Whackiest mass-produced basses?

[BassFishingInAmerica]

I’m not sure how mass produced this bass was, but what were they thinking with this crooked body design.

 

[shojii]

Italia basses have some funky designs:
View attachment 5416632

Klingon Marlin is super odd:
View attachment 5416634

The Klingon Marlin = the Mothman, brought to you by Hofner. Hofmann...

 

[Naviiin]

Hagstrom Beluga

 

[Phormlyss]

I’m not sure how mass produced this bass was, but what were they thinking with this crooked body design.

When that sort of offset was on the Alvarez Dana bass, which was definitely mass produced, they promoted it as being more ergonomic if I remember correctly. I've owned one of those for a while and it's definitely comfortable.
(Picture of a reverb listing of one.)


Just looked it up and it looks like Artisan Bass Works are making the same claim about the offset, fun!

 

[Altitude]

 

[Sternodox]

My very first bass was a '64 Tiesco 6-string with a whammy bar. Tuning it didn't. It did have an "off" switch, so I guess that's something.

 

[MrAB4003]

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

View attachment 5416443

It sounds nothing like the real thing

 

[Moondog]

I’m not sure how mass produced this bass was, but what were they thinking with this crooked body design.

Wow. I'll pass on whatever they were smokin'.

 

[Gervais Cote]

Not a 100% sure it’s mass produced but still can’t figure out how to use the B string from fret 14 and up on this :

 

[MrAB4003]

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

The original Longhorn reminds me of mid-century modern, space age designs from the 1950s.
Baritone & Bass | Danelectro Guitars

 

[RodneyM]

The G-77 didn't track well but the dual oscillators meant you could get great synth sounds.

 

[2cooltoolz]

Hagstrom Beluga

View attachment 5416668

I like it, and I'm a dyed in the wool FSO only guy! I'd play that in front of my mama!!

 

[skygzr]

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

My Dano Longhorn sounded more like a Ric than the 4003 I had at the time. Interesting instruments.

 

[Fender_Bender]

No Steinberger mention yet ?.

 

[80jazz]

View attachment 5416575 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.

I wonder what they go for now.

 

[Lardass5000]

 

[Chickenwheels]

Early ‘60s Hofner…covered in red vinyl. I actually learnt to play on one of these back in the ‘80s. It belonged to the church, but they let me take it home during the week. It eventually was stolen from the church as anyone could just wander in during the day. Ironically, I used to wander into the local Baptist church when no one was there a have a play on their ‘63 Dakota Red L-series Jazz bass. It never got stolen as far as I know.

 

[Chickenwheels]

View attachment 5416776

Clap…clap…clap…

 

[SDC1-ClickClack]

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

That's okay. I only came in to point out that there is no 'h' in "wacky" ("whack" is a completely separate word), but those first examples stopped me in my tracks.

Also, I agree with you re: the Acinonyx. Probably well made & sounds good, but they sure look odd to me.

 

[SDC1-ClickClack]

'82 Gibson Victory Artist. Cool but definitely different.

Looks like Gibson wanted to get in on some of that sweet, sweet 1970s "pawnshop bass" money.