Whackiest mass-produced basses?

[Doctor Roberts]

Let's not consider mods.

IMO, and in no particular order:

Roland G77. The "sustain bar" (black hanger) is even more peculiar than the MIDI capability:

Ibanez Ashula. I am certain Jaco would fiddle with this:

Ibanez SRKP4. Integrated Kaoss Pad:

Any bass with a tremolo. Here is the Washburn Bantam Whammy:

What else?

 

[Ghastly]

I've always thought that basses with a handle cut into/through the body looked kinda dopey. I know this is a guitar, but it's the quickest example I could find.

 

[Killing Floor]

 

[Jebberz]

 

[Doctor Roberts]

Rickenson/Jacksonbacker. I remembered this jewel after seeing the post by @Killing Floor

 

[Killing Floor]

I've always thought that basses with a handle cut into/through the body looked kinda dopey. I know this is a guitar, but it's the quickest example I could find.View attachment 5416296

Yeah that was always a weird design decision but they still make them decades later. The top end Jem guitars are really great players and honestly that hole is the reason I never got one.

 

[silky smoove]

I don't know if they ever reached the heights of being "mass produced" but you have to give a nod to Basslab.

 

[SubHuman]

1985 Ovation Hardbody Bass with Kahler Whammy Bar. I own one just like it and don't use the whammy bar (except for fun) but that is one massive bridge! It has a nice looking headstock and routed body too. I put a set of Quarter Pounders in mine. Sustains really nice too.

 

[JC Nelson]

The Westone Rail

 

[buldog5151bass]

Wishbass?

 

[Pyrrho Epoche]

I've always thought that basses with a handle cut into/through the body looked kinda dopey. I know this is a guitar, but it's the quickest example I could find.View attachment 5416296

in the 90's, my buddy had a Steve Vai Gem Ibanez. Going for $3,000+ now. He might still have it---he is still playing with Rusted Root.

 

[E2942]

I think Danelectro basses look extra kitsch, like some sort of psychedelic '60s thing.

 

[Chickenwheels]

 

[Pyrrho Epoche]

I think Danelectro basses look extra kitsch, like some sort of psychedelic '60s thing.

Danelectro longhorn basses are in a bunch of shops, used around these Texas parts.

 

[Chickenwheels]

 

[KeepItMoving]

Man - I came in thinking I’d mention the Nordstrand Acinonyx, but the examples above make it look vanilla!

 

[Chickenwheels]

CF Martin (yes, that Martin). I’ve played one. Super heavy, “odd” ergonomics, “cute” headstock.

 

[B-Mac]

'72 Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass. Not too sure about 'whacky', but definitely different.

 

[B-Mac]

'82 Gibson Victory Artist. Cool but definitely different.

 

[Pyrrho Epoche]

Italia basses have some funky designs:

Klingon Marlin is super odd: