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I ordered a Ministar Basstar

#4
It won't be a gigging bass. When you travel in a "day cab" tractor trailer, space is limited. With everything else in there when I work, that should be easier to live with. If someone steals it, no big deal. Although, the idea of bringing it to a gig and watching the look on my "purist" guitarist's face would be fun.
 
#9
Stinsok,

Good move! i first saw a guitar model at Victor Litz at one of their sales. I tried it and I liked it! It gets the job done, is small enough to pack if you want and sounds good too! Now I have 2 guitar ones and 2 bass ones (both 5 stringers, fretted and fretless). Here's one of mine:

P1000054.jpg
 
#12
I'm pleased with mine. Just went on a trip and took it along. I keep it behind the seats in my truck, just in case.
Needs a strap sitting or standing, and it's much easier to play standing.
The case is not much; broke the zipper that holds the rods on the day after I got it. Thinking about buying a rifle case for it.
Sounds pretty good, plays good.
DSCN0024.jpg
 
#14
It was waiting for me when I got home. I immediately torn in to it. So far, so good. The frets aren't sharp and the intonation is ok. I have only played through my Bass Trainer but it sounds decent. The lap attachment doesn't work for me. It's really weird. The strap rods are ok and it's fairly comfortable to play standing up.

The neck has a P-bass profile and the finish is very light/satin. The pickups make a good thumb rest. It came with a cheapo strap, cord and an "Ogre" headphone amp with headphones included. I haven't tried it yet. It came in a nylon tote bag.
 
#15
Sorry, this is unrelated the Basstar. I just wanted to share my travel-size bass with you. It's a Bassfish by Goldfish Guitars. It was about $169. I got it expecting a novelty bass but everything seems to be built correctly and it sounds pretty good. It basically is a fish-shaped jazz bass. Given the chance, I would play it on stage (John the Fisherman, most likely).

I've been tempted to buy a googly -eye sticker from a dollar store.

BassfishbyGoldfishGuitars.jpg
 
#16
I got a Basstar a few weeks back to stick under my desk at work, so I can practice for a bit before leaving my day job to go teach college. Mine has the double J type pickup as well. I was a little dismayed by the log-like neck when I first got it, but it's been manageable. Out of the box, the strings felt like they were about a foot off the fb, but a little tweaking and it came out pretty manageable. I don't use the lap bar at the moment, but one of the other people that's posted about the basstars on here recommended using handlebar foam from a bicycle on it to make it more comfortable.

I haven't had any problems with the Ogre at all, other than the battery was about dead when I got it. I actually use it at home on my PBass as not to wake up my newborn while hanging out between his feedings. I'd kinda like to pick up another one. Been thinking about getting one of the Travelstar guitars for my daughter so she can practice while on the road for gymnastic competitions, I may have to steal hers...:ninja:

I'm curious though, has anyone found a better bridge system for these things? 90 degree breakpoint over the edge of a metal plate doesn't thrill me.
 
#17
I'm not crazy about the bridge either, but it is what it is. I spent time with it this evening. I tweaked the truss rod and lowered the action. It's much better. Now that I have this one I am really interested in getting the fretless and converting it to an EUB.
 

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