Hey can anyone who has owned or played both an Elfin and an Elfin Plus share their thoughts on the body size difference. Thanks!
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Show us your Martin Keith Basses
- Thread starter 77stingray
- Start date
I own the Elfin Plus, have not played the Elfin, but based on similar basses I've owned I can comment on one aspect. The Elfin Plus is designed to have Fender-style ergonomics, which means you don't have to reach way out to play notes down by the nut. It also has a nice balance, with no neck dive as I've gotten from Spector, Warwick, other 24-fret basses. OTOH, the downside is that you might have to "reach in" against your body to play the uppermost frets. Those frets are accessible because of the deep lower cutaway (though the neck heel intrudes a bit), but your left arm and hand might be right against your body when playing up there.
Again, just one aspect. Not a problem at all for me because I'm not much of a high-register guy, and besides, it can be dealt with by shifting the bass. But if you frequently solo in the upper register, then you may prefer the Elfin Minus (so to speak).
I own two of each (and the first of each, heh). I like them both. I feel a little more nimble on the upper part of the fingerboard on the Elfin. There is more of a reach to first position, but with the shape/size of the body, the whole thing shifts slightly rightward so it's never been an issue. The Elfin plus is heavier, so that might be a consideration if you are using heavy body woods. One of mine is Northern Ash, though, and it's still about 9 lbs so it's not bad at all. If it were walnut (like one of my Elfins) it would be heavier than I'd want.
You can kind of see the natural hanging position of the Elfin here:
Versus Elfin plus here:
Slightly less reach on the Elfin plus, but really, it's minor. If you'd prefer more of a Fendery feel, the Elfin plus is more like that. If you want more of solo machine or want to go lighter, I'd go Elfin.
I went with my first Elfin plus (the koa one on his site) not exactly for a Fender vibe but for more of an acoustic bass / double bass / semihollow "big bass" feel" to contrast with my solo machine Elfin (the myrtle one).
I can add more as I think of other details; running out now.
Thanks!
Between the 2 body styles, which do you think would be better for a 4-string, and which do you think would work better for a 5-string?
I am seriously considering ordering one right now!
Why not give Martin a call? Seriously! He's extremely generous with his time, and is very approachable. About your question: I have not played a "Plus" model, but I own an Elfin 5. Though aesthetically I prefer larger-bodied basses, this is THE most comfortable bass I've played sitting and standing.
You didn't ask me, but I think either one for 4 versus 5. If it were medium or shorter scale, I'd go Elfin. Extra long scale might go more with Elfin plus (although my Elfins are 34.5" scale and I'm happy). I'd go with the one you dig the looks of more...or do what I did and get one (or two) of each. I guess you'd still need to figure which one to get first.
Sounds like Maiden Bass needs to do a road trip over to the LAND OF THE FLAKES and try Marshall's basses.
You didn't ask me, but I think either one for 4 versus 5. If it were medium or shorter scale, I'd go Elfin. Extra long scale might go more with Elfin plus (although my Elfins are 34.5" scale and I'm happy). I'd go with the one you dig the looks of more...or do what I did and get one (or two) of each. I guess you'd still need to figure which one to get first.
I'm still working on my specs, but I am thinking of ordering an Elfin 4 first and then if I love the first build I'll go with an Elfin Plus 5 for the second one!
I'll post back if/when I order the first one, and will list my specs.
Whatever you decide on you'll be over the moon when you get it. Martin's basses are really unique and really special, and he happens to be an amazing person. You really can't go wrong.
When I was first looking into his basses I didn't like the look of the body shape of the Elfin basses. I eventually ordered an acoustic bass, and on a trip to Martin's I played a solidbody Elfin 5 string. Once I played it and had it in my hands I understood why the shape is what it is. They are ergononic and feel incredibly comfortable position wise. Now I look at the shape with appreciation and I find them really attractive.
When I was first looking into his basses I didn't like the look of the body shape of the Elfin basses. I eventually ordered an acoustic bass, and on a trip to Martin's I played a solidbody Elfin 5 string. Once I played it and had it in my hands I understood why the shape is what it is. They are ergononic and feel incredibly comfortable position wise. Now I look at the shape with appreciation and I find them really attractive.
I am super thrilled to be putting in an order for the 32” scale 5 string version of this bass, which was amazing:
Almost ready to order an Elfin!
Tomorrow might be the day!
Tomorrow might be the day!
Almost ready to order an Elfin!
Tomorrow might be the day!
I've had some amazing experiences with custom bass builds -- notably Sadowsky and Nordstrand -- but have to say that my experience with Martin Keith was every bit as good if not better. I'm referring to the customer support and overall process, along with the product. Cheers!
P.S. I will get a second Keith one day.
I've had some amazing experiences with custom bass builds -- notably Sadowsky and Nordstrand -- but have to say that my experience with Martin Keith was every bit as good if not better. I'm referring to the customer support and overall process, along with the product. Cheers!
P.S. I will get a second Keith one day.
Order has been placed this morning!
I totally trust Martin and am looking forward to getting my first Martin Keith bass - an Elfin 4!
If things go well I already have plans for a second one - an Elfin Plus 5.
I'll post my specs tonight!
Congrats man!!!!Order has been placed this morning!
I totally trust Martin and am looking forward to getting my first Martin Keith bass - an Elfin 4!
If things go well I already have plans for a second one - an Elfin Plus 5.
I'll post my specs tonight!
So here are my specs:
Elfin 4-string, 34" scale, tuned/setup BEAD, northern ash body with figured maple top, maple neck with EVO gold frets, Rocklite Ebano fingerboard with Luminlay side dots, black hardware, Aguilar DCB pickups with an 18 volt Noll or Aguilar preamp (haven't decided which one yet), high gloss translucent finish, and a custom color that is based off of my early 90's Geddy Lee model Wal bass.
Elfin 4-string, 34" scale, tuned/setup BEAD, northern ash body with figured maple top, maple neck with EVO gold frets, Rocklite Ebano fingerboard with Luminlay side dots, black hardware, Aguilar DCB pickups with an 18 volt Noll or Aguilar preamp (haven't decided which one yet), high gloss translucent finish, and a custom color that is based off of my early 90's Geddy Lee model Wal bass.
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