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Short scale basses and Epiphone Embassy Standard IV?

T

thebassdoctor

Mar 23, 2008
19
0
Ohio
#1
So I was playing my friend's Hofner Viola bass the other day. I really liked how playable, thin, and short the neck was to play. The only problem i had with the bass is that it wasnt built for jazz/slap and pop/funk playing, which is what i mainly play. I was looking at the Epiphone Embassy Standard IV, which i think has the same neck size as the Hofner, but not the same short scale style. Does anyone have any short scale basses that are good for slap and pop and funk? If not, do you think the Embassy will be good? thanx a ton

-TheBassDoctor
 
#2
Most short scales aren't exactly built with slap'n'pop in mind, true,but once you're used to the string tension, anything's possible (the less 'hi-fi' sound could be offset somewhat with an outboard preamp or the likes?). I was having fun on a short scale Epi EB0, and while the sound was entirely retro, it made copping that early Larry Graham vibe all the easier.

I've read a couple of reviews of the Cort Action Jr. (which is short scale) saying it is the business for slapping. Dirt cheap, too.

Alternatively, there may be a few more suitable choices at the medium (32)scale.
 
#4
Its the newer one. I was looking at the Allen Woody Rumblekat but its not for the type of playing that i do. I was watching a video of Les Claypool and the Fearless Flying Frog Brigade, and it looks like he was playing an almost modified Hofner. It wasnt a hollow body and dont think and the bridge wasnt as elevated, more on the body. That would be ideal but its probably custom made and very exspensive.
 
#7
You could also check out the offerings at rondomusic.com

The owner/operator, Kurt, is a great guy to work with and the basses are really top quality compared to the prices. With a setup and a few modifications, you'll have something that will compete with the higher dollar custom-made options.

Of course, Scott at Birdsong makes a great product and if I had more money, I'd give it to him in a heartbeat.

Other things to look at:

Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro--P/J 28.6" scale, gets great reviews
Squier Bronco--30" not as nice as Rondo off the shelf, but with mods....
Dean EVO XM--30" great out of the box, but the shape didn't do it for me
Cort Action Junior--30" looks awesome, never played it, try triplerguitar.com for a US online dealer
Samick Greg Bennett Corsair CSR30--30" P/J, 8th Street Music or google it
Hamer Slammer SB4-30.5" scale, dual soapbar, never played it
Fender Mustang--should be easy enough to find

If you like the EBO shape and want a different tone, you could always add a pickup to get a different tone like Mike Watt did.
 

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