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Recommend me something... "different"

You could try a DiPinto Belvedere Deluxe semi-hollow, which sounds great and definitely looks different:

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I used to have a Belvedere Standard in gold, and it was really sweet. The pickups are fairly hot single coils, so with both on it has a slight -- and I mean very slight -- J-bass vibe, but heavier with some "air" and "thud." On the neck pickup, it's more like a P-bass, and mine produced very little single coil hum. It's the only bass on which I've soloed single coil pickups on stage without a problem. The choice of single coils is interesting, because they provide more clarity than I would typically expect from a bass like this.


I have played a Di Pinto in a live/gig setting and they are very nice basses. I was very surprised. If I had the extra cash I would add one to my collection. Forgot about them. My boy, Jamaaladeen Tacuma plays on them.
 
I bought one of these solely because it was "different". Very impressive in every aspect, and not expensive on the used market.

lightwave_flame4.jpg
 
You could try a DiPinto Belvedere Deluxe semi-hollow, which sounds great and definitely looks different:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

I used to have a Belvedere Standard in gold, and it was really sweet. The pickups are fairly hot single coils, so with both on it has a slight -- and I mean very slight -- J-bass vibe, but heavier with some "air" and "thud." On the neck pickup, it's more like a P-bass, and mine produced very little single coil hum. It's the only bass on which I've soloed single coil pickups on stage without a problem. The choice of single coils is interesting, because they provide more clarity than I would typically expect from a bass like this.
That is way too Rockabilly for it's own good. Thanks for the suggestion.

Maybe not unique, but definitely exceptional.
Not all of them are exceptional.

If you are looking for a second 'odd-ball' bass I would look for something vintage that retains it's value well. One thing that comes to mind is a Guild Starfire. These are great basses and are considered collectors items. Les Paul Signature is another. Hofner has several. Rickenbacker is also good for this. I don't know the collector market that well, so don't take my word on these. But I would definitely look in that direction. That way,even if you are not going to play it much, it is still a joy to look at and play occasionally and you get the added benefit of holding onto your money.
Good point, I will keep an eye out.

p bass, t bird, or rickenbacker, all kinda of the vintage gritty low fi passive tone but they are a fun departure from more modern sounding instruments.
I suppose they are all worth a try. The problem is finding one with a bit of "soul" still attatched due to all the faceless mass production these days.

I bought one of these solely because it was "different". Very impressive in every aspect, and not expensive on the used market.

lightwave_flame4.jpg
That is definitely an option.

Has been said (and would have to be used to hit your price point) but I found the Rob Allen MB-2 to be the perfect "different" bass to go with my Sadowsky.

sad_ra_sm1.jpg


Later
Rob
There is something about the way the body looks that doesn't sit right with me. Either too thick or too blocky for it's shape.

Still another option though, thanks.

Seconding my own motion for the Yamaha. :-) Link Removed
It does seem to be the front-runner so far as far as my current list goes.

The Hofner biker bar, "will-pop-open-if-you-breathe-too-hard-near-it" bass is coming in second.


I may add two new contenders to the "they look weird to me" category:
- Dingwall Super P 4
- Fender 57RI P Bass

Not too psyched about the long-scale-ness of them though.
 
You want a semi-hollow that is "different" - in that case you can't go past a Duesenberg Starplayer (short scale), which is hands down the best made bass I've ever owned. The Plek'ed necks are to die for. Tough to find one used though.

IMG00737-20120105-0953.jpg


Another option in the semi-hollow department would be a Warwick Star bass - the MIK "Pro" series would be in your price range new.

2015_WPS1904_28PP_MAP_FR_01.jpg
 
New list time!

The "A" list:
- 1969 Yamaha SA-70 modded with Gibson EB-2 pickup (the dark horse comes out ahead)
- 1967 Hofner 500/1 (the Bass for metal)
- Fender 57RI P Bass (now that looks like a fine piece of wood)

The "B" list:
- 1981 Ovation Magnum III (the EB-2 with the extra chromosome and a voice made of gold)
- Dipinto Belvedere Deluxe (maybe so, maybe no)
- Dingwall Super P 4 (on one hand it is a super-modern instrument most likely worth every penny, on the other hand it is uglier than the Magnum III)
- 1987 Kramer Spector NS-2 (not sure I have enough hair for this one)

The "C" list:
- Modded Ric 4003 (I'm not aware of the year of this Bass and that is a big factor. You couldn't pay me to take one fo the new Rics)
- 1974 Guild JS-II (I still can't stand transparent red)

The "D" list:
- Kathy Griffin


I have played a Di Pinto in a live/gig setting and they are very nice basses. I was very surprised. If I had the extra cash I would add one to my collection. Forgot about them. My boy, Jamaaladeen Tacuma plays on them.
I wasn't expecting much from this Bass at first, but after hearing it played it seems like a decent choice.

