Mystery Commodore bass - need information

Has that funky early 70s semi-hollow vibe going. I've seen that style bridge before, with the built-in mute, on other similar basses (I don't think it's quite the same as the one on the Epi EA-260.) Some folks love 'em, lots of modern bass players won't touch them, personal taste and music styles. I'd guess it'd be ok for ska, less sure about punk. They do tend to have a "thunky" kind of sound and not tons of sustain. Would you be able to check it out in person before buying it? Getting something that feels and sounds comfortable to you is important.

 

That is very inexpensive, as basses go, not sure you'll be happy with it - it could be a great find, it could be junk, most likely somewhere in between. A video of the owner playing it would at least tell you something about the sound.

 

Honestly, I think it would be very cool in a ska/punk rock type of band (sublime, anyone?).

It seems to me like a good choice because it probably has that woody bottom end tone that hollow bodies usually have. That tone would definitely suit ska music, and could work well in a punk band.

At that price, I'd give it a shot.

 

Not saying it couldn't fit in a ska band, but why the sublime reference? Eric Wilson doesn't play anything like this, he has a chambered Koll Thunder Glide but it's still a far cry from the Commodore above. From what I can tell he mostly plays fender p style basses.

 

Why not try this?
Sure, it's a bit more expensive at £154.39 but it is new.
http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_hb_60_vw.htm

 

I've been drooling over those myself - I agree, if OP can afford the difference, that seems a safer bet. The original one could be great, but riskier deal. As my father used to say "You pays your money and you takes your chances" - always true, but to varying degrees.

 

Well, I definitely need a white bass.

 

No way to even get a video of it being played? That might help. I'm torn on this, between the "safe bet" P or that Benton and the fun of finding a few true surprise gems on a riskier bet. If only you could try it first. (I have several "cheap junky" basses that were real scores, and a few that didn't turn out so good as well.)

 

This is very good advice.
I once had a Decca 6 string. It had a twisted neck and was practically unplayable.
This looks like a cool curiosity and something to break out in the studio for a "different" sound on a track or two but probably not an everyday player.

 

Get it, isnt punk rock about doing whatever the hell you want?

 

for 60 you have nothing to lose

 

Maynn

£60 is a lot of money when you're broke and UK used prices are high. Most places start at £100 thats $160 guys
very few $80 GC type deals over here.

It's the last thing you want, a plain black P bass but these from Thomann are worth considering.

http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_pb_20_bk_standard_seri_b_stock.htm

It's £54.60 and delivery adds £7 so hits your budget. 30 days make your mind up time and 3 years warranty come as standard.
They're decent well built basses that'll do the job and get you gigging. I got one myself a couple of weeks back and it's as better
as the Squier Affinty I have. Mines was bought to use F# 85 - 175 strings and it handled them well not so the amp and last night
I was speaking with a fella who was using the BEAD strings from a 5 string but tuned up to EADG, he wanted higher tension.

The necks held up to these tunings no problem.

So while it's not what you want it will get you playing and at £60 you won't worry about stickers and such but it won't let you down.

 

It is highly possible YouTube has a demo video of a Commodore or similar badged bass that would give you some notion of the instrument's characteristics. Better than nothing. Also check the 'net for reviews.

 

The pickup reveals it's a Matsumoku-made bass from the late '60s. Those have a good reputation as older Japanese products go, and sell for much more on eBay just because of the factory reference. Now, some hipster post-rock acts may favor such instruments for style, but if you're needing a solid, workable gigging bass for minimal money I agree you have better bets today, like something from Thomann's Harley Benton range.