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Epiphone Viola Bass - Vintage Sunburst
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British Invasion Classic with a Sweet Vintage Sound
This veteran from the British invasion is back without the vintage price tag! Mod looks and warm, bass tone come together as a result of its hollow laminated Maple body with a short-scale 30" Maple neck, elegant Flame Maple top and dual bass Mini-Humbucking pickups.
Features
• Historic Viola body style
• NYR™ and NYT™ mini humbuckers
• Classic vintage sunburst finish
Specifications
Body: Maple
Neck: Maple
Neck Joint: Set-glued
Scale: 30.5"
Fingerboard: Dot inlays
Nut: 1.65"
Neck Pickup: NYR mini humbucker
Bridge Pickup: NYT mini humbucker
Hardware: Nickel
Controls: Neck volume, Bridge volume, Master Tone
Bridge: Compensated Saddle
Color: Vintage Sunburst (VS)
Weight: 7.0 lbs
This veteran from the British invasion is back without the vintage price tag! Mod looks and warm, bass tone come together as a result of its hollow laminated Maple body with a short-scale 30" Maple neck, elegant Flame Maple top and dual bass Mini-Humbucking pickups.
Features
• Historic Viola body style
• NYR™ and NYT™ mini humbuckers
• Classic vintage sunburst finish
Specifications
Body: Maple
Neck: Maple
Neck Joint: Set-glued
Scale: 30.5"
Fingerboard: Dot inlays
Nut: 1.65"
Neck Pickup: NYR mini humbucker
Bridge Pickup: NYT mini humbucker
Hardware: Nickel
Controls: Neck volume, Bridge volume, Master Tone
Bridge: Compensated Saddle
Color: Vintage Sunburst (VS)
Weight: 7.0 lbs
3.236.107.249
CCBot/2.0 (https://commoncrawl.org/faq/)
Amazing Bass, how sweet the sound1 of 1 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product ExperienceI own it
Closest StoreKamloops, British Columbia
Posted by Tj on Oct 25, 2021
Great Quality...... But Not For Me1 of 1 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product ExperienceI own it
Closest StoreNorth Vancouver, British Columbia
I was eyeballing this bass for over a year. I finally pulled the trigger and just bought it via curbside pickup without trying it due to COVID. Like all Epiphones, the build quality and finish is excellent. It's a great looking guitar. It needed a setup when I got it home, but that's to be expected with any new guitar. The neck relief out of the box was perfect, I just needed to drop the bridge a bit. The tone was exactly what I was looking for and expected.
The Negatives ........ Due to the viola shape, it doesn't sit well on your lap when sitting down, and due to it's light body weight, it has bad neck dive when using a strap. Also, the string spacing was too tight for my liking, I played it everyday for about an hour for 4 days trying to get used to it. I couldn't, so I returned it. Your experience may vary.
Having said that, if you are looking for that Beatles tone for a good price, this is the bass to get!!
The Negatives ........ Due to the viola shape, it doesn't sit well on your lap when sitting down, and due to it's light body weight, it has bad neck dive when using a strap. Also, the string spacing was too tight for my liking, I played it everyday for about an hour for 4 days trying to get used to it. I couldn't, so I returned it. Your experience may vary.
Having said that, if you are looking for that Beatles tone for a good price, this is the bass to get!!
Posted by Ray on Dec 16, 2020
Viola Bass - Vintage Sunburst3 of 4 customers found this review helpful
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Quality
Value
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Product ExperienceI own it
Closest StoreChilliwack, British Columbia
I'm in love with mine, I always wanted one, ever since 1964, the Ed sullivan show. ( Beatles)
Posted by Phil Halley on Apr 17, 2020
epiphone viola bass3 of 3 customers found this review helpful
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Quality
Value
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Product ExperienceI own it
Closest StoreLongueuil, Quebec
i couldn't believe this bass would sound as good as it looks !sounds great with labella flatwound strings .my only complaint is epiphone don't make lefties , had to have it converted . well worth it !
Posted by f. j . on Oct 19, 2019
THANX!!2 of 3 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
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Product ExperienceI own it
Closest StoreOshawa, Ontario
I owned a 1964 Hofner 500 1 Viola bass and sold it for a grand over 10 years ago. Want another so I will get an Epiphone Viola bass because I own a Dot Deluxe 335 hollow body guitar already and love it.... Epiphone it is!
