Viola bass Vs Jay Turser bass ???

My local store used to carry Jay Turser but had 3 guitars and 2 basses returned for repairs under the stores warrenty over a matter of 3 months. This cost the store a lot of money so he just decided to drop the name. My experience with them goes like this: they are god awful. I would never buy one, my first bass is a Ventura which to me is a pretty bad bass, maybe I'm wrong. But when I play a 5 string bass that costs $325 canadian without a deal, when it's brand new. Besides that point, they just feel awful and have horrid harmonics. Portrait of Tracy is virtually impossible on the one I tried. hehe if what i just said gets through than that's good. Don't take this as me flaming them. Take it as me saying save your money because you can get so much better.

Just so you don't think that I own the store hehe I'm 18 and only own 2 basses hehehe

 

Brice
I've got a brice, it's holding up just fine, and sounds a lot like the real thing with flats on it. I don't know that it's any different from the Epi or Rogue, they look quite similar...
but it's a great little bass for the $.
audio sample both p'ups
audio sample neck p'up

Larger brice violin bass pic

 

I read a lot of reviews on various basses and have read nothing but bad things about Jay Turser. Nino Brown has a Turser Stingray and said something about it being "ok" in one of his posts but he mods almost everything he owns. I still think he's not real happy with it.

I'm pretty sure Dillion makes a Hofner copy. Check them out at http://dillionguitars.com

 

check this link out:
http://www.dillionguitars.com/bass/electric/DHB800/index.html

I think you'll be real happy with Dillion. They make great guitars for the price. Email John Dillion at the address on the site to find a dealer and he'll prolly hook ya up with a good deal.

 

I was actually at Rondo yesterday and I got a chance to play their viola which was nice and light, sounded and looked great for the price. I considered buying one until I spied this beauty.





Here's their viola

 

I don't know about the other Turser models, but I have the Hofner knockoff and it is one great little bass. Absolutely well made, great attention to detail and finish (mine's the black one woith gold hardware). Nice binding, no dead spots. Comes with a lifetime warranty - I'm sure total crap would never get that backup. I put a set of Pyramid flats on it and it really cops that Hofner tone at a fraction of the price.

I have many other basses - always wanted a Hofner but wasn't ready to shell out that kind of money for what would be a novelty instrument for me. Everything I read about this particular model was positive - check Harmony Central. I don't regret buying this at all. Got a used one with HSC off ebay in mint condition.

I never tried the Epi Viola (I was gearing up to get one when I read about these) but I can't believe it would be twice as good as this at twice the price. The other Turser models may indeed be trash but their Beatle bass is recommended.

 

The going rate for a Hofner knock off seems to be around $240 on Ebay. Looks to me like they come from the same factory - Brice, Rogue, Turser, Eastwood. Tokai and Dillion look a little different/nicer. Samick or its Chinese equivalent is the maker perhaps?

I am waiting for UPS to deliver an Eastwood in Natural with a RW board. For the money I paid, I am not anticipating the world but who knows, it might be great.

Tried a "beatle bass" thread but did not get much feedback here on TB forum so my Eastwood is a shot in the dark. If it's any good - I'll give it a review.

Could have bought a Brice, Turser or Rogue. I think it's all down to the quality control and set-up by the importer/dealer.

BTW - reviews on Harmony C. are pretty positive for Turser and Rogue but then again who is going to admit to buying a pile of sh-one-tea?!