Jay Turser JTB-2B Violin Beatle Bass

With 53 reviews and counting, I think the features have been pretty well covered. It would be wrong to say that the bass has "tons of features", but it does have every single feature you would expect to find on a Hofner-inspired violin bass, so it gets a 10.

Yeah, it does sound great. Not for everyone, and probably not what most players would want for their only, or even primary instrument (which is why I can't imagine anyone spending upwards of $2,000 for a genuine Hofner.) Similar tone quality to my little vintage (1960ish, semi-hollow, single cutaway) Kay shortscale - actually I prefer the tone of the Kay (bigger and woodier) but the Turser is much easier get in tune and keep in tune, and the electronics on the Turser are super clean, where the Kay hums like mad.

Well, this is where the Turser falls down just a bit. The body, neck, electronics, and most of the hardware are pretty good, but the bridge is just a piece of crap - cheap, inferior wood poorly fabricated. But here's a tip: Allparts manufactures a very nice after-market Hofner bridge that is beautiful and well crafted. Look for one on ebay - they're out there (while you're at it, Allparts does a Hofner tailpiece that looks just like the genuine article - guaranteed to class up your Turser.)

Now here's something outstanding: my bass has a "natural" finish, very unique for a violin bass. It looks great, and it announces to the world right up front that this instrument is not trying to look like "Paul's bass." The natural Turser is a little hard to find and may cost a little extra, but try to get one if you don't wanna be a wannabe.

Seems well-built, except for that awful bridge - replace it immediately!

A great value for:

A backup bass
A change of pace bass
A small, lightweight "travel" bass
A pseudo-vintage bass
A really fun litlle bass

Just got my Jay Turser Beatle Bass. I'm impressed! I put this bass side by side with an actual 1967 Hofner owned by a friend of mine. He says he is retiring the 67 and getting a Jay Turser JTB-2B for the rigors of live performance.

Don't expect anything from this bass except for a warm vintage vibe. The electronics are passive. The scale is 30". And the neck is a set neck. Very Beatleleque!

Bought the Bass from Music 123, It showed up perfect! Most American instruments cannot touch the finish quality of this "cheap" copy. We in North America could learn a lesson or two from the Chinese!

So far, Bass is great. A really well built instrument.

This is where I worry, but... I think any time you buy an instrument over the net, you should be wary.

I would highly reccomend this bass. It is by far the best copy of a Hofner I have seen!

This made-in-China Hofner copy looks pretty good but fit and finish is shoddy and mine had trouble with the electronics, which the maker refused to help with. So much for their 'warranty'. Buy it in a store if you must, but don't trust with mail order, and especially, don't buy direct from Jay Turser online unless you don't care whether you have anyone to turn to.

Might sound better after I spend money to fix the electronics.

I was disappointed, but I guess that's what you get when you buy a copy sight-unseen.

I'm afraid it fell apart before I laid eyes on it.

They were friendly during the order process, but when mine arrived with a loud, buzzy pot and one pickup not working, they just stopped answering my emails. Caveat emptor.

I've been playing for about 10 years and I have a Fender Jazz Bass and a wooden Steinberger, plus a few copies. I use an Ampeg preamp, Carvin power amp, and I'm using Peavey cabs now.

I would buy another Hofner copy but I'll never buy Jay Turser again after their rotten customer service.

Except for the pickups, Volume and Tone knobs, and Tuners, it is an exact copy of the Hofner Beatle Bass. I just bought it new (Dec. 2005), I don't know what year it was made or where it was made. The finish is a beautiful vintage sunburst, the same as the Hofner.

I have been playing for 37 years. I started playing bass when I was 11 years old and bought a used Hofner club bass (which I still own). I always wanted the violin shaped Hofner (I played a few copies as a kid, but never owned one). I own 26 guitars (four of them bass guitars). I swithched to guitar when Led Zeppelin came out and have five CDs on the web, had some success with my first record in Europe in the 80s. Although when playing live with my band I play lead guitar, lead vocals, and keyboards; in the studio I do all the bass playing and some of the drumming. I am a tone freak and have an extensive guitar rig. When my band opened for John Entwhistle's band in the 80s, his guitar player remarked how great my home done rig was copared to the one he had built for him in LA. So, I'm just trying to get accross how important tone is to me. As far as style, my msic is a cross between the Beatles, The Who , first two albums of Led Zeppelin, Queen, ELO, Jeff Beck, Mahavishnu, Zappa, Alice Cooper, David Bowie, etc.
I own a Hofner. This bass blows me away. I am working on a new CD and I was going for a very vintage vibe on one of the cuts. I layed the rythmn guitar using an Epiphone Casino into a 64 Fender Deluxe and Vox AC30 models from my Vetta. The lead and crunch guitars was my Parker PM20 Les Paul style guitar with Virtual PAFs through a Hiwatt model. Then I layed down the Bass track with the Turser (with flat wound strings) through a 1967 Fender Bassman model from the Bass POD. Unbelievable!!! It was full, round, deep, and defined. I didn't have to EQ it. It just sat there in the mix and didn't step on anything. The guitars were clear, the drums were big and solid, and the bass was Punchy, round, and where the bass should be; and I could hear every note. I was shocked that a bass, a copy no less, this inexpensive, could sound this good. I was expecting to have to change the pickups, but I'm not touching it. I'm probably going to use it on most of the tracks on this CD, not just the vintage sounding track, because it sits so well in the mix. I can't recommend it enough. If you like that punchy, big bottom vintage bass sound, this is it (make sure you put flat wound strings on it). I know that Joe Osbourne and Carol Kaye used Fender basses through Ampeg Flip tops (and I have used this sound myself on a couple of tracks), but this cops that vintage vibe they had on the hits of the 60s (Grass Roots, Beach Boys, Aquarius, etc.)even though they played solid bodies and this is a hollow body. In case you haven't figured it out yet, I love this bass.

