Best budget violin style bass?

[Johnny the Kid]

Re: Best budget violin style bass?

Don't put words in my mouth. There is nothing I said in my harsh critique of violin basses that in any way reflects on acoustic bass guitars, semi-acoustic bass guitars, or double basses. Your conclusions are the result of your reasoning, not mine. I have an acoustic bass guitar, a semi acoustic bass guitar, and I have played double basses, and none of them come close to being the same miserable experience of playing a violin bass.

Yes, every instrument has its own inherent timbre and character. And some of them just plain suck. Have you never heard a crappy bass sound?

Or are you seriously proposing that there is no such thing as a crappy bass sound? If you really believe that stuff about no "better" or "worse", sounds and colors, art, and tone palate, the I can see why you wouldn't want to acknowledge that some basses can sound like crap. But it puts you in a distinct minority.


But to answer your question about why not -- the bass playing experience is about more than just the sound. And the violin bass is a singularly poor design with regards to neck-dive, intonation, action adjustments, among other things. I have had one, and I'll never have another.

But I also acknowledge that there might be some good examples. I didn't respond to the OP by telling him not to get one at all, instead I told him to play a bunch of them before buying one if that's what he chooses to do.

I think what he's saying is that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and that just because someone likes a different sound than you doesn't mean they're wrong. I find violin basses to be beautiful because of they're sound, but that doesn't make me better than you, who does not.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Best budget violin style bass?

This was the OP question.

Always wanted a violin shaped bass - what's a good one that won't break the bank?

It contains an inherent contradiction. Possibly, two.

The original "violin" bass was the Gibson EB-1 - a solidbody instrument with the scaled down outline of a double bass. It even had an end spike for upright playing. Epic FAIL.

The original Hofner was a rip-off of the EB-1 idea, rendered in Hohner's traditional, hollow body construction. Back in the Fifties and early Sixties, trade embargoes prevented Europeans from buying American instruments. We had to make do with whatever crud we could afford. Hence, the Shadows using Antoria copies. Stuart Sutcliffe, Paul McCartney, Brian May, David Gilmour et al on Hofners. (Harrison and Lennon only obtained their first American guitars in Berlin.)

The hollowbody violin bass (and its larger bodied Hofner bretheren) specialises in one very particular sound. It is THE easiest way to get THAT sound. If this is what somebody wants, that is all that matters. In all other respects, inherent limitations of the design have to count against it as a working musician's instrument.

 

[Johnny the Kid]

Re: Best budget violin style bass?

This was the OP question.



It contains an inherent contradiction. Possibly, two.

The original "violin" bass was the Gibson EB-1 - a solidbody instrument with the scaled down outline of a double bass. It even had an end spike for upright playing. Epic FAIL.

The original Hofner was a rip-off of the EB-1 idea, rendered in Hohner's traditional, hollow body construction. Back in the Fifties and early Sixties, trade embargoes prevented Europeans from buying American instruments. We had to make do with whatever crud we could afford. Hence, the Shadows using Antoria copies. Stuart Sutcliffe, Paul McCartney, Brian May, David Gilmour et al on Hofners. (Harrison and Lennon only obtained their first American guitars in Berlin.)

The hollowbody violin bass (and its larger bodied Hofner bretheren) specialises in one very particular sound. It is THE easiest way to get THAT sound. If this is what somebody wants, that is all that matters. In all other respects, inherent limitations of the design have to count against it as a working musician's instrument.

Probably the most eloquent response that I've seen on the forum.

I go back to what I said. If you really want a good violin bass for a cheap budget, then go with the Hofner Icon. It's the original "Beatle Bass" sound and brand, and so you know you won't be disappointed. I've seen many replicas of the bass Paul McCartney played, and that is one of the good ones, sound and looks. The pickups are the same specs, and the electronics are identical.

 

[DankStar]

Re: Best budget violin style bass?

Thanks for the insights and responses. The balance issue would be the biggest deal killer for me I think, but I also didn't know they didn't sustain much. Not sure if that would bother me or not.

 

[Johnny the Kid]

Re: Best budget violin style bass?

Thanks for the insights and responses. The balance issue would be the biggest deal killer for me I think, but I also didn't know they didn't sustain much. Not sure if that would bother me or not.

Try some just to see. It might be your vibe. I don't know what people are saying they don't sustain much. I've played a few and they seem to be fine for me, but that's just me.

 

[Rodney Gene]

Re: Best budget violin style bass?

The Hofner Icon series are actually cool. They made a white one in the beginning that is really sweet looking.

FWIW, these Icon basses sound clear and are easy to play, unlike so many poorly made predecessors. They do have a signature tone based on design default but I think most people know this going in.
Sure it is a limited tone, but the same can be said of other cool gear. I would agree that thanks to Paul and so many songs we have come to love that nothing quite sounds like a violin bass. Its the tone not the shape that makes me want to play those tunes when I pick one up. LOL!

BTW, in a 1990s Bass Player Interview Paul states he used the Hofner on Let It Be out of comfort and familiarity. He used it live during Let It Be tour and in the studio because he liked how light it was and how easy and fast it was to play (like a guitar) in relationship to say Fender. Tone seemed inconsequential in many way. It wasn't until Rubber Soul that he switched between the Hofner and the Ric (given to him in America) and then 100% Ric on Sgt. Peppers. He'd also use a capo on his Ric in the studio. Interesting. From what I have read, Paul is not a gear head in the least, just a player/writer. It is ironic to me that many of us might argue over details and tone that are irrelevant to someone who popularized it. Its all good either way! I hope you find whatever inspires you Dank! Cheers bros!

 

[blueman335]

Re: Best budget violin style bass?

