Epiphone Jack Casady

[bocasfx]

Hey JMJ! Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions here at TB.

I've always wanted to get a hollowbody bass and I've been gassing for a Guild Starfire but I haven't been able to find one. Instead I got an Epiphone Jack Casady.

I was wondering if you've had the chance to play one of these and how they compare to your Starfires (reissues or not).

I put rotosounds RS77 flats on my Casady but I think it could be better with a different kind of flatwound string. Something "thumpier". I read somewhere that you put flats on your Starfires. Which brand do you prefer?

[jmjbassplayer]

Hi,
I have a Casady. It's cool, but doesn't get quite as much use as my short-scale hollowbodies (Eko, Hofner, Starfire). With roundwound strings, there is something still a little too "modern" about the sound of the Casady for me. I also find that thumpier tones are had with shorter scale lengths. That said, the Casady has a unique voice for sure, and is a cool instrument.

I like D'Addario chromes for flats. After that, I also like the GHS ones. I've heard you can't go wrong with Tomastik's as well, but again, the D'Addario ones are what I rock for all my flats, except the Hofner, which has Pyramids.

JMJ

[bocasfx]

Originally Posted by jmjbassplayer

With roundwound strings, there is something still a little too "modern" about the sound of the Casady for me.

I agree. When I got my Casady it was strung with Blue Steels and the tone I got from it was something I wasn't expecting. The rotosounds helped a lot but, as you say, it still sounds a bit too modern.

I guess I'll just keep trying other strings (D'addario, GHS) and I'll keep an eye open for that Starfire.

[pbass2]

I got a Casady last fall, as my only other hollowbody at the time was a JJ Longhorn, and I wanted another hollow or semi hollow flatwound bass. I eventually let it go as it wasn't quite right for me (I too like short scale for that sorta thing), but that said, I put Labella flats on it and THEN with a hunk 'o foam jammed under the strings I got quite a cool thump. You might get closer to what you want with the trusty and cheap hunk of foam solution, and just play the heck outta those Rotos 'til they mellow.

[Lobster11]

After a year or so of using Blue Steels (both regular and nickel-plated) on my JC, I decided a few weeks ago to try a set of TI flats on it. Wow. End of discussion as far as I'm concerned!

[bocasfx]

I just bought a set of chromes and put them on. They are kind of bright but I think that will change in a couple of weeks. So far I think I like the sound of the chromes better compared with the rotos but I think the rotos have a nicer texture. The chromes gave the Casady a more "traditional" tone. I want to try the TIs for sure but I think they're a bit expensive. I hope they are worth it.

[PaperbackRyder]

I really dig my Casady bass. To my ears it sits similar to a the P, but not quite as wooly. I also prefer the D'ad Chromes, and have tried TI, Fender, Roto flats as well as D'ad, Fender & BluesSteel rounds.
Two MAJOR improvements: Add Hipshot ultralight tuners to help lighten the headstock, and then I came across this 3-point bridge mod which is a simple steel rod with four holes drilled thru it. The strings feed thru and hold the bar under the claw on the bridge. REALLY opens up the sound as well as improves balance.

=JR=

[jmjbassplayer]

Nice, great tips.

JMJ