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The Epiphone Viola is becoming my favorite bass. I've been playing since the mid-60's, and I have about 20 basses now (it's a sickness). This includes a mid-60's German Hofner Beatle bass, and an Eko Viola bass. The quality of this Epiphone goes well beyond both of those, and just about all my others too. It's VERY comfortable to play. The neck is wonderful...just the right dimensions. Action is super-low, just the way I like it. Fret-dress is perfect. I'm getting used to the short-scale, and really starting to like it again...this after playing mostly long-scale basses for about 40 years. It's also nice and light. Not as light as the Hofner, but lighter than my Fender P-basses (I have 4)...kinda in-between. I have a love for hollow-body basses. I now have 6 of them. The tonal character of each is different. Some are more "woody" sounding than this Epiphone. This Viola is about half-way between a very woody, and a solid-body P-bass sound. A good mixture. Seems like all the Epiphone basses need the nut filed, and this Viola was no exception. I run the LaBella Beatle Bass flat-wound strings on it, and they work very well with it. Smooth and mellow without being to thuddy or muddy like some others I've tried. The Epiphone hard-shell case is very high quality as well, with lots of space inside. All in all, very highly recommended. Mine is a Korean built model, made in the Unsung factory there. I've had several Epi basses built by Unsung, and they've all been very good. The newer ones are (I think) all made in China now. My understanding is the quality is similar, but I haven't played any of the Chinese ones. I can't believe these sell for so little, it's a wonderful bass!Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Doing a British Invasion set with our band. This bass adds a bit of authenticity. Mfg in China. Their quality control has come a long way. This bass easily hangs in there with the Korean Epiphones of the 1990's of which I own many. A deep resonant sound easy action and light weight make this bass a keeper. One piece neck (nice touch) My only rub was the tuners which have more play than I I would consider acceptable on an import. That being said, it holds the tune. Alto Music had it to my doorstep in an astonishing day and a half. Price was very reasonable.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Received in a gig bag that was too small. Tuner screw was sheared off, but easy to fix. Substantial fret wear. After intonation adjustment and action adjustment, and with a new set of Rotosounds, it plays well and sounds good.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I've been wanting to get a Beatle bass for a while. Fortunately I have a friend who loaned me his Hofner Ignition to try out. The things I didn't like about the Hofner were solved by the Epiphone Viola, so I bought one. I definitely like the body shape of the Epiphone better - slightly thinner and a little wider shape than the Hofner. Plus the no-pickguard looks more like what McCartney uses today - just a bit classier with more wood grain showing. Neck dive is much less than the Hofner, in fact almost none at all. A leather strap keeps it right where it should be. The control knobs are easier and make more sense than the Hofner to dial in what you want - two volumes and an overall tone. Sound-wise it beats the Hofner hands down. The real bass tuners instead of the little guitar tuners on the Hofner make a big difference. Mine was made at the Unsung plant in Korea, so the craftsmanship is superb. Get that one if you can - the third pair of numbers in the serial number will be 21 for the Unsung plant. I now use the Epi at gigs equally with my Rickenbacker. It's weight, feel, and short scale make it lots of fun to play. It's way more instrument than what you pay for, so go with the Epiphone - you won't regret it.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This is an awesome bass! And not for the price. It is just a wonderful bass. Warm and friendly, easy to play. Great finish and hardware. Can't say enough good things about it! I put black Fender tape wound strings on it. Almost no string buzz. Plugged it into my Roland bass cube and such a sweet and amazing sound. Sounds as BIG and ROUND or as Funky as I want. Such a nice price for such a great instrument. Looks cool. Not a complete short scale, but shorter. Found a hardshell case from Epiphone for the Viola bass for only $36! Free shipping. I am styling and proud to take it out! Why would anyone buy a Hoffman when they can have this! So retro! Made me put my 6 string bass and my Upright away. I got into this AND a hardshell case for $300! Astonishing!
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