DiPinto Belvedere Bass questions

dtox · #1 07-09-2010, 12:19 PM

Thinking of picking up a Belvedere (Deluxe most likely) as a backup bass to my T'bird. However, I haven't found one to pick up and tool around with yet.

Questions:

I'm looking for a semi-hollow body to have some sound variation from the T'bird but will it work for rock/hard rock?

Anyone use rounds on a Belveldere?

I am a picker - anyone pick a Belvedere? Thoughts?

I have searched and read about people complaining that the first fret is hard to reach due to the strap button being at about the 16th fret as opposed to about the 16th fret like most P-Bass styles. I'm not short but not tall either (6'0) but I've never had a problem with my T'bird (also 34 scale and the strap button is also at about the 16th fret). I don't think I'd have any problems but I've read it enough times that I'd like to hear some opinions. Personally, I think it should work nicely (as in not too much difference playing either).

So, lastly, anyone have experience with T'birds and Belvederes? Thoughts?

Thanks!

Nedmundo · #2 07-09-2010, 12:36 PM

If the T-bird's ergonomics work for you, the Belvedere should be fine. I played rock on my Belvedere, including some old school metal and punkish stuff, and it was great. It has some hollowbody thud, but with 34" scale, single coils, and an ebony board, it can have some zing as well. That's especially true with roundwounds and a pick, with which the Belvedere excels IMO.

It's very sensitive to string and technique changes, and would probably get very zingy with stainless rounds. I never went brighter than GHS Boomers, which aren't particularly bright for rounds.

For a rough idea of how it sounds in hard rock, check out the Queens of the Stone Age live DVD (forget the title), on which the bassist uses a Yamaha hollowbody.

dtox · #3 07-09-2010, 02:23 PM

Thanks for the reply. Great answers. I've played nothing but a T'bird since '94 so I love the ergonomics.

Here's another question...there are apparantly no differences between the standard and the deluxe (minus cosmetics) but as I look closely at the pics at the DiPinto site it looks like the standard's f-hole is real whereas the deluxe's f-hole is a decal. Could just be the photos. Does anyone know the answer?

dtox · #4 07-09-2010, 02:46 PM

here's another question:

How is the sustain? My T'bird is what I consider the king of sustain so I don't expect it to compete but its been 15 years since I played a bass that wasn't neck-thru.

Nedmundo · #5 07-09-2010, 04:13 PM

I'm fairly sure the f-holes on all of them are real. As for quick response and sustain, it won't match a solid-bodied bass, but the center block provides more sustain than a full hollowbody. (I believe the entire body is carved from a single piece of mahogany, so technically it's not a block.) The trapeze style tailpiece probably cuts into the sustain somewhat. I always wondered what it would sound like with a stop tailpiece screwed into the "block."

For the total lowdown on specs, call the DiPinto shop in Philly. You might speak with Chris D. himself, who is an extremely cool guy.

Stinsok · #6 07-09-2010, 04:29 PM

The front strap button position made the neck seem a mile long. The sound of the Belvedere's is huge. Not boomy or hollow. It will rock.

dtox · #7 07-10-2010, 06:24 AM

Thanks for all your input, Nedmundo!

Stinsok, the front strap button is positioned very similar to a Thunderbird - have you played a Thunderbird, too, and if so did the neck seem a mile long on that as well?

dtox · #8 09-02-2010, 03:51 PM

Just wanted to update this thread. I found a used Belvedere Deluxe and got it this week.

First impressions - I LOVE THIS BASS!

Yes, it looks amazing but the playability and sound is amazing. It came with strings (round) that need replacing but it still sounds fat and chunky and rumbles but is bright and cuts through the mix at the same time. Very, very impressed. Answering my own questions, it plays very much like a Thunderbird which is another reason for me to love this bass. I'm not tall (a hair under 6'0) and I'm not lanky but I have absolutely no problems reaching everywhere on the neck. The sustain is amazing for a bolt on neck and its the only bass I've ever played that rivals the T'bird in that aspect. A damn good bargain, too.

I also spoke with Chris DiPinto and he was supercool. Helped answer my questions about the bass and helped me try to locate one (he's out of stock currently). Bought the case through him and he was a breeze to work with. I highly recommend DiPinto.

Kentucky Ryan · #9 01-04-2013, 12:23 PM

im really interested in this bass. does the neck dive? if so, is it bad or just a little dive. thanks!