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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.
That is way too Rockabilly for it's own good. Thanks for the suggestion.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.
Not all of them are exceptional.Maybe not unique, but definitely exceptional.
Good point, I will keep an eye out.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.
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.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.
That is definitely an option.I bought one of these solely because it was "different". Very impressive in every aspect, and not expensive on the used market.
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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.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.
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Later
Rob
It does seem to be the front-runner so far as far as my current list goes.Seconding my own motion for the Yamaha.Link Removed
I wasn't expecting much from this Bass at first, but after hearing it played it seems like a decent choice.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 don't know about their Basses, but I have played a Dusenberg guitar before.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.
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.
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.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![]()
Nash is just and Allparts/Warmoth Bass when you get down to it.
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.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.
Opinions?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 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.