I like hollowbodies but...

[Bob_Ross]

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

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.

I first encountered these gizmos on the late-60s Vox Apollo IV a bandmate in junior highschool had 40-odd years ago, and I gotta admit, never once did it occur to me that the pad was there to impart some sort of sonic effect. But if I'd never seen what was underneath the "barstool cover" I guess that would be a plausible explanation: a resonance damping device. I applaud your creative thinking.

However, at least on that Vox bass what's underneath the foam pad is a plastic lid to allow access to the electronics compartment, just a thin unsupported piece of polystyrene that would most certainly get scratched up (if not caved in) by the enormous belt buckles that were popular at the time. So I'm fairly certain the original intent was simply to prevent the bass from getting dinged.

 

[Spectrum]

It reminds me of those horrible padded toilet seats.

Of course, if you think more instruments need this, you can cover all the bases by attaching an old throw pillow to your belt buckle, and now all your basses are protected.

Bonus benefit: you now have collision protection on your front side wherever you go.

 

[Grumry]

I ain't never saw nothing like that before.

 

[antonspon]

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?

I think only Gretsches come with those - i didn't know the new White Falcon had one though. I also think they look terrible - apparently it's attached with press-studs, so you can presumably just snap it off and keep it in the case? I have the Gretsch Electromatic 5440 - it doesn't have the vinyl barstool cover (thankfully), is long scale and sounds amazing, so add that to your list!

 

[Nev375]

I just grew my own belt buckle protector. It's easy! Just eat lots of carbs and calories.

 

[Fat Freddy]

A black leather one, obviously.

With studs!....

 

[Earl Basset]

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

heres one that I have been looking at . Note: I'm just some dude who like's to play. I'm not in the biz.[This invalid link has been removed]

 

[Matt O]

It's so when The Terminator demands to play your bass, you don't have to ask him to remove his belt, which might get awkward...

My old Vox hollow body has pillowy one made of fabric on the back and I gotta say, it's actually pretty comfy.

 

[FloridaSam]

A black leather one, obviously.

No. Obviously black died Tasmanian Devil hide.

 

[woodyng2]

I never got the concept of "we don't want to get any scratches on the guitar,so we'll screw in a dozen metal snaps,and cover up the finish with a plastic-covered pad instead".

 

[Watchootognbout]

For guys who have to wear a belt with their blue jeans.
I,for one,don't.

 

[Spectrum]

I generally go for the basic untucked-T-shirt-with-jeans look, so my shirt usually protects my bass, but just to be sure I slide my belt over to my left side before playing. I agree that drilling holes in and covering up the finish to protect it is kind of self-defeating, since you never get to see the finish your are trying to protect and you just drilled holes in it anyway.

 

[porterbass]

I'd want one in tort. That would definitely provide the tone I'm looking for.

 

[bassfran]

Easy fix- get a Lakland. None of the 3 models offered have a padded back.

(Also, no offense OP but why care what the back of the instrument looks like?)

 

[el_Bajo_Verde]

New to me!

But it's the back of the bass. No one will ever see it!

 

[Mustang Surly]

The "Empathy Belly" is a specially-designed vest which protects the back of your bass or guitar from rodeo belt buckles, astrological medallions, suspender snaps and navel rings:

 

[GrooverMcTube]

I was under the impression their purpose is to allow greater access to the electronics inside.

But I also always thought it made the instrument look like it was wearing Depends©.

 

[bobyoung53]

I have an old Hohner mid 60's semi-hollow body fretless bass and it is supposed to have one on the back, they cover the control cavity access on that bass, there are now two gaping holes on the back as mine is missing. That white Gretsch bass is beautiful, is that made in the USA? It's awfully high priced for being made in Korea.

 

[ThuzzleFump]

New to me!

But it's the back of the bass. No one will ever see it!

I will. And I'll know it's there!

 

[ThuzzleFump]

I have an old Hohner mid 60's semi-hollow body fretless bass and it is supposed to have one on the back, they cover the control cavity access on that bass, there are now two gaping holes on the back as mine is missing. That white Gretsch bass is beautiful, is that made in the USA? It's awfully high priced for being made in Korea.

I think it's made in Japan. But still steep IMO.