I actually picked up the Rogue violin bass only because I wanted one to hang one the wall in my living room and I could get one new/on sale for $100. I found it very easy to play, but I have fairly small hands for a bassist. Acousticallly, it had better sound than I expected, which wasn't much; it's not as loud as an actual acoustic (hollow body) bass guitar, but decidedly louder than playing an electric w/out power. Plugged in, again my low expectations were exceeded, but the electronics are most certainly LOW end. I've kept it only because it serves it purpose as decoration, but if you're looking for it to perform through an amp, you'll be disappointed. The sound isn't horrible, just inconsistent and you can expect to do some re-wiring (which is NOT accesible) if you do want to plug it in.

What strings have you tried on it? Word is they really 'want' Chromes; I can't testify on that as my used Epi Viola came with Chromes & it sounded fine enough that I didn't experiment. It might be worthwhile trying Chromes, though they won't turn it into a P bass nor into a Ric.

Hey Jordan,


The Jay Turser violin bass is OK. Since they are quite different to get over here in Europe, certainly in my neck of woods, I have waited a long time to see if anything comparable was available. Lately, Hfner launched 2 budget violin basses, the Icon Series (Made in China) with Chinese components and the CS Contemporary Series (also made in China) but with German components. I have purchased a CS and I must say, it plays and feels great indeed! I paid 425 $ (violin hardcase included) and I am more than happy with it. Another thing is that the CS sounds as good as the 1,995 $ genuine Hfner violin basses, made in Germany with a slightly more modern tone hence the "Contemporary" Series.
The CS comes with roundwound strings and I am planning to re-string with halfrounds. (I don't like the flatwounds on a violin bass for tonal reasons, they sound just too 'sixties' for me.
So if you are capable to find a Hfner CS500 in your neighbourhood, go for it!

Sean ;)

Finally got the jay turser. With stock strings it sounded alright, but not punchy enough. Took a 2 year old set of Fender flats off of my pbass (I hate new strings) and put them on it, it made it sound amazing. It plays like a dream and the only thing that disappoints me about it is the tuners. They do an amazing job holding tune but look totally out of place on this bass. I cant really describe the sound, but it is definately unique.

Hey Jordan, congrats on the decision to go for a Jay T! I am pretty sure you will have tons of fun with it. Personally, I'm quite startled about the fact That although I'm a convinced 5-string player, that violin bass is quite tempting to use for all the songs in my playlist, so it's back to basics I guess! LOL
What kind of strings do you use normally? I think I'll go for the d'Addario halfround (the silver package)...
Greetz,


Sean ;)

I just put some half rounds on my 5 string. I really dig the tone, but
they feel strange! You can tell they ground the strings off, and
they're a bit "grabby." Hopefully they'll wear some of that off when I
get them broken in.

Hey Adam,
I totally understand! It's the same over here, initially the halfrounds feel a bit strange, but it's just temporary.

Sean ;)

Well done that man, you'll discover a whole new bass world...... I hate new strings too, you can't beat a nice old set...... The chromes that I've got on mine are around six years old.....

Enjoy the journey

Leroy

So I've been playing this thing for a couple of weeks now and its beginning to be a love/hate relationship. The design of this bass forces you to play with perfect technique and as a result I can't play with as much flair as I once did. Im also scared to death Im going to break the think, everything I have owned prior to this instrument was built like a tank. The sound is worth the tradeoff though.

Hi There,

Yes I know what you mean , they certainly feel fragile a little like a petite woman....... and the flair side is admittedly sometimes restrictive.... But the Sound ..... Oh yes!

Leroy