Mama Bear test 2

scotty_b · #1 August 7th, 2006

Same idea as before, different guitar this time. One example is the straight pickup, the others have the MB processing the signal to some extent.
This guitar is a Maton ECW80C, which was quite a lovely guitar until a woman jumped into it at a gig and ended up sitting on the top. The bracing was cracked on the bass side, and though repaired by a very good luthier has never sounded the same. I mainly play this in DADGAD, open D or this tuning now, which is CADGAD. The lower tuning reduces the buzzes from the low E string in regular tuning.
Once again I would really appreciate some feedback on these examples. I am still not sure if I wish to keep the Mama Bear or not.
I will try the resonator this afternoon and see how the goes too.
Thanks very much

allthumbs · #2 August 7th, 2006

The first sounded dullest to my ears. The second,I loved, warm rich rounded tones. the third was ok but a bit sterile. The fourth seemed to be picking up some unwanted overtones on the bass strings. I could listen to that second one all night.

I am gonna laugh if you say that is the one straight through the pickup is the second sample.

tomg123 · #3 August 8th, 2006

Don't understand alot of the technical geetar talk but I liked the second one, nice job

CanuckTodd · #4 August 8th, 2006

Hey Scotty,
I'm not sure I get all the technical talk either, so I did some snooping around and found a great link with some videos that help explain what this Mama Bear can do. He even hooked it up to his 12 string which was pretty cool.

http://www.d-tar.com/mama_bear_videos.shtml

"Watch and listen as John Jorgenson (Elton John Band, Bonnie Raitt, Hellecasters, John Jorgenson Quintet) explains the features, functions, and benefits of Mama Bear – and then puts her through the paces."

Pretty amazing little toy. I should say I also enjoyed your playing in this mama bear series of posts too!

Todd

scotty_b · #5 August 8th, 2006

Thanks for the responses guys.
Todd, I have seen that video too, and it sounds great there.
However in this test the 2nd take was nominated, which was the Maton without the MB.
I really wanted to like this product, but so far most of the responses I have received from here or from friends I have emailed samples too have said they prefer the pickup samples over the MB processed ones. I am going to give it a test through my PA tomorrow and see how it performs there. Given the cost (and I can get it at a price that the average 'punter' cannot, know matter how much they haggle) I really have some doubts. D-TAR are doing some demos in Australia in a few weeks, so I may go to those and see what the 'experts' say.