Short scale semi hollow / hollow options

[lunarpollen]

Is the 0 fret problematic? Seems like such a terrible idea making setups a real pita

I've never had a zero fret on any instrument be problematic

 

[gln1955]

I've never had a zero fret on any instrument be problematic

Agree. Why would it affect a set up?

 

[TheArchitect]

Agree. Why would it affect a set up?

It sets string height. If it's wrong it's much harder to deal with than a standard nut

 

[bon viesta]

go find a vintage 1960s or 1970s japanese violin bass, preferably one of the ones that closely copy a hofner. they look cool as hell and it’s a definite indie vibe, coming from a young little man who knows what that stuff is about.

 

[cubanbass]

+1 on the Ibanez Artcore. Such a versatile bass and is still affordable.

Live at a lil instrumental gig:

 

[gln1955]

It sets string height. If it's wrong it's much harder to deal with than a standard nut

That's a poor build rather than a setup problem. Don't buy basses that are poorly put together.

 

[TheArchitect]

That's a poor build rather than a setup problem. Don't buy basses that are poorly put together.

No it's not. Players have preferences when it comes to things like string height. That's an adjustable parameter

 

[2groggy]

It sets string height. If it's wrong it's much harder to deal with than a standard nut

Don't let the name scare you. If the 3rd fret is good, and the 2nd fret is good, and the first fret is good, a zero fret of the same height should be good too.

 

[TheArchitect]

Don't let the name scare you. If the 3rd fret is good, and the 2nd fret is good, and the first fret is good, a zero fret of the same height should be good too.

That's not how a zero fret works... it damn well better NOT be the same height as the other frets

 

[gln1955]

That's not how a zero fret works... it damn well better NOT be the same height as the other frets

It should be a smidge higher than the first fret. If it's much more, it'll play out of tune, just like a high nut. There's really no reason to have a zero fret higher than that.

 

[TheArchitect]

It should be a smidge higher than the first fret. If it's much more, it'll play out of tune, just like a high nut. There's really no reason to have a zero fret higher than that.

Yes, and a nut is much easier to adjust to get that height right than a damn zero fret which is my point

 

[Basvarken]

Epi Allen Woody Signature - Rumblekat

 

[PennyroyalWe]

I have a “Grote” brand Hofner club bass knock off that I like just fine, though it was sub $200 and it shows in some aspects. The few Hofner ignitions I’ve played don’t seem any better, IMO.


All that is to say, if you’re dropping over $200 on one, I’m not sure you won’t be disappointed.

 

[Ostie]

Looking at options. Epiphone Viola, Ibanez options... what's good and under 6 hundred? Flat wounds and Beatles / indy vibe is the goal.

Hofner Beatle
Hofner Club

 

[HaphAsSard]

Yes, and a nut is much easier to adjust to get that height right than a damn zero fret which is my point

Unless you play slide bass, there's no need to prefer high nut slots to properly cut ones: all the former achieve is worsening intonation at the low frets. String action is set at the bridge (and obviously interacts with the neck relief and the string tension/stiffness). But by all means avoid zero frets if you'd prefer not to deal with one.

 

[TheArchitect]

Unless you play slide bass, there's no need to prefer high nut slots to properly cut ones: all the former achieve is worsening intonation at the low frets. String action is set at the bridge (and obviously interacts with the neck relief and the string tension/stiffness). But by all means avoid zero frets if you'd prefer not to deal with one.

1) I dont want higher action at the nut, but most come from the factory too high.

2) string action is set at both ends. If it's too high at the nut, nothing you do at the bridge fixes that.

 

[2groggy]

That's not how a zero fret works... it damn well better NOT be the same height as the other frets

That's exactly how a zero fret works. Just like with a capo, it works where all of the frets are the same height. That's the beauty of it.

If you don't like them, that's fine, but they work brilliantly.​

 

[2groggy]

@TheArchitect this tangent has been unproductive. Let's get back to the task of finding you the instrument of your dreams .

 

[B-Mac]

It seems like Hofner would tick all the boxes for you. Ibanez Artcore is good too. I recently purchased a really nice used Ibanez AFB200 from GC for around $400.00--fully hollow body and short scale. I returned it after a couple of weeks as I just wasn't bonding with it, but I was impressed with the quality of it. Another one to consider is Gretsch. There's a nice looking Gretch G5442BDC Hollowbody shortscale on Reverb right now that's about in your price range.

stop in if you haven't already
Artcore Club

 

[B-Mac]

Looking at options. Epiphone Viola, Ibanez options... what's good and under 6 hundred? Flat wounds and Beatles / indy vibe is the goal.

My hollow, semi hollow SS (30" to 30.75")
Ibanez Artcore's are still quite affordable and IMHO still a great value.

Dillion Super Nova Semi-Hollow 30.75"
Discontinued
Purchased as NOS
push/pull coil split both pups

Eastwood Classic 5 30.5" semi-hollow
Discontinued
hard to find
They still make the Classic 4 which is the 4 string version

Eastwood MRG 30” semi-hollow
still in production

Eastwood EB-1 30.5" chambered (more semi-hollow than chambered)
Still make them but price has gone up so much that I think they are not the value they used to be

Gretsch 5442 Hollow Body 30.25"
Great bass, but no longer sold with HSC
discontinued but def NOS can be found

Gretsch 6073 hollow body 30.25"
Discounted
Sealed Hollow Body w/painted F holes

Ibanez Artcore AFB200 Hollow Body 30.25"
still in production

Ibanez Artcore AGB200 semi-hollow 30.25"
still in production

Ibanez Artcore AGB205 semi-hollow body 30.25"
5 string version of the above
discontinued

Not mine
Ibanez Artcore AGB260