Posted by Jay Poyser on May 2, 2019
Got it0 of 0 customers found this review helpful
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Value
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Product ExperienceI own it
Closest StoreOttawa, Ontario
Thanks to your comments good or bad I bought one this week I have to say
I love it very light and great sound ...
I love it very light and great sound ...
Posted by Sly on May 12, 2018
i am in love with this bass0 of 0 customers found this review helpful
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Product ExperienceI own it
Closest StoreBrampton, Ontario
I'm a guitar player who wanted to try out bass and I got this bass. it looks so sick and sounds amazing. I cannot stop playing this bass
Posted by anonymous on Jan 12, 2018
Plays & Sounds Great!0 of 0 customers found this review helpful
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Value
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Product ExperienceI own it
Closest StorePeterborough, Ontario
Great neck, nice tone. This bass plays like a guitar, it's so light and killer looking to boot. Highly recommended.
Posted by Mike on Nov 5, 2017
i own it1 of 1 customers found this review helpful
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Value
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Product ExperienceI own it
Closest StoreOshawa, Ontario
very nice little bass easy to play and sounds great.
Posted by d. felly on Jun 25, 2016
Better than a Hofner3 of 3 customers found this review helpful
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Quality
Value
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Product ExperienceI own it
Closest StoreLondon North, Ontario
A wonderful present from my son is becoming a favourite (along with my Squire Jaguar). It looks, plays and sounds great!
Posted by Ivan Dafoe on Oct 5, 2015
Great sound1 of 1 customers found this review helpful
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Quality
Value
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Product ExperienceI've tried it
Closest StoreEdmonton North, Alberta
This bass has a great sound and look to it. also its fairly cheap. great bass
Posted by Keenan on Sep 29, 2015
Viola Bass2 of 2 customers found this review helpful
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Quality
Value
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Product ExperienceI own it
Closest StoreCobourg, Ontario
Love this bass. It's as pleasing to the eye as it is to play, as with most reviews i see relating it to the classic Hofner violin bass, I too would've liked to see a pickguard but being someone who actually doesnt use a pick to play, its really no issue at all. Definitely a fantastic bass, and i presume ill be using it for quite some time.
Posted by anonymous on Apr 19, 2015
Worth the wait,1 of 1 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
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Product ExperienceI own it
Closest StoreEdmonton South, Alberta
I'll start off by saying that I'm in agreement with most of the reviews published here. This guitar is a great value and I'm surprised Epiphone doesn't charge more for it.
I had eyed it a few years ago but I usually prefer vintage instruments so it was in the back of my mind as a possibility I later tried it in the store in a good amp and it had a great bottom and lots of presence and I liked the feel of it which is important.
I went back a month later and tried a Hofner and it didn't seem to have the same oomph as the Epiphone, plus I hated the Hofner's pick up switches. Now after 5 months of living with the Epiphone I am extremely pleased with it. I got it at a good price with a case. My only complaint is that I would've liked to have a pickguard but that's just nitpicking.
If you're looking at this bass I advise you test lots of basses to make sure you're happy with your purchase.
I had eyed it a few years ago but I usually prefer vintage instruments so it was in the back of my mind as a possibility I later tried it in the store in a good amp and it had a great bottom and lots of presence and I liked the feel of it which is important.
I went back a month later and tried a Hofner and it didn't seem to have the same oomph as the Epiphone, plus I hated the Hofner's pick up switches. Now after 5 months of living with the Epiphone I am extremely pleased with it. I got it at a good price with a case. My only complaint is that I would've liked to have a pickguard but that's just nitpicking.
If you're looking at this bass I advise you test lots of basses to make sure you're happy with your purchase.
Posted by Richard Bell on Nov 24, 2014
Excellent Instrument!5 of 5 customers found this review helpful
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Quality
Value
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Product ExperienceI own it
Closest StoreOttawa, Ontario
I've owned this bass for about four years. It was originally to be used as one of my extra basses, but the speedy play on the neck changed everything. It is now my main bass. It has great tone and is light on the shoulder. One thing I did do is to relocate the strap tab from the back of the guitar to the bottom of the neck where it meets the guitar body. It keeps it from rolling off. If you haven't got washboard abs, you will want to make this mod.
I would strongly recommend this bass to anyone. I've been playing guitar and bass for 50 years and this is a well built instrument. Far better build quality than Hofner.
I would strongly recommend this bass to anyone. I've been playing guitar and bass for 50 years and this is a well built instrument. Far better build quality than Hofner.
