Semi hollow questions

[bassgod76]

I believe the Starfire is 1.5 at the nut and at that position, it feels like my 62 reissue Fender Jazz. Where it differs from the Jazz is the neck doesn't get a whole lot wider as you go up (kind of like the Ric). It takes me a few minutes to readjust to the scale of the Guild but after that, I've no problems with the neck dimensions and I have large hands.

That said, the Starfire is not my favorite playing bass and a long way from the wide C neck of my 66 P.

Yeah, I love how my 58 AVRI P Bass fills my hand. It’s my go-to.

With this inquiry, I’m not looking for a go-to, but a fun different option.

 

[Mustang Surly]

The Guild and Eastwood both have a 1.5” nut

In addition, the spacing at the bridge saddles of the Guilds is about 17mm, which is narrower than, say, Fender "standard", which is usually more like 19mm. So at the nut, the string spacing is like a Jazz Bass, but the spacing widens less than a Jazz as you move up the neck.

That works for me, because my hands are arthritic. I find it very comfortable, but you might want to try one out if in doubt, before buying.

Though narrow, the necks on mine are not what I would consider to be "thin" (front-to-back).

One other consideration is that the current ("NS"/MIK) Guild Starfires with the "harp" bridge and wooden saddles are not suited to aggressive slapping. It's actually possible to launch the wooden saddles that way. But I'd be surprised if a person would purchase a Starfire intending to slap on it in any case because it's not a good choice for that purpose for other reasons as well.

By running mine through a compressor and a 10-band graphic equalizer, I can dial in all the tones I need.

 

[bassgod76]

In addition, the spacing at the bridge saddles of the Guilds is about 17mm, which is narrower than, say, Fender "standard", which is usually more like 19mm. So at the nut, the string spacing is like a Jazz Bass, but the spacing widens less than a Jazz as you move up the neck.

That works for me, because my hands are arthritic. I find it very comfortable, but you might want to try one out if in doubt, before buying.

Though narrow, the necks on mine are not what I would consider to be "thin" (front-to-back).

One other consideration is that the current ("NS"/MIK) Guild Starfires with the "harp" bridge and wooden saddles are not suited to aggressive slapping. It's actually possible to launch the wooden saddles that way. But I'd be surprised if a person would purchase a Starfire intending to slap on it in any case because it's not a good choice for that purpose for other reasons as well.

By running mine through a compressor and a 10-band graphic equalizer, I can dial in all the tones I need.

Thank you for information on the string spacing. That is a material consideration.
Yeah, I have no desire to slap on this. Mostly plan to use it for church.
The plan is to remove the rounds it comes with, and replace with half rounds.

 

[Mustang Surly]

The plan is to remove the rounds it comes with, and replace with half rounds.

Yeah, flats and Starfires are a great match up. I haven't tried half-rounds on them, but that would probably be worth doing. Let us know what you think. I have no idea why they ship these strung with rounds: makes no sense at all to me. I ditched them immediately and put on flats.

 

[bassgod76]

Yeah, flats and Starfires are a great match up. I haven't tried half-rounds on them, but that would probably be worth doing. Let us know what you think. I have no idea why they ship these strung with rounds: makes no sense at all to me. I ditched them immediately and put on flats.

Realistically, it’s down to:
-Guild Starfire II in flamed maple
-Gretsch G5442BDC
-Hofner Contemporary Club
-Eastwood Classic IV

The only thing that would blow the deal, is if I found a White Falcon for $2k, but that appears unlikely

 

[Bassinthemudd]

Thank you for information on the string spacing. That is a material consideration.
Yeah, I have no desire to slap on this. Mostly plan to use it for church.
The plan is to remove the rounds it comes with, and replace with half rounds.

If you like half rounds and haven't tried GHS Pressurewounds, they are definitely worth a try.

 

[bassgod76]

If you like half rounds and haven't tried GHS Pressurewounds, they are definitely worth a try.

Honestly I have no experience with this type of string.
I will definitely look them up.

 

[bassgod76]

Realistically, it’s down to:
-Guild Starfire II in flamed maple
-Gretsch G5442BDC
-Hofner Contemporary Club
-Eastwood Classic IV

The only thing that would blow the deal, is if I found a White Falcon for $2k, but that appears unlikely

I also am looking hard at the Gibson Midtown

 

[Lowbrow]

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

Should I consider anything else?

