Regular Scale (34”) Double Cutaway Hollowbodies?

[Thumper]

Are any of the original hollowbodies regular scale (34”)? Just for aesthetics, I’d like to strap on a double cutaway hollowbody when my guitarists play their 335 Gibbys. I’m trying to stay with 35” scale basses on stage, but I know a 34” is no problem. I’m not sure how playing a 30”-32” would work though, since I do some vocals and am really making an effort not to look at the neck when I play for pay.

Does anybody here switch from 34-35” to a 30-32” during gigs, and does it present any problem? Locally there is a pristine ’65 Harmony H-22 I can pick up, but in addition to being single cutaway, it is short scale.

If vintage isn’t an option, I know the Epiphone Jack Casady is 34” scale, is there anything else out there I should watch for? Versatility of sound isn't necessary, a one trick pony is fine.

 

[tiredman9]

There is the Jack Casady which is very nice. Also Dean makes two hollowbodies but i think thye are like 33" scale. Guild makes a 34 inch hollowbody along with a 33, and a 32. There are one or two other basses that match this such as the Washburn hollowbody that I am not familiar with.

 

[Indi86]

Lakland's Hollowbody. Skyline and American versions, normal pickup and darkstar versions of each.

 

[Bassic83]

You want to talk about having to watch your hands on a switch? Try going from a Dean B2-5 (35" scale) to a DeArmond Ashbory (18" scale fretless with rubber strings)...THAT takes some getting used to!

 

[MAJOR METAL]

Epiphone Jack Casady Bass , Lakland Hollow Body , If you want to match a 335 how about a Rivoli Bass older or newer from Epiphone or a Gibson EB 2.

 

[Yggdrasil]

Epiphone Jack Casady Bass , Lakland Hollow Body , If you want to match a 335 how about a Rivoli Bass older or newer from Epiphone or a Gibson EB 2.

+1 on casady & lakland.

EB2 isn't long scale; don't know about the Rivoli, but IIRC, it's short also.

Gretsch has a long scale, although the short Broadkaster is better known.

 

[Thumper]

Epiphone Jack Casady Bass , Lakland Hollow Body , If you want to match a 335 how about a Rivoli Bass older or newer from Epiphone or a Gibson EB 2.

M.M., I'm a Lakland junkie, but I'm not sure I can get behind the single f-hole.

In talking with the local luthier, he emphasized that the 34" scale will change the tone of a hollowbody. I agree with him, but I think 34" works better for fingerstyle as I hate using a pick.

I'm really leaning towards the Casady, I read it has more of a mid sound, but I know that will help cut through 2 335s or Les Pauls Woofy or bassy is great for recording, but I like to be heard.

BTW, is a Rivoli 34" scale?

 

[SnakeAnthony]

+1 on the Lakland hollowbodies. I doubt that you've heard of him, but Mike Gordan, the bassist from Phish, plays one pretty much the whole time on his new record with Leo Kottke, entitled Sixty Six Steps. Take a listen.

 

[mondogarage]

The Rivoli is not 34" scale -- I believe it's 30".

Check out the Italia Maranello. No F-holes, but it's a 34" scale hollowbody with a lot of warmth, and it even looks boss, to boot. They're not *that* easy to find, but when you find one, you should be able to get one 2nd hand for under $400. It's more shaped like a Les Paul than a 335.

http://www.italiaguitars.com/bassDetail_outer.php?thisGuitarId=22

 

[FreeSpirit]

I've got the Ibanez artcore. it's a beauty. There is the AGB 140 and ASB 140. I have only played the AGB, but im sure the ASB is just as nice. i think its a 35' because i tried putting flats on it, and the regular d'addarios that i put on my p-bass dont fit on it. there is a pic of it in my profile link.
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good luck
kyle

 

[Pennydreadful]

The Rivoli is not 34" scale -- I believe it's 30".