Posted by Jason on Nov 18, 2014
A Great Little Bass1 of 1 customers found this review helpful
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Value
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Product ExperienceI own it
Closest StoreHalifax, Nova Scotia
The perfect bass for quality sound, a range of tones, and playability. A great instrument for guitar players that like to "play with" the bass. Very good fit and finish; highly recommended.
Posted by anonymous on Aug 16, 2014
Excellent Musical Instrument3 of 3 customers found this review helpful
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Quality
Value
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Product ExperienceI own it
Closest StoreOttawa, Ontario
I tried a Hofner as well as the Epiphone Viola bass. The Hofner had loose electronics and couldn't have both pickups on at the same time (some songs require it). The Epi is first rate. I use round wound strings to fit any music style and the tone is first rate. If you like a good fast neck, your fingers will fly on this one. Good solid tone, plenty of bottom end, not a shoulder buster and very easy on the eyes and looks good on stage. I own 6 basses, that include two Epiphones, Fender and Gibsons and this bass is phenomenal. If you want to find out yourself, do a blind test between 5 basses that include the Epi Viola and it will come out great.
Posted by John on Apr 17, 2014
Up to it's potencials1 of 1 customers found this review helpful
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Value
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Product ExperienceI own it
Closest StoreNorth York, Ontario
I bought it three weeks and I love it. It has an amazing sound and great features on it. I used to play a Fender bass and switched over. A little getting used to it. I enjoy playing it.
Posted by anonymous on Dec 18, 2013
N/A1 of 1 customers found this review helpful
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Value
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Product ExperienceI own it
Closest StoreOttawa, Ontario
Amazing bass overall. If you want the classic beatles tone you can always change the strings to flat-wound strings. Overall exceptional bass for the price.
Posted by anonymous on Dec 1, 2013
Great quality, low cost2 of 3 customers found this review helpful
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Value
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Product ExperienceI own it
Closest StoreLondon North, Ontario
I've owned the viola bass for about half a year now and its undeniably a great bass. It however a bit odd to play after putting down my standard fender jazz bass due to the small string spacing that comes with a pencil necked bass. String spacing aside its a great bass.
Posted by anonymous on Aug 6, 2013
N/A1 of 2 customers found this review helpful
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Value
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Product ExperienceI own it
Closest StoreAbbotsford, British Columbia
I've had this bass for about a year now and I find it is a prity good bass
Posted by anonymous on Dec 27, 2012
I have this, my third violin type base guitar.4 of 5 customers found this review helpful
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Product ExperienceI own it
Closest StoreNorth Vancouver, British Columbia
Since 1967, I have owned a Hofner 500/1 Violin bass guitar, an EKO 995 Violin base guitar and finely now a new Epiphone Viola base guitar. This new Viola has a great sound and feel, excellent finish and was set-up well from the factory. All these models I've owned are good giggers and will take on the best of the best keeping in mind the Base Amplifier is also half or more of the battle, I run a GK 200watt 1x15 Ultra Light Combo. If you own this Epiphone Viola Base, enjoy it, light, warm sound, very well made and a great bang for the buck. After All "It's A Gibson" What More Can I Say!
Posted by Grey Hawk (the old blues beater) on Jun 29, 2012
bass1 of 1 customers found this review helpful
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Quality
Value
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Product ExperienceI own it
Closest StoreMississauga, Ontario
this bass is feaking amazing, it is sexy and sounds great , i would think it is a gibson just by hearing the sound
Posted by anonymous on Feb 20, 2012
No wonder Paul had one1 of 1 customers found this review helpful
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Quality
Value
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Product ExperienceI own it
Closest StoreToronto (Bloor St.), Ontario
Okay, so it's not a hofner. But it's price is reasonable, and the guitar itself works wonderful. When paired with the right amp, it gives off clean and solid notes that sound identical to a hofner bass. I recommend it to everyone!
Posted by Gabby on Jan 14, 2012
This bass has "all my loving".2 of 2 customers found this review helpful
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Value
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Product ExperienceI own it
Closest StoreHalifax, Nova Scotia
Yeah. Corny headline. But this bass is probably my fave musical toy over MANY years. Great tone, great comfort, the features a bass needs, good tonal variation with two pickups and YES it can produce that incredibly warm, middy, plunky resonant Hofner sound. I've also recorded with it and the tone can be manipulated enough to not stand out as a "Beatle" bass. A solid body will definitely have some more ballsy-ness to it, and such is the nature of solid vs semi-solid, but for tone, playbility and comfort, it's absolutely brilliant. Several sound men have noted how much they love the tone through the PA and how little tweaking is needed to make it sound great. yeah - I love it !
