Mr Bassman Posted July 24, 2013 Share Posted July 24, 2013 (edited) Anyone own / play a 1/2 size bass? I just got one today to experiment with, it's a cheap as chips Antoni Popped a bassmax on and it sounds huge through my Acoustic Image combo. Vibrating string length is about 38 1/4" but after owning a couple of Kolstein travel basses previously it doesn't feel too short scale. Needs some setting up (nut lowering, bridge raising, fingerboard smoothing) and better strings but so far I'm impressed. Edited July 24, 2013 by Mr Bassman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Bassman Posted July 25, 2013 Author Share Posted July 25, 2013 (edited) Done some work on the fingerboard today, just sanding some imperfections, could do with a bit more but I want to try the bass on a gig tonight. I've put a couple of shims under the bridge feet to raise the action a bit and I've cut the string slots lower in the nut. Fitted a new set of medium tension Helicore Hybrids and a Bassmax and we're ready to rock. (well, jazz trio actually) Only thing that concerns me is the skinny neck, I prefer chunky profiles. oh well, fingers crossed. Edited July 25, 2013 by Mr Bassman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingrayPete1977 Posted July 25, 2013 Share Posted July 25, 2013 Looks nice, Is it hard to swap between sizes, I imagine it is? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Bassman Posted July 25, 2013 Author Share Posted July 25, 2013 I'll probably play a little sharp to start with 'til I get used to it. I've been playing on it today and nobody told me to stop! And it fits in the side door of my car without having to put a seat down Right I'm off t'gig, wish me luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ubassman Posted July 25, 2013 Share Posted July 25, 2013 ...good luck - there I said it ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingrayPete1977 Posted July 25, 2013 Share Posted July 25, 2013 Luck wished Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarky Posted July 25, 2013 Share Posted July 25, 2013 Break a leg Keith! Metaphorically of course ... But not a string :5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Bassman Posted July 25, 2013 Author Share Posted July 25, 2013 Just to prove I've been and done it Had to tweak the eq a bit on the Phil jones but it sounded pretty good. I found the medium tension strings hard work after using Kostein Heritage for so long. Our first set is 1 1/2 hours long, my left hand was aching towards the end, down to the skinny neck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henry norton Posted July 26, 2013 Share Posted July 26, 2013 Yeah I own a cheapo half size - it's much easier to chuck in the car and generally move around. I doesn't sound that bad either - I think allot of the bad rep cheapo basses have is due to bad (no) setup and cheap strings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Bassman Posted July 26, 2013 Author Share Posted July 26, 2013 Yeh, it's very light, an easy one hand carry in its gig bag. I agree about the lack of set up and crap strings supplied. In fact the E string broke at the tailpiece the first time I tuned it up. Now it's got some decent strings it sounds slightly quieter than a 3/4 acoustically but no different amplified. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingrayPete1977 Posted July 26, 2013 Share Posted July 26, 2013 It looks like a cello! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philparker Posted July 26, 2013 Share Posted July 26, 2013 You've got too many toys, Keith! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Bassman Posted July 26, 2013 Author Share Posted July 26, 2013 [attachment=139858:7052743-sensual-girl-playing-cello-and-moving-her-hair-studio-shot.jpg][quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1374831305' post='2153697'] It looks like a cello! [/quote] Nuthin' like! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingrayPete1977 Posted July 26, 2013 Share Posted July 26, 2013 Same legs as Mr Bassman though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Bassman Posted July 26, 2013 Author Share Posted July 26, 2013 thanks I can't quite get the hair right tho! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingrayPete1977 Posted July 26, 2013 Share Posted July 26, 2013 I was going to make a joke about fingering but that might be a bit rude Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoffbassist Posted July 27, 2013 Share Posted July 27, 2013 (edited) Wow Keith, I can't belive you managed a gig on a half size. I have had several young students who had fractional size basses, but couldn't get a decent sound from them. The way you are sat looks really comfortable though. I bet your left hand would get used to it. Are you going to do more with it? I would be great at the Harrogate Brasserie! Edited July 27, 2013 by geoffbassist Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Bassman Posted July 27, 2013 Author Share Posted July 27, 2013 As you know I'm obsessed with EUB's and knowing from experience what great sounds can be achieved from the Kolstein / Eminence and some solid bodied EUB's I decided to experiment with the 1/2 size. Pop in if you're passing and see what you think. The hand issue is ongoing from an injury 2 years ago which makes it difficult to clench my fist so thin necks aren't ideal for me. I bought this unseen and it's of the skinny variety so I've got to decide whether to fit a 6mm shim under the fingerboard, or move it on as is and look for one with a chunky neck (if they exist) As for the Brasserie this would be better than taking your normal bass but I insist on standing on the floor or using EUB if I have to sit on that poky stage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoffbassist Posted July 28, 2013 Share Posted July 28, 2013 Hope you hand improves and I will try and call in to see the new addition. It's great that its working out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Bassman Posted July 28, 2013 Author Share Posted July 28, 2013 Thanks Geoff, I'm certainly impressed with the sound here are a couple of pics to give some idea of size [attachment=139996:IMG_0304.JPG] [attachment=139997:IMG_0308.JPG] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Bassman Posted August 1, 2013 Author Share Posted August 1, 2013 I've got this bass set up much better now. It sounds good and is quite loud. However, much as I'd like to keep it the neck is too skinny for me. I'm not sure if I can still return it so my other options are putting a shim under the fingerboard to fatten her up, or let someone else have the benefit. If anyone is at all interested in seeing / playing it let me know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Bassman Posted August 10, 2013 Author Share Posted August 10, 2013 [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/214329-antoni-12-size-bass-alternative-to-eub/"]Heads up for sale or trade[/url] thinking of letting this go as I have too many other things to do before I can spare the time to modify the neck. It does sound good and is great is fun to play though, so I'm not bothered if it doesn't sell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Bassman Posted August 18, 2013 Author Share Posted August 18, 2013 A good friend of mine (and great bassist) called round this morning and was really impressed with the Antoni. He loves the look, the sound and the skinny neck, oh and the price. So he's having it. Just need to find him a pickup, if anyone has a spare Bassmax, Underwood or similar let me know Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Bassman Posted August 22, 2013 Author Share Posted August 22, 2013 This bass is now with Des He's really impressed with the sound and likes the neck and slightly shorter 39" scale. It's now fitted with an Aptflex pickup If you're looking for an easy to play portable instrument don't let the label "1/2 size" put you off, unless you're very tall They're only slightly smaller than a 3/4 and seem to be feedback resistant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc S Posted August 27, 2013 Share Posted August 27, 2013 Hi Mr Bassman, I'm glad you posted this I've not really given much thought to 1/2 size basses But they really do look more manageable, in terms of portability Wish I knew someone who owns one locally to me (South Wales) So I could go along & try one out I haven't seen any around here in the shops... Re the neck; you say it's thin Is it around that of a bass guitar? Cheers Marc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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