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Reviews of my Level 6s. The customer is always right!

Hi!

Having played the Level 6 for a few weeks now, I just wanted to let you
know that I'm loving this bass more and more every day. I was very happy
with the Yamaha TRB-6, but the Level 6 blows it right out of the water!!
The neck has the right width, but is much more comfortable with the slim
profile, the light weight means I can play for hours without getting
tired, and the sound is just unbelievable! I feel this bass can give me
anything from Stingray to Precision (via Alembic and MTD), and the coil
tap switches are extremely useful! I find that I usually dial in a good
tone with the balance centered and both pickups in humbucker mode. Then
I can get all the tones I need and then some by simply flicking the
switches or giving the balance wheel a slight nudge. And as a bonus,
it's really beautiful! A stunner!

So, just wanted to let you know that the Level 6 and I get along really
well, and that it is all that I hoped it would be and then some. :-) I'm
so happy that someone on talkbass.com pointed me in your direction

Thanks again for a great bass, Matt!

I'm sure this comes as no surprise to you, but I've fallen completely in
love with the Level 6! :)

All the best,
Jon-Inge, Norway

This is the 5th MPG bass you've made for me and it is
by far the best of the bunch. The neck is the most
playable 6-string I've felt - that perfect wide John
Patitucci spacing, but slim profile - it almost feels
like a 5, but no stumbling over strings at all -
plenty of room for slapping, octave jumping, and all
without losing your left hand orientation on the neck.
You simply cannot find necks like these anymore
without paying well over $3,000 from one of your
custom shop peers. The most surprising item was that
you squeezed an 18volt system into my bass - one
battery in the socket, and one in the electronics
cavity. After swearing you couldn't do it, you gave
me 6db more headroom, and I can honestly tell the
difference. Once again, the Bartolinis sound
magnificent, and the coil taps on the humbuckers give
me wonderful options. And truth be told, this was a
bass that gave you trouble in the making - first a
cracked neck pocket requiring a rebuild on a gorgeous
body, then a tilt-back neck problem requiring a
rethinking of string retention past the nut taking
into my complete distaste for "bar" style string
retainers. You would not let this thing out of your
sight until it was absolutely perfect. The cobalt
blue Quilt Top is subtle and gorgeous, and the
matching headstock (which I usually don't dig no
matter where the bass comes from, is simply a gorgeous
compliment to a beautiful piece of art. The fret
work, inlays and the pau ferro fretboard both look and
feel fantastic, and this board is 100% true - no
twists, no turns, no bumps and no dead spots. Clear
consistent tone string to string, fret to fret, from
#1 to #24. I literally cannot put this bass down, and
at just about 9 pounds, who the hell would want to?
It balances perfectly, sings like an angel, and will
honestly make me work to be a better player. It is a
bass that transcends the ones you've made for me
before, and that's saying something. You've got a
gift, Matt. This is simply exemplary work done by a
guy who treats every player like they are the most
important customer he's got; you're craftsmanship is
only matched by he courtesy and respect with which you
treat your players. These basses and the man who
makes them are an honest gift to the bass player,s
community. You and your work stand alongside the best
in the business. I am happiest when I am playing my
MPGs. Thanks for making my basses, Matt. Thanks for
standing behind them, even when they need some
tweaking. Thanks for being as true to your players as
you are to your craft. It will be a while before I
can afford #6, but I think that's okay - this is the
culmination of everything I ever wanted in a 6 string.
From the heart Matt, thank you.

-Steve Maddern

Hello Matt!

After a half year's playing your Level 6 I send a review for your web site. My other basses now rest in peace in their cases. (Bring them for backup, but have never unpacked them.) The Level 6 is all I use, except for my fretless, of course. It felt good from the first day, when I took it directly to a rehearsal. Feels good, looks good, plays like a dream and sounds like all basses in one.

