LeftyBassist.com

I grabbed this Martin B-1 yesterday on gbase. I've made some serious ( ) streamlining to my arsenal here as of late, and I was going to either console myself with a 2012 Jazz, or grab an ABG of some sort. Well, I happened upon this bass for a lot less money than the Jazz, so I went with it. I had a Martin ABG once before (with a cutaway) and loved it, so I hope this proves to be cool too.

Generally, I despise righty to lefty conversions but this is the perfect candidate, being that it's symmetrical and there's no chasm wallowed out on the side for electronics. The bridge has been professionally re-routed for left hand compensation and looks great. I'll remove the pickguard and probably drill & install legit side markers on the neck.

That bass is at Lark St here in Teaneck NJ. Buzzy's been in business a long time (originally in Albany NY) and is a great guy to deal with. Very knowledgable about vintage stuff and extremely trustworthy. Good luck with the MARTIN.

Thanks. Yeah they were pretty nice on the phone. Bass should be in my hands by Thursday or so.

Ya, Buzzy runs a stand-up operation. I've dealt with them on a few occasions. Just about the best packing/boxing for instruments I've ever encountered from a bricks and mortar operation.

Matt: is the bracing on the top symmetrical?

Hm. I dunno about that.

I just spoke to Martin Guitars about the bracing. They definitely set bracing for right or left hand. I asked if it was structural or sonic, and the guy I talked to said they do it for structural purposes. I asked if I should expect problems, and he said although he couldn't be sure, he had never witnessed any issues from doing a conversion.
This bass is supposedly from 2000, and it seems in great shape. So I don't know. I'll check it out when I get it and let you guys know.

Congrats dude!

Thanks homie

Congrats Matt!! I absolutely love my Martin.

I played it in church this week (plugged in), and I had a lot of folks complement me on my tone. Some folks actually preferred the Martin over my Jazz (might be the strings, I play mine with Hi Beams). Anyhow best of luck with it. It's absolutely beautiful.

Yeah I used to have a Martin ABG a few years back (the one with the cutaway) and I loved it. I hope this one proves to be as good

Considering the bracing issue, I would think the right string choice will make, or break, the the action, or any warping to the top. I put flatwounds on my Ibanez ABG, and they eventually bowed the top near the bridge. Obviously, the Martin is a much better constructed guitar, but be mindful of string tension....

Well. The bass is solid as hell. Plays great and is in good condition. But the problem is that the intonation is off on the E string. All other strings are dead on. Guess I will be sending this back.

Matt,
I had the same problem with my Martin ABG. I took it to my tech and he fixed it... Dont ask me how, but it might be worth some additional research before you send it back.