BetaFunk

[quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1349113410' post='1822022'] Good evening, BetaFunk (or may I call you Beta..?)... I haven't played any of the models you're looking at myself (mine is a vintage Verithin...), but I have handled and played several Hofner CT models (guitars and basses...) and I don't think you'd be disappointed, neither with the build quality nor the sound. They are cheaper than the German-built models because of Chinese manufacture, but the Far-East factory is set up and controlled by Hofner (it's not simply a sub-contractor...). This enables them to maintain constant quality control. I suppose they exist, but for my part I've never seen a 'duff' modern Hofner. As far as I am aware, they have a good reputation in their category (after all, they've been making instruments for 125 years; they should be getting the hang of it by now...). Just my tuppence worth, hope this helps; meanwhile... [/quote] You may indeed call me Beta kind sir! It certainly does help thanks. I think i'll have a wander around a few shops this week and have a look at a few Hofners.

[quote name='Meddle' timestamp='1349109147' post='1821938'] I tried a Hagstrom. The fit and finish was not that amazing, especially given that it commands a MIM Fender price. Two things really concerned me. 1) The 6-way rotary switch is a non-standard part and felt a little flimsy. I would be worried about both sourcing a replacement and then fishing it through the f-holes with its funky wiring loom and getting it right down the end of the horn where the hole is. 2) The bridge. Apparently the strings connect to metal teeth which can bend or snap under string tension. Having not studied the bridge up close I cannot comment. However if you cannot wrap the string around itself or something then I guess you would need to try and source a replacement bridge... another non-standard part you might be hunting a while to find. In my opinion the Aria TAB-66 might be the best shout... [/quote] I did think or the Aria but unfortunately (AFAIK) it's not short scale which is what i'm looking for.

[quote name='brensabre79' timestamp='1349107918' post='1821908'] If I had the dosh out of those two I'd go for the Hofner. I think the modern Hagstroms are now made in Korea or somewhere these days. I just got an Ibanez Artcore, mine's the older full scale one, but the new ones are short scale. In terms of playability, its a pretty fine bass actually - I usually don't like Ibanez etc. but this one is lovely - if you can get over the design on the headstock [/quote] Thanks for that. I totally forgot about the Ibanez. I'll change my question to "Has anyone played the [u]current[/u] Hofner Verythin, Hagstrom Viking or Ibanez Artcore [u]Short Scale[/u] Basses, and which do you think is the best?"

[quote name='stoker' timestamp='1349107523' post='1821901'] I have an original Verithin and it is a brilliant little bass. lovely big sound, weighs the same as a pea and a great comfy neck. [/quote] Thanks very much for the info but i'm really looking to compare the current re-issues of the Hofner and Hagstrom. I agree with your comments though as i have a 60s Hofner Senator bass which is light and fun to play.

Has anyone played either of these basses? I rather fancy a semi-acoustic short scale bass and the Hofner Verythin HCT-5007 and Hagstrom Viking (the current re-issue versions of these basses) seem a very similar price. Thanks in advance for any info.

I'd also love to know what Bass Chatters think about these basses as i'm also interested in them.

[quote name='geofio' timestamp='1348588595' post='1815617'] Hi, I have just purchased a new 2012 4003 mapleglo, i have been playing rics for 34 years and the new ones are just the best ever 2012 model!! fit&finish is 10/10, tone is awesome for a brand new Rickenbacker, i can not recommend a new one enough, you will pay £1200 for a decent used one, i got a good deal on my new one and was only £300 more than a used one so i would buy new that way you have a mint instrument no one else has played, my favourite 4003 was a 1999 jetglo, this new one sounds as good, just shop around and make sure you play the bass before you buy. good luck. [/quote] Thanks for the advice. After i posted my question i had a walk down to my local guitar shop (a five minute walk) and as i walked in the shop there in front of me was a brand new 4003 in Jetglo. I will be returning to negotiate a deal in the next couple of days! P.S. Thanks to everyone who replied (especially iiipopes and geofio) with advice as it's much appreciated.