Yes - consider the Guild Starfire I

 

[ajkula66]

I also am looking hard at the Gibson Midtown

Nice bass but it's a 34.5" scale and somewhat neck heavy in my recollection.

 

[msb]

I used to have an Epi Rivoli reissue , the pickup had been changed to a DiMarzio Model1. Sold it , and then regretted doing so.
So when I saw an Eastwood Classic IV for a good price I jumped.
The Eastwood build quality was better than expected , Chinese manufacture , it’s a solid build. No block , it’s a true hollow body , I just play it at home so I can’t comment about gig volume or feedback , it sounds much better than the Epi did. It’s a good bass.

 

[bassgod76]

Nice bass but it's a 34.5" scale and somewhat neck heavy in my recollection.

Thanks for the insight!

 

[bassgod76]

I used to have an Epi Rivoli reissue , the pickup had been changed to a DiMarzio Model1. Sold it , and then regretted doing so.
So when I saw an Eastwood Classic IV for a good price I jumped.
The Eastwood build quality was better than expected , Chinese manufacture , it’s a solid build. No block , it’s a true hollow body , I just play it at home so I can’t comment about gig volume or feedback , it sounds much better than the Epi did. It’s a good bass.

Thanks! The Eastwood is in heavy consideration.

 

[henryjurstin13]

I have:
Epi Rumblekat (semi hollow/chambered)
DiPinto Belvedere
Lakland Hollowbody 34"

You should have lots of options within your budget... putting your hands on one first, that's likely easier said than done. Epi Jack C is a very nice bass as well....

 

[Wood and Wire]

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'm not 100% certain, but the Eastwood appears to be identical to the Harley-Benton version, but with a different brand name slapped on it.

The Harley-Benton is only about $200, which is maybe worth it as an experiment (they're apparently really good).

They're both copies of the Gretsch Electromat, which itself is only about $800.

 

[bassgod76]

I have:
Epi Rumblekat (semi hollow/chambered)
DiPinto Belvedere
Lakland Hollowbody 34"

You should have lots of options within your budget... putting your hands on one first, that's likely easier said than done. Epi Jack C is a very nice bass as well....

I saw the rumblekat, but it doesn’t do it for me.

I love the DiPinto Belvedere standard in black/white, but where do you buy one? DiPinto’s website is wonky.

I’m sure the Lakland is sexy time, but it looks too modern for what I’m after.

I totally appreciate the DiPinto suggestion.

 

[bassgod76]

I'm not 100% certain, but the Eastwood appears to be identical to the Harley-Benton version, but with a different brand name slapped on it.

The Harley-Benton is only about $200, which is maybe worth it as an experiment (they're apparently really good).

They're both copies of the Gretsch Electromat, which itself is only about $800.

I totally appreciate the suggestion, but I’m very skeptical about $200 basses. Especially basses of this construction type.

 

[Wood and Wire]

Hofner Quality

I'd heard from one dealer, that they were discontinued.

Every place that I see selling them, says they're out of stock for at least the next 6 months.

I sure hope they'll be available again soon.

 

[henryjurstin13]

I saw the rumblekat, but it doesn’t do it for me.

I love the DiPinto Belvedere standard in black/white, but where do you buy one? DiPinto’s website is wonky.

I’m sure the Lakland is sexy time, but it looks too modern for what I’m after.

I totally appreciate the DiPinto suggestion.

I own the Rumblekat because I'm a huge fan of Allen Woody, 30" isn't really my thang.

Lakland is so nice & very old school woody/thumpy! Honestly, it's very P-bass ish.... if I could only own one of these, it would be the Lakland.

DiPinto -- contact Chris - [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] He usually posts fairly actively on Facebook as well... You'll have to search & actively search, but, they are very cool instruments. Good luck!

 

[Wood and Wire]

I totally appreciate the suggestion, but I’m very skeptical about $200 basses. Especially basses of this construction type.

I totally agree, but if you're seriously considering the Eastwood, you're potentially paying twice the price for the exact same instrument, with a different brand name on it (I've heard they're literally the same product, from the same factory, with the same pickups - but that may just be rumour / speculation).