lozbass

[quote name='molan' timestamp='1347490030' post='1801710'] Just picked up one of these: [/quote] Lovely Molan - classy

I've never really understood the opprobrium heaped upon the Gibson 3 point bridge (though I can agree with 2 of Neepheid's 5 factors - personally, I haven't had a problem with stripping, individual height or stilt confidence). I find the bridge on my Ripper (I've had it since '79) to be a very solid unit with no sustain/resonance problems. The only real issue for me has been saddle drop-out, and possibility of the bridge unit coming away from the height adjustment bolts when re-stringing: if you're aware of this potential problem, then you should't experience any difficulty.

No problem - you could also take a look at the Fusion 1 - an impressively protective and roomy bag (but only just accommodates the length of a J)

I'd try a Protection Racket - I had one for a RIM with a very extended upper horn and the fit was great - good protective case too

Alanbass, without measuring, I'd say that the internal dimensions of the M80 and Vertigo are dissimilar (very significantly so in terms of depth). The Vertigo is as long as the M80 so I doubt you'd have any problem with a 35" scale (Celinder?). Also, if you are thinking of the Vertigo for a Celinder, given the Fender shape and slender headstock design, I'm pretty sure you'd be OK. My J Update 4 (34") fits easily with plenty of headroom and I doubt a bottom machine head would bulge.

Can you give a little more detail or an image? I can't see why the strings wouldn't sit cleanly unless there was some mechanical or fitting problem - or maybe it's an issue with the silk wrap. I play short and medium scale basses with round wounds and have no problem with d'Addario medium scale strings.

Cheers guys, I'd agree with much of the comment - if you have an M80, I wouldn't waste too much sleep deciding whether to replace it with a Vertigo. However, if you're looking at buying a MONO, then the Vertigo is worth consideration subject to my caveats above (if it's for a fairly standard, I.e., Fender style shape, then you can't go far wrong). I'd certainly concur that MONO could have invested some R&D resource in the backstrap system (the M80 and Vertigo straps appear to be the same on close inspection). Also, if you simply slide your bass out of the side/top of your M80, then you've already addressed the issue that MONO claim is solved by the Vertigo (however, I almost invariably lie my bags on a table/desk/floor to remove a bass). The main advantages of the Vertigo over the M80 are the 'Boot' protection, the 'auto' neck brace, and low-profile design. Main disadvantages are lack of storage (one big pocket), and limited capacity (angled and 2+2/3 headstocks can be problematic). Of course, utility value depends on the bass for which the case is intended and personal habits and real-world usage patterns. My view is that the relative advantages of the two bags are significant and worth consideration. If I was buying a first MONO for a Fender-style bass, I'd probably go for a Vertigo. For anything else, or if extra storage was important, I'd opt for an M80.

'Read the review and used to own a Fodera MG5 (probably 8 or 9k at current prices) - I'm not having a pop at Fodera - absolutely stunning basses with incredible attention to detail, fabulous wood-working and exotic everything (just not really for me). However, I've had other stupidly expensive instruments where it's perhaps a little more clear where some of the £7k (or whatever) went. As with pretty much anything (and any bass brand), some principles of economics and branding at play. In addition, I tend to agree with most of the comments on BGM - not really worth more than 5 minutes in W H Smith on the way to do something else.

I received a Vertigo this morning (very promptly despatched and very well packed by Bass Direct). First impressions are this: Light and reasonably protective - similar in protection to the M80 Fairly slender from front to back - MONO suggest basses of no more than 3" thickness - I'd say this is about right. There's an issue here for me - it's necessary to give a thickish bass a good push to get it seated (though the bag may loosen with wear). Neck brace system - very impressive and effective - a nice design solution and quite an (iterative) innovation Seating - great for symmetrical basses, not so good for Jazz style, off-set bodies - these tend to swing left/right and need to be held in place whilst the brace closes and the bag is zipped Top loading system - this is as quick as MONO claim and saves messing about with the bag lay on the floor (great in real-world, cramped gigging situations, or less than ideal rehearsal/street spaces). You can have a bass out of the bag in about 3-4 seconds Heastock space - another issue - fine for Fender style 4 in-line but not great for 2+2 and wider headstocks: my Alembic Brown Bass makes the bag bulge at the sides (for this reason, the BB doesn't live in the bag). Also, there is little room to accommodate angled headstocks - this could be a problem Straps and comfort - I've never found M80s very comfortable - the straps on the Vertigo feel thinner and less comfortable (though I could be wrong). The bag tends to ride high on the back. Boot feature - very nice and another impressive innovation - the bottom 'foot' of the bag is very well protected (the bottom of the bass is well cushioned with real protection for the strap pin) and the rubber should be useful in wet conditions Zips and fittings are all high-quality Pockets - there are few pockets and storage is limited (unlike the M80) - an add-on 'guitar tick' will offer much extra space (however, with a significant additional outlay) In sum, a nice bag with some impressive and innovative features (that may or may not be of interest depending on the way you use your bag in the real world). I wouldn't recommend the bag for angled headstocks, 2+2 headstocks, or those with a preference for very comfortable or low-riding bags. If you're looking for something cool and trendy and need to have your bass out of the bag and ready to go in seconds, then it's worth consideration. If protection is critical, again I'd be looking elsewhere (Protec Contego, Hiscox). An expensive product but with some impressive features, great looks, decent protection and light weight.

Picked this Brown Bass up recently, just a couple of quick shots (iphone) from the polish and set-up until I can get something better. I'm exceptionally pleased - another testament to the craft and vision of the Alembic people

Yikes, sorry to hear bout the board and fret issues! This bass was mine for a short period, and whilst the action wasn't very low, there was no issue with the neck at all - indeed, one of the selling points was the Brazillian board. It's good to hear that there's been a positive outcome despite the problems - a lovely looking instrument

I've had a MkIII custom 6 and a fretless MkII 4 - both absolutely gorgeous to look at. For me the tone has a strong '80s association (though thats a. not a bad thing, and b. not all a Wal can do!) As explained with great eloquence above, the tonal range is outstanding/surprising. Beyond that, the playability can be superb. I played a lot of Wals in my youth and there was a distinct V profile to the neck - I'm not sure that the V is so pronounced in current models - I found it very appealing years ago, not so much now. Overall, the fit, finish, quality of components, craftwork and timber selection is certainly towards the highest end of bass luthiery. At the £3.5k mark you'd expect this. In this segment of the market too, there's a lot of choice - many years ago, Wals would have been at the top of my list - I can't really say this now (just personal preference).

Sounds absolutely wonderful to me - love the 'live' feel, aggression and attack (and the track) - took me back to the power pop of the late '70s and early '80s (in a good way). I listened on a very good pair of cans and the bass did feel a bit right panned ('live' feel?) - a personal thing, but I'd have it a bit more down the middle. Great to hear this with the vocals on it in a final mix

[size=5][font=arial, helvetica, sans-serif][sub]Congratulations - an absolutely beautiful buy (and I'd agree on the quality of the Custom Shop basses - really first rate in my experience)[/sub][/font][/size]