[quote name='4000' timestamp='1348512029' post='1814623'] With the odd exception the only ones you'll find with chequered binding are '73 and earlier. They have done the odd one-off or limited run/edition (and of course the 4002 and LK) but generally speaking you aren't going to get anything later than '73 with chequers. [/quote] Thanks 4000, much appreciated. I think what threw me was that i saw a 1979 4001 with chequered binding but looking again i see it was custom order. As you can tell i don't know a great deal about these basses but have always fancied either a 4001 or 4003 and will buy one in the next few weeks (or as long as it takes to find the right one).

Hi BCers, I'm going to treat myself to a Rickenbacker 4001 or 4003 for my birthday but need a bit of help . I've had a good look or the net in the last couple of weeks but could anyone tell me why some have chequerboard binding and some don't. Cheers in advance for any info / help. Geoff

My 1974 Fender Jazz Bass with BadAss II bridge (I still have the original Bridge, Bridge & Pickup covers and Scratchplate)

ABC Music used to sell Carvin Guitars and Basses in their shops in and around Surrey in the early 1990s.

[quote name='warwickhunt' post='268584' date='Aug 23 2008, 07:38 PM']I've always had a hankering to try one of these (that is the one with the very elongated horns and tiny headstock...)[/quote] That's the one. Designed by Rolf Spuler i think they were also known as the Ibanez Affirma and were available in Fretted and Fretless 4 and 5 String versions. They're lovely and i want one! (or maybe two)

Since seeing Percy Jones with a ATR 5-String Fretless (A105F?) in the mid 1990s i've always fancied a 4-String Fretless version. There doesn't seem to be many of them for sale on the 'net so has anyone got one, played one or knows how much they go for nowadays?

[quote name='budget bassist' post='244618' date='Jul 21 2008, 05:41 PM']Just noticed GAK.co.uk are stocking traben as well now, must have been within the last couple of days, awesome. [url="http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/en/77175"]Traben bootzilla[/url] on GAK, enjoy [/quote] I paid 800 U.S. Dollars plus 100 U.S.D Shipping to the U.K. for a brand new Bootzilla Looks like it would have been a bargain if it had arrived

A few months ago i bought a 4 string Traben Bootzilla from a dealer in the U.S. After one month of waiting for the Bass to turn up here in the U.K. i was informed by them that it had been returned to them undelivered and in a damaged condition. My payment was refunded and i was told that they don't make 'em anymore. So no Traben for me. Oh well

There were a couple of pics of Jamaaladeen Tacuma in the July Bass Player mag with his DiPinto Belvedere Deluxe bass. I'm keen on buying one of these so just wondered if anyone has seen or played one of these basses?

[quote name='ahpook' post='236674' date='Jul 10 2008, 04:40 PM']the fender set is 095 075 055 045 035 025 and d'addario also make a set (XL156) which is 084 072 056 044 034 024.[/quote] Once again, thanks a lot for the info. Now i'm off to look for a MM5

[quote name='ahpook' post='236602' date='Jul 10 2008, 03:13 PM']the vi is strung E-E, an octave below a guitar. which to my mind makes it a bass, but i know some disagree.[/quote] Thanks ahpook. What i couldn't work out was that it seems most think the Bass V1 is a Bass whereas the OLP MM5 is definately a Baritone. Thanks for explaining that. Anyone know what gauge strings are used on the Bass V1?

I've always liked the sound of the Fender Bass V1 but have always been put off by the price of them. I have looked around for 30 inch Scale Guitars and have read somewhere that because of it's 30 inch scale the OLP MM5 Baritone Guitar can be converted to a BASS V1 style 6 string bass guitar. As i have no technical knowledge of these things can anyone explain to what would be needed to convert it. Any help appreciated.