Anyone use or try a Bossa bass?

[bassandbeyond]

Hussain is a very good friend of mine, and one of the nicest and most talented people I've ever known! I've heard him playing Bossas exclusively for over 10 years, on all kinds of gigs from EWF funk to Brazilian jazz.

There is something distinctive in the midrange of Bossas that always seems to cut right through in any mix. Quite unique sounding and high quality basses, but probably not for everybody. I would definitely suggest trying one out to decide if it's right for you.

 

[emjazz]

Great basses. From what I remember they were F Bass like with more grind and punch. I got to play a few in Switzerland. I saw more in one store there than I've ever seen in my life over here.

 

[KJung]

Thanks for all the info guys. There's enough 'warning signs' in the tone descriptions for me to want to definitely try one prior to any possible purchase.

 

[ped]

This was my Bossa. I really liked it, it was flawlessly made and sounded very nice - more on the 'Vintage' end of the spectrum. Ultimately I had to sell it to help fund a new car!

Cheers
ped

 

[ped]

There is one for sale at Ishibashi - currently on page 6.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[Zooberwerx]

Thanks for all the info guys. There's enough 'warning signs' in the tone descriptions for me to want to definitely try one prior to any possible purchase.

Perfectly understandable. Drop by my house any evening and I'll let you try mine out. BTW: I get home about 6 PM. FWIW, I don't notice any mid-scoop at all. Has quite of bit of low and low-mid response without getting muddy.

Riis

 

[davec]

tried one out years ago at "makin music" in Chicago. From What I remember great bass

 

[fullrangebass]

I've heard and played two in different settings and bands 3-4 yrs back. Nice basses, good tone, sitting well in the bands albeit "scooped" for my taste

 

[KJung]

Perfectly understandable. Drop by my house any evening and I'll let you try mine out. BTW: I get home about 6 PM. FWIW, I don't notice any mid-scoop at all. Has quite of bit of low and low-mid response without getting muddy.

Riis

Sounds like a hang! They are beautiful basses. I'm so happy with my current stable, and have now been 'bit' a couple of times trying to find a more 'modern' sounding instrument that I like for certain playing contexts. However, my J's sound so good in virtually any context that I play in, that I'm pretty much set. I just saw that picture of Nate groovin' on that beautiful bass.... what's not to like about that!


Thanks again everyone for the info. I'm going to keep this brand on my 'short list' for possible future consideration.... lightweight, J style, punchy, and that unique inner outer coil single coil mode has really peaked my interest.

 

[maconbass]

Ken, here's a little of Nate on his Bossa.

 

[KJung]

Ken, here's a little of Nate on his Bossa.

Man, it's hard to suck the funk out of Glide, but they did it

That is a modern, pingy sounding bass right there. Reminds me of a couple I just got rid of

Thanks for the clip.

 

[emjazz]

Man, it's hard to suck the funk out of Glide, but they did it

That is a modern, pingy sounding bass right there. Reminds me of a couple I just got rid of

Thanks for the clip.

I liked Tom Kennedy's tone in the clip that popped up next to that clip much, much better.....

 

[KJung]

I liked Tom Kennedy's tone in the clip that popped up next to that clip much, much better.....

Hey Andy!

Yeah, that clip erased the Bossa GAS for me... not that it didn't sound great, just not my thing. Beautiful instruments.

Weckl and Tommy.... it's interesting to hear them play that tune at the slower tempo. Yeah, Tommy's bass sounds fat and full in that clip.

And.. Tommy has joined the Markbass family... using an SD800 and dual front ported 410's from what I understand. I bet that sounds killer with his particular punchy bass tone and aggressive technique. His touch is so 'hard', I've heard him literally destroy the input sections of amps, even with the pad engaged! That big headroom of the SD800 should work great for him!

 

[emjazz]

Hey Ken. Hope all is well. Yeah, I saw Tom was using Markbass now. That should be a good setup for him.....wow, I didn't realize he played so hard. I'm shocked that he can get that speed and finesse with playing that hard. I'd hurt my hands if I played that hard.

Hey Andy!

Yeah, that clip erased the Bossa GAS for me... not that it didn't sound great, just not my thing. Beautiful instruments.

Weckl and Tommy.... it's interesting to hear them play that tune at the slower tempo. Yeah, Tommy's bass sounds fat and full in that clip.

And.. Tommy has joined the Markbass family... using an SD800 and dual front ported 410's from what I understand. I bet that sounds killer with his particular punchy bass tone and aggressive technique. His touch is so 'hard', I've heard him literally destroy the input sections of amps, even with the pad engaged! That big headroom of the SD800 should work great for him!

 

[maconbass]

I didn't know that about Tommy. I saw him a few months back and he was using all SWR which surprised me.

 

[KJung]

I didn't know that about Tommy. I saw him a few months back and he was using all SWR which surprised me.

It's relatively recent. He just showed up on the website. I haven't talked to him in a bit, but Zeb says he likes the stuff a lot.

 

[KJung]

Hey Ken. Hope all is well. Yeah, I saw Tom was using Markbass now. That should be a good setup for him.....wow, I didn't realize he played so hard. I'm shocked that he can get that speed and finesse with playing that hard. I'd hurt my hands if I played that hard.

Seeing him play like that on the DB is almost shocking. He really is an animal!

 

[DrGroovenstein]

Haven't read the entire thread yet, but *WARNING JKUNG*

Bossa basses are not for you! I checked these out a few years ago, and also spoke to Hussain several times. I was looking at them for the complete opposite tone from what you are looking for dude

 

[KJung]

Haven't read the entire thread yet, but *WARNING JKUNG*

Bossa basses are not for you! I checked these out a few years ago, and also spoke to Hussain several times. I was looking at them for the complete opposite tone from what you are looking for dude

+1...all my TB buddies are taking care of me! I heard that clip that Maconbass posted, and the GAS immediately went out (again, nothing wrong with the tone... pretty nice... but as you said... not me.

Thanks! I love this site!

 

[KenToby]

I knew I had to have one when I saw and heard Nate Phillips playing one in concert with Jeff Lorber about 3 years ago. (Nate played for Pleasure back in the day. Check out "Glide" on YouTube). I stole mine on eBay for just over $900. It's got a natural solid Ash body, Ebony board and wood covered dual coil pickups. Of my almost 40 basses, the neck is the absolute best... perfect (for me). Using the unique coil tapping controls, I can go from a modern, hi-fi funky slap to a Motown-like finger style tone; it really is one of the finest "under the radar" basses on the planet!!

Now let me give you a HUGE TIP!! While vacationing in NYC last summer, I discovered TUNE basses at the Sam Ash store. The tone and feel were/are outstanding and the price was ridiculously low, under $500 for the 5 and under $400 for the 4!! I was so impressed I picked up a 5 on eBay and ordered a 4 from Sam Ash. I discovered that these basses used the EXACT same preamp and pickups as my $3000K Bossa. Only thing missing was the coil tap control!! Look for a Bossa and if you run accross a Korean made natural Mahogany TUNE, snatch it... Quick, Sam Ash is sold out and won't be getting any more.

Thanks,

KT