US Masters ep5 - opinions ?

Has anyone played those US Masters ep4 or ep5 basses? I'm a lefty and they make them left-handed. I thought an ep5 might be a cool addition to my setup. It's the one with the single P-style pickup and an EMG pre.

Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!

-vinnie

 

I've got a lefty ep5 coming in on Friday supposedly. The folks at US Masters are VERY accomidating. I requested some fairly simple changes to the bass and for a very small upcharge, they said, "no problem!!!" I'm pumped to give this one a try.

I'll post pics, information and first impressions next weekend if anyone is interested.

-Vinnie

 

I did get it and have my gripes. Here's the deal and these of course are personal opinions:

o 5 string neck is truly too wide for me
o Neck profile is too bulky
o There was a resonating of some sort in the trussrod system.
o Armstrong split pickup lacks character
o 3-band eq pots were not wired inversely for lefty. Neither was volume. ARRRRGG!!!
o Low-B string is not very loud and pickup adjustment does not improve output.

Again, I had them seal the body a bit more and move the pickup towards the bridge. They did that but those did not turn out to be drastic options. I'm hoping that we can resolve a return and refund policy. I have also given them the option that I might like a 4 string from them. The 5's are just too much for me. I'll stick with my Modulus 5 which has a much friendlier profile.

These are just opinions on this particular instrument and everyone will have different views on it. This is not to say that US Masters customer support is some of the best I have encountered. Also, the overall craftsmanship of the bass was fantastic.

My opinion is, either go for their higher end basses or check out other 5 strings. Again I plan to stick with the Modulus 5 for live and find a cool 4 for recording situations. The 4 maybe a US Masters however.

-lsimy

 

Assumer,

Post your impressions up here as well. I'd be interested to hear what you think.

Thanks!

 

Assumer, did you get the US Masters ep5 yet? If so what are your opinions?

I successfully returned mine and plan to go after the ep4 instead. I may do some minor modifications pickup/pre wise but I would get one due to their incredibly small profile and great value.

Thanks!!

 

Yo!!!! My goodness.

Well good choice on the G&L. I had an L2000 lefty. I should never have let it go. Great great bass.

-lsimy

 

No experience with the JB2 but I have always wanted an SB2. My L2000 was a pretty big bass for me but sounded great.

US Masters was very accomodating with the return of the ep5. Dave over there is one of the nicest guys in guitar building I have met. They really look out for their customers.

The US Masters body profile was very cool. Very small body wings. The neck had potential but was just so wide and the lack of B string power was not going to make it for me. Again, I am considering an ep4 as an alternative 4 string and I might change out the pickups and add a leftover Basslines MM in the bridge position. The Sperzel tuners were really nice though the bridge could have used replacing as well. Perhaps another project bass for me.

-Lsimy