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Show us your Martin Keith Basses
- Thread starter 77stingray
- Start date
Hi all, friendly bump. Seriously considering an order for a custom 5, E-C and was mostly set on ACG... then I stumbled upon this thread. Wow.
I have a quote request out to Martin. Keeping it simple... Elfin, walnut body, headless. I don't need a AAA top but a subdued claro or other classy/non wallet-busting top may be in the budget. Probably passive, maybe even a single pup to keep it in the budget ballpark.
My only semi-requirement is carbon due to my location. I'm not sure how much his hybrid necks cost, or if he offers carbon rods as a default.
Hoping, fingers crossed, that it comes in under $4k. The one thing that caught my eye -- other than the superlative craftsmanship and beautiful work -- he seems to have an insanely quick build time of 4 months or so, at least according to his About page.
Anyone with recent orders... how long have your build times been? I'm going for a pretty standard/vanilla build except for the headless part. I've been lurking on various builders' pages and got a little bummed seeing the 2-3 year wait times. Maruszczyk is 5 months, and ACG is about 10.
Be well and happy new year!
I have a quote request out to Martin. Keeping it simple... Elfin, walnut body, headless. I don't need a AAA top but a subdued claro or other classy/non wallet-busting top may be in the budget. Probably passive, maybe even a single pup to keep it in the budget ballpark.
My only semi-requirement is carbon due to my location. I'm not sure how much his hybrid necks cost, or if he offers carbon rods as a default.
Hoping, fingers crossed, that it comes in under $4k. The one thing that caught my eye -- other than the superlative craftsmanship and beautiful work -- he seems to have an insanely quick build time of 4 months or so, at least according to his About page.
Anyone with recent orders... how long have your build times been? I'm going for a pretty standard/vanilla build except for the headless part. I've been lurking on various builders' pages and got a little bummed seeing the 2-3 year wait times. Maruszczyk is 5 months, and ACG is about 10.
Be well and happy new year!
It was 4 months for my vanilla Elfin Plus back in 2015. Holy crap, time flies (and I've been having fun with my MK).
The wait time may be a bit longer right now, but for a basic headless it should be around that.
Don't be afraid to tell Martin what your budget is. That will help. Definitely tell him about the climate where you live, and your concern with the neck moving. The hybrid necks are more expensive, but I'm sure he'll figure out a solution for youn even if it's not a hybrid neck. He loves to solve "problems" through design.
I’ve working with Martin on finalizing a build and he indicated 7-8 months based on his current orders. Not sure if it varies based on the build itself or other factors.
Yeah, he has a good amount of orders in at the moment. That seems like a more reasonable time frame.
I had a bizarro custom build with Martin and it took longer. I am NOT complaining—he was great. It’s my favourite instrument. It’s just that when you’re working with a 1-person shop it’s important to be a little flexible on timelines.
Also, @swartzfeger , I don’t know about the weather where you live but there is a bit of movement on the neck, or at least for me there has been in the first year. I live in Montreal and we have massive temperature and humidity swings. As winter hit the truss rod needed a tiny tweak. I used to own a modulus bass with 100% carbon fibre and this is not that. But I really love the neck. Super resonant, plays very well.
Also, @swartzfeger , I don’t know about the weather where you live but there is a bit of movement on the neck, or at least for me there has been in the first year. I live in Montreal and we have massive temperature and humidity swings. As winter hit the truss rod needed a tiny tweak. I used to own a modulus bass with 100% carbon fibre and this is not that. But I really love the neck. Super resonant, plays very well.
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It's definitely not going to be a fully carbon fiber neck. Those are very specific. I believe (please ask Martin to clarify) the thin layer of graphite that he uses allows him to use lighter, more resonant neck woods while keeping them stable. It's not necessarily to give you a "graphite" neck. It's a very thin but functional feature.
...and also every wood neck is expected to need seasonal adjustments.
Alan (ACG) is great. You might also look at Cliff Bordwell, who has built me a couple of wonderful basses. I can recommend either one.
I think it helps to look at who is already building what lines up with what you have in mind, but of course, there are builders like Martin who seem to enjoy trying new things!
My build has taken a bit longer than normal for Martin, but he’s been spending a lot of time working up a new acoustic bridge design to allow for adjustable action and intonation along with the piezo saddles…
I think it helps to look at who is already building what lines up with what you have in mind, but of course, there are builders like Martin who seem to enjoy trying new things!
