Cheap headless basses.

[two fingers]

There are several headless basses from the 80s that can be had relatively cheaply.

Hohner (with and without body sides)
Cort
Washburn Bantam
Kramer The Duke

There are more, I'm sure.

I just want one for fun. I'll probably refinish it with something ridiculously 80s.

Any experience with these? Are there any you would avoid? This would be a project. So I can reshape the neck. I can swap electronics. Whatever.

 

[jbybj]

There are several headless basses from the 80s that can be had relatively cheaply.

Hohner (with and without body sides)
Cort
Washburn Bantam
Kramer The Duke

There are more, I'm sure.

I just want one for fun. I'll probably refinish it with something ridiculously 80s.

Any experience with these? Are there any you would avoid? This would be a project. So I can reshape the neck. I can swap electronics. Whatever.

Not specific to the headless, but my experience with a couple of old Hohner basses was positive. Well executed, nice instruments.

 

[EmuBass]

I think you could also mod a younger headless. Not expensive, no regrets to Frankensteinization
Steinberger Spirits

 

[Watchootognbout]

Brice basses at Rondo music.
Brice HXB2-404 RW Headless Nat Burl

Brice HXB2-404 3034 EB Nat Burl Headless

 

[two fingers]

Any more thoughts on cheap headless basses?

 

[LowEndLobster]

Steiny Spirit is probably as cheap as you can go, though they can still be had new (and IMO the new ones aren't great, especially in the electronics department). The only thing cheaper is one of the DIY bass kits:

Solo SBBK-1 DIY Headless Bass Guitar Kit | Solo Guitars | Reverb

These would make for a fun project.

 

[two fingers]

Steiny Spirit is probably as cheap as you can go, though they can still be had new (and IMO the new ones aren't great, especially in the electronics department). The only thing cheaper is one of the DIY bass kits:

Solo SBBK-1 DIY Headless Bass Guitar Kit | Solo Guitars | Reverb

These would make for a fun project.

Oh wow. I could sink a few bucks into real electronics and maybe make something fun out of that!

 

[LowEndLobster]

Oh wow. I could sink a few bucks into real electronics and maybe make something fun out of that!

For real, man! Also, if you mess up you can easily replace a part vs having to source another bass or find parts. I'm going to be doing a video on a different DIY bass kit in the next few weeks or so from the same manufacturer.

 

[two fingers]

For real, man! Also, if you mess up you can easily replace a part vs having to source another bass or find parts. I'm going to be doing a video on a different DIY bass kit in the next few weeks or so from the same manufacturer.

I look forward to it. Link me when you're done please!

 

[LowEndLobster]

I look forward to it. Link me when you're done please!

Just placed the order.

DIY Electric Bass Guitar Kit - 70s TL Bass Build Your Own Bass Kit | The Fretwire Store | Reverb

LobsterBass Serial #42069000-001

Might do a giveaway for it once I build it. Going to paint it in my shed with whatever spray paint I have in my garage hahaha. I think I have a really nice vintagey speed yellow actually .

 

[selowitch]

I have a Traveler TB-4P that I love that can be found for around $300 used. It's 32" scale but uses long-scale strings. Lightweight, headless, and great sounding with a Mustangish vibe.

Oh, and if you like 1.75"-wide nuts, this bass has one of those. I don't know if I like 1.75" nuts in general, but it seems perfect on this bass.

 

[Basta-bass]

I played for a few years with a B2A hohner before it was stolen.
You can see it in my avatar!
It's a strange ergonomic thing, but it sounded real good!
Sometimes I fantasy to buy one again...
Wouldn't it be funny if I re-bought my own one?

 

[bjelkeman]

The Ibanez Axstar headless basses often aren’t very expensive. This one I got locally for nearly nothing. It has some issues, but still worth the price.

 

[two fingers]

The Ibanez Axstar headless basses often aren’t very expensive. This one I got locally for nearly nothing. It has some issues, but still worth the price.

View attachment 3783694

Oh that's cool too!

 

[DanAdams]

My first bass ever was the Cort headless from the 80s. My friend had the Hohner version. they are both good.
I'm going to get the Cort again one day.

 

[knigel]

I have a Steinberger Spirit, but I have played, and like quite a bit more, the Yamaha BX1. My Steinberger is so divey (I know, get that extender) and this Yamaha kind of solves that. Kind of similar to the Axstar above.

There's also the...Riverhead? From Japan? Someone here has it as their avatar.

 

[_One//Man//Mutiny_]

I really enjoy my Hohner B2A it's the headless that stayed out of the headless shoot out I had. I had a Hohner the Jack and a Steinberger Spirit xz2, they were all sweet but the Hohner B2A was the only one without a normal body and that really is something special, it gives a really unique playing feel

 

[Dave the Bass]

I used to have a walnut Westone Pantera headless....I regret selling it.

 

[Basta-bass]

At least you got some money for it...
Mine was stolen and left me with only tears!!!

 

[Bass Man Dan]

The second bass I ever owned was a Cort Steinberger copy. It was great. You cou!d drop it off of a tall building, it would land in one piece and in tune. Sounded pretty good also!