Music Man S.U.B basses?

[EyesOfAnguishbassist]

I have the chance to buy one for 600$, its in good shape, anyone have one or play one? Do they sound as good as an actual Stringray? I read mostly good reviews on them but a few bad reviews make me a little scared. If I'm gonna spend 600$ I wanna get something worth it ya know. And also my bandmate's stepdad is selling a Fender American P Bass for 600$ so Im having a rough time deciding between the two. I'm leaning towards the Music Man just cuz I've always wanted a Music Man but I already know the Fender that he's selling is amazing too, but I don't know. Too many basses so little time Any help?

[bassist_25]

I'm trying to think if I've ever played a real Music Man. I know I've played Stingray/Sterling copies, but I can't ever recall playing the real thing. Hmmm...

Well, I can't speak for the Music Man then. I will say that $600 is a very fair price for a MIA Fender, though. I don't think you can go wrong with either instrument, but of course, which one would make you the most happy comes down to personal choice.

Sorry I couldn't have been of more help. LOL

[EyesOfAnguishbassist]

Haha sorry to confuse you dude, aren't the S.U.B's like the cheaper version of a Stingray or Sterling version? I meant the SUB as being the "not real" version, even though its still a music man, just not as expensive or not as good..

[bassist_25]

Yeah, I was unaware of the SUB series until you brought it up. Then again, I'm not a Music Man afcianado. Are they discontinued now? You may want to venture over to www.Talkbass.com and ask there. I'm sure you'll find some people who have played both Stingray/Sterlings and SUBs, and they'll be able to give you a pretty good comparison between the two.

I'd say that rationale would dictate that because they're not as expensive as a real Stingray, they wouldn't be of the same quality, but I know better than to say that. I know a number of people who prefer the less expensive series over the flagship lines of certain brands.

[MeYatch]

they discontinued the SUB series about two years ago. They have textured paint, and a 2 band EQ.

I think they are some what scarce do to being an affordable version of a $1300 instrument.

Personally I'd check on ebay for prices of the SUBs, I personally wouldn't pay that much, because I think thats about what they went for when they were new. However demand may now outweigh supply.

$600 for a USA P bass is a fair price, a little better than average.

The bass player from Shades Of June has or had a SUB bass, I don't know if he posts here or not.

[MOONDOGGY]

Go for the USA Fender. The SUB basses real MusicMans are likely the equivalent of Squier to Fender. They are a notch above OLP's version of the MMs, but they are not of USA Fender quality.

If you decide you don't like the Fender, you could probably get your money back out of it or even make a little. I'm willing to bet you'd lose a lot of money on the SUB bass.

I'm partial to the P bass tone, and I'm not experienced w/ MMs, so my opinion is quite biased.

Keep us posted on what you decide.

Thanks

[BassFinger]

+1 to buy the American P Bass. The SUB is a cheaper version of an American MusicMan. I love my USA Fender and never really cared for the SUB basses that I've played. I'd like to own a MM Bongo or Stingray.

But.....with that being said, buy what feels best for you. Experience just tells me (...and the guys above) that the USA Fender is a better value and investment.

Let's us know what you go with.

[orangekick]

For $600, you could just save your money and keep an eye out for an actual used Music Man. I've seen Stingrays go for as little as $750 used.

I've played both and I would hold out for the real deal.

[Bloodsong]

there one at Pianos and Stuff in Pittsburgh for $450 used- nstuffmusic.com

[EyesOfAnguishbassist]

Well I talked to the dude on the phone and he was unaware they have been disontinued so once I told him that he decided he didn't wanna sell it anymore anyways, but I think I'll prolly go with the P bass or save up the extra few bucks and buy a used Stingray..

[bassist_25]

BassNW has some used sweet-looking Music Men.

http://www.bassnw.com/usedbass.htm

Love the natural Ash Stingray and the gold finish one with the J in the neck position and signature humbucker in the bridge.

I almost bought a Benevente from BassNW a few weeks ago if I didn't go with a new Carvin. They must have sold it this week, because it's no longer listed.

[EyesOfAnguishbassist]

I ended up buying the P bass... and I must say, its my favorite yet! Words cannot describe how bad ass this thing is! haha

[MeYatch]

what year is the P-bass?

Serial number should be on the back of the headstock


N#xxxxx = 199#
Z#xxxxx = 200#

S is seventy, E is eighty, but the serial number dating gets sketchier the further back you go.

Post a picture!

[EyesOfAnguishbassist]

The serial number is Z0150097 so its a 2000 right? It has a drop tuner and it came with the case and their isnt a mark or scuff on it and it was only 600$..And heres a picture of it, thats not me haha, just the dude I bought it off of...

[MeYatch]

yeah, that serial number should be a 2000.

You are left handed? I didn't even know they made a left handed S.U.B. bass.

That's an aftermarket bridge, if you were not already aware.

[EyesOfAnguishbassist]

thats just the way the picture came out , it is a right handed bass. lol

[jebersole]

FYI: There's a used black/maple stingray (single H) at Rainbow in State College. It's tagged at a little over $1K, but maybe they'd deal...