On any other bass that has good sustain... However, the Hoffner (or whatever brand) violin bass is a one trick pony. If people want kind of a dead thump instead of a live ring, the Hoffner is the bass -- along with every other bass on the planet. However, if people want any notes in a song to ring -- oops, gotta switch basses.

Out of curiosity I played an Epi Viola bass today at a music store and it had a decent amount of sustain, much more than I thought it would after reading your 'harsh critiques' in this thread, certainly not a 'dead thump.' The tone was nice too. I think you let your hatred of viola basses color your opinion a bit too much, and instead of giving useful advice, you're doing more venting than anything else. It's a viable option for some people, even if it isn't for you. No matter what instrument you can name, there's always someone that loathes them. Everybody doesn't want the same exact thing in a guitar, or a bass, hence the wide assortment to choose from. SG's are famous for being prone to neck dives, and they're a popular guitar. I've read reviews, and there is definitely a fan base for viola basses.

 

[threechordcharlie]

Re: Best budget violin style bass?

What do you call 8000 violin bases stacked in a heap and set on fire?
A good start.

IMHO: To each his own. I don't like them, but that's just me.

 

[blueman335]

Re: Best budget violin style bass?

What do you call 8000 violin bases stacked in a heap and set on fire?
A good start.

And that would accomplish what, besides limiting people's of choice of instruments? I thought that viola bass was fun to play. It inspired me. I'm tired of seeing Fender basses, and copies of them. Too much conformity for me. The only beef I have with any instrument is if someone doesn't play their's well, which is more the player's fault and what he chose (case-in-point: the legions of guys who can't EQ their Strats, but look at what Hendrix and others did with theirs). To me, McCartney validated the viola bass concept, so it's just a matter of whether they appeal to you or not. Like I said, there's certainly players that like them (unless Gibson/Epiphone/Hoffner faked all the positive reviews, which no doubt BlueTalon is looking into).

 

[JOLLY]

Re: Best budget violin style bass?

a friend of mine has an Epiphone one and it is good for what it is and its price point.

 

[threechordcharlie]

Re: Best budget violin style bass?

And that would accomplish what, besides limiting people's of choice of instruments? I thought that viola bass was fun to play. It inspired me. I'm tired of seeing Fender basses, and copies of them. Too much conformity for me. The only beef I have with any instrument is if someone doesn't play their's well, which is more the player's fault and what he chose (case-in-point: the legions of guys who can't EQ their Strats, but look at what Hendrix and others did with theirs). To me, McCartney validated the viola bass concept, so it's just a matter of whether they appeal to you or not. Like I said, there's certainly players that like them (unless Gibson/Epiphone/Hoffner faked all the positive reviews, which no doubt BlueTalon is looking into).

You just typed a ton of words that say what the last part of my post said in a few.

 

[Jedi Clampett]

Re: Best budget violin style bass?

I was going to recommend the Hofner, but the best budget viola bass I suspect is the Rogue viola bass from musicians friend. http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/rogue-vb100-violin-bass-guitar I have a different model of rogue bass. I paid $30 for it on clearance and sells new for about $100 it is my favorite bass for play ability and sound. I am embarrassed to admit, but I like it more than my $3500 Fender Custom Shop '57 Precision Bass, more than my collectible mid 80's MIJ jazz bass (first generation bass after the latest fender sale). So I have every reason to believe that not only is it the best $200 you can spend for a bass, but that if it is like mine it will play and sound fantastic. A thing to remember is that often instruments like a viola bass are made in the same factory and the primary difference is the decal with the other wood parts and often hardware being exactly the same. So consider the Rogue in your search, it will be my choice when I decide to get a viola bass.

 

[jon the art guy]

Re: Best budget violin style bass?

When I bought my EB3, the guy was trying to sell me on a violin bass. It really felt like a toy to me, unfortunately. The neck dive didn't help matter either. I do think I would be able to find a tone I like pretty quickly; I like that 70's thud a lot and just through mucking around with it through an Orange Terror head I was getting some pretty retro funky things happening. It's pretty nasal, for lack of a better term, so I think it'd be really good for those melody bass players who're all over the place.

I would choose one over the big funk/prog slabs that are all over the place now. I'm sure those play much better, but I'd rather err on the side of funky and weird than piano-like tone.

BTW I have a buddy in Bremerton who done come off the Stennis recently. I'm trying to drag him back down the coast.

 

[blueman335]

Re: Best budget violin style bass?

You just typed a ton of words that say what the last part of my post said in a few.

Mine was far more eloquent. I'm an artist, I paint with words.

 

[blueman335]

Re: Best budget violin style bass?

violin bass... I do think I would be able to find a tone I like pretty quickly; I like that 70's thud a lot and just through mucking around with it through an Orange Terror head I was getting some pretty retro funky things happening...I think it'd be really good for those melody bass players who're all over the place.

I would choose one over the big funk/prog slabs that are all over the place now. I'm sure those play much better, but I'd rather err on the side of funky and weird than piano-like tone.

+1. They're lightweight and comfortable, and the short scale makes them easy for a guitarist to play (and I'm one of those 'melody guys that are all over the place'). Until recently, I thought that was one bass I'd never want to play, but after this weekend, and actually playing one, I like it a lot. I'm used to neck dives with SG's so that's nothing new to me. Yeah, the 'big funk/prog slabs' are of no interest to me either, especially when they have all those extra strings and a neck that's 6 inches across. It's like holding a park bench around your neck.

 

[threechordcharlie]

Re: Best budget violin style bass?

Mine was far more eloquent. I'm an artist, I paint with words.

You got me there!

 

[blueman335]

Re: Best budget violin style bass?

You got me there!

Why say it with less, when you can say it with more? You can cut a book down to Cliff Notes, but it's not the same experience. Similar approach Jimmy Page had to solos in his younger days: why play 100 notes when you can play 1,000?