Here are some observations from my new M7 5-string, alder, TBL bass.
Weighs 9.4 pounds (with replacement metal knobs in place) which works for me. I use a Gruv Gear neo solo strap with it.
I had a few frets that were a little rough on the ends, so I taped around the fret and the side of the neck with frog tape (painter's tape) and did a little sanding with 400 grit sandpaper (both of which were lying around the house). That took care of the issue without any damage to the neck.
The shafts on the blend/treble/bass knobs are pretty short, so the lock screws on my metal knobs make contact with the shaft up towards where the shaft splits. So this means that the knobs don't sit completely straight which may or may not bother you. They also don't lock down really tight since the top of the shaft is split (so you can pull the knob off without loosening the locking screw). A repair person said that those shorter shafts were designed for push on knobs (like the ones that came with the bass). If you find knobs with locking screws that are lower on the knob, it might work better. Just something to keep in mind when searching for replacement knobs.
The knobs that came with the bass were plastic with rubberized outer coating. The work fine, but I liked the look of black metal knobs better. When I first received the M7, I took a paper towel (to get a good grip) and while holding down down the lower knob, I pulled up on the volume and mid level top knobs to give a little space so they didn't cause the tone/mid frequency knobs to move at the same time the top knob moved.
I found that the amount of effect the tone knob had depended on which amp I used. For some amps, there was very little effect if any whereas other amps it did have a noticable effect.
If you use the sigle coil settings, go with single/single. Mixing single with series or parallel will introduce hum. Moving the blend knob from the center detent when in single/single will cause hum.
The bass sounds great and is easier to play than my other 5-string bass. I was not sure the wider neck and string spacing along with flatter radius and thinner (front to back) neck would be more challenging.
The color of the bass looks much better in person than on the website. The finish on the body is pretty flat (not glossy).
I am really enjoying this bass.
Weighs 9.4 pounds (with replacement metal knobs in place) which works for me. I use a Gruv Gear neo solo strap with it.
I had a few frets that were a little rough on the ends, so I taped around the fret and the side of the neck with frog tape (painter's tape) and did a little sanding with 400 grit sandpaper (both of which were lying around the house). That took care of the issue without any damage to the neck.
The shafts on the blend/treble/bass knobs are pretty short, so the lock screws on my metal knobs make contact with the shaft up towards where the shaft splits. So this means that the knobs don't sit completely straight which may or may not bother you. They also don't lock down really tight since the top of the shaft is split (so you can pull the knob off without loosening the locking screw). A repair person said that those shorter shafts were designed for push on knobs (like the ones that came with the bass). If you find knobs with locking screws that are lower on the knob, it might work better. Just something to keep in mind when searching for replacement knobs.
The knobs that came with the bass were plastic with rubberized outer coating. The work fine, but I liked the look of black metal knobs better. When I first received the M7, I took a paper towel (to get a good grip) and while holding down down the lower knob, I pulled up on the volume and mid level top knobs to give a little space so they didn't cause the tone/mid frequency knobs to move at the same time the top knob moved.
I found that the amount of effect the tone knob had depended on which amp I used. For some amps, there was very little effect if any whereas other amps it did have a noticable effect.
If you use the sigle coil settings, go with single/single. Mixing single with series or parallel will introduce hum. Moving the blend knob from the center detent when in single/single will cause hum.
The bass sounds great and is easier to play than my other 5-string bass. I was not sure the wider neck and string spacing along with flatter radius and thinner (front to back) neck would be more challenging.
The color of the bass looks much better in person than on the website. The finish on the body is pretty flat (not glossy).
I am really enjoying this bass.
