Your Thoughts on Stambaughs...

[T. B. Player]

With all due respect to the OP, are you going to buy the brand that finishes highest in the poll? As much as I value the collective experience around this forum I would never, and I mean never, let someone else make my gear choices for me. Don't be afraid to go your own way (at least with brands that have a respected and long-term good reputation).

M. M.

Thanks, BB -

I've learned that there has to be some kind of process with any kind of decision. Discernment is prayer, gathering as much information as one can, making the decision, claiming responsibility for it, and then being open to change if the decision was not a good one.

When I went through this the last time, I did a year's worth of research, and looked at EVERYTHING. And, there are other factors involved, such as the folks that have said "Get what you want and don't mind the wait," or "Don't settle for something less that what you wanted in the first place just because something's available." I'm also thinking that I'm approaching a milestone birthday (which basically means I'm not getting any younger), and saved on the kids' college tuition this year (one completing a full-year scholarship and the other completing a year-long internship). After this year, there's 6 more years of college tuition ahead, so I won't be able to do anything then.

Getting opinions is just a part of the process, especially when I've never played one of the instruments in question.

Z

 

[spade2you]

With all due respect to the OP, are you going to buy the brand that finishes highest in the poll? As much as I value the collective experience around this forum I would never, and I mean never, let someone else make my gear choices for me. Don't be afraid to go your own way (at least with brands that have a respected and long-term good reputation).

M. M.

I don't really think that needs an "IMO". There is simply a difference in quality between an instrument handmade by a master luthier and a mass-produced instrument that will likely never be overcome, no matter how far technology progresses. If the prices are even close to each other, I can see no reason to go with the mass-produced instrument.

Exactly. Besides, everyone is picking the bass for THEM, not YOU. FWIW, if you put Fender in the poll, it would win no matter what you were looking for.

 

[Ben Lesser]

Exactly. Besides, everyone is picking the bass for THEM, not YOU. FWIW, if you put Fender in the poll, it would win no matter what you were looking for.

That would be a good test.

The thread title could be something like "Suggestions on a new bass (with poll)," and then the body could be about how you're looking for a new 9 string fanned fretless with MIDI, with poll options such as Conklin, Stambaugh, Bee Bass, and Fender.

See which one wins.

 

[spade2you]

That would be a good test.

The thread title could be something like "Suggestions on a new bass (with poll)," and then the body could be about how you're looking for a new 9 string fanned fretless with MIDI, with poll options such as Conklin, Stambaugh, Bee Bass, and Fender.

See which one wins.

Ya know, they'd probably say that you just need a Fender and don't really want anything with more than 4 strings, active electronics, etc, followed by how it would never work in the studio.

LOL, a few years back, Fenders were being nominated for the most upright sounding, never mind something like a ROB ALLEN!

 

[blowinblue]

I've learned that there has to be some kind of process with any kind of decision. Discernment is prayer, gathering as much information as one can, making the decision, claiming responsibility for it, and then being open to change if the decision was not a good one.

Getting opinions is just a part of the process, especially when I've never played one of the instruments in question.

Well, Mr. Player, with that kind of philosophy there is a high probability that you will make a correct decision. And good on you for putting those youngsters through college. Sometimes there are much more important things than gigs and gear. For my money, I would have to choose a Stambaugh, even though the wait for a new one would be painful. Mine speaks to me and the audience like no other instrument I've played (with the exception of my Elricks). Between those two brands it's a toss-up IMHO. There I go, making the choice even more complicated.

M. M.

 

[82Daion]

Of the basses in your poll that I've played, the best fretless was a Roscoe LG3005 with Nordstrand dual-coils, a Bart pre, and an ebony fingerboard. It felt great, the setup made playing effortless, and it had a beautiful, singing tone. I'd probably skip the pre if it were my order, but I doubt you could go wrong with a Roscoe.

Outside of the current Prestige series, I'm not sure that there's an Ibanez that would measure up to anything in your poll.

 

[T. B. Player]

Well, Mr. Player, with that kind of philosophy there is a high probability that you will make a correct decision. And good on you for putting those youngsters through college. Sometimes there are much more important things than gigs and gear. For my money, I would have to choose a Stambaugh, even though the wait for a new one would be painful. Mine speaks to me and the audience like no other instrument I've played (with the exception of my Elricks). Between those two brands it's a toss-up IMHO. There I go, making the choice even more complicated.

M. M.

Thanks. I tried Elricks when I was looking for my fretted a few years ago. Something about it just wasn't right (everyone's hands are different, which is why there are so many basses out there...and I've never liked Fender for instruments...although I owned two original MusicMan StingRays - still have the fretless).

I've tried a Ken Smith last week (which is why it's out of the running), I've owned an Ibanez (and the potential is for their new top of the line Prestige - but just found out there's a quality issue with them). I've played a Roscoe and an Overwater, but have never touched a Stambaugh, which is why the thread asked for opinions on them.

I'm pretty much decided...just considering the financial options.

Guess I should join the fretless club too...who do I PM for a number?

Z

 

[T. B. Player]

I'm going to close this thread (if I can) since this now gets pushed to page 5 after a day, the Stammie and the Ibby always keep tying, and the Roscoe keeps pulling ahead. Roscoe wins the poll (but that doesn't necessarily mean that's what I'll do - remember, there are pms that came in with some great ideas).

Thanks for your thoughts on the Stammies, which was the main point of this thread, since I've never played, seen, felt, touched, held or heard one.

Play nice together out there...and thanks again!

Z

Edit: MODS: For some reason I can't close threads (I can't change thread titles either, so I'm not surprised). Could you close this up for me, and thanks!!

 

[T. B. Player]

I took the two extremes as voted on in the poll.

I have secured a used Roscoe 6 as a fretted "gigging" instrument (since I've heard that they're too nice to just let sit) -

And I've ordered an Overwater fretless 6 - don't know when it will be done, but I'm in no hurry. Whenever I start a new job, I always give myself a three-year "break-in" period to devote to getting it down before I can get myself sidetracked by music again. This will be the bass that gets the recording and church gigs. The Brice will still go to the bars and festivals.

Thanks for the input!!

Z