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Travel/couch/light(er) bass?

#42
lark_z said:
How flat is the rear of the Traveler? Not quite getting how the tuners are back there and it can still sit comfortably
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The TB4P is flatter than the Ultra-Light in back, but I don't have a comfort problem with either of them.

BTW I run LaBella flats on both of mine. I haven't had any problem with them strung around the rollers.

02_TB4P-PW-PF-back_1024x1024.jpg

ultraback.jpg
 
#45
Gretsch Junior Jet or Epiphone Viola are two good choices. The Gretsch has a remarkable range of good bass tones and is sturdier. So it’s probably a better bet for a couch bass if you’ve got kids running around. But for super low weight you won’t find anything lighter than a short-scale violin bass Lthough it’s far less versatile in the tone department. I’ve got both. However it’s the Gretsch that lives leaned against my den chair along with the Ampeg SCR-DI and Sony MDT-7506 headphones sitting next to it.
 
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#49
Old_Noob said:
So, I sold my GSR200 finally. I just did not get on with it. Been loving my Squire CV60s P with flats on it. However, 2 downsides: 1) Bugger is heavy...my shoulder wears out after a while; and 2) I am limited to when I can practice it due to its size--mostly late at night, downstairs after the kids are in bed. Its not really good for plonking on the couch with the kids running around ( already had one close encounter with the headstock and a kids headstock) and does not really fit in the car easily (won't lay across in the trunk) for weekend trips.

I am looking for "something" (haven't quit figured that out yet) that would let me practice in those conditions. So, something lighter and shorter. I have considered a number of short scales but now have started to be intrigued by solidbody u-basses as well. I am not interested in a Hofner travel bass or those things that disassemble. I am limited in what I can try in person because GC has almost no stock and the other chain store by me is appointment only and not very laid back.

Given that I did not get on with the GSR, I am a little leary of the Ibanez mikro or mezzo. U-basses seem cool, but at my price range, the Hadean ones seem almost like toys.
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I am also seriously thinking about getting a Short-Scale for use in the tight confines of my work-truck and sitting 99% of the time. I have only been able to play an Ibanez Mikro 4 and a Squier P Jr.
I could get on with both, but I like the Mikro a bit better because it has a bridge pickup.
I also played an Ibanez GSR105EX, and although I liked how it felt and sounded, it seemed to have a rather long and uncomfortable reach to 1st fret while sitting - a longer feel than my 34” Jazz bass. I’m not sure if this is the same problem you had with your GSR200, but it kind of turned me off for what I need it for. Hence the search for a short-scale.
I am seriously considering the Mikro 5, and even though there are only 2 sets of strings available for it, might still be a good buy.

I wouldn’t want to go any shorter than the 28.6”, so I don’t want to go into realm of U-basses...
 
#50
My main issue with the gsr was the super thin neck...kept getting thumb and wrist cramps. Oddly, even though I have normal hands. I prefer a chunkier neck....also easier to play by 'feels without looking at it..... and then there was that whole stupid bass boost thing
 
#51
Old_Noob said:
My main issue with the gsr was the super thin neck...kept getting thumb and wrist cramps. Oddly, even though I have normal hands. I prefer a chunkier neck....also easier to play by 'feels without looking at it..... and then there was that whole stupid bass boost thing
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The Traveler bass necks are a bit on the chunky side and 1.75" wide at the nut.

Traveler has discount prices on their own store for military, veterans, first responders and students. I served 50 years ago and appreciated that. Discounts
 
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#53
Lenny JG said:
Well don't keep us in suspense.... Or do... Lol
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after tons of hemming and hawing and having different things in my cart......i went wirh a walnut junior jet. The fact that a picture of one is my screensaver and a variation of the name used to be a password said somethung to me.....will it be the best for what i need|want?.....we shall see. will my wife make me return it? We shall see.
 
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#56
monsterthompson said:
Travel basses with multiple neck lengths which can be swapped.
https://www.mauriziouberbasses.com/x3m
Scale length available are: 27", 25.5", 22.75" and 18". Take your pick. The 18" scale neck bolted onto the body fits right inside the X3M gig bag. The other two necks fit inside individual pockets in a separate compartments. And that is all within maximum hand-carry size allowed by our beloved airlines.
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This looks really intriguing. I always thought it would be cool to swap fretted and fretless necks. This is even more useful by providing different scales. I’d love to see a video on how it works. I also like the option of headphone and aux-in jacks.
 
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#58
I have a Guild mini acoustic bass much like the cordoba mini. It’s my go to bass for practice in the bedroom. I just enjoy playing it. I also have a Travel bass TB4P. It is an awesome bass for what it is. It actually sounds good, and plays great with a nice low action. A pain to tune, but easy to get on an airplane with.
 
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