BMT Elite Specs

[Rainer Bastian]

2 Questions about the older BMT Elite models (93-95):

1) Do they normally have a catalyzed lacquer high gloss finish or the varnish/oil finish like older BT models ?

2) Are the 7 pc BMT necks different in any way from the newer wood combinations ? I assume that the older BMT necks have Wenge and Bubinga stripes whereas the newer BSR 7pc necks have only Bubinga stripes ...?

3) Is it possible to upgrade the older BMT electronics to the newer 18V circuit ?

4) The newer necks are a little bit more "beefy" than for instance the 90th BT necks. Where do the BMT neck dimensions tend to: more in the newer BSR style or more in the older BT style ?

May be only Ken himself can answer this questions, but perhaps they are of some interests for other players here...

Thanks
Rainer

[Ken Smith]

2 Questions about the older BMT Elite models (93-95):

1) Do they normally have a catalyzed lacquer high gloss finish or the varnish/oil finish like older BT models ?

2) Are the 7 pc BMT necks different in any way from the newer wood combinations ? I assume that the older BMT necks have Wenge and Bubinga stripes whereas the newer BSR 7pc necks have only Bubinga stripes ...?

3) Is it possible to upgrade the older BMT electronics to the newer 18V circuit ?

4) The newer necks are a little bit more "beefy" than for instance the 90th BT necks. Where do the BMT neck dimensions tend to: more in the newer BSR style or more in the older BT style ?

May be only Ken himself can answer this questions, but perhaps they are of some interests for other players here...

Thanks
Rainer

1) Cat. Laq. on all BMTs unless custom ordered in Oil/Varnish. Older BTs also had Cat. Laq as well with slightly different undercoating.

2)BMT 7-pc necks NEVER had Wenge in them. First batch was Bubinga center with Shedua strips. 2nd version was Bubinga center with Purpleheart strips. 3rd and current version is Bubinga center with Bubinga strips.

3) 9-18v unit switcable only if the Series?parallel switcher are not yet in the Bass. The rear switch is in the place of the 2nd battery. If you want the new 18v model with the DIP switches, we can jump the second batery wires and install it as a 9v. The new circuit is essentially a 9v unit with two batterys in series. No power is added at all with 18v, NONE! The Bass draws only 3-4 volts so clipping/headroom has NEVER been a problem at all unless the battery was down below 6-7volts.

4) Necks are all carved by hand. Over the years we have gone to thinner and back to slightly thicker in depth dimensions. We don't want the neck too thin and become weak. Also, a slightly thicker/stiffer neck plays eaiser with softer string tension.