Gretsch copies

[chiron_griffin]

The title says it all. I'm looking for a cheap Gretsch copy. The purchase won't be until a good ways off, but I'm trying to do research and I'm not coming up with much. The Eastwood Classic 4 is the the only one I can really find, and they just are still priced to high for my likes. The ideal bass would have two f-holes, a single cutaway, no pick guard, and be red. The reason behind the specificity of looks is that it will be the centerpiece of a Six String Samurai costume (though 4 stringed since that's what I play). I figured if anyone could assist in my search it was the fine folks of TB.

 

[fuzzy beard]

Were are you located?

 

[chiron_griffin]

South Carolina. I probably won't be prepared to purchase for a number of months. I want to see if I can find something that meshes with both my budget the look. If anyone hasn't seen Six String Samurai it's post-apocalyptic, so there can be a good amount of roadwear.

 

[Avalon]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bass-guitar-semi-hollow-body-new-/221009185436?pt=Guitar&hash=item33752c8a9c

http://http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bass-Guitar-4-string-semi-hollow-body-New-/120906938617?pt=Guitar&hash=item1c269d78f9

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Semi-hollow-body-Bass-Guitar-arched-top-new-/390411245262?pt=Guitar&hash=item5ae652d6ce

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bass-Guitar-4-string-semi-hollow-body-New-/120905116234?pt=Guitar&hash=item1c2681aa4a

You could try one of the eBay Chinese knock-offs linked above. There are some black Hofners in TB classifieds linked below. One is a black Icon Club and the other is a black "stealthed" CT 500/1. The CT model is a great deal and they have better sustain and resistance to feedback because of the sustain block.

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f126/hofner-trans-black-icon-club-bass-new-878807/

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f126/fs-two-black-beauties-lakland-hfner-874045/

 

[Gintaras]

Not sure if you would call it an gretsch copy but I had an Ibanez Artcore before I bought a Gretsch Electromatic. Really enjoyed the bass and it would still be with me if not for accidentally running into the Gretsch. I see them for between $275 and $350 on a regular basis.

 

[Avalon]

I missed the part about the RED. You would prolly have to go for a used Epiphone 335 copy from eBay. There is also the Hagstrom Viking reissue, but the price is high. However, the first two links I provided below may have the kitsch feel that you desire even if neither one looks like an over-sized balalaika ~ ala the Red Elvises.

You could go for this cheesy looking red violin bass...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1960S-CROWN-BEATLES-BASS-GUITAR-CASE-/300703130359?pt=Guitar&hash=item46034da2f7

Or this nice red cigar box bass....
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cigar-Box-Bass-Deluxe-Two-Pick-Up-Model-/300654725155?pt=Guitar&hash=item46006b0823

I believe that this RED Hagstrom is out of your price range....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-HAGSTROM-VINTAGE-VIKING-SERIES-SEMI-HOLLOW-CLASSIC-ELECTRIC-BASS-GUITAR-/180872509531?pt=Guitar&hash=item2a1cd7785b

 

[chiron_griffin]

The Artcores nearly match the look I'm going for. The Hagstrom has it nearly down to a tee, but a little pricey for me to duct tape a katana to and lug around conventions. It's looking like I should just save up a little and try to find a decently priced Eastwood or get one of these Chinese cheapies and do a terribly paint job. While I would like a playable instrument the most important part is that people recognize me as the Six (Four) String Samurai.

as for a frame of reference, this was the best picture I could dig up: