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Gospel Instruments => Bass Guitar => Topic started by: Robear22 on March 04, 2009, 12:56:02 PM

Title: New Bass: Brubaker Brute MJX-5
Post by: Robear22 on March 04, 2009, 12:56:02 PM
I just picked this up over the weekend from a TBer and played it that evening in a musical. This is a Brubaker Brute MJX-5. These basses just came out and are very good for the price. I really love the look. ;D

(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y245/Robear22/DSCF0062.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y245/Robear22/DSCF0063.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y245/Robear22/DSCF0065.jpg)
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y245/Robear22/DSCF0066.jpg)
Title: Re: New Bass: Brubaker Brute MJX-5
Post by: dhagler on March 04, 2009, 01:30:57 PM
Sweet!
Title: Re: New Bass: Brubaker Brute MJX-5
Post by: DWBass on March 04, 2009, 02:42:06 PM
Nice. I am so tempted to get one but I'm just holding out for one of those can't pass up deals to swing by. I have $1k burning a hole in my pocket right now. I already have 3 basses. Do I really need another one? No but I'm holding out for a Sadowsky, Smith or Roscoe!

Congrats! Brad Johnson is really high on Brubaker basses and I like them too.
Title: Re: New Bass: Brubaker Brute MJX-5
Post by: momuzik on March 04, 2009, 03:04:36 PM
Nice looking bass. Don't think I seen a wood finish pick guard before.
Title: Re: New Bass: Brubaker Brute MJX-5
Post by: trsmooth on March 04, 2009, 04:07:25 PM
Niiice!!!!! : ) im tempted but i have to a car...cant spend anymore money on equipment....  : (  how does it sound though???
Title: Re: New Bass: Brubaker Brute MJX-5
Post by: BigFoot_BigThumb on March 04, 2009, 05:10:29 PM
how does it sound though???

Yes, and how does the neck feel?  Is it wide or narrow?  And how solid is the low B?   

It is a very nice looking bass.  Plus it is an alternative to the Lakland 55-02 that I was checking out.  I really would like a MM/J setup.
Title: Re: New Bass: Brubaker Brute MJX-5
Post by: Robear22 on March 04, 2009, 09:20:52 PM
The one thing that I really like about this bass is that is really comfortable to play. The neck is wide but it is not thick. This is one of the best playing necks I have ever played. The string spacing is 19mm so there is no problem slapping on this bass. The low B is solid for a 34" scale. I had to get used to the lower tension on the bass due to my other basses being 35" but it is deep and forceful. The tone is modern with a lot of mid presence. It only has a 2 band eq so you can only adjust the mids from the amp. I have a 4 knob bart that I am thinking will fit nicely in this bass.
Title: Re: New Bass: Brubaker Brute MJX-5
Post by: mjl422 on March 05, 2009, 10:37:49 AM
That is a sweet bass.  I just got the same configuration in the natural with wood pickup.
Title: Re: New Bass: Brubaker Brute MJX-5
Post by: jeremyr on March 05, 2009, 02:38:11 PM
You are KILLING me with your basses!!!!

I need to make a trip to try that joint out!
Title: Re: New Bass: Brubaker Brute MJX-5
Post by: BigFoot_BigThumb on March 05, 2009, 03:40:58 PM
I may be adding a Brubaker to the arsenal as well when my funds allow.  You can't beat that price and it's a great plug for the brand.  I will go for the natural with natural wood pickguard cover also.  I can help it, I just love natural wood grains.
Title: Re: New Bass: Brubaker Brute MJX-5
Post by: BigFoot_BigThumb on March 05, 2009, 03:41:42 PM
Oh, and Robear's review was convincing enough as well.
Title: Re: New Bass: Brubaker Brute MJX-5
Post by: mjl422 on March 18, 2009, 09:39:59 AM
The one thing that I really like about this bass is that is really comfortable to play. The neck is wide but it is not thick. This is one of the best playing necks I have ever played. The string spacing is 19mm so there is no problem slapping on this bass. The low B is solid for a 34" scale. I had to get used to the lower tension on the bass due to my other basses being 35" but it is deep and forceful. The tone is modern with a lot of mid presence. It only has a 2 band eq so you can only adjust the mids from the amp. I have a 4 knob bart that I am thinking will fit nicely in this bass.

