Anyone have any experience with Newark Street M85?
- Thread starter drlucky
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Minnesota Flats
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I've toyed with the idea, but I already have an NS SFI, which I figure would cover pretty similar tone territory. If I didn't already have that, I might be more interested. Plus I'm not crazy about opaque finishes: I wanna see the wood grain.
If I could find either a GSR M85II or a Westerly M85II (BiSonics) that was within financial reach, I might be more motivated. Even if they'd make an NS M85II in trans red or green or natural Mahogany or blond; that might tempt me. Any color other than black.
If I could find either a GSR M85II or a Westerly M85II (BiSonics) that was within financial reach, I might be more motivated. Even if they'd make an NS M85II in trans red or green or natural Mahogany or blond; that might tempt me. Any color other than black.
MacGuild
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Thread is also an earlier thread here, Doctor:
Newark Street M-85 review and discussion
Over on the Last Bass Outpost. An interesting dialog. Note it starts on page 5, not at the beginning. http://bassoutpost.com/index.php?topic=8606.0
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@twocorgis tried to buy one and went through two or three samples before he gave up and returned the last one. I think they were all fit and finish type issues on what was being sold as a new instrument.
I spent many years thinking a vintage M85 was a Holy Grail. I tired and missed out on a couple that sold for over $3K. When I finally got to play a 1970 M85 I (belonging to @The Guilds of Grot - see my avatar) I realized that there was very little it could do, sonically especially, that my '67 Starfire didn't already do. It became less of an obsession although I still have First Dibs on Grots.
@Happy Face has a vintage M85 II. He is less enamored of Starfires so he is likely to have different opinion about what is a viable alternative to a M85.
@mavuser has a GSR M-85 II.
To the question, last I checked the Newark Street M85 I was no longer available. So it would be a good choice but also is competing with the original Newark Street Starfire I with Bisonic which is only available used. The current Starfire with a P bass style PU is certainly a contender if you want Guild and short scale and can be flexible about a Bisonic.
I spent many years thinking a vintage M85 was a Holy Grail. I tired and missed out on a couple that sold for over $3K. When I finally got to play a 1970 M85 I (belonging to @The Guilds of Grot - see my avatar) I realized that there was very little it could do, sonically especially, that my '67 Starfire didn't already do. It became less of an obsession although I still have First Dibs on Grots.
@Happy Face has a vintage M85 II. He is less enamored of Starfires so he is likely to have different opinion about what is a viable alternative to a M85.
@mavuser has a GSR M-85 II.
To the question, last I checked the Newark Street M85 I was no longer available. So it would be a good choice but also is competing with the original Newark Street Starfire I with Bisonic which is only available used. The current Starfire with a P bass style PU is certainly a contender if you want Guild and short scale and can be flexible about a Bisonic.
Thanks!Thread is also an earlier thread here, Doctor:
Newark Street M-85 review and discussion
Over on the Last Bass Outpost. An interesting dialog. Note it starts on page 5, not at the beginning. http://bassoutpost.com/index.php?topic=8606.0
Happy Face
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Being a smallish guy. I found the width of Starfires to be awkward. Most other people here and elsewhere do not agree.
The M-85 profile is more similar to a Les Paul. The post 1970 (or so) solidbodies have the same sort of face, but are not as deep as the earlier ones like mine. MGOD here thinks the later profile is preferable. As hard as it is for me, I agree with him.
The Newark Street version sported the thinner profile.
The M-85 profile is more similar to a Les Paul. The post 1970 (or so) solidbodies have the same sort of face, but are not as deep as the earlier ones like mine. MGOD here thinks the later profile is preferable. As hard as it is for me, I agree with him.
The Newark Street version sported the thinner profile.