|
|
Joined:
September 2005
Posts: 3618
Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | Can anyone here give me the low down on magnum basses? To be specific, the differences in the models, quality, and reasonable prices? |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2002
Posts: 5750
Location: Scotland | Apart from prototypes and factory oddballs there were 4 models. Magnum 1 & 2 which had a kinda stretched Deacon/Breadwinner shape and Magnum 3 & 4 which had a more conventional twin cutaway guitar shape. Models 1 & 3 shared the same 4-knob, passive mono/stereo circuitry, while the 2 & 4 had mono only out with an active 3 band graphic EQ. Pickups were the same on both though models 3 & 4 lost the big pickup surround/thumb-rest and string mute. Finishes were natural & sunburst on the 1 & 2. Magnums 3 & 4 were natural & black. I've seen a few greyburst too. Quality isn't an issue, and they all sound great. The Magnums were one of Ovation's finest moments, the rest of the industry just doesn't know or care. I have a sunburst Magnum 2 and I'd never get rid of it. I also have a Musicman Stingray and I'm going to unload it because the Magnum kicks it's ass. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
September 2005
Posts: 3618
Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | Thanks Paul. I tried checking out the Reference page here for the hard bodies listings, but was unable to pull much up (maybe because of my dial-up connection). I kinda' like the 3-4 body styles a bit more, although the pickup surround was very cool and should have been kept in the design. The string mute thing sounds like something I would like to use to get the upright bass sound on occasion. How does that work? I usually have to mute the strings at the bridge with my right hand. I have been watching a greyburst one on Ebay, but there are limited funds available at this time. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
February 2002
Posts: 5750
Location: Scotland | The thumbrest is a great idea, but the string mute doesn't really work very well, it's either not enough or too much. Plus I found that the little tag for the lever mechanism got in the way, so I took the thing out completely. |
|
| |
|
Joined:
January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | the mute was an idea that dies about 3 years before the production of the basses started, just that nobody told us.... |
|
| |
Magnum Bass Question
