Short Scale Bass guidance please...

[AlexanderB]

On Gretsch vs Hagström... As I said, I have a 32" Electromatic, and I have tried the Viking a couple of times in shops. They are more different than the design will lead you to believe. The H bar in the Viking neck, plus the different body makes for a more "studio ready" / modern sound starting point. Gretsch hollowbodies (be it 30", 32" or 34") sound more "vintage" as in more uneven, resonant and prone to feedback. That is not necessarily a bad thing.
I was reluctant to gig it, but once I brought it, things worked just fine, after some radical eq-ing on my LMII.

Both Gretsch and the Viking seem to be "real" instrument, not just a cool thing to have.

More people have also suggested Danos, like I did. Unless the OP is against the design, he really should try one. A surprisingly flexible bass, especially for so little money. But I really suggest getting a MIK, and not a MIC one. I gig mine from time to time, always with a smile!

 

[blindrabbit]

@McThud it looks like this just hit the classifieds. No affiliation, just thought you'd be interested in knowing.

For Sale - Reverend Dub King

 

[McThud]

@McThud it looks like this just hit the classifieds. No affiliation, just thought you'd be interested in knowing.

For Sale - Reverend Dub King

Checking it out now.

 

[McThud]

As a brief update, I had the opportunity to try out a Fender Coronado this afternoon at a local GC. Didn't like the sounds as much as I have those from the Starcaster, but still a good player. And damn is it heavy!

[And now a brief aside about my experience at this particular GC today...(feel free to bypass this as it has nothing to do with the topic)
As the GC folks were as "attentive" as always, I found the one cable not clamped to the wall and plugged it into this small new Acoustic combo on the floor. The guy took the bass down, handed it to me, said, "There you go" and walked off somewhere. As I was playing a few minutes later, a second associate walked past, asking "You doing alright in here?" and didn't even slow for me to respond. Not that I was planning on buying anything, but it truly pains me to walk into any of the GCs in my area.]

Anyway, the bass was cool, but not what I was looking for - one option off the ever growing list. Onward and upward.

 

[McThud]

Another shopping/testing story from another GC (I guess I'm a glutton for punishment, and unfortunately my usually local mom-and-pop shop has no current inventory that I want to try out). This one had the Coranado I tried yesterday, and one of the Hofner violin ignition basses (I was considering a Hofner and it was the only one they had so - why not). Now, I'm certain some of this was the atmosphere, and the fact that this bass has been on their sales floor for many months. Those things into account, I still really disliked it. I played it through a somewhat similar setup to what I use as my smaller gig rig (Markbass head into a 1x12). Words can't express how underwhelmed I was. Yes, it had old roundwounds on it, and yes, it was in desperate need of a major setup. Still, it was anemic and lifeless sounding, no "thumP" that I am used to hearing from a Hofner (club or violin) and just...well...,meh. So knock one more off the list...and onward.

 

[McThud]

Finally NBD! After much hemming and hawing, and research and playing - I really loved the Fender Starcaster Bass, and found one of my local music shops actually had one in stock heavily discounted. Had them set it up with some flats and it sounds AWESOME. A big thank you to everyone who contributed to this thread and who helped me make a decision I can live with. Be well everyone!

 

[felis]

Nice.

Which finish did you get?

And you know - pics are a must.

 

[el jeffe bass]

What kind of case were you able to get for it?

 

[Groove Doctor]

Sweet!! Pics ASAP!!

 

[McThud]

OK - so it didn't come with a case (ended up giving me one just to take it home in - I have cases so I'll find one in my stack to use for it.) I usually wouldn't instrument at this particular shop as I use it mainly for renting my upright (I am taking lessons currently) and for teaching materials (I teach electric bass and guitar). However, though I normally pass right on by what they have in stock, there was a natural finish Starcaster in the bass rack - so I pulled it out and gave it a go on a small practice bass amp they had amidst the tons of guitar amps! Even through that, it sounded just like what I heard in my head. I don't know the weight specs, but it felt a bit lighter than the Coronado I tried a few days ago. They also did me a solid by doing a full setup with the flats I wanted for no charge. It sounds absolutely amazing. Cannot wait to give it a full go-round through my rig tonight. Had they additional finishes, I might have picked the black one, but I am happy with the natural - I buy basses by the neck anyway, and this neck is absolutely perfect for me. Here are the quickly snapped pics.

