Epiphone Viola Bass

I bought one of the fist ones that came out as i love the sound of a hollow body bass. This bass is pretty simple as far as its features. 2 mini humbuckers, a tone controll and two volume knobs. its got a pretty short scale but it still plays pretty well

This bass sounds great. It is really warm and punchy and it has tons of sustain. It sounds really good considering it is not a terribly expensive bass. i think epiphone put a lot of effort into this one.

looks great, plays great, sounds great.

havent gigged with it yet so im not sure

This is a Great bass!

This one is a '99. Short scale "Beatle" bass, similar to a Hofner 500/1. Very nice flame maple top and back. No pickguard like the Hofner has, but with such a nice top who would want one. Two passive mini humbuckers. 2 volumes, 1 tone. Finish is sleek. Bridge is wooden with two height adjusting screws. NOTE: The bridge is not secured in place. If you remove all the strings, the thing will fall off. For this reason, I replace the strings one at a time. Mine came with a form fitting hardshell case ( a must as it's hard to find a standard case that fits ).

If this is your sound, then this is THE bass for you. Warm, round and singing. You can't really get much spank out of this bass, but if you want to play lots of melodic stuff ( ala McArtney ) or are doing lots of retro or especially alternative stuff, this it THE one. What can I say - sturdier than a Hofner, newer appointments, a LOT less dough, and really nice sounding. I have not noticed any appreciable noise from the pickups, but then I roll off the tone knob some. You can't get a whole lot of different sounds out of her - but what she does, she does quite well.

She was set up pretty well from the factory. I lowered the action a bit, which messed up the intonation, so then I had to loosen the strings and move the bridge around, retune, and check the intonation over and over again till it was back. This took a good hour, so beware if you start to change to different guage strings - you better have time to mess with it. Pickups were set well for optimal tone with little pull. Only minor flaw was one of the tuners was slightly out of alignment. You could only see this from the back. No big deal. Everything else was flawless and clean.

Havn't tried her live yet - I beleive she will take a lot and come back for more. Hardware looks really solid - no junk metal. Finish is solid and should last a lifetime. Strap buttons - what can I say - if you don't like 'em , replace 'em. I would depend on this one for my only bass at a gig without a backup. The only reason I would carry a backup is if I needed to get a different sound for some songs.

Never dealt with them, but it comes with a Lifetime warranty.

I've been playing bass for about 7 years. I also own a Fender P-bass,
and an MTD Kingston 4 string and a Fernandes Retrospect 5 string. I mostly play through a SWR head with a 4 X 10 SWR cab. If Viola was lost I would be bummed, but I think Epiphone makes these with pretty consistent quality, so I would just get a new/used one to replace it.
I love Viola because she is beatiful to look at and easy on the shoulder, and opens up new musical ideas. I don't really hate anything ( except maybe brussel sprouts ).

This is a newer release, 1998 or 99.
Purchased from Long & McQuade (Victoria)
Paid (overpaid: $550) Canadian. I say overpaid because they're currently on for $445. Shoulda waited.
She's a beautiful axe. I use her for home recording, haven't gigged with it. Very nice weight and balance, picked up a hard shell case which I shaped with coned foam and she fits nice and snug in there.
As someone else stated, if you haven't got the bucks for a Hofner, this is a VERY close second.

Overall tonal response is excellent. Obviously this depends on what amp you're running through. I'm using a rare Rickenbacker TR35B, and the sound is smooth. You can get hard and punchy if you want, but I don't go there very often, generally using a very warmnon resonating tone.

She's pretty to look at, Photographs well, and is a pleasure to wear for any length of time.

I use this bass for my home recording project so I can't comment on gigging with it.

Owned an Epiphone Les Paul copy in the past. Never had any problem with it. Epiphone makes a good product.

I've been playing (guitar, bass, keys) about 35 years now.
Yeah I wish Long & McQuade had suggested I hold off for 8 months to a year because it wouldn't have cost me so much. But that's them.
Lost or Stolen??? Probably not because I could supply whatever bass I might need from my Workstation.
Love about it: It's just so cool to play and cradle.
Hate about it: Hey....it's close, but it's not a Hofner
Favourite Feature: would be he weight.
Comparison: Almost purchased a Washburn, but didn't like the weight.
If you're a novice, and you'd like a nice first bass, this would be an ideal unit, just for the weight alone, but also the tonal and sound capabilities of this bass are pretty impressive. In a word or two: I'm keeping mine, and I'm glad I have it.

I bought my Epiphone Viola Bass two months ago after playing a friend's and getting sticken by its looks, in the first place, but also by its comfort, playability. It's got a very wide tonal range, but I do prefer bottoms, so I've set some flatwound strings on it to get that vintage, Hofner tone - and it really worked!
Although I haven't had it for a long time, I would recommend it for anyone who'd like to have a Hofner but can't afford one. What's more, I honestly think it looks, feels, and sounds better than the real stuff.

