The Differences Between ZON Basses

[mesaphlin]

Hello Forum Members!

I am an intermediate Bass Player. I would like to purchase a Zon Bass but I am not sure which one I should order. Besides the Hyperbass and VB, what are the differences between Sonus and Legacy Basses? I know that the differences between them are on the ZON website but I am talking about more like the style rather than the technical aspects of them.
Btw, I am more into groove stuff and a little solo type of playing.

Thank you so much for all upfront.

 

[JxBass]

If you're not that familiar with them how do you know you want one? Perhaps a little background on why you've selected Zon would help.

 

[mesaphlin]

If you're not that familiar with them how do you know you want one? Perhaps a little background on why you've selected Zon would help.

What I have heard that they are amazing but I have no experiences with them before. So that's my case...!!!

 

[IntrepidCellist]

Yes, but there are a lot of amazing bass brands out there. If you're unsure which way to go and what you want from a bass, I'd recommend trying more basses before committing to the expense and wait time for a custom/boutique builder.

 

[JxBass]

Yes, but there are a lot of amazing bass brands out there. If you're unsure which way to go and what you want from a bass, I'd recommend trying more basses before committing to the expense and wait time for a custom/boutique builder.

+1. Lots and lots of great bass brands out there, you owe it to yourself to try a few of them out. Good luck!

 

[ehque]

The MAIN difference is... Vinnys (VB) are a whole chunk of change cheaper.

 

[rulyøngo]

They are amazing basses!!! But, just like the others said you gotta try them. To me the Sonus shape is one of the most confortable basses I have ever played. But, it's up to you.

 

[fretless_bill]

Can anyone who has heard, played both types comment on how they sound or play differently?

Always great advise to try them, but ZON has no dealers in Canada.

Thanks
Bill

 

[benthughes]

This is my experience with Zon basses, all of which I've owned.

Zon sonus custom: Ash body with redwood top. 17mm spacing, I believe. This is a very comfy and light weight bass with a very even and pristine sound. It didn't really have the grit around the edges that a traditional jazz does but would be good if you dig clean jazz tones. Can do the throaty barky jazz thing only cleaner. Nice botiquey jazz style bass that is super light and very playable.

Sonus Special: Imagine what I said above having a love child with a Warwick Thumb bass. Super growly with more sparkle to the high end. A bit more refined and even but has a very mean midrange tone.

Sonus Studio: 19mm spacing which I don't care for. Soapbar pickups give it a bit more full/warmer sound to it. Very versatile pickup switching which I found it to be a bit cumbersome to make switches on the fly. Again, quite versatile but a bit tame compared to the Sonus jazz style basses. Mahogany body may have contributed to that.

Zon Legacy Elite: Mahogany body with spalted maple top. This was my dream bass and turned out to be a bit of a let down. Sounded much like the sonus studio without the versatility of the switching. It was a warm with nice forward low mids, not necessarily aggressive with a top end that didn't go quite as high at the other Zon basses. This was pretty tame compared to the regular Sonus jazz style basses and turned out not to be my cup-o-tea.

I've gravitated toward the sound of G&L L-2000, Fender jazz and precision basses. Jazz basses can do clean and sparkly or get straight dirty. I have found the Zon basses to do clean tones well but don't really dirty up well.

My clean basses are Spectors which still punch like mad

 

[xxjazzbassist]

always play before you buy...your hands and ears will tel you everything you need to know about the bass

 

[Kwesi]

Yes, but there are a lot of amazing bass brands out there. If you're unsure which way to go and what you want from a bass, I'd recommend trying more basses before committing to the expense and wait time for a custom/boutique builder.

Bingo, we have a winner! Until you know exactly what you want, buy used and shop around.

 

[benthughes]

As above. That's alotta bread to drop on anything that you may not totally dig.

 

[fretless_bill]

Actually buying the bass by mail order is cheaper than the cost of a flight hotel etc. To find a store that stocks Zons in the US. That is why I am asking experienced folks for their opinions.

 

[kesslari]

The big thing with Zon USA basses is the composite neck. I find them warmer than other graphite necks (Modulus, Status). Very unique tone, very even, neither of mine have noticeable dead spots. Zon has my personal favorite fretless sound, which is why I play them

The Sonus series has a bolt on neck design. The Legacy series has a set neck design. The Vinny is headless.

There are a variety of options for pickups and pickup placement.
You can often find Zon's used, or in stock at various dealers, so it doesn't need to be a matter of waiting for one to be built.
And used Zon's are relatively affordable, as boutique basses go - and if you don't like it, you can usually sell it for what you have into it.

I will say that tonally, they are pretty unique, and Zon's built quality is superb.

If you consider yourself a groove player, I think you would love a Sonus.

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

As above. That's alotta bread to drop on anything that you may not totally dig.

Yes...

But if he buys a used Zon on the 'bay or here, they can be had pretty reasonably. My main bass these days I bought on Ebay for $1200 - Zon Sonus 5 custom... Great bass. That was about 5 years ago, and they prices on the older ones hasn't really gone up (despite the fact that new these basses are fully out of control pricewise...)

 

[fretless_bill]

Thanks - my question was any difference between US and import. The import looks like a wooden neck.