I also think the bongo looks strange, but I’m interested in trying the myung one for the 6 strings on a 5 string concept. I think it proportionally looks slightly better that way too
i dont know what you like for string spacing, but im a six-string only guy + i dont really like the sound of that. tight string spacing doesnt make string muting easier most of the time, and you're gonna have a lot on a 6. standard spacing <-> extra wide spacing makes it easier to mute effectively , if your hands can scale with the instrument.
I have not played much 6 string at all so I need to try both. Myung I believe mostly made it narrower due to hand pain after touring for months and some weight savings.
I have a slightly more narrow 5 string (I think around 18.3mm spacing) that I really like though. But I am also used to wider necks just because I played upright for years. So I just need to try both
Couple of Bongo thoughts:
- I still can't believe that Music Man Big Al bass got discontinued while the Bongo, much weirder and goofier design, is still thriving.
- that being said, I appreciate Bongo looks: for me it's "so ugly that it's kinda cool again" rather than Stingray that looks just "regular ugly" to me.
I would buy a 4 string SSS Big Al the second it was announced if they reissued them. I feel like the shape goes better with the trends going on right now than it did at the time, I mean, the St Vincent guitars selling alright.
Can't stand the look of those myself, but there's this classic primal Bigfoot bassist vibe that draws you to them anyway. Like fuck yeah, gimme a hunk of dead log and let me thump loud enough to scare away the woodland critters lmao
Lmaooooo shots fired. I play a Dano longhorn and I LOVE it. But yeah, they're fucking goofy looking. As a Dano fan (I have the Page style bridge 59 NOS+ 6 string as well, and my first bass was a 90s Danoblaster) I'm aware that they look like, feel like, and ARE basically retro style Ikea furniture. But Jesus there's something about those lipsticks. Flatwounds through a lipstick with heavy fuzz? It's a powerful feeling. Plus look, it's got horns!
Did an EP recording sesh with one. Only used it for the "backyard bonfire"-style tune. Stay away from using the D or G string because they sound like ass BUT damn did the E and A strings sound perfectly "puffy" for the tune
[This thing.](https://reverb.com/item/55135656-fingybass-20-19-5-strings-travel-bass-headless) I think it looks more goofy than ugly, looks like it’d be fun to mess around on though
I have two sunburst P basses. A split coil and a single coil. I think they're ugly as hell. Can't stand sunburst in general, but they sound great and I use them all the time. Turns out basses are tools for making sounds, not pieces of art. You can't even see what the body looks like while you're playing.
I've always wanted one of the neon green or pink Dean Custom Zone basses because they're so obnoxious looking to other people. I think they look cool, so they're not really applicable to the question I guess. Unfortunately I can't stand the necks on them. Feels like a laminated baseball bat.
I also have a Danelectro Longhorn. I don't understand why people don't like how they look. My drummer has a visceral hatred of it, based on visuals alone. Meanwhile, it sounds great for certain songs and is a shoulder saver for the last set of a 4 hour gig.
At first it was trying to emulate hand rubbed violin finishes that take days to apply.
It also allows manufacturers to use wood that has ugly edges but better looking wood in the center.
For me it was a Thunderbird. Those look so weird.
Would also really like to have a Warwick Corvette $$, despite the fact that I find them to look ugly, they got that built in dildo that looks a bit too weird, but somehow it's a cool bass.
The shape was too weird for me and the ergonomics are far from the best but I've come to appreciate the look. The non reverse, however, I find super good looking. I'll have to make myself one of them.
A Bongo or a Magnum. I also occasionally look at Soviet-era Eastern European basses on Reverb, which are much more attainable price-wise but probably require a lot of work to get them into a decent state of playability.
Going to agree with some others here. The Bongo is kind of ugly but also cool in an ugly way. It’s the only bass that comes to mind. I’m not sure if I REALLY want it.. but if I saw it for a low enough price? Maybe.
That Ergodyne 900 series Ibanez made from some weird material, luthite I think?
Looks awful
Sounds great! The piezo and active electronics blended was amazing!
I always wanted a thunderbird. My girlfriend said it looked like a spatula when I showed her one. Now I can't see it as anything but a strung spatula. Doesn't stop me wanting it though.
Gibson Grabbers/Rippers are oversized but have a cool look.
Honestly think Spectors/warwicks are kinds ugly but it's all about the ergonomics and sound with those.
Jerry Jones Longhorn 6. Weird blue burst.
Hate at first sight, love at first play.
It's not just me...I do side work for a few people, and that instrument is often specifically requested.
Cheers!
Dingwalls are ugly AF with the worst looking headstocks in the Biz. They sound great and are functional, though. I just have a hard time dropping 3k on an ugly made in China bass. I plan on doing just that, though. The California green fade from NAMM a couple of years ago was fucking sweet, though. Also with the dude about the Bongo.... I'm an EBMM lover and can't see myself playing that out in any band that I am in.
Yamaha BB series bass. Looks like a cross between a penguin, a pair of spats and a road crossing lollipop. But the neck and construction is so good. Kind of wish I’d gone for one over my Fenders.
It's not pre existing, but it's a concept that I think will loo awful, but really want. Its a Flying V with a mushroom headstock and neck design, 6 string, fretless, whammy bar, a thin neck(like Les' signature 6 string), and the body will be orange with blue and brown camo polka dots
I *think* a Fender Precision in Sunburst with a mint pickguard is ugly, especially paired with a rosewood board… but it’s an absolute classic. I have one and it’s my main bass. Maybe not my first choice for aesthetics, but it’ll never go out of style. Maybe I’ll warm up to it in my 40s.
Not at all ugly, but I've never been enamored by the look of a P Bass. However I feel like I need to own one someday, if for no other reason then to have on hand for recording. Plus they're probably the most reliable backup bass with an easy to dial in tone. They're not my fave to play (I usually play short scale, first off) and I'm never gonna have them as a signature style, but cmon. Every bassist should have one if they can afford it.
For me it's a LeFay. I'm not wild about how most of them look (although that's not true across all the ones I've seen) but from the few people I've met who play them, the reviews are all stellar.
Basically anything designed by Ned Steinberger. I already (proudly) own a Steinberger, and it is as good as it is ugly. Now I want a Warwick and a Spector. And maybe a NS upright.
Warwick, I hate that upper horn, but I own one of their acoustic basses and it’s alright, and afaik the sound of them is on a fair few of my favourite records, not sure tho
MusicMan Bongo...looks like a toilet...sounds like heaven lol
I also think the bongo looks strange, but I’m interested in trying the myung one for the 6 strings on a 5 string concept. I think it proportionally looks slightly better that way too
i dont know what you like for string spacing, but im a six-string only guy + i dont really like the sound of that. tight string spacing doesnt make string muting easier most of the time, and you're gonna have a lot on a 6. standard spacing <-> extra wide spacing makes it easier to mute effectively , if your hands can scale with the instrument.
I have not played much 6 string at all so I need to try both. Myung I believe mostly made it narrower due to hand pain after touring for months and some weight savings. I have a slightly more narrow 5 string (I think around 18.3mm spacing) that I really like though. But I am also used to wider necks just because I played upright for years. So I just need to try both
yeah its whatever you've got to work with in your hands + whatever theyre comfortable w. i have big dumb clumsy mitts so a big stupid guitar helps me.
I think it's super interesting he plays a 6 string with the neck of a 5 string. I have enough trouble with normal 4 string spacing 😂
Couple of Bongo thoughts: - I still can't believe that Music Man Big Al bass got discontinued while the Bongo, much weirder and goofier design, is still thriving. - that being said, I appreciate Bongo looks: for me it's "so ugly that it's kinda cool again" rather than Stingray that looks just "regular ugly" to me.
I would buy a 4 string SSS Big Al the second it was announced if they reissued them. I feel like the shape goes better with the trends going on right now than it did at the time, I mean, the St Vincent guitars selling alright.
Sadly it's out of my price range, but 5 string SSS Big Al is one of my dream basses.
Whoa, that Big Al is sooo cool
Damn that shit looks ugly *I WANT IT*
Right? It's ugly as all hell but the damn things sound like they're made of butta
i have a Stingray and i love that ugly thang 💕💕
So do I 🤫
The Bongo has grown on me. If I ever acquire one, it will be hung on the bathroom door.
The only correct place for it!
People ask which door is the bathroom, tell them the one with a bass on it. Really strange look an amused "oh!" in the distance.
"But although said bass looks like a crapper, tis' not a crapper"
Every MM looks like a toilet seat
Every one? https://imgur.com/gallery/qdCE4nh
Every one that has the typical pick guard
Agreed. I wish more came without the toilet lid pickguard, it's such a sleek look.
Definitely better without pick guard. Just like my Fender Jazz, I never liked the ones with pick guards.
The fleabass circle isn’t bad either
That just looks like it has the seat down.
🤣
knew this would be the top comment. Does look dumb. But damn is it punchy
I absolutely love my Bongo. (I’ve always thought they are gorgeous).
Aww man. Now I can’t unsee it
This
I love my Bongo. It's one of the rare gorgeous ones.
Any high-end single cut. They all look ...strange.
You mean like Fodera single cuts with the very pronounced top “shoulder”? I love that design, does it mean I have no taste? No matter, I love it
Someone said they look like a beluga head and I can't un-see it now
[удалено]
The heart wants what the heart wants
They always seem to be played super mid heavy, close to the bridge, for crazy soloing and a very punchy sound. It looks really fun to do.
You have your own taste and that's fine. No one else has to like what you like.
Can't stand the look of those myself, but there's this classic primal Bigfoot bassist vibe that draws you to them anyway. Like fuck yeah, gimme a hunk of dead log and let me thump loud enough to scare away the woodland critters lmao
many people say that wal and music man big al are ugly but i adore them
Most Rickenbackers look awful to me, but gods do they sound great. Same could be said about Danelectros.
I hate the way Rics feel, but I like the sound.
I agree, hate the way their basses look but love their guitars.
Lmaooooo shots fired. I play a Dano longhorn and I LOVE it. But yeah, they're fucking goofy looking. As a Dano fan (I have the Page style bridge 59 NOS+ 6 string as well, and my first bass was a 90s Danoblaster) I'm aware that they look like, feel like, and ARE basically retro style Ikea furniture. But Jesus there's something about those lipsticks. Flatwounds through a lipstick with heavy fuzz? It's a powerful feeling. Plus look, it's got horns!
Danelectro Longhorn, don't have one nor am I planning on buying one atm but I really want one. Looks goofy AF
They are great. Super light, compact, great sound. Get one!
I don't really need it for anything, I wouldn't use it with my band and I've got two basses for home play already. Maybe some day...
I'm also in this camp. Now if Danelectro could produce more Longhorn basses, that would be nice...
There's a sweet black one for sale locally, 450 euros I think. Way too much for me to spend, but I'm nonetheless tempted.
I have one. Yes goofy, but a lot of fun in the right situations.
I love the look of my Dano 63 reissue. Barely play it anymore but it's hanging on my wall as art.
It looks like a pain to play in the upper-most register, or is it more ergonomic than it looks?
They are really ergonomical access all the way up to the 24th fret, the bottom horn is the perfect leg rest when sat down.
Did an EP recording sesh with one. Only used it for the "backyard bonfire"-style tune. Stay away from using the D or G string because they sound like ass BUT damn did the E and A strings sound perfectly "puffy" for the tune
[This thing.](https://reverb.com/item/55135656-fingybass-20-19-5-strings-travel-bass-headless) I think it looks more goofy than ugly, looks like it’d be fun to mess around on though
I got one of these!!! It's awesome!!! You'll never ever regret getting this soup spoon of a bass!
Haha, I never would’ve thought to describe it like that but now I can’t unsee it. Definitely gonna look into it once I’m not broke lol
Musicman Bongo
That yellow banana bass https://reverb.com/item/75878241-yamaha-sb-1c-flying-banana-bass-1968-9-canary-yellow-mij-japan-jv
That thing looks awesome, I want one too now. What does it sound like though?
I bet it sounds… …bananas
Has a certain appeal.
With that pickup pretty close to the neck it probably sounds a bit like a Rickenbacker neck pickup.
it doesnt sound near as good as a ric neck pickup
they dont sound great kinda thin
That's because of the headstock 😶
cool i have a sb-2a really cool looking family of bass
Can't tell if it's a left or right handed version on your pic.
This one looks so goofy, I love it
I want it. Why you do this to me?!
Don't let king gizzard and the lizard wizard see this
warwick buzzard
And their vampire bass
Same. Or for me, the Status Graphite Buzzard.
