NEWS  

Here's the latest from MusicYo:

SPIRITS -> More stock should be arriving in the next few weeks. They don't have any fretless 4 strings but that's only an oversight. They'll be ordering more. No new models or features currently planned.

GM's & GR's -> Right now they just want to keep a decent number of models and colors in stock. Nothing will happen with the reissued bound Newburgh GM's until the XQ basses make their re-appearance. Probably 3-4 months out at best. Speaking of basses. . .

XQ's -> They'll have a prototype assembled in the next week or so. They have made the decision to go with EMG pickups (no Bartolinis at this time) and at this point are leaning towards the ceramic & steel models. You might recall these pickups are more similar to the original EMG-SS in construction and tone. The HBCS is already on the market for the 4 strings, and EMG is currently working on a P5-CS version for the 5 strings. Best guess on availability on the site is 6-8 weeks.

** One interesting note - Most brands of basses sell far more 4 strings than 5 strings, especially for the economy lines. For their #1 selling Kramer line (Steinberger is a close 2nd) about 20% are 5 stringers. However with Steinberger 47% of the Spirit basses sold are 5's. This was kind of surprising when they recently looked at the numbers, as that's the kind of split you normally find in higher priced basses. Because of they are inclined to offer any new Steinberger bass models as a 5 string first, particularly on the higher end graphite neck instruments. **

NEW MODELS -> Good news and bad news here. The good news is that since Ned is officially back on board, the ideas have been flowing. In addition to new body styles, Ned has also been actively working on new hardware. Now the bad news - this new hardware will delay the appearance of new product. We'd confirmed a hard tail was in the works last year, and they also mentioned Ned has submitted a drawing for a 6 string bass bridge. No other specifics (like a Type3 TT) have been confirmed at this time. As you may know R&D and tooling on this stuff can takes some lead time, so it'll likely be 3-4 months before we see all new product.

PARTS -> In that past few weeks I went over the inventory list from the trailer and submitted the first requests fro parts. MY is having their staff pull those boxes and locate the individual. Once they've got the parts in hand they'll be sending me some proposed pricing. I will share those details here, and then take pre-paid orders from that point forward.

CONCLUSION -> Overall sales are still strong and consistent. Gibson is pleased about that and excitement is building for the future of the line. Sounds like good things are happening.

More news as it arrives.
Posted by andyyak 5/9/2003 01:40:01 PM