The bass is very versatile, dynamic, and responds to playing styles very well. The electronics are good, but I tend not to tweak a lot. Pickup balance and playing style is enough for me. I have used it with my main rig, an Eden with the new Gallien Krueger Neo cabs, which gives a very flat sound. For dirt I have a Tech 21 Sans amp programmable pedal which gives the right amount of grit for our party hard rock act. My backup rig, a small EBS Drome combo, gives a totally clean, modern sound. I used the bass for some studio work and the tone was solid, fundamental when DI'ed. When recording with a Lapponian(!) hard rock artist, I used the Sans Amp for grit. Very convincing Chris Squire tone in deed. By the way, set the eq flat the bass sounds exactly the same as when in passive mode, no difference in levels either.

The instrument's balance is perfect. Perfect! Light weight and perfect balance is a dream for an old aching back. The 35'' scale gives a good snap and "schwung" to the tone, the full 3/4'' string spacing feels comfortable, just like playing a Fender, which is what I always have as reference. A player with smaller hands may like a narrower spacing better. I don't.

The only thing needed some getting used to was the matte finish of the neck. I am used to rounder gloss 70's Fender necks. Do you make custom neck profile, Matt?

The case is another case. The ProTec heavy duty gigbag is a chapter of its own. Rock solid, lightweight, with pockets big enough for all documents for a major law case...

One thing to keep in mind is that a good instrument, like this, makes you addicted. I see in distant future what would be nice: a blond, maple neck 6 string version of my 70's Jazz and a one pickup passive fretless 6 string with no pot's at all, but that's another story...

Roger Hedin

Hey Matt, I just wanted to say thanks for making THE perfect bass. I picked it up as soon as i got it and couldnt put it down till 2 this morning. I was a bit skeptical at buying before playing, but i do not regret it one bit. THe bass is awesome. It is exactly what i wanted. The sound, look, feel and playability are amazing. It is so easy to play. This is a bass i dream about playing. So its a keeper for sure. You can put it on the basses sold page. I am so pumped to show this badass off! But seriously, i can't thank you
enough.

Thanks again, Matt Healy (MPG for life)

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hey matt!

got the bass on friday, just to let you know that your bass is THE best i
have ever played. i just can't get over how light it is (it looks to big for
a kid my size) and is effortless to play.

so many people have been asking me about the bass and not even a single word
of negative feedback came through. you should have given me more business
cards though, i gave out all of 'em already.

when i was trying out the bass (to buy an amp) at a local music store,
passerbys stopped to look (not because of my fowl playing, he he) but to
look at the bass. i'm so damn proud of it!!on the second day out (for the
bass) i played for the King and Queen and i'm quite sure when he looked at
the stage, he must have been thinking what is this kid doing with such a
beast of an instrument. i've been telling everyone i know and don't be
surprised if you get more orders from this part of the world!!! one more
will certainly come from me. maybe if all goes well, i would love to have 5
string neck-through by the end of the year.

anyway thanks again matt!

Rozhan Razman (Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA)
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Matt:

You are a God. I thank you for having the talent to make such an awesome
bass.

First - Your creativity definitely matches your ability to make instruments
- which is an unusual and awesome thing. The Level 6 is a tremendous
instrument.

Second - I sincerely can say that you put a lot of instrument makers to
shame by making this bass (the Level 6) so perfect. I love the growl on the
low end, the natural sustain that the neck carries and the comfort level -
from the feel of the neck to the lightness of the body and the way it hangs
when strapped in. I seriously can focus on playing now instead of what I can
do to rest my back.

Third - My previous bass, a Riverhead five string, is not an option for me
anymore. I am seriously going to be putting money aside to have you fire up
another Level 6. It may sound corny, but I liken your work to that of an
artist and I can't say that about many of the instruments I have played.

Keep up the hard work and good luck!

