Cheaper alternative for a Guild Starfire-like sound?

[jhc]

Really love the sounds of some of the classic rock guys who have used this bass (the bass intro to Cumberland Blues on Europe '72 stands out as the best example) have no idea how to approach this sort of tone on a budget. Epi Jack Casady bass? Some other semi hollow like a Ibanez Artcore? Darkstar pickup in a cheapo semi hollow? Or how about a Darkstar in a short scale solid body?

I'm OK with not absolutely nailing the tone, but would like an affordable way to get close. I appreciate any suggestions.

[RickC]

Darkstars would get you most of the way there, imo. Also a short scale, and flatwounds.

Didn't Epiphone make a Gibson EB-3 copy? Snag one off Ebay, add Darkstars (some routing required), and you're in the Phil Zone.

http://www.ukrockfestivals.com/phil-hollywood300.jpg

/rick

[Bassomatic]

The Epi Jack will get you damned close.

[mainsale]

Kepp an eye out on evilbay for a De Armond Starfire. Drop a set of Dark Stars into it and you're on your way. Here's one I picked up when MF was blowing them out for $299. Best $299 I ever spent. Someday, I'm going to Dark Star it, but it sounds very, very good as it is.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/Mainsale/Guitars025.jpg

[tkozal]

Ibby makes a cheap hollow body. The Epi. Lakland has one, more expensive, harder to find.

Not a darkstar fan, assume otherwise, try a number of models...

[mainsale]

You can still find nice Guild Starfires around but their prices are going up fast. I have this one and think about adding Dark Stars to it, but it doesn't sound bad as it is and I don't want to ruin it. I'll see how things go with the De Armond first......

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/Mainsale/HollowbodyBasses004.jpg

[jhc]

Just wanted to say thanks- a lot of good suggestions