Short scale semi hollow / hollow options

[Koshchei]

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

Not problematic at all. And has the added benefit of making the open strings sound more like the fretted ones.

 

[lunarpollen]

I wish the Eastwood Saturn IV bass was still available. I don't even ever see them on the used market, which is kind of weird. Unless the owners love them so much that they never sell them.

 

[B-Mac]

I wish the Eastwood Saturn IV bass was still available. I don't even ever see them on the used market, which is kind of weird. Unless the owners love them so much that they never sell them.

In stock
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[Gee Man]

A slight bit outside of OPs price range, but if you can get your hands on one, you can't go wrong with the Reverend Dub King. I grabbed one recently and am more than pleased at how much tonal versatility this bass has, and a great feeling neck and overall quality.

 

[cubanbass]

Super curious about the Dub King. It would be what I would go for if I was looking (happy with my Artcore).

 

[Wood and Wire]

There's also that dirt cheap Harley Benton sort of Epiphone / Gretsch hybrid, that's only a couple of hundred £ / € / $.

They've got a reputation that well exceeds their price, and cosmetically at least, appear to use many of the same components of the equivalent Eastwood.

 

[HoHumbucker]

I think I am in a similar boat to the OP. Would love to add a reasonably priced SS semi-hollow to my collection. In addition to the indie vibe, I am starting to play a little with acoustic guitars and mandolins and think this style of bass might fit in there (please set me straight if not).
I don't want to break the bank either, so that $600ish area works for me too. Under consideration (and open to other suggestions)

• Epiphone viola (but the strap balance by the neck worries me)
• Ibanez AGB200 (I have to admit I am attracted to the flat black)
• Epiphone Allen Woody Rumblekat
• Guild Starfire I
• Hofner CT Club or Viola

Questions that come to my mind

1. Any advantages/not with one p/u versus two?
2. solid top versus f-holes?
3. Seems like flats would be a good string choice? (I love the flats on my G2220)

I am still learning a lot about basses, so appreciate the input.

 

[GretschWretch]

I don't want to break the bank either, so that $600ish area works for me too.

Questions that come to my mind

1. Any advantages/not with one p/u versus two?
2. solid top versus f-holes?
3. Seems like flats would be a good string choice? (I love the flats on my G2220)

I am still learning a lot about basses, so appreciate the input.

1. Depends on the pickup, the location, the electronics, and where you pluck the string. Obviously, a non-P pickup will not make the bass sound like a P. Beyond that, you will have to try before you buy. Lots of individuality with hollow/semi-hollow pickups, particularly if you dive deep down the vintage Japanese rabbit hole.

I find strike points extremely important when assessing a bass's "tone." I test this by starting plucking right in front of the bridge and then incrementally work my way forward until I am plucking over the 17th fret. Most times I get only one or two "useful" (by my standards) tones. Some basses give me as many as four useful tones off the same controls setting, and every one is a keeper.

2. Largely depends on volume level and venue. F-holes will induce feedback more quickly than fully-enclosed hollows, but the fully-enclosed basses are not immune to it.

3. Flats or tapes, depends on the sound you are after. Strike points have a lot of influence here.

 

[FlyingPigSound]

Guild Starfire 1

Hofner Verythin

+1 Guild Starfire I
(w/ flats is amazing)
((I also dig my Hofner CT Cavern Violin bass, but the narrow fretboard spacing takes getting used to))