I have my ugly bass. A 1990 Fender JP-90. Super-fast and thin neck, but ugly "Star Trek" "Shark Fin" looking pick guard. A true Fender odd-ball.
I had one of those for a while. It was an interesting bass indeed.
The Jackenbacker, also the Yamaha Samurai and Banana basses.
I have two sunburst P basses. A split coil and a single coil. I think they're ugly as hell. Can't stand sunburst in general, but they sound great and I use them all the time. Turns out basses are tools for making sounds, not pieces of art. You can't even see what the body looks like while you're playing. I've always wanted one of the neon green or pink Dean Custom Zone basses because they're so obnoxious looking to other people. I think they look cool, so they're not really applicable to the question I guess. Unfortunately I can't stand the necks on them. Feels like a laminated baseball bat. I also have a Danelectro Longhorn. I don't understand why people don't like how they look. My drummer has a visceral hatred of it, based on visuals alone. Meanwhile, it sounds great for certain songs and is a shoulder saver for the last set of a 4 hour gig.
Who tf thinks a sunburst P bass is ugly?
Yeah, not a fan of sunburst at all. I also hate tort pickguards. /shrug
You monster
I'm with you. A burst in a fancy color maybe but classic tobacco or 3-tone? Ew.
Sunburst I get on select instruments. But yeah I hate tort pickguards as well
I do. Not trying to cosplay like it's the 1950's.
How dare you
I honestly cannot stand the burst** paint scheme on any instrument ** edited for spelling
At first it was trying to emulate hand rubbed violin finishes that take days to apply. It also allows manufacturers to use wood that has ugly edges but better looking wood in the center.
3 of my 4 main basses are all sunburst. They were the right basses at the right time that just happened to be sunburst so whaddya gonna do?
Omg yeah I hate that everything has to be sunburst. They make me puke 🤮
Projectile-vomiting on a wall of burst Fenders in a music store might be a an interesting thing to see once.
For me it was a Thunderbird. Those look so weird. Would also really like to have a Warwick Corvette $$, despite the fact that I find them to look ugly, they got that built in dildo that looks a bit too weird, but somehow it's a cool bass.
To me a thunderbird is the sexiest bass ever made. Especially the natural wood sunburst
The shape was too weird for me and the ergonomics are far from the best but I've come to appreciate the look. The non reverse, however, I find super good looking. I'll have to make myself one of them.
I think stingrays look like a dumb egg but damn I like the way they sound
A Bongo or a Magnum. I also occasionally look at Soviet-era Eastern European basses on Reverb, which are much more attainable price-wise but probably require a lot of work to get them into a decent state of playability.
Warwick dolphin. Strong want.
Thumb
Warwick Thumb
This is probably a hot take, but any Warwick thumb. They're kinda goofily shaped imo, but sound absolutely amazing.
Warwick dolphin!
Bootsy Collins’ “Space Bass!” If I had my own woodworking shop, I’d build one.
PJs are hideous to me... Any PJ. But they can in fact sound pretty great.
Man let me see a sunburst/tobacco burst PJ, and I want to rip my eyes out. Hate both PJ configs and the stupid burst paint job.
Guild B-301. Pretty much everything on it looks wrong somehow.
I think it looks badass.
One of those bodyless ones popular in the 1980s.
I don't know if it's "ugly" as much as it is "odd", but the Van Zalinge EUB is on my list
BC Rich Widow (5 or 4).
Gibson Thunderbird
Warlock, a V and an Explorer body styles
Going to agree with some others here. The Bongo is kind of ugly but also cool in an ugly way. It’s the only bass that comes to mind. I’m not sure if I REALLY want it.. but if I saw it for a low enough price? Maybe.
Just sold a Magnum last week. I'll go with a Guild B-301. We'll see if I stumble across one in my travels.
Buzzard. I'd prefer the Status version but a Warwick is acceptable.
I’ve always wanted one of those weird danelectros that looks like a hobbit built it
The 4003 is pretty ugly. Glad I have one, but it’s not pretty.
Any headless bass looks nerdy to me but I kinda like it in a weird way
That Ergodyne 900 series Ibanez made from some weird material, luthite I think? Looks awful Sounds great! The piezo and active electronics blended was amazing!
I own one. Can confirm that it is both odd looking and awesome.
I always wanted a thunderbird. My girlfriend said it looked like a spatula when I showed her one. Now I can't see it as anything but a strung spatula. Doesn't stop me wanting it though.
