Why do you think PRS bass guitars did not do well?

[Buddy Shagmore]

I had an Electric Bass 4. It was a light flametop black, with a maple neck. The build quality was awesome and it looked so cool. The weakness was the pickups. It just didn't cut thru enough for me, so I sold it.

 

[tbp0701]

Interesting thread. I was wondering this, too, as I recently decided to finally pick up bass and have been eyeing Kestrals, although I've not seen one in person.

Right now I have a Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Bass I found used and nicely set-up with flats at a local shop, so I've been learning on that. (I initially had a Fender Aerodyne found on the used rack of the local big store, but I couldn't git rid of the buzz, took it to a tech I trust, who quickly saw the neck was bowed around the fifth fret and may have been twisted, so I returned it).

 

[Prs Mods too]

Because they're ****!!!

 

[Dave32]

Having owned the Kingfisher for over 2 years now I can say they did not sale well not cause of the build quality, but cause of the pot's and pick-ups they choose to put in them. The neck, fretboard, and body were top quality, but the electrics? My pots only worked for about 30% of the turn radius, and the pick-ups were very weak & low output. I ended putting a EMG kit on it and it now sounds and plays great, I still play it from time to time. For a $1000 bass you would expect a bit better electrics on it, as it was, it was only about a $400 bass at best. I really like the PRS brand, I still have a 35th anniversary SE guitar that I love and it's top quality. I wish the would reintroduce the Kingfisher with better electrics, and as a 5 string. I would buy one in a hart beat.

 

[shinksma]

Having owned the Kingfisher for over 2 years now I can say they did not sale well not cause of the build quality, but cause of the pot's and pick-ups they choose to put in them. The neck, fretboard, and body were top quality, but the electrics? My pots only worked for about 30% of the turn radius, and the pick-ups were very weak & low output. I ended putting a EMG kit on it and it now sounds and plays great, I still play it from time to time. For a $1000 bass you would expect a bit better electrics on it, as it was, it was only about a $400 bass at best. I really like the PRS brand, I still have a 35th anniversary SE guitar that I love and it's top quality. I wish the would reintroduce the Kingfisher with better electrics, and as a 5 string. I would buy one in a hart beat.

Our Kingfisher and Kestrel have no issues with the pots or pups. But both of ours are Korean made - do you have one of the Indonesian made runs? (I assume they were made there in the last few years.) Maybe that's part of the reason? Or maybe we're just lucky with our household climate, or just lucky?

 

[PRSWILL]

It's a little " stick with what you know" I think... If anyone on here is a golfer- you may remember Orlimar and Adams?? Both were AWESOME niche players in hybrid tech - replacing 3/4/5/6/7 woods. THEN - they decided to make drivers.... oops. Going up against huge incumbents - in golf it's Taylor Made/ Ping / Titelist and others- in Basses it's the same- and I'm not a bass player- so forgive me but all I know about are Lakland, Warwick, Ambelic and the usual suspects. I think it's good Paul dropped out of that race.