You want a semi-hollow that is "different" - in that case you can't go past a Duesenberg Starplayer (short scale), which is hands down the best made bass I've ever owned. The Plek'ed necks are to die for. Tough to find one used though.

Another option in the semi-hollow department would be a Warwick Star bass - the MIK "Pro" series would be in your price range new.
I don't know about their Basses, but I have played a Dusenberg guitar before.

I was like "this is alright for a Korean guitar, feels like plastic as usual though", then I found out it cost over $3k and i just walked away disgusted.

And I already looked at the Warwick before I made this thread and came to the conclusion I could do better for the price.
 
New list time!
I have played a Dusenberg guitar before.

I was like "this is alright for a Korean guitar, feels like plastic as usual though", then I found out it cost over $3k and i just walked away disgusted.

Not sure why you think they're made in Korea. Yes, various components are sourced from around the world, and Korea may well be one country where parts are sourced from (but who knows for sure?), but assembly, Plek'ing and setup are done in Germany. That's no different to Lakland, or even Bill Nash, for example :D
 
Not sure why you think they're made in Korea. Yes, various components are sourced from around the world, and Korea may well be one country where parts are sourced from (but who knows for sure?), but assembly, Plek'ing and setup are done in Germany. That's no different to Lakland, or even Bill Nash, for example :D
I didn't think they were Korean guitars, I knew they are German made. It is just that they felt like they were made there.

And Nash is just and Allparts/Warmoth Bass when you get down to it.
 
Nash is just and Allparts/Warmoth Bass when you get down to it.

That was exactly my point. It doesn't matter where the parts are made or sourced from - the premium you are paying for with the likes of Nash (and Duesenberg) is the quality of the build and setup.
 
That was exactly my point. It doesn't matter where the parts are made or sourced from - the premium you are paying for with the likes of Nash (and Duesenberg) is the quality of the build and setup.
My point is that the Dusenberg didn't have the quality for what they are asking. I have noticed the same from Warwick and Framus and the like as well.

More importantly could we please get back on topic?



New list time!

The "A" list:
- 1969 Yamaha SA-70 modded with Gibson EB-2 pickup (the dark horse comes out ahead)
- 1967 Hofner 500/1 (the Bass for metal)
- Fender 57RI P Bass (now that looks like a fine piece of wood)

The "B" list:
- 1981 Ovation Magnum III (the EB-2 with the extra chromosome and a voice made of gold)
- Dipinto Belvedere Deluxe (maybe so, maybe no)
- Dingwall Super P 4 (on one hand it is a super-modern instrument most likely worth every penny, on the other hand it is uglier than the Magnum III)
- 1987 Kramer Spector NS-2 (not sure I have enough hair for this one)

The "C" list:
- Modded Ric 4003 (I'm not aware of the year of this Bass and that is a big factor. You couldn't pay me to take one fo the new Rics)
- 1974 Guild JS-II (I still can't stand transparent red)

The "D" list:
- Kathy Griffin
Opinions?
 
I didn't think they were Korean guitars, I knew they are German made. It is just that they felt like they were made there.

And Nash is just and Allparts/Warmoth Bass when you get down to it.

They didn't feel that way to me. Duesenbergs are high quality instruments with great playability and superb tone, and high quality components. My only problem with them is that there is a bit too much bling going on with their designs, just too many logos and trim all over the place.

Anyway, back to the exciting topic of which bass you will choose.
 
Oh god.


I wouldn't have the slightest clue what to do with a Chapman stick, I hate tapping with a passion.

And while I like the sound of the DB, I have neither the space, budget, or patience for it. Well I could probably learn to play it, but there will be no way I will gain usable intonation. That said, I have always wanted a fretless, but refused to give in to that desire for the sake of those who live near me.


Speaking of which, a fretless P Bass with flat would solve my quest.... and cause those who hear me play it to stab me with things.
 
New list!

The "A" list:
- 1969 Yamaha SA-70 modded with Gibson EB-2 pickup (the dark horse comes out ahead)
- Fender 57RI P Bass (now that looks like a fine piece of wood)
- Fretless Lightwave SL Saber Bass (Eh, why not?)
- 1967 Hofner 500/1 (the Bass for metal)

The "B" list:
- 1981 Ovation Magnum III (the EB-2 with the extra chromosome and a voice made of gold)
- Modded Ric 4003 (Could be good, could be not)
- 1987 Kramer Spector NS-2 (not sure I have enough hair for this one)



Any other good fretless basses?
 
Well, I'm confused. It's supposed to be for "you time"- does that mean in a band? You mention getting lost in the mix.. Will you use this bass alongside your Sadowsky?

Sorry, just had to put that out there. I would suggest an acoustic fretless bass, with nylon tapewounds. Jam wherever, certainly unlike your Sadowsky, and inspiring!