have at the moment is my Sei doesn't sound as good through my current rig as it did through the EBS in the shop (it sounds a LOT thinner, and is kind of swamped in my band ), and it's looking like it'll be a fair while before I can afford some EBS. What makes matters worse is I tried one of my Rics (my most used basses) through the EBS and it didn't work at all, and I'm loathe to have to end up with 2 rigs, even assuming I could afford it. Anyone have any suggestions for a cheaper compromise (currently using an Ashdown ABM500 through 2 1x12 Aguilars)? Markbass maybe? I'm hoping to borrow a friend's Markbass head soon to see what that's like with both sets of basses(and the Alembic of course).

I’m in SoCal, U.S. and have quite a few of Martin’s creations with a Millennium 7 in process.

I use three different rigs depending on how much I want to heft and how much stage volume I need. They all sound fantastic with my Sei's, Ritters, and Tobias's...even my “ancient” 1977 BC Rich from the long hair days. Here they are in ascending size:

- Carvin RB-210 Combo (600 watts with 2X10) – I use this for gigs where the majority of the sound goes through the house. Love that tilt back as a stage monitor!

- Rack mount Alembic FB2 and SWR750, through an Epifani UL-410 – unbelievably light for a 4X10, and you can’t beat the Alembic for a Fender Showman duplicate.

- Mesa Boogie Big-Block 750, with Mesa Powerhouse 1000 cabinet – Oh My Groceries, this will rattle your teeth. Think the grunt of an SVT with clarity of a super high-end boutique amp with TONS of air movement.

I also have a Carvin BRX-810 that sounds great, but it cost twice as much as the RB-210 for not a lot of improvement in the sound….so I’ll probably end up selling it.

With the weak dollar these days you should be able to get a decent deal on any of the above rigs from the states.

Cheers!

 

[7string]

Welcome to the thread Kcoble !!

It would be great if you could post photos of the Seis that you own. That Millennnium 7 is going to be something extra special

I'd love to know how did you found out about Sei basses from 'across the pond' and what made you want a Sei in addition to those basses you have from the US ??

 

[dutchwife]

How are we all? Spark in Osaka, Japan here. I can't believe it's taken me so long to stumble across this group...Anyway, I'd be grateful if you'd let me have one of those membership numbers!
As Paddy mentioned, I'm lucky enough to own #15, which is a flamed ebony fretless 5 with the added distinction of being armed with Wal pickups & circuitry. I picked the bass up at a ridiculously cheap price (relatively speaking...)a few years back & strangely enough I don't think I'll be letting her go any time soon.
When I was still living in London (anyone remember the Bass Centre in Wapping?) I borrowed one of the first Seis, a headless 6 for a couple of recording sessions & was blown away. Moving to Japan shortly afterwards I'd pretty much forgotten about them 'til I pick up this beauty. Now I'm wishing I'd chosen another job- if I wasn't playing bass for a living I'd probably be able to afford another one. Sheesh.......
Anyway, 'scuse the crappy pics, they're all I have right now. BTW, the fretless string spacing could still go a little wider but the bridge is maxxed out. If I posted dimensions, is there a gearhead out there who may know of a replacement?
Cheers for now,
Spark, Osaka.

 

[KCOBLE]

I came across Sei Basses purely by accident. A few years back I was looking for a six to replace a Smith six that was just too head-heavy. I saw a headless Sei six on EBay that was here in the states, bought it, and was hooked. It is S/N 053 and very sweet.

And after visiting the shop earlier this year to work out details on my new Millennium-7 I'm even more pleased with what Martin and the gang are doing.

I sold S/N 006 a few months back on EBay. You may have seen it; a fretless, headless six with Thuya front and back and wenge center. I loved it except the "fret" LEDs were positioned as they would be for a fretted bass instead of a fretless...i.e. not on the "frets" themselves but in between. I've played a pre-Gibson fretless Tobias-5 for years with the markers in the “normal” fretless place and I just couldn't break my old habit.

