Semi hollow questions

[Freekmagnet]

The Guild Starfire has already been mentioned - that's a good choice.

There's the Eastwood Classic 4:

Invalid Link Removed

Kay 162 reissue:

Link Removed

 

[bassgod76]

The Guild Starfire has already been mentioned - that's a good choice.

There's the Eastwood Classic 4:
Invalid Link Removed

Kay 162 reissue:

Link Removed

I was heavily considering the Eastwood classic for about six months ago. However, I’ve heard the pickups are meh, and I’m thinking the Starfire II may be a better quality bass

 

[Freekmagnet]

I was heavily considering the Eastwood classic for about six months ago. However, I’ve heard the pickups are meh, and I’m thinking the Starfire II may be a better quality bass

I can't really say of any of these basses are any better or any worse that the other. They're all made overseas these days, most likely in the same factory.

I played an Eastwood in the store once. It was alright. If the pickups don't float your boat, they would be pretty easy to replace.

Ed Friedland seemed to like it.



Another option I forgot about is the Gretsch Electromatic.

 

[Engle]

Another vote for the Jack Casady. I have one, strung with flats. Use it occasionally.

Pros: 34" scale, Fender-esque feeling neck, simple 1-pickup design, great tone, budget friendly.

Cons: tilt back headstock, set-neck design, overly bulky hardshell case.

Pros far outweigh the cons. You just have to be a little careful with it... you cannot toss it around like a Fender.

Interesting how one person’s cons are another person’s pros
I prefer a tilt back headstock and set neck.

 

[Gibson Victory]

I have the Gibson Midtown, and the 335 Bass(hard to find). Like them both, these are 34” Scale.

 

[eddododo]

The Ibanez AGB and AFB basses are really pretty great

 

[LordRyan]

I have one of these as my short-scale semi-hollow. The Italia Torino appears to have elements of Gibson, Guild, and maybe other basses. It came in a variety of colors but mine is the more common black. One unusual thing about this bass is that it uses standard size strings though the scale is 30".

Link Removed

Link Removed

 

[pbass2]

If you can find a used Jerry Jones Longhorn or Shorthorn, they're amazing. And they record great. Both the ones with the wooden saddle, and the Neptune versions with the adjustable saddles (which has advantages obviously).

 

[Killing Floor]

Y’all step up with some nice second choices. Here you go.
Duesenberg Starplayer FTW.

 

[getBAK]

I'm surprised no one has brought up Godin, I've played the RG-4, freaky good the sound palette is pretty impressive .


Used RG4 for sale here
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[Christophe C]

Y’all step up with some nice second choices. Here you go.
Duesenberg Starplayer FTW.
View attachment 4838425

very nice bass

the finish is outstanding and superb hardware with attention to detail

I don’t play mine often but each time is a nice moment.

 

[nixdad]

I really want one. I’m not looking for a do it all bass, but something semi hollow that really embraces the feel, sound and quirkiness a semi hollow provides.

Budget: I’m thinking 1,200-1,800

I think I want 30” scale, as I’ve head the neck length with the large body can be uncomfortable.

I’m thinking The Guild Starfire II in the natural flame maple.

Should I consider anything else?

Fender Starcaster Bass, made between 2014 & 2016.
30” scale with a neck feel akin to an early 60’s Jazz Bass, beefy humbucking pickups and was available in black, natural & vintage cherry sunburst. Best if strung with flats, sounds killer played with fingers or a pick.

These ran heavy, so the only challenge is finding a lighter one (9-10 pounds.) I was lucky enough to find a lighter one, which happened to be in the color I wanted.

BTW, there are 6 Starcaster basses listed on Reverb right now.

 

[rogerbmiller]

The Ibanez Artcore series is great for the money. Italia also makes some cool semi-hollows such as the Mondial.

The best suggestions so far are the Epi Jack Casady and Rumblecat. I own both and they are half your budget and punch way above their weight.

Also, a little outside the box there is the Danelectro Dolphin (56 SC style). Technically a semi hollow and 30 inch scale. Sounds great and fun to play.

 

[eddododo]

One unusual thing about this bass is that it uses standard size strings though the scale is 30".

I’m actually taking advantage of a similar setup with a build I’m doing, with the 2 part bridge and the extra slack… very nice to have the full selection of strings available to the normal scale users

 

[Ostie]

The Jack Casady is a great bass, my favorite, but if the 30” scale is important, my fave short scale is the Allen Woody.

 

[bassgod76]

I have one of these as my short-scale semi-hollow. The Italia Torino appears to have elements of Gibson, Guild, and maybe other basses. It came in a variety of colors but mine is the more common black. One unusual thing about this bass is that it uses standard size strings though the scale is 30".

Link Removed

Link Removed

Those are really cool

 

[bassgod76]

I'm surprised no one has brought up Godin, I've played the RG-4, freaky good the sound palette is pretty impressive .


Used RG4 for sale here
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Very cool, but too modern for my taste.

 

[bassgod76]

Y’all step up with some nice second choices. Here you go.
Duesenberg Starplayer FTW.
View attachment 4838425

That’s cool

 

[bassgod76]

I can't really say of any of these basses are any better or any worse that the other. They're all made overseas these days, most likely in the same factory.

I played an Eastwood in the store once. It was alright. If the pickups don't float your boat, they would be pretty easy to replace.

Ed Friedland seemed to like it.



Another option I forgot about is the Gretsch Electromatic.

Yeah but there has to be a reason why the guild StarFire II is over double the amount of the Eastwood.

 

[db4124]

If you are looking used then their are lots of 60's-70's 335 style bases that are really great. Here's mine: