Ashbory Basses

[kiramdear]

Hi
Anybody own or play an Ashbory bass? My curiosity is piqued and I'd like to hear some opinions before I lay out $300.

[jps]

I have goofed around with them a couple times, save your money.

[kiramdear]

I've never played one. What's your opinion of their feel and tone? I think it's an intriguing concept.

[jps]

It was pretty difficult to play given it's extremely short scale and rubbery silicone strings. Do fake boobs feel like this?

[1965]

They just feel kinda stupid. I've tried them on many occasions and they feel like nothing more than a toy. Really impractical.

[kiramdear]

Interesting. I was afraid that might be the case with these. What do they sound like plugged in? Now Jeffrey, don't say fake boobs! I won't know what you're talking about, I'm sure!

[weemac]

I've played one for years!
Don't knock them unless you give them a good try!
Good for folk, country and comedy! Use plenty of talc and don't wear black clothes.
The tone is pretty good but the intonation is not so good (I've moved the bridge on mine).
Don't use a regular bass amp, they sound better straight into the desk or PA. The onboard EQ is usable but if you want the double bass sound turn the treble and bass down (which leaves the mids intact) Gives it a good farty growl.
There is no sustain so a bit of compression does not hurt.
The strings break a bit (at one end or the other) so you just tie another knot and retune it.
Strings look like rubber, feel like rubber and can sound like an inflated tractor tube (in a cool way)
They take a bit of getting use to but they are a viable instrument.
Good value in my book!
Eden.

[chuck_king]

I've considered getting one of those too from time to time. If you keep an eye on eBay, you shouldn't have to pay $300 for one.

[kiramdear]

I almost bought a project one off the bay but I balked when the price rose above $80. I'm not willing to take a bigger bite until I play one.

[johnallg]

Kira - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FD4SwJlqzWc

[kiramdear]

OK, I just heard some clips on Utube, and I gotta say I agree with the early posters. I couldn't do too much with that sound, except occasionally it could be fun. Maybe in amongst some mandolins or ukeleles it would sound sweet, I dunno, it's pretty squishy... If one drops into my lap I'll try it.

[chuck_king]

Their big selling point, as far as I know, was that they could do a fairly convincing imitation of an upright acoustic bass in a small, portable, amplifiable package. At least, that is the basis of my interest in them.

[antipodean]

Nice sound for dub-reggae! My fretless basses have a tad more growl than that, even with flats and the eq set to "mud". For the cash, that's kinda cool.

[weemac]

Well... they sound a little like a double bass with gut strings. Just remember to turn the treble and bass eq down on the instrument or they can make a clicky rubbery sound.
The eq curves are well chosen though. And the pickup itself is good quality.
My one is the DeArmond model, I don't know if the newer Fender ones are any different.
Always a crowd pleaser...
Eden.

[kiramdear]

OK, I'll reserve judgement till I can try one. My curiosity is again piqued.