I like hollowbodies but...

[ThuzzleFump]

What's up with those d*mn barstool covers they snap onto the backs of some of 'em? I mean, I guess it's supposed to be for comfort, but I don't want the back of my bass to look like 3 AM at a worn-out piano bar. I also can't imagine that it does much for the sound.

Should I learn to appreciate them, or simply wallow in my current horror?

 

[mdogs]

Here's a novel thought, how about you just ignore them...

 

[ThuzzleFump]

Here's a novel thought, how about you just ignore them...

That is one choice.

Srsly, though, I have been looking to purchase a hollowbody recently, and I've seen a number of them that I loved, and then they had that piece o' vinyl on the back. I don't like the look, but if I knew they served some important function it would help.

 

[monkeyfinger]

I've never seen one a recently manufactured hollowbody or semi-hollowbody bass. What bass are you talking about?

 

[ThuzzleFump]

Here are a few. I am genuinely curious what they are supposed to do.

Gretsch G6136Lsb White Falcon Bass Hardshell Case Included

Gretsch 6071 Bass 1968 Walnut

Vox Wyman Bass 1966 Sunburst

 

[monkeyfinger]

Two of the three appear to be vintage. The White Falcon is the first hollowbody with a vinyl protector on the body currently in production that I have seen. Maybe it's because I haven't really been paying attention to $3500 hollowbodies.

 

[Joe Nerve]

And there I went thinking I know everything .

Never saw nor heard of one of those things till just now, and I agree that they should just not be there.

I own an Ibanez Artcore, and thankfully it doesn't have one of them there things.

 

[monkeyfinger]

 

[monkeyfinger]

I would be surprised if it has any effect on tone.

 

[monkeyfinger]

On the other hand I can wear one of those big shiny buckles and not worry about scratches.

 

[One Drop]

As a lover of vintage HBs I've always wondered about that as well, and have never owned one that had it as stock.

I'm wondering if the are partly to prevent feedback (by muting the vibrations on at least one face of the body)?

A wild guess on my part only.

 

[Tommyc]

I've never seen one either. The only real problem I'd have with it is maintaining a modicum of sobriety so as to avoid disaster. It's really kind of cool!

 

[Stewie]

I'm willing to venture a guess that the pampers attached to the back is to help the body from resonating and feeding back, sounding like a freight train horn. It has been an adventure getting loud with my upright because of feedback

 

[2saddleslab]

I've owned a Gretsch 6072 reissue for 10 years and until you brought up the belt buckle protector pad I've forgotten all about it.

 

[M.R. Ogle]

Belt buckle protector.

I'll play devil's advocate on this... I think MORE instruments should have them.

 

[bassstation]

Maybe I can help, I owned/restored a 1968 gretsch. The back pad was to cover over a control plate/access point into the body. It also kept your belt buckle from scratching up the finish on the back. Hope that helps.

Here are a few. I am genuinely curious what they are supposed to do.

Gretsch G6136Lsb White Falcon Bass Hardshell Case Included

Gretsch 6071 Bass 1968 Walnut

Vox Wyman Bass 1966 Sunburst

 

[ThuzzleFump]

Belt buckle protector.

I'll play devil's advocate on this... I think MORE instruments should have them.

Way to go! What's the best belt buckle protector for metal?

 

[ThuzzleFump]

Maybe I can help, I owned/restored a 1968 gretsch. The back pad was to cover over a control plate/access point into the body. It also kept your belt buckle from scratching up the finish on the back. Hope that helps.

Isn't that what Sansabelts are for?

 

[M.R. Ogle]

Way to go! What's the best belt buckle protector for metal?

A black leather one, obviously.

 

[Mustang Surly]

"Should I learn to appreciate them, or simply wallow in my current horror?"

Wallow away: I think they look mega cheesy and wouldn't buy a bass that sports one (not that anyone else isn't absolutely entitled to have a different opinion, it being a matter of personal preference).

Check out Guild Starfires. Great look, feel and sound and no upholstery. Also less tendency to feed back due to the center block. Also less expensive (new) than the top-end Gretsches.