Check out the Italia Maranello. No F-holes, but it's a 34" scale hollowbody with a lot of warmth, and it even looks boss, to boot. They're not *that* easy to find, but when you find one, you should be able to get one 2nd hand for under $400. It's more shaped like a Les Paul than a 335.

http://www.italiaguitars.com/bassDetail_outer.php?thisGuitarId=22

Italia also makes the Torino, which is hollow, but it's a short scale, the Maranello Z, which is a Maranella with a piezo instead of the hums.

I'd suggest the Mondial II. It's semi-hollow, it's...kind of a doublecut, with a full 34" scale, a giant hum at the neck, and a piezo bridge pup. And, whereas the Mondial is made of 'acoustiglass', the Mondial II is mahogany with a maple top.

 

[Pennydreadful]

I've got the Ibanez artcore. it's a beauty. There is the AGB 140 and ASB 140. I have only played the AGB, but im sure the ASB is just as nice. i think its a 35' because i tried putting flats on it, and the regular d'addarios that i put on my p-bass dont fit on it. there is a pic of it in my profile link.

good luck
kyle

I have that one too. It's a nice bass and, if I'm not mistaken, the asb 140 is the exact same bass in a double cut and a different finish.

 

[toad]

If you decide not to go vintage, two others with the 34" scale would be the Ibanez ASB140 and the Italia Mondial. They seem to get decent reviews. Had a Rivoli for a short time and it is short scale, and I remember it being kinda boomy.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=home/search/detail/base_pid/519780/

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[Edit: oops, folks already chimed in while I was typing. Anyway good luck with the search.]

 

[Thumper]

I'm appreciating the input, thanks all!

Narrowing down to the Casady and looking at the Italia. I've got some time though, since this'll be a Xmas gift from "she"

 

[Nedmundo]

The DiPinto Belvedere is also 34" scale, but it's semi-hollow and a single cutaway so you're probably not interested. Still, it looks great, and with the two hot single coils, has a unique, excellent tone, so I'll toss it into the mix.

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[peter G]

this is what I've been lookin into: not a double cut more like a LP.

http://www.samickguitar.com/rlb2.html

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[iamthebassman]

Get the Ibanez Artcore double-cut, $400 at GC. I love mine, got the Ibanez case for it for $100.

 

[Eilif]

i think its a 35' because i tried putting flats on it, and the regular d'addarios that i put on my p-bass dont fit on it. kyle

The ibanez is a 34" scale, you have to make sure the strings are long enough beause the tailpiece connects to the strings a ways behind the bridge.

That said, the ibanez is one of the best best for a full scale semihollow in the 400 and under catagory. I personally like the casaday better, but it's about 800 new, and I would love to own a lakland, but they start at about 1200, so it all comes down to how many increments of 400 you want to spend.

Also, while if you can find one, try the Samick Greg Bennet semihollow bass, it sounds very good, has 2 pickups and the cost is near the range of the ibanez.

 

[zazz]

i tried the artcore and it was a lovely bass but for the sound coming out it might as well have been a solid. Hardly suprising when you consider that its one solid bit of wood up the middle with cambers either side. Now the casady as i understand is a true hollow body ..ie the top surface floats giving it a true semi hollow tone and thats why i would consider the casady over artcore. However i have never seen a casady yet and would love to put this theory into practice....i have one on order.

 

[chilibike]

M.M., I'm a Lakland junkie, but I'm not sure I can get behind the single f-hole.

In talking with the local luthier, he emphasized that the 34" scale will change the tone of a hollowbody. I agree with him, but I think 34" works better for fingerstyle as I hate using a pick.

I'm really leaning towards the Casady, I read it has more of a mid sound, but I know that will help cut through 2 335s or Les Pauls Woofy or bassy is great for recording, but I like to be heard.

BTW, is a Rivoli 34" scale?

The Casady has the selector switch to have dark, medium and brighter settings. Coupled with the tone knob, choice of strings, not to mention the preamp, it's potential is vast.