The Last Bass Outpost

Robin Baard of Baard Guitars makes many G3/Ripper/Grabber kinda basses.

I just ordered a Limited Run Mustang Bass in Antigua.

You are right. But don't forget HB cuts a step in the route from manufacturer to distributor to shop.

Neck doive: I thought It would be worse. The strap button is at the 18th (!) fret. It has some, but not that much. As a Thunderbird player I'm used to play my bass 'at the hip' and that works for this bass too.

Two years ago I saw the HB-50 for the first time at the Mannheim Guitar Summit. It took a while before it was available and when it was available it was sold out immediately. The second batch is in and I got one for a review.

It's a strange mofo. A long scale semi solid with an Arect alnico MM in the MM-position. It's very well made and the looks are great in real life. Better than on the website pictures. It is everything you don't expect from a semisoild. It's a real rocker. Peter Hook would love it. Distortion, chorus, a pick and go!
The neck and binindgs are smooth, it's a looker and you just have to wear this one low and attack it!

https://www.thomann.nl/harley_benton_hb_50_cherry_red.htm?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1544065364&gbraid=0AAAAADuDMCUK66UUNBET_8VHYaRS2x3Zp&gclid=CjwKCAjw1dLDBhBoEiwAQNRiQZgXSxTMErcGh0aMY8C0XXT6hIz6LUUKony1kupmO61ukcQyPF_CMRoCyB8QAvD_BwE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOpozBFJb1I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwTfBTGXNAM

I reviewed an orange Gretsch 32" with TV Joneses once. A special Run. That's THE bass I regret not buying.

The new Laura Lee Jazz Bass is nice: white/cream DiMarzio's, double stack controls and chrome covers. And it has Made in Mexico on the headstock....

So certain products can't be Made in USA anymore if a certain amount of foreign parts is used?

I just tried a Player II Modified P for the magazine. The headstock reads 'Made in Ensenada' which of course is a city in Mexico. I don't want it to be too political, but is it?

We can talk of MIE bassses now

Tha one looks really cool and it matches the garden chairs well. The cat doesn't seem impressed, though.

Quote from: Dave W on May 06, 2025, 08:14:34 AMWe're getting way off topic here, but all the MM style on MEC's website are passive. If they make active ones, they're hiding them from me.

We sure are. I just was on the MEC website and you're totally right. All passive. I did review some basses with active MEC MM style pickups. I'm sure. I guess they are discontinued.

Quote from: Dave W on May 03, 2025, 03:18:14 AMThe MEC MMs are passive.

MEC has closed active ones too.

Quote from: Dave W on May 01, 2025, 08:29:25 AMEMGs are active, I'm not aware of any others.

Easy enough to install a bypass switch. I've had adequate warning that the battery is going. though.

Genuine MM pickups are low output, they're designed to work with a preamp. There are higher output MM style pickups on the market.

Yeah, I mean all the original pickups are passive. EMG makes active ones and Warwick/MEC too.