Jake Higgins
www.Big-Grape.com

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Yo Matt,

Marcus Vann here. You built a Level 6 for me a while back, and I haven't
had the time to say thank you. Man, let me tell you, I was standing outside
waiting for the UPS guy on the delivery day. My girlfriend and I opened up
the bass and we both gasped in sheer delight. I played it unplugged, and
the clarity and richness of tone was something else. Plugged in, in passive
mode, this bass was a nice piece of work. But when I switched to active
mode, this bass became one bad mother - shut yo mouth!!!!!! On the gig, it
took about 5 notes before the drummer yells to me, "That's a Bad Bass!!!!!"
I say yeah, I know. The sax player tells me, "That Bass sounds
wonderful!!!!" I say yeah, I know. The keyboard player says, "My God, that
bass is one bad Micki Ficki!!!!" I say, uh.... yeah, I know. Not many cats
around here play a 6, and none of them play one like the one I've got. The
sound, the feel; Matt, I can't thank you enough. When I'm doing my
VictorStanleyMarcusOteilAlain Patitucci thang, I'll always think of you.
And so will everyone else. Let me know when we can get started on a level 4.

-Marcus "Bigsmooth" Vann

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Hi Matt - the bass arrived this morning, and I just had to tell you straight
away how pleased I am with it - it's everything I'd hoped for, you are a
real craftsman.
The finish is beautiful, and as for playability, when I first tried it, I
assumed the action would be as low as possible, and I was a bit dissapointed
as it was a bit high for me. I started lowering things, expecting buzzes all
over the place any second, and - nothing - it just kept going lower and
lower! What a neck - it makes every Fender I have ever had look amateurish
by comparison.
I can't really say anything about the sound yet, as I've only put it through
the practice amp so far -when I turned the bass up the speaker flapped so
much I thought it was going to fall out. I'll try it through the 18" bin
when everyone is at work tomorrow.
And you even get a nice case thrown in!
I really can't say enough about how pleased I am with it Matt, you even got
the cloverleaf tuners on as I asked. It really is the best looking and best
playing bass I have ever handled, and now I've paid for mine, I really think
you should put the price up, a lot!
Thanks once again, and good luck at the show, you really deserve it.
Cheers,
Mark (who won't be buying any more basses ever again, now that he's got this
one)

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Matt,

Well, I got the Level 6 last Wednesday and haven't been able to put it
down (I even took it to work). The only 6 string I've played that even
comes close in terms of playability is the Yamaha Patitucci model, and
that is one heavy mother. The Level 6 is light, and the tone is
incredible with the bart set up. Very rich bottom with very pure, singing
highs in the upper register. This is the 6 I have been waiting to get,
and it was well worth the wait to be able to get it from you. And the hell
of it is, it cost less than anything else but plays and sounds better!
That you take 4 simple pieces of wood and make such a great sounding
instrument is amazing. I also am appreciative of the setup - the hipshot B
bridge is actually better than the A model in my opinion and the action on
this bass is flawless with no buzzes on an almost completely straight
neck. I won't have to wait for it to "settle" to get decent action. And,
the wide string spacing means I can slap easily and my finger style
approach needs no adjustment to fit a narrower configuration. You built it
just the way I wanted it built! Fit and finish are perfect, and I really
can't believe it's as easy to play as it is. I simply adjusted my strap,
and cut loose with no fumbling or "looking" for strings.

Thank you Matt! I feel lucky to have found a builder that takes such good
care of me as a player and a customer. Any cats I meet looking for a bass,
I send to you first. There's just no one else out there making, selling,
and taking care of people's basses the way you are. My best wishes and
heartfelt thanks to you.

-Steve

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Hi ! Matt.
 
I received my LEVEL6 Fretless.
 
Packaging is PERFECT.
The Shape of LEVEL 6 is BEAUTIFUL.
Weight and balance is SUPERIOR TO ANY OTHER BASS.
Playability is SLEEK.
Fret work is AMAZING....!!!!
 
