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Club or Violin Bass?

ecadad

ecadad

Guest
Sep 4, 2011
95
98
#1
I'm a huge Beatle nut and I've decided that the time has come to pickup a short scale bass with flats to try and get that early 60s Sir Paul vibe.


I've narrowed it down to either the violin or club bass. My only debate is shape. I don't want to look like a poser with a Beatle violin bass, which makes the club seem like a good choice. But should I just do it and play a violin bass? Advice?
 
#6
The 500/1-64-0 Strung with La Bella 760NHBB Nylons.

c48pLek.png
 
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#10
Just suck it up; be a poser; and get the violin bass...;)
Honestly? Play both - if you can - and decide. Some people find violin basses strangely awkward to play, for some reason. Others complain that they feel like a toy, which also puts them off. If this is true for you, you may find the Club Bass more to your taste. As for me? I'm a lefty - so, I'm more or less obligated to play a violin bass...:whistle:
 
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#15
I have a Contemporary violin, and it's great. I wouldn't worry too much about the whole image issue. Just get whatever you like. By the accounts I've read, they sound the same. Also, the black versions get away from the McCartney look. (I got mine used, so black was the only choice, but it looks great.)

Most people just think it's a cool/unusual looking (and fabulous sounding) instrument, and I've had to point out that it's the same type McCartney plays. (And some of these people have even been musicians!)

Oh, and whatever you do, get La Bella Beatle bass strings. I love the light flats, but there are also rounds, tapes, etc.
 
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#16
GIBrat51 said:
Just suck it up; be a poser; and get the violin bass...;)
Honestly? Play both - if you can - and decide. Some people find violin basses strangely awkward to play, for some reason. Others complain that they feel like a toy, which also puts them off. If this is true for you, you may find the Club Bass more to your taste. As for me? I'm a lefty - so, I'm more or less obligated to play a violin bass...:whistle:
Click to expand...
They do have lefty club basses.... I think...
 
#18
Just to muddy the water further, if you're considering the HCT versions the HCT very thin bass has the same neck, and pickups as the violin bass (if I'm not mistaken). I have a sunburst one with flatwounds that I can't stop using. It can get that sound but with a different look. I think the current edition comes in black, red or sunburst. The sunburst one has a pearloid pick-guard which is easily removed.

Hoffront.jpg
 
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#19
outoftune said:
I just scored an Epiphone Viola for a great price. Loving the sound and feel. I'm a big guy but this bass doesn't feel small or toyish slung over my shoulder.

I posted a nice before and after shot just because.
Click to expand...
+1 I love my Epi Viola, sounds great with flats on it too! Heck I bought mine new for $299 and thought it was a steal. My ONLY complaint is there is a bit of neck dive, but very comfortable
to play while seated.
 
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