I own a Rickenbacker replica that until very recently I thought it was original. A luthier worked on it and did not discover it was a fake, so that might give you guys a plug of what a nice work these people got done! I myself played on original Rickenbackers, and I think my bass (made in the 70's by Brazilian make Giannini) sounds exactly the same, but as it is lighter, feels much better. By the way, another luthier (who spotted it was not an original Rick) told me Giannini imported all hardware and pickups from Rickenbacker,so the only difference is the kind of wood used (as you know, Brazilian woods are high quality material, and Giannini respected the through-neck construction). This is illustrative on how relative it is to think that the original stuff is the best. I guess the same thing happens with the Epiphone Viola versus the Hofner 500/1. The Viola is a modern and improved version of the Hofner, and that's why it is, on the whole, a better bass, at a much lower cost (one fifth of the price or so ??!!).

* This is a 30.5" short scale. * Set maple neck with a flame maple semi-hollow body, light brown fade edging with black/white creme double piping trim at the edges. * Fret markers have pearl dots; white dots along the neck edge * Sides are black and the back is flame maple burst as the front * Rosewood fretboard. * Gold Volume controls for each stacked, chrome, mini-humbucking pickup and a Tone control on a creme, pearl rectangular mount. * Pickups are passive. * Floating bridge and fancy chrome tailpiece. * Tuners are stnadard Epi enclosed types with nylon bushings. * Head stock is finished in black with a pearl Epiphpne inlay in script, creme piping at the edges and a script Viola badge centered above the nut. * Strap knobs supplied are too shallow for leather or other heavy straps and need to be replaced immediately with Schaller strap locks for protect this 5 lb. lightweight. * No accessories.

* A very good range of sound for a short scale with warm E string notes and very nice high end - depending on the amp/speakers you use. * Passive Humbucking pickups are clean and quiet. Noises are usually due to low quality amp/speaker cominations with relatively high Total Harmonic Distortion (THD). Not recommended for the cheaper combo bass amps. * Capable of a wide range of sounds e.g., Funk, Reggae, C&W, Top 40, Alternative, Jazz, Pop, Light Rock, some Classic rock, Church backup etc. Probably not the best for Heavy Metal, Fusion or other super thump tunes. Although, with the right amping and detuning , I think it can cover most grooves just fine for a 4 string. * May not have a low enough E for some tastes and or satisfy the low B 5 string crowd (but I dig it anyway). * The Epi Viola has a body style that takes a little getting used to (especially for the right arm/hand placement), since it does not have the usual comfort curves of most electric basses. However, it makes up for it with light weight and a definite cool factor. It also looks great slung on and photographs extremely well, especially when wearing darker colors to set of the flame Maple and shading contrasts. Get a lot of compliments on the looks. * Excellent resonance and sustain on all stings with an Eden combo.

* Made in Korea and setup by Epiphone in the USA - nice job * Action is just fine with no buzzing or dead spots noted * Fit, and finish are very well done overall, a lot of detail work done * Minor flaws: dots on the 12th fret no perfectly aligned, black plastic guard around the top, treble pickup not perfectly square (but very close) and a couple of sanding touches needed before laquering on the edge of the neck with the fret dots. All very minor, but I'm picky. * All hardware and fittings excellent, except the strap knobs did not extend out enough * Needed to install a thumb rest, since I was not able to to find a comfortable position between the two pickups. Accomplished this with a Velcro setup and a 2" rectangular piece of car dash burl trim. No holes needed and easy to relocate if desired. * You will never get a back ache after a 3 or 4 set night with a 5.5 lb. unit that includes the strap locks and a heavy leather 3" wide stap. It's like playing air guitar. Very enjoyable.

* No problems playing with this bass live for gigs as long as strap locks are installed. * Very satisfied with the hardware. * Need to be reasonably careful with the floating bridge and a set neck. * Stays in tune very well with round wound stings of medium gauge. * Since the pickups are passive it is very reliable. * Set neck requires no adjustment and seems very solid. * No need for a backup with this ax unless your a wild man jumping about and crashing into things for stim. * I've whacked it a few times on a ceiling fan, chair, etc. and haven't chipped it yet. Tough finish and wood materials.

