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Looking for a new headless bass - Any recommendations?

#41
Cran said:
I've tried Traveler basses at a local shop, and they're just not my thing, really.
Plus, it's not 5 string :p
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Fair enough, more power to ya.

Traveler did make a fiver at one point but it has since been discontinued. The TB-4P has something about it that I really love; it might be Duncan Designed Mustang-style pickup that is also found in the Squier Vintage Modified Mustang Bass (a short scale), also discontinued.

In your shoes, I might go for the Kiesel. They make such nice instruments at good prices ... the only thing to worry about is resale value.
 
#42
selowitch said:
Fair enough, more power to ya.

Traveler did make a fiver at one point but it has since been discontinued. The TB-4P has something about it that I really love; it might be Duncan Designed Mustang-style pickup that is also found in the Squier Vintage Modified Mustang Bass (a short scale), also discontinued.

In your shoes, I might go for the Kiesel. They make such nice instruments at good prices ... the only thing to worry about is resale value.
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Resale value is the only factor that never crosses my mind.

If you’re already planning to get rid of it, why buy it in the first place?
 
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#47
Cran said:
Woah, there have been a lot of replies! Many thanks to everyone who replied, it's been an insightful experience :p.

Now, I'll try to respond to everyone, so I'll split my responses by brand/model suggestions.

That's the Mark King signature, no? I thought they didn't make 5 string versions. Also, aren't they massively expensive?

Now, for all of the Kiesel suggestions. I'm not gonna quote everyone, because that would make this a way longer post than necessary.
Needless to say though, I've heard of them and was thinking about getting one before the Multiscale Zeus model came out. The only gripe I have with them is the radiused pickups, as it seems like you can't replace them with, say, a standard soapbar. Maybe I'm wrong. I've heard that you can get a custom pickup choice if you call them, but honestly calling them from here seems like a logistical nightmare, as well as expensive. Kiesel is certainly the option I'll pick if everything else falls through, though.

For now, the headless Frog from Maruszczyk. It seems like the right option for now. Don't let that stop you from suggesting anything else though (Or explaining why I'm an idiot for liking them)! I'm still open to suggestions.
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That's the Kingbass Paramatrix
Status Graphite. The finest hand-made graphite basses and guitars. Made in England.

For a bass ~3K to 4K it's not prohibitively expensive. There may even be a used one or two in the classifieds here.
The Kingbass signature doesn't have the Paramatrix (two band parametric) equalization installed.
 
#48
Sub-hoo-fer said:
Messing with their configurator is one of my favorite internet pastimes so I went and built a virtual headless 5 string 5 with your pups. And yeah it looks like $2400 is about as low as you can go. Well. With VAT that is. I always get confused if everyone needs to pay that or just people in the EU.

Regardless I think you are right that a new Maruszczyk might be outside your price range if $2000 is your ceiling.
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You won't have to pay the EU VAT since you're not in the EU, but you will have to pay any VAT or import duties/taxes etc. that your country has.
 
#49
Cran said:
I've tried Traveler basses at a local shop, and they're just not my thing, really.
Plus, it's not 5 string :p
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Agree with you, I have a Traveler guitar which is great. But the bass options were less than up to my needs.

Maybe a little of topic, since you're buying vs building, but that's why I built my own 34" scale 5 for traveling. I also use it when I need a light weight rig for rehearsal or an open jam. I used a Steinberger bridge and really like it, they're built like tanks... and once I tune (even after traveling on airplanes) it usually stays in tune :)

I'm also inspired by and following this cool little headless build here
headless Flea tribute bass build (Pics)
and planning to build another for myself with a SC shape body and neck a from Graphite Guitar Systems too - I'm going to use some aged Zebrano, Aggie OBP-3 and set of DCBs that I've had for a while.
 
#50
Clark Dark said:
That's the Kingbass Paramatrix
Status Graphite. The finest hand-made graphite basses and guitars. Made in England.

For a bass ~3K to 4K it's not prohibitively expensive. There may even be a used one or two in the classifieds here.
The Kingbass signature doesn't have the Paramatrix (two band parametric) equalization installed.
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That’s still quite a bit though. Way over budget.

Barticus said:
Agree with you, I have a Traveler guitar which is great. But the bass options were less than up to my needs.

Maybe a little of topic, since you're buying vs building, but that's why I built my own 34" scale 5 for traveling. I also use it when I need a light weight rig for rehearsal or an open jam. I used a Steinberger bridge and really like it, they're built like tanks... and once I tune (even after traveling on airplanes) it usually stays in tune :)

I'm also inspired by and following this cool little headless build here
headless Flea tribute bass build (Pics)
and planning to build another for myself with a SC shape body and neck a from Graphite Guitar Systems too - I'm going to use some aged Zebrano, Aggie OBP-3 and set of DCBs that I've had for a while.
Click to expand...
As mentioned before, I don’t trust myself with building my own because I’ve never worked with wood or anything like that. A lot of people say that “anyone can do it”, but it really requires some level of ability. Plus, I don’t have anywhere to work in, unfortunately.
 
#51
Cran said:
That’s still quite a bit though. Way over budget.


