What's this one chaps

[KennysFord]

Hi folks,
i've been offered a Musicman copy but i can't figure out what it is from the headstock logo.
Any ideas ?
The guy has no idea what it is or how much would be a fair price for it.
Much appreciated

Edited April 23, 2012 by kennyrodg

[LukeFRC]

olp

[KennysFord]

Thanks luke.
That's good then right ? Any idea on value for such an item ? Presuming it's in good nick.

[Grand Wazoo]

From wikipedia:

In the late 1990s, the demand for cheaper versions of Music Man instruments had increased and other companies had begun to exploit this market-gap by producing replica instruments, built from inexpensive woods and components in various East-Asian countries. Music Man responded by licensing its designs to HHI/Davitt & Hanser, launching [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OLP_Guitars"]OLP[/url] (Officially Licensed Products) to give Music Man market coverage in this price point.

As a replacement for the overseas line of [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OLP_Guitars"]OLP[/url] Music Man instruments the company developed the 'SUB' line of [url="http://www.music-man.com/specs/instruments_subguitar.html"]Guitars[/url] & [url="http://www.music-man.com/specs/instruments_sub.html"]Basses[/url] (listed both online & in print and other media as well as physically on the headstock first as the acronym "S.U.B." for "Sport Utility Bass" and then as the non-acronym "SUB" due to the fact that two versions of guitars were made under the "Sport Utility Bass" banner, and that a "S.U.B. Bass" repeated 'Bass' twice). This midrange line (in which the typical cost was typically less than 1/2 the price of their "standard" instruments) was launched in 2003 to prove that a quality instrument without the bells and whistles could be made in the USA. A non-angled "slab" piece of wood to which a textured paint that didn't call for any polishing was applied, as well as necks with a matte painted back instead of the "Oil & Wax" finish applied to the higher-end models made up the bulk of the changes between the lower and higher model lines - quite simply, "Production Hours" were reduced as opposed to the quality of the wood, hardware, or electronics that allowed the 'SUB' line of guitars & basses to be made at their price-point without a loss of their trademark quality. The product was a success and helped Music Man when its main price point was in a slump. Sterling Ball has commented that, due to the quickly growing $1,000+ segment of the guitar industry, there have been fewer and fewer SUBs in production each year. This line was made at the same plant that makes the higher priced models, but was discontinued in September 2006. Used 'SUB' guitars & basses are in high demand and have held their prices even years later on the used instrument market such as [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EBay"]eBay[/url] and private forums due to their quality and "Made In The USA" production status. "Music man is a great guitar brand" Quoted Mr. Les Paul in 1999.

[Truckstop]

I've played a couple OLP's and they were not bad at all. But I've never come across an unmodded one. Usually, the pups or the bridge will have been changed, read into that what you will. But made of proper wood and have comfy necks. I would say around the £100-£150 mark?

Truckstop

[Ou7shined]

The ones I've played have been decidedly "meh"... get a Sub if you want something close to a Stingray.

[pietruszka]

I've always been keen on the OLPs. Great basses for the money. But yes, if you can push to a SUB then do so, they are excellent. Even James Brown's bass player had one, so they can't be that bad!




Dan

[KennysFord]

Cheers for all the replies guys.
I think i'll give it a miss judging by the comments. I'd only go and throw a lot of money ar in on upgrades so no point going there.
I still miss my the Sterling i had to part with few years back but this one won't cut it.
Thanks again.

[derrenleepoole]

OLP's are great basses at cheap prices. People mod them because the relative cheap cost of the bass, plus the good quality electronic upgrades at good prices, means you can get a very reasonable instrument with a good unique tone for not much money. I did the exact same thing. Picked up an OLP for 100 or so, put in a Basslines pup for £60 and an Audere pre for £120 or so. A great bass all for under £300.