My build has taken a bit longer than normal for Martin, but he’s been spending a lot of time working up a new acoustic bridge design to allow for adjustable action and intonation along with the piezo saddles…
Also @swartzfeger , if cost and build time are concerns, you may want to have a look at For Sale - 2022 Martin Keith Headless 5
I spoke to Martin about the new bridge design. He's really trying to get it right, and it's quite an undertaking for sure. What he showed me the was super cool, but not sure if that was the final design or not.
All, thank you for the thoughtful replies.
I emailed Martin last night, hadn't heard back this afternoon and didn't think much of it... then I checked my spam. Thank God I did! His reply was amazing and generous.
For starters, I basically laid out in the email what I did here in my first post. What I want, the "sound" I'm shooting for, what my budget was along with some general questions. He can definitely do everything I want for $3000. Headless (which I definitely want) adds $450.
Basically some tidbits from the email, things others might be interested in --
When asking him about his hybrid neck, or if he could do carbon rods, he said:
And headless:
I won't quote him directly on this, but my build time would be very reasonable, probably a little quicker than others since it's mostly a vanilla build.
I will also check out Cliff Bordwell but so far everything is feeling like "this is it" with Martin (who knows, I may be saying the same thing about Cliff tomorrow, I'm a slut). I felt like "this is it" too w/ ACG but the issue was going to be exchange rate and import duties, probably bringing me in closer to $3800+ (with close to a 12 month wait).
Also, forgot to mention -- for my build, Martin recommended Aguilar Super Doubles -- anyone have experience with them or use them for a build? These are going in an all walnut body with maple neck wenge board. Kind of looking for a burpy/agressive mid range, tight low end for an overall fusion vibe but will be doing lots of chordal stuff too. Warm clarity/articulation on the top wouldn't hurt.
ALSO (last thing) -- Keith asked me my thoughts on 33" and I quickly warmed up to his recommendation (in his words, a sweeter sound C). Less pingy and brittle. Yeah, I think I would like that. A little reach never hurts, too.
Thanks for listening to me blab, the Martin email has me a little stoked
I emailed Martin last night, hadn't heard back this afternoon and didn't think much of it... then I checked my spam. Thank God I did! His reply was amazing and generous.
For starters, I basically laid out in the email what I did here in my first post. What I want, the "sound" I'm shooting for, what my budget was along with some general questions. He can definitely do everything I want for $3000. Headless (which I definitely want) adds $450.
Basically some tidbits from the email, things others might be interested in --
When asking him about his hybrid neck, or if he could do carbon rods, he said:
And headless:
I won't quote him directly on this, but my build time would be very reasonable, probably a little quicker than others since it's mostly a vanilla build.
I will also check out Cliff Bordwell but so far everything is feeling like "this is it" with Martin (who knows, I may be saying the same thing about Cliff tomorrow, I'm a slut). I felt like "this is it" too w/ ACG but the issue was going to be exchange rate and import duties, probably bringing me in closer to $3800+ (with close to a 12 month wait).
Also, forgot to mention -- for my build, Martin recommended Aguilar Super Doubles -- anyone have experience with them or use them for a build? These are going in an all walnut body with maple neck wenge board. Kind of looking for a burpy/agressive mid range, tight low end for an overall fusion vibe but will be doing lots of chordal stuff too. Warm clarity/articulation on the top wouldn't hurt.
ALSO (last thing) -- Keith asked me my thoughts on 33" and I quickly warmed up to his recommendation (in his words, a sweeter sound C). Less pingy and brittle. Yeah, I think I would like that. A little reach never hurts, too.
Thanks for listening to me blab, the Martin email has me a little stoked
For a high C a 33" scale can't be beat. Also, at this point I trus anything Martin tells me to go with. He also happens to be a great musician/bass player. He always gets it rightAll, thank you for the thoughtful replies.
I emailed Martin last night, hadn't heard back this afternoon and didn't think much of it... then I checked my spam. Thank God I did! His reply was amazing and generous.
For starters, I basically laid out in the email what I did here in my first post. What I want, the "sound" I'm shooting for, what my budget was along with some general questions. He can definitely do everything I want for $3000. Headless (which I definitely want) adds $450.
Basically some tidbits from the email, things others might be interested in --
When asking him about his hybrid neck, or if he could do carbon rods, he said:
And headless:
I won't quote him directly on this, but my build time would be very reasonable, probably a little quicker than others since it's mostly a vanilla build.
I will also check out Cliff Bordwell but so far everything is feeling like "this is it" with Martin (who knows, I may be saying the same thing about Cliff tomorrow, I'm a slut). I felt like "this is it" too w/ ACG but the issue was going to be exchange rate and import duties, probably bringing me in closer to $3800+ (with close to a 12 month wait).
