Monarch Virago - NBD

[bovinehost]

Someone on FB showed me this and I thought: I wonder how spendy that is? So I messaged the guy who builds these and it turns out to be not spendy at all, especially by Talkbass standards (if such a thing exists).

Just arrived yesterday and it looks even better than the photos. The electronics are much like a Jazz bass. A friend of mine is calling it the "Jazzuar" but I'm not. Pickups are nice and quiet. Workmanship looks really good.

Not going to comment on playability just yet. It came with rounds and anyone who knows me understands that I will have nothing to do with those. I have a set of LaBella Low Tension flats that I'm going to put on as soon as my coffee is ready.

Love that color. Anyone else ever try these?

 

[blacktocomm]

Never seen or heard of it. I likes what I sees though.

 

[bovinehost]

Strung with LaBellas LT Flats, it thumps purdy good. He's got a couple of other designs, one very reminiscent of the St Vincent guitar - and I was tempted.

I would say that it's very Jazz bass. Never played a Jaguar bass so there might be some overlap but I'd be guessing.

The builder is a Design Institute alum and some of his furniture was amazing. He retired from furniture and does bass and guitars now. I know he's on Instragram @The_monarchguitars - check it out.

 

[msb]

I seem to be avoiding Fender inspired things these days , but if it’s comfortable and well put together you’ve got a winner .

 

[Gustopher]

That’s Teally awesome! I really like the styling on it, great eye!

 

[bovinehost]

I put the LaBellas on and let it get used to my house. It thumps nicely! I have a few passive basses around because people make fun of you if you don't have those. I like this bass.

It won't replace the 2 Music Man basses I use regularly but it is fun to play and records well. You guys should check out some of his designs - really different stuff.

I'm reticent to link up the tune I did with it because it's a cover of an old (ahem) Dr Dre song called "B!tches Ain't Sh!t" and it's quite offensive. I was just in the mood to do something terrible to something that quite a few people respect....but I don't. Anyway, links can't hurt you but be advised, it's definitely NSFW or children or anyone else, really.

Jack Williams 166

Go there and click on the track and you're off.

Bass was recorded through a Radial 500 series box with dbx pre, parametric and compressor.

Thanks!
Jack

 

[tindrum]

I dig everything about that bass!

 

[bovinehost]

I dig everything about that bass!

It's a good bass, made in USA for under 1K. Have you seen his other designs?

 

[tindrum]

It's a good bass, made in USA for under 1K. Have you seen his other designs?

No I hadn’t heard of them before your post. Pretty impressive to sell a U.S. made bass for that price!