Jump to content
Why become a member? ×

“Shape” bass that doesn’t suck?


NicoMcJ

Recommended Posts

On 17/10/2021 at 10:24, pete.young said:

You might find an Aria ZZB - they crop up second-hand on Ebay and here occasionally. Here's one on Gumtree which apparently needs a bit of work.

 

https://www.gumtree.com/p/guitar-instrument/aria-pro-ii-zzb-deluxe-bass-guitar-red/1415441193

I had a ZZB - in fact I've got one at the moment stashed away, because it needs lots of work, but although they're not heavy (they're a 32" scale, too) IIRC there was some neck dive...and that's from a Fenderbird lover...

 

I've played a Buzzard, and (again IIRC) it wasn't light; it had that Warwick Brick Outhouse Build to it, tho...unless you tuck it right up under your right arm a la Entwistle, the nut can get a lonnnng way away...

 

+1 for the Dingwall D-Bird/D-Rocs; not heavy at all, and the body curves and balance are exemplary...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If you're looking at Gus/Buzzard sort of money, tho, it brings you into luthier territory; if I had a couple of £k, I'd be talking to Jon Shuker about a light, balanced Thunderbird/Fenderbird, built exactly to my requirements...

 

The one on the left started life as an Epiphone (tho there's only the body wood and neckplate left), and is only half a Shuker, but it's not heavy, and balances just fine...the strap button has been moved, tho...

 

We don't mention the upper fret access, tho (it was kind of an accident, involving a 22-fret Lakland neck and a lot of ill-advised giddiness)...not that I ever really venture up into Nosebleed Territory...

2 basses.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 15/10/2021 at 14:28, NicoMcJ said:

I do like my pointy and funny shaped 6-string guitars. Sadly I’ve always struggle to find a suitable bass version.  I did have a Sandberg 48 that balanced nicely but it weighed as much as a large dog or small pony.

 

So, my question is, does a well balanced AND lightweight pointy exist in the bass world?

 

NB - bonus points for 5 strings.

 

NNBB - please don’t mention wide straps or anything like that,  I’m looking for something that fundamentally works well without needing hot fixes or workarounds.

 

NNNBBB - please don’t just list pointy basses, I’m looking for real world experiences here 😊

No browny points for the fiver, but my Gibson Thunderbird is really light, really well balanced and has a lovely slim neck. Just a  tweak of the pickup volumes will get you quite a versatile set of tones too. I have no idea why people say the opposite to all of the above - baffles me. 

 

Case in point attached. I can get it to do funk wonderfully well (careful as it is a bit sweary) - apparently such behaviour is virtually impossible on a bird......

Dick Shammond Played by a player 26.05.21.mp3

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...