Name a bass that sounds like an Ovation Magnum, but doesn't look quite so outrageous!

plasticman_88 · #1 02-16-2010, 09:07 AM

I recorded using a friend's Ovation Magnum about a month ago and it was quite possibly the best sounding bass I've ever heard. The tone actually had character rather than just non-descript low-end.

The only problem is that I'd feel embarrassed playing it live because I think it looks silly.

Have a listen to it here http://www.myspace.com/telepromptertheband. (Clean on Boxcutter, fuzzed/synthed on Lambda)

I'd love to hear your suggestions on a substitute.

danomite64 · #2 02-16-2010, 09:14 AM

Magnums look awesome. Get over yourself.

stoolpigeon · #3 02-16-2010, 09:17 AM

Not sure about a substitute, but I definitely liked the music.

RickC · #4 02-16-2010, 09:20 AM

I honestly can't think of anything out there that sounds like a Magnum. But count me among those who find their unique look a plus, not a minus.

/rick

Skylark · #5 02-16-2010, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danomite64

Magnums look awesome. Get over yourself.

+1

Benjamin Strange · #6 02-16-2010, 09:23 AM

Silly? SILLY?! Hahfufufuf! Harumph! Harumph!

I assume you're talking about the Ovation Magnums I and II? Like these:

Methinks they look totally rad. Especially in black and white:

Or cartoon-ized:

Or being rocked by lesser musicians, like Ross Valory (Journey):

Or this guy:

In all seriousness, if you want a bass that sounds just like it, without looking "silly", you could strap on both a Rick 4001 and a Gibson EB0 and play them both at the same time. Or you could just track down a Magnum III or IV, which are less desirable and somewhat more conventional:

pjmuck · #7 02-16-2010, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danomite64

Magnums look awesome. Get over yourself.

+1. Kim Gordon looked cool enough playing one. Besides, which Magnum are you referring to? The Magnum I and II had the same "potato shaped" body, but the Magnum 3 has a more standard body appearance. All 3 will get you that sound.

Benjamin Strange · #8 02-16-2010, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjmuck

+1. Kim Gordon looked cool enough playing one. Besides, which Magnum are you referring to? The Magnum I and II had the same "potato shaped" body, but the Magnum 3 has a more standard body appearance. All 3 will get you that sound.

But only one will get you laid: mine. And you can't have it.

Nobody · #9 02-16-2010, 09:37 AM

I know this doesn't help but it's kinda interesting, I think.

http://www.ovationtribute.com/Catalo...%20Manual.html

bigchad64 · #10 02-16-2010, 09:37 AM

I was drooling over a Magnum for sale locally on CL just yesterday...$500 pricetag just too steep right now.

blendermassacre · #11 02-16-2010, 09:40 AM

there is a yellow one sort of close to me on CL that pops up every now and again. super sweet basses. In all honesty, maybe an epiphone eb3 would get you close ish, but then again, it's short scale so it would definitely be different.

AltGrendel · #12 02-16-2010, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danomite64

Magnums look awesome. Get over yourself.

Yea, definitely need to change the attitude. Just lighten up a little, that's all.

bigchad64 · #13 02-16-2010, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blendermassacre

there is a yellow one sort of close to me on CL that pops up every now and again. super sweet basses. In all honesty, maybe an epiphone eb3 would get you close ish, but then again, it's short scale so it would definitely be different.

Ah, we are looking at the same bass then

Mr-Wunderful · #14 02-16-2010, 09:45 AM

Magnums rule.

scarekrow · #15 02-16-2010, 09:53 AM

Tone wise, it's killer! I kinda dig the look too. It's been awhile, but I might suggest a Gibson Ripper with Stainless Roundwounds 'might' get close. Probably hard to find one of those to compare...

**JxBass** · #16 02-16-2010, 10:26 AM

Magnums? I thought everyone had one ....

christw · #17 02-16-2010, 10:36 AM

I want one now! They're so quirky and sound sweet!

niceguy · #18 02-16-2010, 10:43 AM

I agree that they look awesome, but I think a 70s telecaster bass with flats and lots of treble, or maybe a Gibson EB-0, EB-3, or RD Artist could approximate that vibe (though not that sound).

LCMBassist · #19 02-16-2010, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benjamin Strange

Silly? SILLY?! Hahfufufuf! Harumph! Harumph!

I assume you're talking about the Ovation Magnums I and II? Like these:

Methinks they look totally rad. Especially in black and white:

Or cartoon-ized:

Or being rocked by lesser musicians, like Ross Valory (Journey):

Or this guy:

In all seriousness, if you want a bass that sounds just like it, without looking "silly", you could strap on both a Rick 4001 and a Gibson EB0 and play them both at the same time. Or you could just track down a Magnum III or IV, which are less desirable and somewhat more conventional:

Is that what he used on Don't Stop Believing? I've heard that song loads recently and the bass sounds awesome.

kai_ski · #20 02-16-2010, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benjamin Strange;8707725[IMG

http://benjaminstrange.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/magnumfretless.jpg[/IMG]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JxBass

What is that black saddle-looking piece under the 1,2,3rd strings? Is that supposed to be on all of these basses? From the examples I've seen some have them and some don't.

This one currently for sale on ebay, looks to have all of the same control setup as the Magnum I and II, but the body style of the III
http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-OVATION-...item2c53155f79