Robear22, what did you decide re: the Bart preamp?
Title: Re: New Bass: Brubaker Brute MJX-5
Post by: emrewooten on March 21, 2009, 06:07:07 AM
Hey man Great Bass good luck ..  ;)


www.myspace.com/emreturkmenstyle (http://www.myspace.com/emreturkmenstyle) 
Title: Re: New Bass: Brubaker Brute MJX-5
Post by: Robear22 on March 23, 2009, 09:29:26 AM
Robear22, what did you decide re: the Bart preamp?

I am going to install Bart pickups with an Aguilar preamp. I think that combo will add a lot of warmth that this bass lacks. This bass has a very aggressive tone.
Title: Re: New Bass: Brubaker Brute MJX-5
Post by: mjl422 on March 23, 2009, 03:01:04 PM
I am going to install Bart pickups with an Aguilar preamp. I think that combo will add a lot of warmth that this bass lacks. This bass has a very aggressive tone.

Yeah, so far, I've added a EMG 3-band pre (with the existing pups).  Believe it or not, it made the bass even more aggressive (which is not necessarily a bad thing depending on what you are looking for).  But, the ability to dial in the mids helps a great deal. It can definately cut through in a playing situation.

The good thing is my other bass has a warm dark tone which is completely opposite the Brute.  I'm still not sure I would take the Brute out by itself yet.  I have to hear it in some other situations first.  However, I do love the bass.  It's one of the easiest/fastest necks I've evered played.
Title: Re: New Bass: Brubaker Brute MJX-5
Post by: jmain on April 24, 2009, 07:55:35 PM
Really digging the look and the review, man.  I'm usually on the natural finish, but like the onyx a little more I think with that sweet pickguard...maybe. :-\

Keep posting about these.  I may have to get the funds replenished (after the Junk 5) and pick one up.
Title: Re: New Bass: Brubaker Brute MJX-5
Post by: bradleymoorer on April 25, 2009, 10:19:51 AM
That's is a sweet looking bass doc!
Title: Re: New Bass: Brubaker Brute MJX-5
Post by: chrismc101 on April 29, 2009, 10:29:24 AM
Robear22, to GOD be the GLORY, but are you married, have kids, a mortgage, car payments, etc, etc... How in the world do you get to buy all these basses, lol.. How many do you have now? WOW... I'm still on my 1st one since 04, lol....
Title: Re: New Bass: Brubaker Brute MJX-5
Post by: Robear22 on April 30, 2009, 10:16:41 AM
Robear22, to GOD be the GLORY, but are you married, have kids, a mortgage, car payments, etc, etc... How in the world do you get to buy all these basses, lol.. How many do you have now? WOW... I'm still on my 1st one since 04, lol....

Yes to all the above. I am married with 3 kids and have house, car, and other bills.  I use resources such as American Musical Supply, Zzounds, and Talkbass to acquire most of my gear. Those payment plans are really helpful for when a brother does not have all the coin to drop on a piece of gear. Also me and the little lady have an arrangement that allows me to use all the funds I generate through bass playing to be reinvested into what I can buy. I do bass lessons and any money that is generated from gigs goes back into the gear pot. The money from my 9 to 5 goes to pay bills.

Also the Brute is almost done. Just dealing with a phase issue with the pickups. I added two Bart pickups, an Aggie OBP-3 with switchable mids, and a switch for the MM pickup to make it parallel/singlecoil/series.
Title: Re: New Bass: Brubaker Brute MJX-5
Post by: Musicman_00 on March 06, 2010, 12:00:11 AM
Did Callowhill basses get rid of the website. Debating between it and a brubaker but I can only see Brubaker's online.
Title: Re: New Bass: Brubaker Brute MJX-5
Post by: malthumb on March 06, 2010, 06:16:56 AM
Did Callowhill basses get rid of the website. Debating between it and a brubaker but I can only see Brubaker's online.

I think Tim is taking a break to get caught up on orders.  JeremyR will be able to tell us the most accurate truth.
Title: Re: New Bass: Brubaker Brute MJX-5
Post by: jeremyr on March 06, 2010, 08:21:53 AM
I think Tim is taking a break to get caught up on orders.  JeremyR will be able to tell us the most accurate truth.

