Why a hollow? (newbie Q, thanks!)

[edward]

Old-school guitarist here ...but I speak Bass very seldom, though thoroughly love it when I do. So teach me: why would one choose a hollow over a solid? (thinking Iban artcore, FWIW)

The context here is I'd like to pick up a cheap bass that sounds and plays well ...sub $200 if that's possible. Recommendations (and "stay away from...") most welcome! TIA
:BEER

Edward

[SGNick]

Well, I picked up an import Hofner (the Icon series) and the act that it weighs FOUR pounds is a HUGE benefit for me, as my bass before that weighed FOURTEEN!

Also, I'm sure there are sounds differences, much like the diff between a solid body guitar and hollowbody guitar.

[DanGouge]

I'd say the main reasons are tonal. Though I'm sure there are those that just get excited about F-holes.

[mainsale]

For me, tone was the main reason for getting my hollowbodies. There is another dimension to the tone that solidbodies just don't have..

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/Mainsale/HollowbodyBasses011.jpg

[edward]

For me, tone was the main reason for getting my hollowbodies. There is another dimension to the tone that solidbodies just don't have..

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/Mainsale/HollowbodyBasses011.jpg

Cool. Can you try and describe what that tone "dimension" is? More of this, less that... specifics (as best you can) would help. Thanks!!

Edward

[ghoti]

I've not found one I liked the sound or feel of. There's always a first time, though. A couple weeks ago, I played an acoustic bass guitar in a store that actually didn't suck (IMO)...first time I've ever done that but not for want of trying.

[The Golden Boy]

I think you have to want what they do. If you're looking to somewhat emulate a sort of upright sound- that's generally what they do. I had an EB-2. At the time, I wanted a "Fender-y" sounding bass, and for whatever reason, I thought that I should be able to get a "P" type sound out of that instrument. I never could, so, being the 20 year old kid I was, I thought it sucked. It was pretty, but it sucked. Now that I'm older, so much older. I long for those young boy days... I mean... I actually can think of uses for that sound instead of getting pissed at the bass for not doing what it's not meant to do.

http://images.lilypix.com/albums/userpics/10038/normal_68eb2.jpg


On a side note- When I was a kid, I remember wanting a Hofner Beatle Bass like nobody's business, and I would daydream about playing Zappa's "Valley Girl" with a Hofner in the gym of my middle school and getting that Scott Thunes type sound out of that bass. It was a daydream.

[edward]

Thanks for the feedback ...on both my threads! What's that about retrospect being 20/20 ;) Appreciate the input!

Edward

[TomGuitar]

Now we're talkin'. I love semi-hollow basses. Here's a pic of mine, along with a couple of solid bodies.

http://images.lilypix.com/albums/userpics/10009/All_4.jpg