Also, forgot to mention -- for my build, Martin recommended Aguilar Super Doubles -- anyone have experience with them or use them for a build? These are going in an all walnut body with maple neck wenge board. Kind of looking for a burpy/agressive mid range, tight low end for an overall fusion vibe but will be doing lots of chordal stuff too. Warm clarity/articulation on the top wouldn't hurt.
ALSO (last thing) -- Keith asked me my thoughts on 33" and I quickly warmed up to his recommendation (in his words, a sweeter sound C). Less pingy and brittle. Yeah, I think I would like that. A little reach never hurts, too.
Thanks for listening to me blab, the Martin email has me a little stoked
Hi all, friendly bump and hope you're having a good start to the new year.
Have been in contact w/ Martin and getting ready to finalize my build. More importantly, I just moved some Nikon gear that will allow me to put down a significant down payment (close to $3k!). So hopefully within a week Martin can give me a spot and hopefully have some pictures to share by summer.
Also -- I noticed on the Elfin gallery page, or maybe it was IG, that a build had a truss rod wheel. Didn't know that was an option and something I'd definitely want. Has anyone ordered that thru Martin? I'll ask him when we finalize everything.
Have been in contact w/ Martin and getting ready to finalize my build. More importantly, I just moved some Nikon gear that will allow me to put down a significant down payment (close to $3k!). So hopefully within a week Martin can give me a spot and hopefully have some pictures to share by summer.
Also -- I noticed on the Elfin gallery page, or maybe it was IG, that a build had a truss rod wheel. Didn't know that was an option and something I'd definitely want. Has anyone ordered that thru Martin? I'll ask him when we finalize everything.
Congrats on the order! What are you looking at for specs?Hi all, friendly bump and hope you're having a good start to the new year.
Have been in contact w/ Martin and getting ready to finalize my build. More importantly, I just moved some Nikon gear that will allow me to put down a significant down payment (close to $3k!). So hopefully within a week Martin can give me a spot and hopefully have some pictures to share by summer.
Also -- I noticed on the Elfin gallery page, or maybe it was IG, that a build had a truss rod wheel. Didn't know that was an option and something I'd definitely want. Has anyone ordered that thru Martin? I'll ask him when we finalize everything.
I've never felt the need for the wheel, but it's a great idea!
33" high 5 (E-C) headless
Walnut body, maple neck/wenge board
carbon rods
We're still working out the top because my budget was (originally) set to $3400 or so. Martin said he could do a 'nice but not crazy' top plus my specs for just under $3500.
But now I may be moving my 4 string which would give me a lot more latitude
One thing that got me gassing hard was looking at Martin's Elfin page (or maybe the IG page) and the bubinga "pickguards' Martin does. Looks super classy.
Ideally, if I had the money, I'd love a Holly top (or maybe a maple flame top) w/ an ebony "pickguard". I'm not sure if Martin has access to Holly or Ebony but it's got me thinking about different combos.
Also -- does anyone have a 5 or 6 Keith with a narrower spacing? I've played 19mm my whole life but after looking at Janek Gwizdala's 16.5 specs I don't think I would find it too narrow (19mm is starting to feel a little "stretchy" for me even though my hands aren't small).
I've been playing a 6 with 16.5mm spacing for many years now. I experimented with different basses to find what worked for me. Can you get your hands on something with more narrow spacing to try first? I have smaller hands so it's perfect, but it's not for everyone. If you want to play more chordally then the narrow spacing is great.33" high 5 (E-C) headless
Walnut body, maple neck/wenge board
carbon rods
We're still working out the top because my budget was (originally) set to $3400 or so. Martin said he could do a 'nice but not crazy' top plus my specs for just under $3500.
But now I may be moving my 4 string which would give me a lot more latitude
One thing that got me gassing hard was looking at Martin's Elfin page (or maybe the IG page) and the bubinga "pickguards' Martin does. Looks super classy.
Ideally, if I had the money, I'd love a Holly top (or maybe a maple flame top) w/ an ebony "pickguard". I'm not sure if Martin has access to Holly or Ebony but it's got me thinking about different combos.
Also -- does anyone have a 5 or 6 Keith with a narrower spacing? I've played 19mm my whole life but after looking at Janek Gwizdala's 16.5 specs I don't think I would find it too narrow (19mm is starting to feel a little "stretchy" for me even though my hands aren't small).