* Never dealt with the company, just my local dealer and luthier * Epiphone has an exetensive web site * Two year warrenty * If an Epi Viola is good coming out of the store, you should have no probs other than regular maintenance items

* The more I play it, the more I like it. * I have bought a lot of music and PA equipment over the years * I knew what I was getting into v. the longer scales and some of the tone trade offs. Nonetheless, I found that almost all tones I need can be achieved if using the right amp and understanding the nuances of the guitar. Like anything else in music, this takes considerable time and experimenting. The results have been gratifying as well as fun so far. * I tried out a lot of basses and wanted to get this one first. It had my vibe and then I got the fever for the plunge. * If if were stolen, lost or broken, I would probably get another one. * Hated the stock strap buttons that were too shallow for a decent hitch. Again, gold Schaller's cured that for $20. * Love the classic tone, depth and wide freq range it can produce. * Love the stacked, mini-Himbucking pickups -- very low noise and lots of vibration pull. Need a gain control on your amp though. * Love the overall look and hardware. * Love Epiphone and MARS Music for putting forth a moderately priced semi-hollow body bass that fitted my retro dream. It showed me that you don't necessarily need to spend a thousand or two on a decent electric bass. There's something out there for everyone now. The best of times to be a bass player.

see www.epiphone.com for details

Well I was very very impressed by the sound of this bass. I figured for the money that it would have a bad sound but WOW! This guitar has a vintage sound that has been lost over the years. ITs very unique! I haven't be able to stop playing it since I got it. Alot of people say it has a thumping sound that is no good for heavy metal or punk, that might be true but I can really tell, it sounds good to me I think its just a different sound then there use to.

The action was great, the floating bridge on the other hand needed some work to get the intonation right but when its there you'll know quickly because the notes are clear and tight.

I think it is probable reliability. everything is pretty tough, I haven't really put it thru the mill yet.

I never had to deal with epiphone. There is a warranty, one year I think.

I was very impressed by this guitar this is going to be my sole Bass for all my bass work on songs. I'm not an old Beatles junky ether I'm 22 and still impressed with the sound, its ashame that this type of sound isn't more popular with people my age it really open ups doors in your writting.

There are a couple other submissions for this bass, so I won't repeat what I don't need to repeat. It's a Hofner style hollowbodied bass with two 'mini' humbucking pickups, 2 volume and 1 tone control. 30.5" scale neck. I bought mine with the hardshell case. I hate the floating bridge. It makes setting the intonation a bitch every time I change strings. But I knew that's what I was getting when I bought it. Hofner's have the same problem.

I play in a 50's/60's rock show band, so naturally, the bass suits my style well. I've been playing this bass exclusively for over a year now. I coninue to be amazed at the depth of the tone. It has a nice, full bottom end-- surprising considering the short scale. With proper eq, I can get any tone I want out of it. I have had a couple brushes with feedback, however. But hey, the thing is hollow, and we're talking about 3 or 4 instances out of quite a few gigs. It's also noisier than I would like. Epiphone claims that these are humbucking pickups, but I am skeptical. Most gigs, the bass is silent, but there are some where I'm forced to roll off some tone to cut down on the hum. To sum up: The tone is fabulous, I think you will be surprised how good this bass sounds. But it's a little too noisy in some environments. If it weren't for the hum I'd give it a 10.

The guitar was set up fine, with really good, low action. Epiphone ships the Viola with roundwound strings. I switched to flats because everyone said 'switch to flatwounds'. I'm not sure if I will stick with them or not. Flats give it a more vintage Hofner sound, I guess, but I think it may have sounded better with roundwound strings. Punchier. The next time I change strings I will probably go back to roundwounds. The finish is just gorgeous. If you're wondering about the lack of a pickguard you'll know why when you see one of these beauties. Flawless binding on the front and back, and binding on the headstock. The front and back has a knockout flamed mape finish, the sides are black. As far as looks go, the Viola totally blows away a Hofner. Everyone whines about Epi tuners, but mine are smooth and accurate. I've owned this bass for a year and played about 150-200 gigs with it and it stays in tune just fine.

I stopped bringing a backup bass for my Viola after about 3 months. It's hollow, but it's solidly built. Again, it has a much more substantially solid feel to it than a Hofner. The finish still looks like brand new after a year of solid gigging, but I am getting some belt buckle checking on the back, which is my own damn fault. The tuners are as good as any I've used, despite what people say about Epiphone hardware. The first thing I did when I brought the Viola home was put straplocks on it. Not using straplocks is just plain irresponsible. Likewise, unless you don't gig, a hardshell case is a must. The Epi case is a a tough one with a form fitted interior with blue/grey padding. Really nice case, although the latches on mine are starting to get corroded. It was only something like $80 so when I beat mine to death I'll just buy another one. Summing up: After a year, it still looks great, is still in great shape. This is a great, high quality instrument.

Never dealt with Epiphone. Has a lifetime warranty, though.

