Build Me a Bass: Hofner Magic

The Ibanez 4 String Bass Guitar (GSRM20TR) scores 4.3 stars among nearly 90 verified purchasers on Amazon. That tells us this undersized bass has a lot going for it. It seems that this short scale bass is a favorite among traveling bassists, which means it must deliver in the sound department, as well as playability. It's also a great bass for younger players who find the weight difference a big plus, as well as the fact that all the frets are within easy reach on this 28.6" neck. Certainly worth checking out! (A great Christmas gift for the learning and traveling bassist). FROM THE AMAZON WEBSITE: Don't be fooled into thinking the Ibanez gsr micro is a toy. It’s made to the same high standards of the other gio series guitars. The Gsrm20 features, small scale SR body, full sound pickups, the same construction, same materials, and same set-up and inspection as its full size counterparts. Its shorter 28.6” scale makes it perfect for tour buses, space-restricted home studios, folks with smaller hands, as well as young rockers or beginners. SPECIFICATIONS: 6.9 pounds 39 x 11.5 x 2.3 inches Shipping Weight 9.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies) Fast, slim Maple neck Compact, light-weight Body Dynamic P pickup Short Scale 28.6" PRICE: U.S.: @$179.00 U.K.: @169 pounds SHIPPING (U.S.) Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues. AVAILABILITY: This bass is available online and instore at Dawsons in the U.K.

Golfers are easy sells. Tell them something will improve their game, and they'll buy it. Every golfer has a drawer or shelf or cabinet in his house, garage, or workshop, where he keeps (hides) these useless testimonials to a). what a lousy golfer he is and b). what a sucker he was to pay real money for empty promises. The same can be said of bass guitars. If you expect a 5 or 10 thousand dollar bass to make you a better player, or if you think anyone in the world will be able to tell the sonic difference between it and a $600 Roy Vogt Carvin bass, you're deluding yourself. The difference, then, is craftsmanship. If you want a bass that not only sounds great, but is, in itself, a work of art, then the price-tag may be warranted. One such bass is the Monarch Standard fretless, handmade by Fodera (not Fedora) of Brooklyn. Is it a sonic marvel? Judge for yourself. Is it a work of art? Most definitely. Specifications: Walnut Body 1-pc Red Oak Neck/ Ebony FB Figured Walnut Top Fodera / Duncan Dual Coil Pickups Fodera / Pope 3-Band Standard Preamp 34-Inch Scale, 24 Large Frets, 19.0mm Spacing Black Fodera 19.0mm Standard Bridge Price: $5,050 The Monarch is one of Fodera's production models. They'll also build you a 100% custom axe. Just tell them what you're looking for - and be prepared to say "price is no object!"

Featured this week, and coming in at about $250, the Squire Vintage Modified Jaguar. With a very solid pedigree, and a traditional look and feel, this bass has a lot going for it. But what about the sound? Check it out. Specifications: Basswood body Single-coil Jazz Bass bridge pickup, vintage-style split single-coil Precision Bass middle pickup Volume control knob for each pickup, master tone control knob and active bass-boost control knob Black pickguard Warranty Included Not eligible for international shipping. Price: $249.95