SOUND is ...... WONDERFUL....!!!!!!
 
It is the best fretless 6 string I've ever seen before.
I could'nt find any defect at all.
The craftmanship is EXELLENT.
 
I'm very glad to meet my dream fretless bass.
Thank you very much Matt.
 
 
Janghoon Oh.

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Dear Matt,

I received my new Level 6 a few days ago and am now ready to report how I
feel about the bass.

To put it as simple as possible, it is the best 6 string I have ever played.
Everything that is touted on the website is true. It has outstanding tone
and presence, and the weight and balance is super whether it is on the strap
or on my thigh while playing sitting down. The craftsmanship is great and
the maple veneer and matching headstock add so
much to the flavor of the bass.

I took the Level 6 over to the big music store here in Atlanta to a friend
who routinely sells Warwicks, ZON's and a custom bass that he has designed
with another luthier here in Atlanta. He was totally impressed with
everything about the bass from the finish, to the deep yet tight B string.
When I told him what I paid for it his eyes bugged out of his head and he
said "you have to be kidding". His comment is that the Level 6 would sell
for somewhere in the $3000+ range at his store.

For sound, construction, and ease of play this bass rates a perfect 10 in my
book. Recorded it speaks volumes, and live it is impossible to be ignored.
Thanks for taking the time to do the job right and doing an excellent job of
building a professional instrument at a sensible price that is sure to turn
heads and ears.

There are many of musicians here in Atlanta and I cannot wait to play it out
at a club and see how many come up to me to laud the bass.

Thankfully,
Paul Rusek

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Dear Mr. Pulcinella--
 
Please accept my heartfelt thanks for creating such a wonderful bass with
the Level 6. I have played many different makes, none of which were
slouches, and you have come up with a truly remarkable instrument.
 
I received mine yesterday, and spent the time I should have been sleeping
before work playing the bass unplugged. Since my rig was at work, I had to
wait until then to see if its impressive unplugged sound translated well
when I plugged it in. In the meantime, I was floored by the sheer
craftsmanship of the bass; it was a joy to strap on and play (I've never
played a six this light and well-balanced) and a sheer delight to look at.
Yeah, I admit it, I spent all afternoon in front of the mirror saying "damn,
I look cool with this bass on." Anyone who says he doesn't do that is a
bald-faced liar.
 
Then I plugged it in at work. Oh my God.
 
I played the whole night, from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., with the bass in passive
mode, and it sounded like an active bass. That's not natural! It was punchy
and articulate, warm AND focused, wonderfully responsive to my horrible
attempts to slap like Victor Wooten. My bandmates remarked at the end of
every set that it sounded incredible. Strange women made amorous overtures
to me. I lost 50 pounds, my hairline came back and my teeth got whiter. It
was unreal.
 
So, until someone else around here buys one of your basses, I have the
baddest one on Bourbon Street. I showed it to a fellow bassist across the
street after work, and his eyes nearly popped out of his skull, like a
cartoon or something. When I told him what I paid for it, they actually
ejected, with this wierd, squishy "spoing" sound. Kind of gross.
 
Anyway, whatever black magic you're performing to make these basses sound,
feel and look so damned good, please don't stop. You rule, sir, and I salute
you.
 
Sincerely,
T. K.
New Orleans, LA

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hello matt!!!
 
just finished a rigorous workout on fretless 6-string.The sound, finish, and
construction is excellent.Thanks for having accepted to build this
instrument for me.It is exactly what I had invisioned and more!!!!!!!!!great
craftmanship!!!!!!!!!much appreciated,

-N.K.
Las Vegas

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Hey, Matt,

Just a note to tell you the new axe is working out killer. Had it up at
Morning Star, was playing it, switched to another axe and the engineer
said,"Did you just switch? Switch back!" Also got the serious thumbs up from
Solas's sound man at the Philly Folk Fest this weekend.
Thanks again!
Chico

http://www.solasmusic.com