I've been playing professionally for 11 years. I also own a 70's Guild 302 bass, a Fender Precision, G&L Legacy guitar and a Rickenbacker 360. I gig with my Viola through a SWR head and a Carvin 4x10 cabinet. I've played nearly 200 gigs with my Viola now and it has totally surpassed my expectations in every way. I'm in love with it. If it were stolen, I would buy another one immediately following a respectul period of mourning. As for comparing it with other basses, I guess the only comparison that's appropriate is with Hofner. I'm in a successful act, and I make pretty good money playing music, so I could have bought a Hofner if I'd wanted to. I tried out several. Hofner's are not good basses. The action is bad, the finish is poor, they feel flimsy and they sound like crap. Even Paul McCartney admits this. Plus they are expensive. In absolutely every single measurable regard, the Viola is a better bass. Unless you are in a Beatles tribute band or something that absolutely REQUIRES you to have a Hofner, you're much better off with the Epiphone. There's nothing more that I can say to recommend these basses. The most satisfying bass I have ever owned.

`99 model. Made in China, I think. Laminated maple body with binding, beautiful flame mample top, vintage sunburst finish. Bound headstock with normal pearl-style logo inlay and binding. Rosewood 22 fret fingerboard with dot inlay. 30.5" scale. Set neck joint. Two chrome mini humberbuckers (passive) with separate volume controls and a shared tone knob.

As you would expect, it has the vintage tone of the Hofner "Beatle Bass" used by Paul McCartney. Some may find it a bit boomy, particularly if you play with your fingers instead of a pick as I usually do. But I LOVE the warmth. It sounds like nothing else! Flatwound strings (not standard equipment) are a must to get the authentic Hofner tone. There's a bit of buzz from the pickups, but it's very low, and that's the cost of vintage tone. Obviously it's not for all music types. Old or light rock, blues and jazz -- yes! Hard rock or punk -- forget it.

I found the action to be well adjusted. One model I played had small cosmetic defects in the finish or binding. With another, the knobs were not mounted flush to the body, and the middle one was raised higher than the other two. It also had smudgy lettering (volume/tone). The instrument I chose was almost perfect, but look at your bass carefully before you buy if small imperfections would disappoint you. The flame maple tops were all beautiful, even on less than perfect finishes. The necks all felt great.

The instrument is VERY light as basses go. You'd never want to drop it, and with the very small strap buttons, that's a distinct possibility (I've almost done so a couple of times this week alone). I haven't tried installing stap locks on this bass, but I intend to see if they can be added! For longevity, the optional moulded hardshell case is almost a must. It cost me an extra $90 Canadian, but at least I won't worry about damaging the bass.

No experience with this company yet.

If you don't have the money for a Hofner 500/1 or 5000/1 "Beatle Bass", try this one out. At roughly one third to one quarter of the price, how can you go wrong? To me, it sounded as good as the Hofner, and was no more fragile than the genuine German article. The instrument in general feels like better quality than the Jay Turser Beatle basses I tried for comparison, although the Epiphone design isn't as good a copy as a Turser is. I'm very happy with this bass , although until I can ensure that my strap will stay on it reliably, I'm scared of dropping the thing.

Pretty normal features, I guess. I mean it's not like a TV pops out of the headstock or anything. It's got 2 humbucking pickups, volume kobs for each, and a tone knob. The bridge is really neat - it's only held on by the tension in the strings, and it's all wood. Very stylish; I have no idea how it affects the sound of the bass, though (it doesn't matter 'cause it sounds fine, but I'll get to that). It has a mettalic tailpiece and normal tuning pegs. I got it without the normally included case to save money. The neck is pretty thin from one side to the next, but is nice and fat from front to back. And the neck/headstock is one piece.

The sound is awsome. If it's "your sound". It *is* my sound, but it might not be for everyone. It's a very soft, round, fat bottom bass sound. Great for rock (a la early beatles[duh], berry, holly, etc.), blues, and soul/motown souning stuff. It'd probably sound cool in a jazz setting, too, but I haven't tried it. But it'd suck ass for any kind of heavy music, like metal or hardcore, punk. However, that's to be expected given that it's hollow. That, however, is the only reason the soud gets a 6 instead of a 10. A 10 sound would be excellent in every possible environment, and this one is only excellent in a limited number of environments.

The factory setup was fine. The strings are nice, the action was high, but not unbearable. The intonation was perfect. I couldn't find any flaws at all. The finish is beautiful, nice and shiny.

I guess it's reliable. I haven't really put it through the ringer - I reserve my Hamer P.O.S. for that. It has withstood some pretty nasty bumbs against my bedpost.

I've never dealt with Epiphone.

I've been playing for about 6 years. I also own a Hamer Slammer Series, which I reserve for my punk/hardcore tendencies. The Viola is definitely NOT a punk bass. It is awesome for the old-school stuff, blues, soul, 50s rock... you get the idea. I'd definitely buy it again if it were stolen, except I'd pay the extra for the case.