Do you think the Longhorn design is cool?

[Cave Puppy]

I have a Jerry Jones Longhorn bought new in 1996. The only band I’m in at the moment plays a tad harder style of music than I’ve played before. The guy wanted me to play my longhorn (as his old band toured the world with a Danelectro Longhorn) in Eb tuning and we D tune on a few tunes from there. That little bass couldn’t hack it. I love that thing, but had to go full scale solid body for that band. I think they’re C.A.S (cool as shite)!

 

[MultiScaleMale]

According to TB rules I'm not permitted to say that a particular bass is ugly. So, I have no comment on the Longhorn. Different strokes / different folks.

 

[Bass-ball]

Hard pass.

 

[BassBrass]

Good, I'm glad someone got there. Nearly 50 posts before someone recognised the likeness to a lyre. An electric bass lyre could be amazing.

A Gallifreyan would have seen amphora or hung out with Pythagoras

 

[Jeff K]

I always liked the body shape. Different-looking, and kinda' cool. But I never liked those tiny little guitar tuners. Gives it a cheap look IMO.

Nevertheless, I bought one recently, and was somewhat blown away. Featherweight comfort, extremely easy to play, and sounds great.

I've also never been able to bond with any basses with the neck-side strap button on the back side of the body rather than on the top horn. Fortunately, the guy I bought mine felt the same way and added a nicer quality strap button to the top horn. So I'm quite pleased with it.

I do take some grief from some of my friends about it though. One of my buddies says it's hideous-looking. A female friend said, "It's cute!!". But nevertheless, I'm glad I snagged it.

 

[neo 7]

I think it's the ugliest bass ever made. If there were no other options besides the longhorn I'd play guitar.

 

[Wade Craver]

I'm amazed how negative some players are about a body design. If the body style would make you quit playing bass, then perhaps BASS isn't your thing. I don't care if it's shaped like a turd, if it sounds good, use it. If you like it, buy it.

 

[bobba66]

No.

 

[GretschWretch]

They look too country for me. Like I should have cowboy boots and hat on or something. I want to like them, I want to really badly, heck I almost bought one but I can’t get over the look.

You can be a cowboy and still dress like an uptown jazz cat.

 

[ElCrowg]

Personally, I kinda hate the way the look in that I would never want to play one. But they're so distinctive and wild, I kinda love seeing other play them. Do with that what you will.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[kerrycares]

It’s the Devil!

 

[jpmcbride]

I’ve been using one for years now , to be honest I still haven’t decided if they’re cool as hell , or butt ugly. But it sounds great , is light as a feather , and is really fun to play.

Sometimes butt ugly is cool!

 

[dangevans]

everyone hits with that when a Longhorn discussion happens, but it’s totally irrelevant to the discussion. Question wasn't how it plays, it was whether it was cool or not. I never argue playing quality……I’ve never played one. As ugly as it is, I don’t see myself ever playing one.

So what? If you dont like it, dont play it. I am certain this comment is relevant.

 

[Rocket Queen]

According to TB rules I'm not permitted to say that a particular bass is ugly. So, I have no comment on the Longhorn. Different strokes / different folks.

But the OP has invited both pro and con takes, and there's already 150 or so of the latter, so I think you've got a lot of latitude here...

Edit: Nine posts so far containing the word "ugly"...

 

[39-Bassist]

Nah...makes me want to do the Clash thing...lol

 

[bigdaddybass12]

No very unattractive.

 

[perfektspace6]

Strong no for me. No idea what they sound like.

 

[GTx2]

Eh, to each their own but it’s not my jam….

 

[Rib 13]

The old 70s lipstick tube pickups version and reissues sound surprisingly (and I mean surprisingly!) good

As far as looks? I guess its an acquired taste. I havent acquired it yet

 

[jeff62]

Absolutely, no.