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Short Scale Bass guidance please...

So...which would you select for your "arsenal"?


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Forgot your other comment abut the Eastwoods - I could look used for them. I was under the impression that their company model had changed to more of a 'kickstarter" design, where they put out a design and see how many backers they get to actually manufacture it. Is that not the case?

Nope, they do both the "Custom shop" and their regular designs. Sometimes Custom shop instruments are so popular they become "regular" ones. There's at least 4 brand new Classics up on Reverb right now:

Bass Guitars | New & Used Bass Guitars for Sale | Reverb
 
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Hello all! Currently in the market for a short scale bass for some of my projects. After having researched as beast I could (as none are available locally to try out) I've narrowed my choice to the following three, which I've noticed have each been discussed to great length in many forums. So if these were your choices, based on your own personal playing experience, which would you choose?

I currently have a custom-made jazz bass, a "franken" p-bass, a nice 5-string, and a 4-string fretless. This short scale would help me round out my "arsenal" most especially for two projects where I'm playing more roots and classic r&b/soul/rock type of material. Thanks for any input you might offer!

UPDATE: I neglected to mention that I was narrowing my search to semi or fully-hollow basses. Sorry about that.
I have a very nice Allen Woody with a pro setup. It is not on the Classifieds as i wasn't planning on selling it, but PM me if you are interested...Chico
 
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How about an Eastwood Classic 4 then if you enjoy that style? They should fit in your budget at brand new pricing, and used deals can be had.

The Italia basses are also nice.

Oooo...forgot about those Italia Mondial and Maranella semi-hollow basses. Another distinct possibility if you can find one used. Definitely different looks and sound.

And also the Eastwoods. Their EEB-1 is a trip and a half. With the through body f-holes I'd consider it a semi-hollow, but the OP might not. And it sounds really good. Definitely different. And I've seen them used for pretty low prices.

A used Reverend is also a possibility. You can occasionally spot a Dub King going for around $500 in good condition.
 
Oooo...forgot about those Italia Mondial and Maranella semi-hollow basses. Another distinct possibility if you can find one used. Definitely different looks and sound.

And also the Eastwoods. Their EEB-1 is a trip and a half. With the through body f-holes I'd consider it a semi-hollow, but the OP might not. And it sounds really good. Definitely different. And I've seen them used for pretty low prices.

A used Reverend is also a possibility. You can occasionally spot a Dub King going for around $500 in good condition.
Man, I'd love a Dub King - I can never spot a used one, and never for a price that low. I tried one in a Nashville Guitar shop a year ago, but couldn't afford the $1k price tag. Man, that thing was tubby as hell, and the orange finish was really sweet too.
 
Epiphone Allen Woody, if you go to Amazon Warehouse they have one (red) on sale don't know if has a damage or was just open box but I used them before and got good deals.
 
I like the Artcore, but I don't know if it will give you that "thud" that you're looking for. Then again, I'm not quite sure what you mean by that. Do you have a song or recording with an example of the sound you're trying to replicate?
 
I just got an Epiphone Allen Woody and couldn't be happier with it. It does have a pickup placement that might not work for everyone, but I find it fine for me. I play in a rock/ alt rock band and have gotten many compliments on the sound.YMMV. Sure is pretty too.

1505201808-body-large.jpg
 
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Lakland Hollowbody.
Hagstrom Reissues have classic look, & humbuckers give a fat/vintage tone.

Keep your eye out locally for any vintage 'lesser-known brand' Hollowbodies. Real bargains on some amazing basses to be had with a bit of patience. eg Aria, etc.

PS. I have a Duesenberg Starplayer that I use for exactly what you described. Exxy, but I stopped looking after buying one of these. :D
 
I just got an Epiphone Allen Woody and couldn't be happier with it. It does have a pickup placement that might not work for everyone, but I find it fine for me. I play in a rock/ alt rock band and have gotten many compliments on the sound.YMMV. Sure is pretty too.

1505201808-body-large.jpg
Nice bass! I just saw a newer model in blue with silver sparkle trim that looked sweet as well. As mainly a finger-style player, I don't think the pickup placement would be an issue. And for the few times I use a pick, I tend to play closer to the bridge.
 
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Lakland Hollowbody.
Hagstrom Reissues have classic look, & humbuckers give a fat/vintage tone.

Keep your eye out locally for any vintage 'lesser-known brand' Hollowbodies. Real bargains on some amazing basses to be had with a bit of patience. eg Aria, etc.

PS. I have a Duesenberg Starplayer that I use for exactly what you described. Exxy, but I stopped looking after buying one of these. :D
If I had that kind of budget, this would be a non-issue. That bass is sexy as hell.
 
I guess if I had to limit it, I'd cap around $800 at the top. More than that and I'd be pushing my (financial) limits. By the way, brilliant avatar.
Thanks. :)

What strings will you likely be using?
Flats all the way IMO IME.

Love TI's on two of my shorty Hollowbodies (low tension for 60's basses), but you'll prob need more thump on a full hollowbody.
Chromes work brilliantly, but check out the Pyramids flats or Roto 88's tapes (less twang on the G-string).
 
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