Hey Sparks! Great to see you on here. Been a while since we touched bass...PI. I love "Motel Boy" on your myspace...who is that bass player anyway???? ) "Reduced" has a great "Lamb Lies Down On Broadway" feel -- very nice.

Here's an URL to some photos of my Sei's:

http://s200.photobucket.com/albums/aa46/kac123456/?

Cheers!

 

[dutchwife]

Hiya K! Hot Darn, you're still alive! Thanks for the note Brother, & thanks for the kind words about the tracks! That bas guy? Dunno, some bald guy who's been kicking around the Far East for years.
Hey, are you ever going to give the headless six to me or do I have to sell my house to finance a new one?
Drop me a line to the other address if you feel up to it- it'll be nice to hook up again.

Best Regs,
Spark, Osaka.

 

[Rusty Chainsaw]

How are we all? Spark in Osaka, Japan here. I can't believe it's taken me so long to stumble across this group...Anyway, I'd be grateful if you'd let me have one of those membership numbers!
As Paddy mentioned, I'm lucky enough to own #15, which is a flamed ebony fretless 5 with the added distinction of being armed with Wal pickups & circuitry. I picked the bass up at a ridiculously cheap price (relatively speaking...)a few years back & strangely enough I don't think I'll be letting her go any time soon.
When I was still living in London (anyone remember the Bass Centre in Wapping?) I borrowed one of the first Seis, a headless 6 for a couple of recording sessions & was blown away. Moving to Japan shortly afterwards I'd pretty much forgotten about them 'til I pick up this beauty. Now I'm wishing I'd chosen another job- if I wasn't playing bass for a living I'd probably be able to afford another one. Sheesh.......
Anyway, 'scuse the crappy pics, they're all I have right now. BTW, the fretless string spacing could still go a little wider but the bridge is maxxed out. If I posted dimensions, is there a gearhead out there who may know of a replacement?
Cheers for now,
Spark, Osaka.

Hello! It's Russ... I sold you the fretless Sei...!

Good to know you're still enjoying it.. was half-considering getting in touch with you and asking to buy it back from you!

 

[melt]

I came across Sei Basses purely by accident. A few years back I was looking for a six to replace a Smith six that was just too head-heavy. I saw a headless Sei six on EBay that was here in the states, bought it, and was hooked. It is S/N 053 and very sweet.

And after visiting the shop earlier this year to work out details on my new Millennium-7 I'm even more pleased with what Martin and the gang are doing.

I sold S/N 006 a few months back on EBay. You may have seen it; a fretless, headless six with Thuya front and back and wenge center. I loved it except the "fret" LEDs were positioned as they would be for a fretted bass instead of a fretless...i.e. not on the "frets" themselves but in between. I've played a pre-Gibson fretless Tobias-5 for years with the markers in the “normal” fretless place and I just couldn't break my old habit.

Hey Sparks! Great to see you on here. Been a while since we touched bass...PI. I love "Motel Boy" on your myspace...who is that bass player anyway???? ) "Reduced" has a great "Lamb Lies Down On Broadway" feel -- very nice.

Here's an URL to some photos of my Sei's:

http://s200.photobucket.com/albums/aa46/kac123456/?

Cheers!

Hi KCoble. Can't access your pictures at work unfortunately but I'm pretty sure 053 is my original Sei Flamboyant 6 headless. Is it walnut on ash, headless with an Om inlay at the 12th fret and green side LEDs? If so, Martin said it'd gone to the States. Looking forward to seeing your Millenium 7! Oh, and I loved 006......

BTW, thanks to all for the gear suggestions/advice, and Mike, I'll keep you posted. BTW, I want your bass, it gets better every time I look at it! You know, whilst considering buying Alex's bass I was wondering if I should get another built instead but decided to go with Alex's because I was happier with it than with my previous 2, and there was always a slim chance I wouldn't get on with another custom quite as well.