Epiphone Viola bass

[TheArchitect]

I am interested in this....is the build quality decent? Is the zero fret an issue? This seems like a viable solution to a vintagey / short scale / flats kind of option

 

[Roland GR 88]

Quality is fine with the Epi Viola. They are unique and you should really want a short scale, skinny neck, retro look and tone bass to go there.
Definitely a play before you buy bass.

 

[Cool Hand Luke]

I checked out Epiphone Violas, but they do not compare to the ease of play with my Hofner, and just don't have the deepness of notes.

 

[TheArchitect]

Interesting.. the local hut apparently has one. I may go check it out.

 

[TheArchitect]

I checked out Epiphone Violas, but they do not compare to the ease of play with my Hofner, and just don't have the deepness of notes.

Which Hofner? Vintage?

 

[Mastermold]

Interesting.. the local hut apparently has one. I may go check it out.

Epiphone basses are all generally well made, I’ve owned a Jack Casady and current own an Embassy and have played many others. Their viola is semi hollow, not full hollow like the German Hofner or budget Icon Hofner, but can get the tone you are describing when strung with flats.

 

[Basvarken]

Why do you think the zero fret might be an issue?
I actually think a zero fret is superior to a regular nut.

An open string sounds exactly the same as a fretted note.
The action is always perfect. No risk of slots being either too deep or too high.

 

[TheArchitect]

Why do you think the zero fret might be an issue?
I actually think a zero fret is superior to a regular nut.

An open string sounds exactly the same as a fretted note.
The action is always perfect. No risk of slots being either too deep or too high.

Because there is no guarantee the zero fret is the proper height either and it's much more difficult to adjust and replace. Most nuts from the factory are cut to high. No reason to think a zero fret would not be also.

If it's right, it's fine.

 

[39-Bassist]

Zero fret is much better then a nut actually. I have never seen a Zero fret too high or low for action. Plus you will be more precise on the intonation setup.
( I say this because I have built a few also)

 

[blacktocomm]

The Epiphone Viola is a very underrated bass imo. Solid build quality, plays nice and more versatile than most people give it credit for. Mine wear a very old set of Chromes and I’ve used it for the Beatles, old funk, 80’s pop, punk rock, etc. Its not a bass that can do everything, but it can cover a lot of territory…

 

[Hurricane Jimmie]

So Anyway, my first bass was a Hofner Beatle Bass. It was feedback city when I finally got a big amp. But that was many decades ago. I was playing in a loud rock band, and I didn't really know what I was doing. Can't really dis the Hofner because of my inexperience. It was a beautiful instrument and so iconic that when people saw it, they thought I could actually play.

Years later I bought an Epiphone Viola to cover some Beatle songs in our 60's band. It was a well-made instrument, and I had no issues with the zero fret. The Viola also has a center brace which helps reduce feedback. I would also put the Viola on a stool with a guitar stand and play it 'upright' for a few songs. It was a nice gimmick. I've had a couple of other Epiphone Basses and feel that they're a good value for the money.

I've found that any 'hollow-body' style of bass is a little uncomfortable for me to play because there are no contours to the body. If you have the chance, you'll want to play one before you purchase.
Good Luck on your decision.

 

[Ostie]

While I’m not a fan of the violin bass body, I’ve also been intrigued by the viola. I have a Hofner Club and I find the quirky electronics, specifically the slide switches, perplexing. Also the vintage tuners are crude. I’ve had it FS/FT for several months with the intention of trading for a Viola but little interest other than a couple of low-ball offers.

 

[Basvarken]

Because there is no guarantee the zero fret is the proper height either and it's much more difficult to adjust and replace. Most nuts from the factory are cut to high. No reason to think a zero fret would not be also.

If it's right, it's fine.

A zero fret cannot be cut too high. Simply because it is not cut at all.
It's just a fret. It is the perfect height for all strings.
The nut behind it simply functions as a string guide.

 

[TheArchitect]

A zero fret cannot be cut too high. Simply because it is not cut at all.
It's just a fret. It is the perfect height for all strings.
The nut behind it simply functions as a string guide.

What?? No..

The zero fret most certainly can be wrong. Its what sets the height of the string above the rest of the frets. It can be too high or to low just like a nut slot

 

[Basvarken]

Whatever you want. Looks like you already made up your mind.
Goodluck.

 

[TheArchitect]

Zero fret is much better then a nut actually. I have never seen a Zero fret too high or low for action. Plus you will be more precise on the intonation setup.
( I say this because I have built a few also)

How does it make intonation more accurate? Not seeing that

 

[TheArchitect]

Whatever you want. Looks like you already made up your mind.
Goodluck.

I have not made up my mind about anything. You need to explain your comment that the zero fret can't be to high.

 

[Basvarken]

I have not made up my mind about anything. You need to explain your comment that the zero fret can't be to high.

Because it's a fret that's why.
Unless it is not properly seated there is no way it can be too high.
Neither can it be too low. Unless some idiot filed it down.

 

[TheArchitect]

Because it's a fret that's why.
Unless it is not properly seated there is no way it can be too high.
Neither can it be too low. Unless some idiot filed it down.

You don't understand how they work.

 

[skygzr]

I used to own one. It’s heavier than a Hofner. I recall that it played pretty well.