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ZON Sonus 4 Info

jcburn

jcburn

Oct 11, 2003
2,628
1,674
53
Tasmania, Australia.
everburn.com.au
#1
Hey guys - about to buy one of these guys. Have checked Harmony Central and bgra.net for reviews and they seem to be great basses. One reviewer mentioned however a bit of neck dive. I really hate neck dive and it surprises me that a bass worth this much would have any. Any other experiences. I'm gonna be primarily using it for rock, metal. Any point of view would be much appreciated.
Jake.
 
#2
I've owned/own a couple of Zons a five string and a six string. One of the main reasons I like them is they have NO neck dive. And that's with the added tuners on the headstock. I think the reason must be that the neck is that much lighter, being carbon and (I think) hollow.

Dunno where you read that review, maybe it was for an older model or possibly one with a wooden neck/ heavy tuners etc, but if you're buying a fairly recent Sonus I wouldn't give neck dive on Zons a second thought.

In my experience they are the best balanced basses I have ever played and super comfortable.

Cairo
 
#3
Cheers man - thanks for the piece of mind. Nothing worse than buying instument sight-unseen. These guys seem to have everything going that I wont. Currently own a Fender J Deluxe 5(2006) and while it smokes it is heavy and a bit cumbersome. Looking for a 4 string with lots of punch and clarity for metal. Any other opinions? Also is it really true their necks are hollow?
 
#4
Yeah, I think their necks are hollow. Don't let it put you off, Zons feel GREAT - a truly well designed instrument.

However, I've played in some loud/heavy guitar bands and there's nothing like a stingray for that sort of stuff. Maybe buy a second hand 93 or 94 with maple board...they cut through and have huge bottom...

Cairo
 
#7
Thanks again guys. Hard choice to make. The Sonus I'm looking at is gonna be an awesome deal but neck dive is my pet hate. The other bass I'm considering though is a Euro Spector and I know these guys have a small amount of neck dive as well. Maybe its gonna come down to a flip of the coin!
Anyone who could A/B these two basses or had experience with both. I've owned 3 Euro Spectors over the years (but GAS has lead me to selling them).
 
#10
I used to have a zon sonus and mine had pretty bad neck dive. That was actually why I sold it. It only weighed seven pounds though. The fit and finish were fantastic. It also had the best slap tone ever. I suck at slap, but my lines would literally leap off the bass.


Mike
 
#12
I played a zon sonus 4 for years. No problems with neck dive for me. My back LOVED that bass. It played and sounded great.

I traded mine for a Spector Euro. Not because I didn't like it, but because I was just looking for a change.

I like the Spector too. They're very different basses. The Zon neck is much thinner than the Spector. I think the tone of the Zon is also brighter. The Spector is a little more ergonomic. It fits my body better, but I'm still a little thrown by the volute at the neck/headstock joint.

They both play beautifully.
 
#13
Thanks Basso on the heads up. Read the thread. Have pushed the button on the sale regardless of the negatives in the thread, not in any naivety but mostly cause of the deal I got. If I dont end up liking the bass Im sure I could get my money back and look at something else. Just paid $1100 AUD for it (About $1000 US). No real issues other than a bit of buckle rash on the body and a small amount of finish flake around the 24th fret. I'm happy to live with both in the knowledge its been that way for 5 or so years. Thanks to all for opinions - keep the thread going if you still have opinions. When I get the bass I'll post opninions!
Jake.
 
#14
jcburn said:
Thanks Basso on the heads up. Read the thread. Have pushed the button on the sale regardless of the negatives in the thread, not in any naivety but mostly cause of the deal I got. If I dont end up liking the bass Im sure I could get my money back and look at something else. Just paid $1100 AUD for it (About $1000 US). No real issues other than a bit of buckle rash on the body and a small amount of finish flake around the 24th fret. I'm happy to live with both in the knowledge its been that way for 5 or so years. Thanks to all for opinions - keep the thread going if you still have opinions. When I get the bass I'll post opninions!
Jake.
Click to expand...
So thats why the ebay thread was pulled! I was the winning bidder on that sucker! :spit:;)
if its not your cup of tea give me a PM
 
#16
I've had 5 Zon's over the years and they have all been great basses. The only one that has had a bit of neck dive is the one that's 6lbs 11oz. IMHO anything that light is likely to have a bit of neck dive. Mine's not bad, and a rough-ish strap will hold mine solidly in place. One of my favorite gigging basses and it sounds fantastic....
 
#17
Hey Angus - I sorta read between the lines on that other thread, but I still appreciated Basso giving the heads up.
Bass Mule - Yeah mate. I went and did the BIN thing. $1100 plus shipping for a Zon is unheard of in Aust. dont you agree. Will definitely keep you in the loop cause even though it sounds like everything I want I've never actually tried a Zon so you never know. I love Billy Gould from FNM's sound plus Adam Duce from Machine Head but if it aint doin it for me I'll give you first dibs! Thanks.
Jake.
 

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