Correct, Tim is currently taking a break to get caught up ( a wise and honorable decision) with orders and take a break from some serious OCD clients.

With that being said when Tim comes back (WHICH HE WILL) there most likely will be a line of budget Models to go along with his HandCrafted US models.  I'm not at liberty to discuss everything, but lets just say I'm super stoked about it and can't wait!!

Title: Re: New Bass: Brubaker Brute MJX-5
Post by: superjaay on March 07, 2010, 07:01:19 AM
Great looking bass
Title: Re: New Bass: Brubaker Brute MJX-5
Post by: ssabass on March 07, 2010, 11:00:48 AM
Give us a sample of how it sounds. That is the final piece to the puzzel. It's a nice looking bass, you say that it has a good feel to it, but what does it sound like. 
Title: Re: New Bass: Brubaker Brute MJX-5
Post by: floaded27 on March 07, 2010, 09:03:59 PM
Correct, Tim is currently taking a break to get caught up ( a wise and honorable decision) with orders and take a break from some serious OCD clients.

With that being said when Tim comes back (WHICH HE WILL) there most likely will be a line of budget Models to go along with his HandCrafted US models.  I'm not at liberty to discuss everything, but lets just say I'm super stoked about it and can't wait!!




yeah, he also changed the website address, so the pics and specs of the basses he's done are still online. http://www.callowhillguitars.com/ (http://www.callowhillguitars.com/)
Title: Re: New Bass: Brubaker Brute MJX-5
Post by: johnflindsey on March 17, 2011, 07:59:39 AM
Hello every one.  Very nice bass.  I brought one, a 4 string.  The only bad thing about these basses is the electronics.  The basses are made in China.  The electronics and picks suck, but the construction of the bass as far as the neck, body, the balance, and how the neck is bolt on into the body is the best.  I took my 4 string brute and gutted.  Replace all the electronics with EMG's.  I went with the EMG MMTW music man pickup and a standard EMG Jazz bass pickup.  It is a killer bass now.  I only paid $430.00 for the bass but spent another $220.00 for the electronics.  So for $650.00  is about right for a low end bass that you would buy at Guitar Center.

By the way where did you purchase your 5 string because i could not find one any where.
Title: Re: New Bass: Brubaker Brute MJX-5
Post by: mjl422 on March 17, 2011, 10:41:00 AM

With that being said when Tim comes back (WHICH HE WILL) there most likely will be a line of budget Models to go along with his HandCrafted US models.  I'm not at liberty to discuss everything, but lets just say I'm super stoked about it and can't wait!!

Man, I hope there will be a 6-string in that line of budget Models.

I tried to get Brubaker to add a 6-string to the Brute model but, he said there wasn't a huge demand for them.

Hello every one.  Very nice bass.  I brought one, a 4 string.  The only bad thing about these basses is the electronics.  The basses are made in China.  The electronics and picks suck, but the construction of the bass as far as the neck, body, the balance, and how the neck is bolt on into the body is the best.  I took my 4 string brute and gutted.  Replace all the electronics with EMG's.  I went with the EMG MMTW music man pickup and a standard EMG Jazz bass pickup.  It is a killer bass now.  I only paid $430.00 for the bass but spent another $220.00 for the electronics.  So for $650.00  is about right for a low end bass that you would buy at Guitar Center.

By the way where did you purchase your 5 string because i could not find one any where.

