Kona Exotic 5 string review and pics.

[IngerAlb]

WTH ? It looks pretty close to a W Thumb (and not just the body shape...but overall it looks like a well built bass, man)! 300$ R u kiddin'? That's a steal

And I was just thinking of getting a Sledge Hammer as a backup bass for my Thumby...now I have to get this one...damn this GAS!

Btw, thanks for the review & photos! There are a number of basses/brands I can't find any info about (like this for ex: Link Removed ), no videos, nothin', and it's nice when someone finally decided to make a review - much appreciated!

 

[Gavinmgraham]

Digging up an old(ish) thread. I'm curious as to how this bass is holding up after 4 months? I'm thinking of getting one but have no info on it, other than this thread. If it's holding up well, and plays half as pretty as it looks, I'm sold.

 

[sockmonkee]

Just traded on Craigs list for one.Going to pick it up Wednesday. Hope it plays as good as it looks!

 

[BackToTheGroove]

Just traded on Craigs list for one.Going to pick it up Wednesday. Hope it plays as good as it looks!

Also looking at this Kona. How is it?

 

[willyrep]

Looks really nice-hope it's gig worthy. Definitely piqued my interest

 

[vitalitymusic]

I was set on buying this bass 'til a heard about and saw a picture of the alternate headstock. Link Removed I still wanna buy it, but I don't want it with that ugly headstock!

 

[lostrings]

I was set on buying this bass 'til a heard about and saw a picture of the alternate headstock. Link Removed I still wanna buy it, but I don't want it with that ugly headstock!

Here is one on Ebay that is the same as the one I purchased. I recommend this store as shipping was very fast and they have a number you can call to ask any questions you might have...NEW PRO NECK THRU EXOTIC 5 STRING ELECTRIC BASS GUITAR | eBay

 

[IngerAlb]

WTH? They've changed the headstock 'cause it resembled too much of a W? How about the rest of the bass? I'm having a hard time figuring out how the heck that monstrosity of a headstock fits the body design (it doesn't)...

Not a long ago one of these babies popped in the local adds...I was so tempted to get it, but I was dead set on getting an Ibby SR and tbh I was put off a little by the pics of the actual instrument...for some reason, the finish seemed a bit crude and the bass looked bulky overall (and probably heavy too) - while the neck seemed very wide and chunky. I'm still having mixed feelings about it...a part of me still wants a Kona 5er

 

[The Wiz of Slap]

This thing is so beautiful i must have it! i wish someone woud post a video of it being played just cuz i wanna make sure im getting something with nice lows

 

[c3powil]

Hows the bass holding up? I was going to get a used Brice, but some sneaky heathen bought it before my bank could update my checking account balance. :scowl:

Anyways, now I'm looking at one of these. Id LOVE a video of one being played. C'mon...anyone?

 

[nicechuck]

I'm looking at these too, can get one for about $350 including shipping. Those pics are great, they should hire you as thier photgrapher. Please let us know how it's holding up, inquiring minds want to know lol

 

[stflbn]

For a few years I've been tempted by the Kona 5-string P/J as a potential Mod project, but I've never heard anything about them really.

 

[nurnay]

Looks like someone is selling one of these using the OP's pics from this thread!

Beautiful 5 Sting Exotic Wood Kona Bass. A Steal For The Price. | eBay

 

[nicechuck]

I saw that, I figured it was him

 

[lostrings]

I seen someone was using my pictures also.

 

[bass_tech]

I bought one recently from Musician's Heaven on ebay. I love the bass; it plays and sounds great.

However, there is a defect with the active tone section, in that the BASS control is way too hot, and doesn't actually cut at all, and the MID control has no effect if the BASS control is set to minimum.

Mark of Kona guitars refuses to acknowledge that there is a problem with several of these basses, that not only were returned to him but sold through Musician's Heaven. Fortunately, I can replace the tone module with something else, but still it is unethical to sell something when you are aware of a defect.

 

[Fine Cut]

...the BASS control is way too hot, and doesn't actually cut at all, and the MID control has no effect if the BASS control is set to minimum.

don't some tone stacks work that way anyhow, where one feeds off of the adjustment before it? perhaps that's the way the pre' in the Kona is designed?

glad to hear you like the bass though. the electronics are something easily worked around; the workmanship of the bass, that's something else entirely. glad they're showing to be good ones...may have to pony up for one

 

[bass_tech]

I am not aware of a 3-band tone control set that functions that way. It doesn't make sense to me, especially when all 3 pots have a center detent for a "flat" setting. All 3 controls should be independent with a boost and cut about the center position.

In this case, the BASS control is ONLY boost, and far too much boost, even in the center detent position, where it should be flat anyway. When the BASS is set to a minimum, then the BASS tone is about flat. At this setting however, the MID control has no effect at all, and that's not how a tone stack should work.

There is also a slight output noise from the tone module. All considered, I'm pretty confident in saying that the tone module is defective. Unfortunately, the module is potted in epoxy and therefore can not be repaired.

But yes, I love the bass. For 1/4 the price of a Warwick, its a great buy imho.

 

[nicechuck]

I can't find a pic of one with the new style headstock. What does it look like??

 

[bass_tech]

This is from their web site, and mine looks the same.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]