stewblack Posted February 18, 2020 Posted February 18, 2020 This thread is quite interesting in what it tells me about P and J basses. Take them away and with a few obvious exceptions (Rics, T birds, semi acoustics ) most everything else looks hideous. * Not all, but most. So perhaps it becomes increasingly obvious why those ubiquitous fender shapes remain the start point for so many manufacturers. The Aria Proll SB for me is the exception to the rule. *personal opinion expressed as fact, not actually a provable proposition. 3 Quote
Dood Posted February 18, 2020 Posted February 18, 2020 1 minute ago, stewblack said: This thread is quite interesting in what it tells me about P and J basses. Take them away and with a few obvious exceptions (Rics, T birds, semi acoustics ) most everything else looks hideous. * Not all, but most. So perhaps it becomes increasingly obvious why those ubiquitous fender shapes remain the start point for so many manufacturers. The Aria Proll SB for me is the exception to the rule. *personal opinion expressed as fact, not actually a provable proposition. I was thinking of posting something much the same! The P or J outline, it can not be argued was bang on to begin with. Leg scoop, chest cutaway, upper horn for strap button anchoring etc, etc.. 3 Quote
stewblack Posted February 18, 2020 Posted February 18, 2020 Just now, Dood said: I was thinking of posting something much the same! The P or J outline, it can not be argued was bang on to begin with. Leg scoop, chest cutaway, upper horn for strap button anchoring etc, etc.. It's all subjective of course, and who knows I may see a coffee table bass tomorrow that makes me swoon. I'm not just opinionated I'm fickle too. Feet of clay! Quote
stewblack Posted February 18, 2020 Posted February 18, 2020 Actually just remembered, Peavey have produced a couple of gasworthy beasts, not least 1 Quote
Jonesy Posted February 18, 2020 Posted February 18, 2020 8 minutes ago, stewblack said: Actually just remembered, Peavey have produced a couple of gasworthy beasts, not least But it is pretty much just a p bass! 😂 A lovely one at that. I know what you mean though and sort of agree with you. Although I wonder if other manufacturers stick to the j/p designs just because they're the norm and what everyone is used to. If the Musicman Bongo was one of the first bass guitars, would there be loads of Bongo clones about? *Shudders at the thought! 1 Quote
AndyTravis Posted February 18, 2020 Posted February 18, 2020 6 minutes ago, Jonesy said: If the Musicman Bongo was one of the first bass guitars, would there be loads of Bongo clones about? I had one for about 5 years. Sound wise, I’ve never found another bass like it - I wish I still had one solely for that. At the time though I was recording a lot - ended up seated with it a lot and I got it in my head that the bottom horn was an uncomfortable design flaw...(I know there are some would say that was the least of its aesthetic problems). ultimately it was sold in haste. Now I’d love that set of sounds back. Think I only got something pathetic like £700 for it... Quote
Dood Posted February 18, 2020 Posted February 18, 2020 32 minutes ago, stewblack said: It's all subjective of course, and who knows I may see a coffee table bass tomorrow that makes me swoon. I'm not just opinionated I'm fickle too. Feet of clay! I recall watching a luthier design new and exciting body shapes once. They had all the tools for doing the artwork and everything. What was interesting is that rather than starting from a blank canvass, it was more a case of slicing off or adjusting angles of templates they already had... and I wonder what the templates were? Hmm! With that in mind, you can lay the outline of many basses directly on top of said basses and much of the important angles tend to line up. I.e, the leg scoop, the chest cutaway and the length of the upper horn. Small details like a shallow lower horn can mean a bass won’t stay perched on the leg, or if the upper horn is too short, the bass will neck dive when strapped on. 2 Quote
Jonesy Posted February 18, 2020 Posted February 18, 2020 2 minutes ago, AndyTravis said: I had one for about 5 years. Sound wise, I’ve never found another bass like it - I wish I still had one solely for that. At the time though I was recording a lot - ended up seated with it a lot and I got it in my head that the bottom horn was an uncomfortable design flaw...(I know there are some would say that was the least of its aesthetic problems). ultimately it was sold in haste. Now I’d love that set of sounds back. Think I only got something pathetic like £700 for it... To be fair, I've never played one so they could well be a great bass. I just couldn't see myself ever giving one a shot though Quote
AndyTravis Posted February 19, 2020 Posted February 19, 2020 4 minutes ago, Jonesy said: To be fair, I've never played one so they could well be a great bass. I just couldn't see myself ever giving one a shot though Mine was desert gold too - like a metallic orange 😂 Quote
AndyTravis Posted February 19, 2020 Posted February 19, 2020 Thought about 3 designs I like - love partial pickguards on a bass... Quote
Stingray5 Posted February 19, 2020 Posted February 19, 2020 Aw, g'wan, g'wan - give us a Tune....!! Quote
Pow_22 Posted February 19, 2020 Posted February 19, 2020 (edited) Edited February 19, 2020 by Pow_22 3 Quote
dmccombe7 Posted February 19, 2020 Posted February 19, 2020 Surprised no-one has mentioned these yet. They were quite different when first appeared and very well made. Bit expensive but if i had the chance i would buy one. Alembic. 7 Quote
Bassmidget209 Posted February 19, 2020 Posted February 19, 2020 I have a longstanding love of mosrite style guitars and basses. However, after looking out this photo they do look at bit 'melty'. Still love it though, I blame the Ramones! And it's glittery... 2 Quote
ped Posted February 19, 2020 Posted February 19, 2020 8 hours ago, Stingray5 said: How could I not...?! That one needs to go in the 'Famous Basschatter Basses' thread! How long have you had that now? 1 Quote
Stingray5 Posted February 19, 2020 Posted February 19, 2020 10 minutes ago, ped said: That one needs to go in the 'Famous Basschatter Basses' thread! How long have you had that now? Hey, thanks Ped. Now there's a thought. I've had this beauty since 1997. 1 Quote
dmccombe7 Posted February 19, 2020 Posted February 19, 2020 Parker and Staccato basses quite eye catching Quote
Shaggy Posted February 19, 2020 Posted February 19, 2020 Some great replies on this: for me the Gibson Thunderbird, Ric 4001, and Alembic S1 / S2 are iconic and stunningly beautiful. Here's one not mentioned so far I've always liked with its minimalist body outline and funky F-hole. A beach to play finger style though, with that skinny neck and narrow string spacing, 1 Quote
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