I got my 5-string directly from Brubaker but, this was when they first came out.  He may be out of stock.  BTW I put Bart pups with an EMG pre in mine.  It is a killer bass.
Title: Re: New Bass: Brubaker Brute MJX-5
Post by: johnflindsey on March 17, 2011, 11:50:42 PM
 I just brought the 4 string model.  The electronics suck.  I just installed the EMG MMW Twin pickup.  I took it to rehearsal and OMG! this little baby kicks butt.  for a 4 string it's my little baby.  I'm going to add the Jazz pickup later.
Title: Re: New Bass: Brubaker Brute MJX-5
Post by: johnflindsey on March 18, 2011, 08:40:44 AM
Great I think i will get me another one and do the bart thing with it.  Check youtube a brother from Guana has about 5 Brubakers, but he has the top of the line, they start at about $3000.00 his name is Malcolm Hall.  60 BRUBAKER BASS MALCOLM HALL DEMO (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvOPml3cNTY#)  The real Brubakers have a beautiful sound
Title: Re: New Bass: Brubaker Brute MJX-5
Post by: Basspicker26 on March 18, 2011, 10:24:17 AM
Nice!!!
Title: Re: New Bass: Brubaker Brute MJX-5
Post by: ssabass on March 18, 2011, 06:12:53 PM
Here is a great demo of the Bruabaker Brute. Sound better than the more expensive Brubakers to me. Kevin Walker Demos Brubaker Bass Brute Series (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ir6PqtjQwzU#)
Title: Re: New Bass: Brubaker Brute MJX-5
Post by: BassbyGrace on March 18, 2011, 09:36:25 PM
Here is a great demo of the Bruabaker Brute. Sound better than the more expensive Brubakers to me. Kevin Walker Demos Brubaker Bass Brute Series ([url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ir6PqtjQwzU#[/url])


Man thats not a good measure of their sound, cause Kevin sounds that slamming on everything LOLOL!!  He LOVES Brubaker too.  He let me play one of his main axes, and I swear if I had the loot, I would have a Brubaker right now.  The Brutes still seem pretty nice though.
Title: Re: New Bass: Brubaker Brute MJX-5
Post by: superjaay on March 18, 2011, 10:50:23 PM
Nice bass, no more gas for me, for right now.
Title: Re: New Bass: Brubaker Brute MJX-5
Post by: ssabass on March 19, 2011, 09:05:09 AM
I have never heard a Brubaker live in person, only on youtube & most of the videos I have seen of the more expensive Brubakers has been a crap shoot, some I like, some I don't. The video of Kevin Walker demoing the Brute has been my favorite. The bass tone in that video sounds more like a bass, more natural. In most videos that I have seen, the expensive Brubakers, sounds like a bad electric project. But, to there defense, that just could have been just bad recording or just bad EQing, on the players part. Though the Kevin Walker demo of the Brute is a studio recording,  & the more expensive Brubaker I've heard was mostly in a live on youtube, the more expensive Brubaker still should sound way better than what I have heard, so far. They even have a bass, that you can insert different preamps, was not real impressed with the tones but, loved the concept. 
Title: Re: New Bass: Brubaker Brute MJX-5
Post by: mjl422 on March 19, 2011, 12:48:40 PM
I have never heard a Brubaker live in person, only on youtube & most of the videos I have seen of the more expensive Brubakers has been a crap shoot, some I like, some I don't. The video of Kevin Walker demoing the Brute has been my favorite. The bass tone in that video sounds more like a bass, more natural. In most videos that I have seen, the expensive Brubakers, sounds like a bad electric project. But, to there defense, that just could have been just bad recording or just bad EQing, on the players part. Though the Kevin Walker demo of the Brute is a studio recording,  & the more expensive Brubaker I've heard was mostly in a live on youtube, the more expensive Brubaker still should sound way better than what I have heard, so far. They even have a bass, that you can insert different preamps, was not real impressed with the tones but, loved the concept. 

I think that has more to do with how it's eq'd than the bass itself.  I'm not a big fan of the way Malcolm eqs his basses but, the best (and thickest) sounding bass I've ever played was a high-end Brubaker.   
Title: Re: New Bass: Brubaker Brute MJX-5
Post by: BassbyGrace on March 19, 2011, 01:14:57 PM
I think that has more to do with how it's eq'd than the bass itself.  I'm not a big fan of the way Malcolm eqs his basses but, the best (and thickest) sounding bass I've ever played was a high-end Brubaker.

+1.  When I was in MD, I went to some weekly jam sessions that Kevin would frequent, and he began to mentor me a little bit.  He knows ALOT about pickups and electronics.  When he would bring his Brubakers (that dude has like 40 something basses) those sounded the most well rounded and full.  you could hear all the lows, highs, and mids so clear with plenty of bottom at the same time.  Thats what sold me.