Hollowbody Bass Suggestions

Also check out the Epiphone Jack Cassidy model. Semi-hollow. Gorgeous tone.

 

I've had Gretsch (2), DiPinto, Guild Starfire RI, Lakland.
First decision - long scale (34) or short scale. Body size and related comfort vary as well.
Gotta check out neck dive, too. And, of course, cosmetics.
I personally could not get used to a short scale - that left (for me) the DiPinto and the Lakland. Loved the DiPinto tone but ultimately found that the Lakland HB was the best for me - looks, quality, tone and tone options. Check out the playing / sound samples on their website.
I'm a precision guy (vs. jazz) and I've found the HB can do the P thump but a HB also has more resonance. Given I mostly gig with blues and british invasion stuff, a good HB can and does meet those needs.
They are sexy and I love the tone - good luck in your search.

 

Lakland make a GREAT Hollowbody - Really versatile bass..

 

Not all HB basses are more expensive than their guitar counterparts. And some of those HB guitars can be very pricey.

There are some good suggestions, but nobody's suggested violin basses yet. I've tried the Broadkaster, and while it's a good bass, it's not exactly what I look for in a hollowbody. It's a semihollow, and I greatly prefer true hollowbodies. And there are a lot of violin basses, especially cheap ones, that are true hollow.

 

1) Jack CASADY

oh, man! You don't know who you're talking to, buddy!!! (Uh... please check my signature!)

2) My Eastwood Classic 4



Eastwood Classic 4 Electric Bass Guitar : Eastwood Bass Guitars | Shop.MyRareGuitars.com


3) My Dean Stylist

 

not into hollowbodies? au contraire!

here are photos of two of the hollowbodies that my son is currently playing. one is a jack casady which i have modded to all black config. the other is a (approximately) 1967 vox cougar that my friend dan modded by having hagstrom pick up's installed. love 'em both.





he currently is also playing a hagstrom concord that also (obviously) has hagstrom pick ups.

we are very into hollow bodies at our house.

 

If I had the money I would definitely go for a Gretsch but more affordable are Eastwoods which are also neat!

 

I have an epi viola, its a very warm sounding bass and easy to really jam on (short scale). They are however a bit temperamental to keep in tune.

 

I love my Eastwood classic 4. Didn't like the Casady, it felt cheap.

 

After checking Epis Jack Casady, Ibanez AGBs, Höfner 500, Gretsch Falcon and Lakland HB (US+Skyline) I bought the Lakland Skyline. The Lakland Skyline was just slightly different from the US model, which you will only recognize by direct A/B test. Nothing which would justify 3x the price tag. The Lakland tone - mine came with Bartolini PUs - beat the other brands by far imho. Couldn't check it out with Darkstar PUs, which might be an improvement. But I don't miss anything and am happy with the Sound of the Bartolinis. The single coil/HB switch is a very useful feature.

 

check out this thread on the Gretsch Electromatic.
I bought one a few months ago and can't say enough about it.

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f8/new-gretsch-electromatic-hollowbody-bass-713507/

 

pretty intrigued by the hollow body idea too, sort of into an early jamc or later marilyn manson sound i guess

 

I have one of these: Douglas WVEB Short Scale Violin Bass VS at RondoMusic.com I put some LaBella Beatle Bass strings on it and it sounds great. Why pay more?

 

How ARE the Eastwoods overall?
Also, are there feedback issues as with a full hollowbody?
Thanks!

 

Those are sweet!!

 

*Cough Hofner *Coughcough

 

One of the best sounding hollowbodies made right now.

 

Every now and then a Rivoli comes up for sale... for me, I'm still loving my old EA-260... haven't played a Casady, but I'm not ruling them out. Now, if you got some coin... check out a Gibson LP Sign bass. Yum...