Chowny basses - Need advise!

Hard to read that.
Why?

 

Your post is black letters on a grey backround.
It's next to impossible to read.

Fixed it.

1. Hey.
   
   I'm a producer and guitarist that need a bass for studio/session work etc.
   It needs to be versatile, and I'm on somewhat of a budget. But it has to be good enough for tracking a finished product.
   
   I've come across the Chowny brand. And it intrigues me.
   I have some bassist friends that talk about this brand and say that they seem legit.
   
   I've particulary looked at the Chowny SWB-1 short scale bass, and the
   Chowny Retrovibe Davie504 EVO Bass.
   Is there some obvious candidates in this price range I'm missing?
   And which one of these two would best fit my use?
   
   Thanks for all tips, guys!!

 

Stop in here and say Hi!
Chow Down! Chowny & Retrovibe Bass Club!
Mr. Chowny is here on TB @chowny

 

Bought this recently and it is an awesome, awesome, awesome bass!
NBD Retrovibe by Chowny Retrovibe

Stephen Chowny was great to deal with. Shipping was surprisingly cheap ($64) and really quick from England to South Central Pennsylvania.

 

@BeefPie84 recently bought the Retrovibe Davie504 EVO and loves it.

 

More info here
Chowny SWB-1

Scott Whitley SWB-1

Chowny Bass | Official Home of Chowny Bass Guitars

 

I have one. Yes, yes, I'm a full-on Music Man fanboi and always will be, but I buy a few basses here and there for what I call "market research". This is a really decent bass. Can't speak to the other models, but I've been very happy - and surprised, at first - with the quality, fit and sound of this red one.

I recommend them! And yes, Stephen Chown is a pleasure to deal with.

 

First of all, welcome.

I do have a Davie 504 and it is a fantastic bass. It does the MusicMan thing better than MusicMan! You can get the same features on the standard Evo but no quilt maple cap and extra color options which come with the Davie. Very authoritative tone, and very punchy and deep, distinctive growl. For many people, the neck shape is important and this has a comfortable jazz style neck that is thinner at the nut if you like that. That said, It has a nice profile and the satin finish is done very well. I have a few minor complaints that have developed after having it for a while but it plays great, sounds good, is less than 8 pounds, preamp is killer, neck is fantastic and all fretwork and finishing is definitely up to par. All the parts that are important.

That said, you could most definitely record with it as I've had no noise or hiss from the preamp, which is very quiet, but if this bass is going to be used for a lot of recording, I'd probably try to find a passive bass I liked instead. The SWB comes in a passive version. I suppose it depends on the sound you are looking for. You said it was for session work, so if it is going to also be used by someone else, remember that the SWB is short scale and that might not be a good fit for some players coming into the studio. Finally, don't be afraid to ask Chowny himself if you want to make any changes or modifications before purchase, they are eager to accommodate if it is within their power and something you want.

 

If you're looking for a session bass. The P bass is hard to beat.

 

If it has to be a chowny. I'd go for the Davie signature in that purple quilt

 

You should have a look at an Ibanez Talman

 

For studio needs? I wouldn't go for a bass like EVO which mimics a Stingray because it's a very specific sound. And this is coming from a guy who plays nothing but Precision and Stingray basses. I'd go for their PJ variant (Retrovibe Volante):

Retrovibe Volante | Chowny Bass

Can't go wrong with a P bass for recording, plus a J pup in the bridge location gives you more tonal options.

 

I've a sw1 Pro with active elec. & ash body. It's my work horse both live and in the studio cuz of the easy playing neck, richness, and versatility, it can get be adjusted to have many tone options. It's a Pro quality instrument comparable or better than some famous brands.