As mentioned before, I don’t trust myself with building my own because I’ve never worked with wood or anything like that. A lot of people say that “anyone can do it”, but it really requires some level of ability. Plus, I don’t have anywhere to work in, unfortunately.
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Fair enough and completely understand :)

You've got a ton of really nice options, let us know which way you decide to go. Good luck!
 
#52
This is in the classifieds for a decent price, @bassman28 has it for $2300.
20180307_084128-jpg.jpg
 
#54
Barticus said:
Fair enough and completely understand :)

You've got a ton of really nice options, let us know which way you decide to go. Good luck!
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Thank you!
Right now my two favourite options are a headless Frog, and a Bacchus Woodline Headless. I’d been looking at Bacchus before making this thread, and they remain a great option IMO. There are a couple on geekinbox.jp (though only 4 strings at the moment, 5 strings have gone for the same price though) for about $2500 NZD, so I’m gonna wait and see if I can snag one of those. That or wait until someone lists another frog in the classifieds here.

I think my strategy is gonna be save until I have about enough, then jump on whatever comes first, haha.
 
#55
Cran said:
Thank you!
Right now my two favourite options are a headless Frog, and a Bacchus Woodline Headless. I’d been looking at Bacchus before making this thread, and they remain a great option IMO. There are a couple on geekinbox.jp (though only 4 strings at the moment, 5 strings have gone for the same price though) for about $2500 NZD, so I’m gonna wait and see if I can snag one of those. That or wait until someone lists another frog in the classifieds here.

I think my strategy is gonna be save until I have about enough, then jump on whatever comes first, haha.
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Good plan.

And ah yeah! I completely forgot about the Bacchus headless - while I've not played the headless, I did play a bunch of the woodline and custom series last August while I was in Singapore and Tokyo... I thought they were really nice quality with great tone and playability.

If you do end up with one of those, you'll have to do a complete review for us :)
 
#56
Cran said:
I've actually played an NS Design bass before, and they're definitely very comfortable! It sounded alright, too. I didn't really ask around at the shop in terms of controls though, so I don't know its full range of tones.
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Honestly, the NXT4A NS Design Basses was a huge disappointment for me. I had the chance to order one from sweetwater and played it at a couple gigs and recording sessions. I dont like how the tone config is 2 volume, 1 tone knob which for me covered barely any ground especially for the price they are selling it for. Best bet is to go for the CR or WAV from NS Design both at a very decent price (especially B-Stock pricing for the WAV) and can give you a whole range of tonal options. If not NS Design, definitely consider a Kiesel with their range of custom options.
 
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#58
Cran said:
As mentioned in the title, I'm looking for a new bass, and I'm looking at making it a headless.

Now, I already own a Hohner B2, and honestly I'm tired of the paddle or shovel shaped headless basses. I'm looking for a bass with a normal body, but no headstock.
So, I've sort of gathered a "list of requirements" which I'd like for my new bass to meet, and maybe you guys have some recommendations for me. Just to clarify, I've looked at headlesses for a while, so I know the big names. Bonus points for models I don't know about ;).

Anyway, here's the list:
- 5 string (Multiscale would be nice, but 35" is the next best thing)
- Light (Would be appreciated)
- Active (With a passive switch preferrably)
- Soapbars or a humbucker in the bridge and a split coil in the neck

Now, ideally a bass would have all of them (While also looking awesome and sounding equally as good, but nothing's perfect in life :p), but I'm willing to compromise if that's necessary. If my searches have shown me anything it's that having all of those requirements also comes with a price tag heavier than the bass itself.

Which leads me to my budget. It may not seem like much, but I can probably afford to pay about $2000 USD on it. This is because I live in New Zealand and we pay for things using chocolate coins. Hopefully that's understandable.

So, hit me with it! Show me your previously unseen headless basses! Enlighten me!
(I'm also open to buying used, but right now I don't have the money on me so I'm just doing some more research. This might mean that while there's a great deal right now, I may not be able to get it immediately. Still good to know though!)
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I have some parts available, if you’re up for a project...

For Sale - Fan Fret Neck 5 String Headless Tuner Bridges Headpiece and Template
 
#59
Lefty Duke 2.JPG Well, I've only got one (and it's a shape you don't like), and frankly, my Kramer Duke is about all the headless bass I really need. However.. have you asked the folks in the Headless Club? Lots of good suggestions here (and some very nice basses, too), but you might get a whole lot more, if you ask there...:whistle:
 
#60
Cran said:
The only gripe I have with them is the radiused pickups, as it seems like you can't replace them with, say, a standard soapbar
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I don't think that is true, in fact I know you can elect to send in your own pickups and have them installed so long as they fit the rout..almost every pup manufacturer will sell you pups to fit that rout..Kiesel also has regular soapbars they will install in that bass too..I don't know about the 99A J pup or the HBs that would be a call the guys thing..and its not a logistical nightmare..ask for flock call and ask them..simple..I don't think you can get a better bass at their prices for you own speced out custom bass..

Im currently gassing for a zeus 5 string headless..the only thing holding me back is I don't what the pups sound like, although I do know what the HB and the J99s sound like and I like those..so..in the end I will probably get one, as for the resale..ha ha, I'm playing bass not selling them..
 

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