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New to semi hollow basses

#2
AmstaffsnIbanez said:
Hey I am just looking to get advice in regards to switching from solid to semi hollow body. I want to change the strings and definately not used to less frets any advice? Atb140 is my bass btw.
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Without you providing any detail on what you're looking for, rather than recommending something to you blind, I'd suggest that there's two ways to find the right instrument for you: 1) Find inspiration in bass sounds/players/records you dig. Find that thing that excites you sonically and artistically, then research what the bass was. Like: hey I sure love Paul's tone on Revolver and Sgt. Peppers. How can I cop that? Well that's mostly Hofner violin, so...etc. 2) Go play as many instruments that you can get your hands on. At music stores, friends, etc. You'll find the one...it will speak to you.
 
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#3
jmjbassplayer said:
Without you providing any detail on what you're looking for, rather than recommending something to you blind, I'd suggest that there's two ways to find the right instrument for you: 1) Find inspiration in bass sounds/players/records you dig. Find that thing that excites you sonically and artistically, then research what the bass was. Like: hey I sure love Paul's tone on Revolver and Sgt. Peppers. How can I cop that? Well that's mostly Hofner violin, so...etc. 2) Go play as many instruments that you can get your hands on. At music stores, friends, etc. You'll find the one...it will speak to you.
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While acknowledging the soundness of the above professional advice, if you have the option to return it, try a design from a reputable retailer that appeals to you. I was attracted to the new fretted Ibanez SDR900 and it has not disappointed me. The design, weight, and appearance of this model appealed to me. I also own several other Ibanez SR solid body basses so I trusted the manufacturer. If I didn’t like it, I could send it back.
 
#6
@jmjbassplayer I’ve really been into my Guild Starfire recently. I know you have a long history with them and the various pickups. I’m eyeing a 70’s model with the dual humbuckers, but unfortunately I can’t play it before shipping. Any thoughts on these?
I have a 1966 with the single bridge hagstrom (love it) and have played the Newark Street reissues with the two guild bisonics. Do the 70s guild humbuckers offer anything new, attractive and useable to a bass design w/ ergonomics I know I love?
 
#7
agrestic_sound said:
@jmjbassplayer I’ve really been into my Guild Starfire recently. I know you have a long history with them and the various pickups. I’m eyeing a 70’s model with the dual humbuckers, but unfortunately I can’t play it before shipping. Any thoughts on these?
I have a 1966 with the single bridge hagstrom (love it) and have played the Newark Street reissues with the two guild bisonics. Do the 70s guild humbuckers offer anything new, attractive and useable to a bass design w/ ergonomics I know I love?
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The 70's ones with the two humbuckers are very very dark and thick. Not as much "pluck" to be had, but a killer tone. Otherwise the only difference you'd find between these (and, by way of comparison the older ones with B-Sonics or the 90's ones with humbuckers) is a "cut" switch...not sure what it's called, but it makes the output a lot lower. Probably a good thing, because the typical output in the other position is almost too hot and too bassy at times. They're cool and I'm glad to own one. But honestly, I am always more inclined to pick up one of my other ones.
 
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#8
jmjbassplayer said:
The 70's ones with the two humbuckers are very very dark and thick. Not as much "pluck" to be had, but a killer tone. Otherwise the only difference you'd find between these (and, by way of comparison the older ones with B-Sonics or the 90's ones with humbuckers) is a "cut" switch...not sure what it's called, but it makes the output a lot lower. Probably a good thing, because the typical output in the other position is almost too hot and too bassy at times. They're cool and I'm glad to own one. But honestly, I am always more inclined to pick up one of my other ones.
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@jmjbassplayer Thanks for your input. I really like playing basses with humbuckers when I’m by myself. Who doesn’t like a phat thick beefy tone? Super fun to play. But whenever I’ve tried to use them live, I find they take up too much space in the mix, especially in a full band setting. And if I want that kind of fullness in a smaller trio, I usually find myself playing upright.
 

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