Posted by Scott McKone on Oct 14, 2011
N/A2 of 3 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product ExperienceI've tried it
Closest StoreScarborough, Ontario
Posted by James J.Gikas on Jul 17, 2011
Very good short scale bass1 of 1 customers found this review helpful
Features
Quality
Value
Overall
Product ExperienceI own it
Closest StoreDartmouth, Nova Scotia
This bass produces the warmer tones expected from a hollow body short scale. It was set up perfectly ( to my preference )when I tried it out and eventually purchased it. The bass comes with round wound strings but flat wounds are a definite advantage to the sound of this bass. The only draw-back to this bass is the positioning of the strap lock buttons and the often "hard to get" short scale strings.
Posted by BassMan_Dee on Mar 24, 2009
Store Location: Quebec, Vaudreuil-Dorion, 501, boulevard Harwood, J7V 7W2
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 450 510-2140
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A warranty can be a very important factor when making a buying decision. Because repairs can be very expensive in terms of parts and labour costs, manufacturers usually only provide one year limited warranties that generally only cover items that malfunction due to a manufacturer’s defect. With an important purchase such as a musical
instrument or piece of studio gear, however, many people want to have the peace of mind in knowing that their investment will be protected should the product no longer be performing at 100%.
Because of this, Long & McQuade provides our customers with a FREE one-year Performance Warranty on most of our products. The Long & McQuade Performance Warranty supplements the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that our customers receive complete “no hassle” warranty coverage within their first year.
How does the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty differ from most manufacturers' warranties?
- Performance Guarantee: Normal wear and tear is covered, so your product will be performing as well as the day you purchased it for the entire duration of the coverage. Band and Orchestral Performance Warranty does not include replacing pads or cleaning for woodwind instruments, unless deemed necessary by our repair staff. Ultrasonic cleaning for brass instruments will be provided if deemed necessary by our repair staff, but is not routinely offered under the Performance Warranty.
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Reserve in Store
| Product | SKU | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Viola Bass - Vintage Sunburst | 50953 |
Long & McQuade
Performance Assurance
Buying a new instrument is an exciting event and we want to ensure that every instrument we sell comes exactly how the manufacturer intended it to be. That is why Long & McQuade performs a quality control check for every stringed, brass, and woodwind instrument over $99 ordered online at Long-McQuade.com.
Our team of experienced staff will unbox your instrument and perform a detailed inspection to ensure it leaves our warehouse looking and playing great with our QC card signed and dated for your peace of mind.
We work hard to source the best instruments from around the world from the finest brands. It is important to us that you are completely satisfied with your new instrument purchase from day one onwards.
Stringed Instrument Performance Assurance Checklist
Unlike our free set-up, which is included within the first year of purchase, this process is done to have the instrument set to the factory specs rather than to each player's feel or preferences.
We look after the following:
- Inspect finish and hardware.
- Check electronics to make sure everything is in working order. Check batteries on active pickups.
- Inspect strings.
- Inspect frets and fretboard.
- Check truss rod. Adjust for bow and relief.
- Tune instrument to manufacturer’s specified tuning.
- Check/set action height.
- Stretch strings and re-tune instrument and ensure machine heads are working well.
- Check for fret buzz by playing every note.
- Check/set intonation.
- Check/set pickup height.
- Cleaning and professional repacking.
Band and Orchestral Performance Assurance Checklist
We look after the following:
- Proper lubrication of valves and keys.
- Proper pad placement and levelling.
- Proper fit of tuning slides.
- Proper fit of tenon joints.
- Lubricating corks for ease of set up.
- Inspecting the case.
- Safe removal of any shipping corks.
- Ensuring all accessories function properly.
- Inspecting bow hair and test tension.
- Ensuring soundpost and bridge are set correctly.
- Testing tuning pegs.
- Tuning strings to correct pitch.
- Cleaning and professionally repacking.
It was a great shock to realize the high quality build and sound these little units provide.
Sweet tones, decent sustain, punch and even some cool upright-like tones belie the el cheapo deluxe price tag.
I love it, now. Stays close and plugged in.