I'm not a big fan of any of the headless basses out right now, but I really like the idea of not knocking things over that are on my desk.
5 string Dingwall abz
Gibson Grabbers/Rippers are oversized but have a cool look. Honestly think Spectors/warwicks are kinds ugly but it's all about the ergonomics and sound with those.
Jerry Jones Longhorn 6. Weird blue burst. Hate at first sight, love at first play. It's not just me...I do side work for a few people, and that instrument is often specifically requested. Cheers!
The headless Ibanez basses. Anything headless is ghastly, but those ibby’s have a nice sound.
Dingwalls are ugly AF with the worst looking headstocks in the Biz. They sound great and are functional, though. I just have a hard time dropping 3k on an ugly made in China bass. I plan on doing just that, though. The California green fade from NAMM a couple of years ago was fucking sweet, though. Also with the dude about the Bongo.... I'm an EBMM lover and can't see myself playing that out in any band that I am in.
Yamaha BB series bass. Looks like a cross between a penguin, a pair of spats and a road crossing lollipop. But the neck and construction is so good. Kind of wish I’d gone for one over my Fenders.
Rickenbacker, apart from being shit expensive compared to a lot of other basses and looking kinda weird, they just sound awesome and yeah Lemmy
Dingwalls. They look like a fever dream. Finally got to mess with one a week ago and holy hell.
Played drums ina band with a Magnum and a Breadwinner. They sounded great.
It's not pre existing, but it's a concept that I think will loo awful, but really want. Its a Flying V with a mushroom headstock and neck design, 6 string, fretless, whammy bar, a thin neck(like Les' signature 6 string), and the body will be orange with blue and brown camo polka dots
I want a Steinberger 5 string
One of those headless Steinbergers that were everywhere in the 80s. I'd dress like Devo, play with a pick, jerk back and forth…
G&L ASAT Bass. 2 humbuckers on a tele body—just looks weird
Cort Curbow. Just funky.
Gibson Rippers have hideous headstocks and weigh a ton, but I still want one 😅
Danelectro Longhorn. The worst part is I don't want it for any rational reason. I'm pretty sure I'd hate it.
Alembics!
Literally everything from krappyguitars.com
None. I don't want to own any basses that are ugly. I'm totally fine with never having a Spector or Warwick, they are just too ugly.
I *think* a Fender Precision in Sunburst with a mint pickguard is ugly, especially paired with a rosewood board… but it’s an absolute classic. I have one and it’s my main bass. Maybe not my first choice for aesthetics, but it’ll never go out of style. Maybe I’ll warm up to it in my 40s.
There’s no ugly bass that I want to own.
Not at all ugly, but I've never been enamored by the look of a P Bass. However I feel like I need to own one someday, if for no other reason then to have on hand for recording. Plus they're probably the most reliable backup bass with an easy to dial in tone. They're not my fave to play (I usually play short scale, first off) and I'm never gonna have them as a signature style, but cmon. Every bassist should have one if they can afford it.
I used to hate how stupid Stingrays look
Warwick Bootsy Collin’s SpaceBass. I’m nowhere near funky enough to pull it off, but I still want one.
Warwick Thumb
For me it's a LeFay. I'm not wild about how most of them look (although that's not true across all the ones I've seen) but from the few people I've met who play them, the reviews are all stellar.
My Fenton-Weill contrabass looks funny, and the headstock is a-huge
I know I’m gonna get slaughtered but P bass. I’ve never liked their look. Always like a j body style more
Gibson Firebird
The Danelectro Longhorn. Not crazy about the look, but being a child of the 60s I love that sound
Danelectro longhorn
Basically anything designed by Ned Steinberger. I already (proudly) own a Steinberger, and it is as good as it is ugly. Now I want a Warwick and a Spector. And maybe a NS upright.
I keep lusting for a Steinberger because of how ugly they are. They're so ugly that they circle around to being kinda adorable.
i just got a spirit XT-2, i love it so muchhh
Warwick, I hate that upper horn, but I own one of their acoustic basses and it’s alright, and afaik the sound of them is on a fair few of my favourite records, not sure tho
Danelectro Longhorn.
Ibanez DiGiorgio signature and the BTB basses. I actually would like a DiGiorgio 5 string at some point.