 

[Fat Freddy]

Delighted to hear that you've found "The One"

 

[Groove Doctor]

Sexy!!! This bass in natural finish looks really stunning, it just looks right.... even more than the black in photos I've seen. Live gig shots too please.

Check these guys.
Invalid Link Removed

 

[McThud]

So I've had the chance to bring the bass to rehearsals and stand with it strapped on for a couple of hours. It sings like an absolute beast...but the weight is too much for me. Thinking I may be having second thoughts and a little regret about my choice here. Sounding great is awesome - but weight issues...well...not sure this is the bass for the long haul. I might be selling it or trading it very soon so stay tuned if you might be interested.

 

[Fat Freddy]

So I've had the chance to bring the bass to rehearsals and stand with it strapped on for a couple of hours. It sings like an absolute beast...but the weight is too much for me. Thinking I may be having second thoughts and a little regret about my choice here. Sounding great is awesome - but weight issues...well...not sure this is the bass for the long haul. I might be selling it or trading it very soon so stay tuned if you might be interested.

Sorry to hear that it may not be "The One" after all.....

 

[McThud]

Sorry to hear that it may not be "The One" after all.....

Well, I chalk it up to "user error". I should have taken a little more time to review all the details. Still, it's a great bass. I just don't think it'll work out for me.

 

[Groove Doctor]

So I've had the chance to bring the bass to rehearsals and stand with it strapped on for a couple of hours. It sings like an absolute beast...but the weight is too much for me. Thinking I may be having second thoughts and a little regret about my choice here. Sounding great is awesome - but weight issues...well...not sure this is the bass for the long haul. I might be selling it or trading it very soon so stay tuned if you might be interested.

Sorry to hear that!! Time to look/trade for a 30" Hollowbodies with humbuckers that's more lightweight.

- Lakland has some nice semi-HB models
- My Duesenberg Starplayer is 8.4lbs & totally first class (but very exxy new, OK used prices).
- Guild does some great models, reissues are nicely priced too.
- Italia might have some you like, esp a Ric 4005-style bass (forget exact model).
- Aria, Hagstrom, etc
- or other recommendations listed earlier.


I was really impressed by the Coronado reissue, but weighed too much for me too. I nabbed a vintage one that I play at home constantly now - brilliant necks, pity about the single coil him tho.

 

[Fat Freddy]

And....of course......there's STILL this!!!

Invalid Link Removed

There's none so blind.....errrrrrm ......

 

[Davbassdude]

I played the Squire Jag SS at a local store a couple of months ago. If I wanted a shortie, THAT'S the one. You can't beat a bass that plays like that for the price.

 

[McThud]

I played the Squire Jag SS at a local store a couple of months ago. If I wanted a shortie, THAT'S the one. You can't beat a bass that plays like that for the price.

Quick note - as the OP, this was all about hollowbody basses so your suggestion is unfortunately not a contender. Thanks.

 

[McThud]

Sorry to hear that!! Time to look/trade for a 30" Hollowbodies with humbuckers that's more lightweight.

- Lakland has some nice semi-HB models
- My Duesenberg Starplayer is 8.4lbs & totally first class (but very exxy new, OK used prices).
- Guild does some great models, reissues are nicely priced too.
- Italia might have some you like, esp a Ric 4005-style bass (forget exact model).
- Aria, Hagstrom, etc
- or other recommendations listed earlier.


I was really impressed by the Coronado reissue, but weighed too much for me too. I nabbed a vintage one that I play at home constantly now - brilliant necks, pity about the single coil him tho.

Yeah - I tried the Coronado reissue too - didn't like the sound and, yes, the weight was even heavier than this one - at lease my perception of it. I've already done the research on many others, many of the ones you listed too (all buried somewhere in the recesses of these posts). I might end up back to my original thought, which was a Hofner Club (not the German one as I can't afford that one). I might even see if someone would consider a trade of sorts for this bass in return for a Hofner Club.