mouse or kompact?

[andyaber]

Can't really afford either but would like a 30" scale 5 or 6 string acoustic-ish bass for home use, mostly unplugged. Finding a 5 string fretted mouse may be almost impossible and kinal kompact may be even rarer.
Also fancy spector timbre junior for its fuller body but is 4 string.
Any thoughts or one of the above for sale to uk?

This is my first post having just signed up, good to be aboard.

 

[maddogsauce]

5 string mouse is really hard to find. I'm working on getting a 5 string kompact built right now. I have a 4 string kompact, and previously had a 4 string mouse. The mouse is an incredible instrument, but I like that I can have a kompact customized to my specs.

 

[andyaber]

Hi, I fancied 5 or 6 strings after watching youtube vids of others but only ever really played 4 strings myself. Would probably tune a 5 or 6 string to E in the bass. Fancied shorter scale to save older hands. Prefer the looks of a Rob Allen but the Kinal looks more hollow. Rob Allen seems better prepared to ship overseas ( I'm in UK ).
Still thinking about all these issues and waiting for a time when finances allow.

 

[andyaber]

My other main consideration is that I want a bass to play sitting at home without plugging in most of the time. I'm lead to believe that a RA mouse isn't loud acoustically, I wonder about the Kinal?

 

[maddogsauce]

Having owned both, I can say that the Kinal is definitely louder unplugged, but still not loud. The Kinal finish is unbelievably smooth as well. I also have an offset d neck profile on the Kinal that I love. Mike will chat with you on the phone and discuss all of the options, which are fairly limitless. The 5 string Kompact I'm working on with him now will have a 31.5" scale, along with a SIMS magnetic pickup and piezo options. So many options available.

 

[andyaber]

Hi, Thanks for your input. Hearing from someone who has experience of both really helps. What you say about Mike Kinal being approachable and helpful makes me think it may be possible again.