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Zeta bass model
- Thread starter Frank Ball
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- zeta bass
Zeta Crossover XB304, 34" scale. The neck radius is supposed to allow both pizzicato and arco playing.
It was called a crossover because you could either play it standing up as you have pictured, or across your knee like a bass guitar. I tried one once sitting and found it quite ungainly.
It has a piezo element under the bridge to pick up the sound. It seems that some were equipped with a MIDI interface as well.
But a couple of things stand out about your model: all the ones I've seen have the electronic controls in the lower bout, like you'd find on a bass guitar, while yours is at the upper bout. The lower bout is thus smaller than a typical Crossover and would be impossible to play while sitting. I've also not seen one painted a solid color and the headstock is missing the Zeta decal. This is either a custom job or a copycat.
It was called a crossover because you could either play it standing up as you have pictured, or across your knee like a bass guitar. I tried one once sitting and found it quite ungainly.
It has a piezo element under the bridge to pick up the sound. It seems that some were equipped with a MIDI interface as well.
But a couple of things stand out about your model: all the ones I've seen have the electronic controls in the lower bout, like you'd find on a bass guitar, while yours is at the upper bout. The lower bout is thus smaller than a typical Crossover and would be impossible to play while sitting. I've also not seen one painted a solid color and the headstock is missing the Zeta decal. This is either a custom job or a copycat.
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If you’re still looking for information, I don’t think that’s a Crossover. I think the controls are in the wrong place for a Crossovers could be played like an upright or on a strap like an electric bass guitar.
I own one that looks a lot like your photo. What’s the scale length? If it’s a 34” scale, then abarson is correct and I’m 100% wrong. However, if it is longer, i think the model name was “Jazz Fusion,” not to be confused with the “Educator” series.
I love mine and would be interested in getting a back-up if you’re still looking to sell it.
I own one that looks a lot like your photo. What’s the scale length? If it’s a 34” scale, then abarson is correct and I’m 100% wrong. However, if it is longer, i think the model name was “Jazz Fusion,” not to be confused with the “Educator” series.
I love mine and would be interested in getting a back-up if you’re still looking to sell it.
It just occurred to me that you should post this in the Electric Upright Bass (EUB) section in the Double Bass half of Talkbass. They might be those more familiar with it.
I never confirmed the model name for mine, but another possible that I have come across is “Strados.”
Close...
"The UpRite"
1 Year, 3 weeks since last post... Better late than never.
Hope you sold it.
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I know this is an old thread, but I just saw it and felt like adding to it: I've rekindled my love for my Zeta Upright bass! It's amazing with a Sadowsky Preamp, Two Notes Cab M running 3 Sigma double-bass impulse responses, and a Tech 21 Power Engine Deuce Deluxe. These pieces have all come together for me, offering a somewhat far-fetched technical solution that yields awesome realistic sound! Now you know. I can almost guarantee that nobody will care! 
I care! See my post (reply) below!I know this is an old thread, but I just saw it and felt like adding to it: I've rekindled my love for my Zeta Upright bass! It's amazing with a Sadowsky Preamp, Two Notes Cab M running 3 Sigma double-bass impulse responses, and a Tech 21 Power Engine Deuce Deluxe. These pieces have all come together for me, offering a somewhat far-fetched technical solution that yields awesome realistic sound! Now you know. I can almost guarantee that nobody will care!
I care! I just bought a Zeta Crossover and I’m going to put a set of NS Bass Cello strings (34”) on it, and possibly get a Nino Mute. I have a Cab M+ and I would love to know where you got the upright IRs and how you use them with the Two Notes!I know this is an old thread, but I just saw it and felt like adding to it: I've rekindled my love for my Zeta Upright bass! It's amazing with a Sadowsky Preamp, Two Notes Cab M running 3 Sigma double-bass impulse responses, and a Tech 21 Power Engine Deuce Deluxe. These pieces have all come together for me, offering a somewhat far-fetched technical solution that yields awesome realistic sound! Now you know. I can almost guarantee that nobody will care!
I use the 3 Sigma IRs, Hawk upright bass. The sound is definitely worth a try for you, but I wonder if the bass IR would be good for cello? Maybe. In any case, the price is not high and it might be the solution for you! I hadn't used mine in a while, but I just got a Genzler Magellan preamp and it seems to offer the control I need to get good sound. Haven't bowed it yet though... Note: the Cab M seems to work best with just one IR at a time. Using two seems less clear. I just bypass the second channel (or you could mute it, depending on what comes through).
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