Usually when I buy a guitar, I change the pickups, adjust the truss rod, and the height of the pickups. I bought this from Ross Music and I didn't have to touch it (except for changing the strings). I know that some people have talked about changing the tuners to pearloid banjo tuners, to more closely resemble the Hofner. I was thinking of doing that, but I'm a bit wary now. I'm wondering if the mass of the tuners on the headstock adds to the sustain. I have no idea, but since I'm only using it in the studio, and I love the way it sounds as is, I'm probably going to leave alone.

Everything seems solid

No Idea

Most of the info asked for in this catagory was answered in "sound".
I love this bass. It feels great. Looks great. Sounds great. What else could you want? If you want vintage bass, this is it. If it were stolen (and I hope I never have to find out), I would definitely replace it. It would bum me out because guitars can sometimes be like snowflakes. Even though they are production models, they differ slightly. I feel like I got a gem with this one. A huge bang for the buck.

Nice brigde, tuning perfect, even with the highest notes... but I hate short-scalers! It maybe looks like a little-easy-to-brake toy... but if u're gentle... :)))

Sounds just like it should, fat, short-scale, and roundy! Forget about slapin' it, you could brake it :)

It's a less-then-300-bucks-guitar, what can you expect? After all, it's not that bad, I saw worse!

Well, I wouldn't use it without a backup... but I haven't got a problems with it (yet)!

I've been playin' for 12+ years, and I own few bass guitars (I never sold any)... yeah, 6 and counting... including this one! As I said, I don't like shortscalers, but (as I think that many of you do), I'm playing in The Beatles Tribute Band, and I gotta have "the bass"! Did I mention I'we played Hofner Violin Bass? Crap! For the price, I bought this JTB2B, and went in Egypt for a summer (and took my girlfriend):))) Defenitly not my favorite, but... if u (like it) need it... it's a good choice!

Fingerboard Rosewood
Machine Heads Die cast machines
Neck Joint Set
Neck Material Maple
Pickguard Pearl
Controls 2 Volume, 3 Slide switch
Pickups 2 Humbucking pickups

Extremely light weight, violin shaped "Beatle Bass". Got the fitted case separately.

I use this to play Christian Contemporary. It would work for oldies, gospel, classic rock. Not for metal or slapping. Currently using no amps, sometimes use a boss equalizer pedal to boost the sound. No excess noise at all. I put a set of Pyramid strings on it, (recommended by a Paul impersonator) to get the McCartney sound. It has slide switches, and controls for each pickup, so there is some noticable variety of sounds you can achieve. I use it primarily for live playing, and it works just fine. It mainly has a bright sound. The action is pretty high, but I am satisfied with it that way. Nice sustain.

As stated before, the action was high. I had to get it set-up prior to playing it. Had a bit of fret buzz. Some of the parts look VERY cheap, but this is an inexpensive guitar. The pickguard is very rough, and flaky. I have only played the bass a couple times, and one of the switches and pickups have gone out. (the guitar is being repaired as we speak) For poor electronics, I give this category a low rating.

This bass will withstand live playing. I have used it for a few live services. I am unsure how long this bass will hold up, as I mentioned that I am seeing some flaws in the electronics. The finish is beautiful, strap buttons are solid. I have only had one neck adjustment (in almost two years), when I first bought the guitar. USE A BACKUP!!!

I got this from Music123. They were GREAT, fast service. I will definately be using Music123 for future purchases.

This bass has gotten many bad reviews. By bad, I mean I think a lot of people have had the "new product rush", picked at it a few times, and posted a 5 star review. I was VERY happy with this guitar when I first bought it. Mainly because I didn't have any experience with anything else. I jumped online, and quickly gave it 5 stars. After two years, it's down to 3. You get what you pay for. Don't expect this to look, play, or feel like a $2000 guitar. It is nice for a $279 guitar. It's a great starter bass!!

I wish I would have played this guitar before I bought it. I was more in love with the look than the sound. I have never played a Hofner, so I can't compare the two. I chose this bass on looks alone, and the reviews that it got. I love the range of sounds, I love the look, and as soon as it's out of the shop, I'll continue to play through an equalizer. I love the fact that it's so lightweight and short scale.

If it were stolen, I would be disappointed. I even tried to sell the bass, then just couldn't part with it. I have always wanted a "Beatle Bass".

If you like the early Beatle sound, this is the bass for you! Just be aware of the hype, and remember you get what you pay for.

very confusing controls.mine is black with gold hardware semi hollow rosewood fretboard.

this is where this bass really stands from the crowd.Fans of low-end, this is the bass for you, great sound for blues, jazz or cuntry not a rock bass or a slap bass but just a good old round bassy sound of a bass.dont worry to much about the strings it comes with.sounds just find right out of the box.

mind bass came with high action.Just a little tweeking and the bass should be just fine.

for a semihollow bass this thing is built like a rock.if it does break i will sure by another in a heart beat.

i have been playing for about 20 years.I've played anything from gosphel to latin jazz,by the way the bass is perfect for latin music gives a nice upright bass sound.This is a very great value for the money.it has the perfect sound a truely bass,bass sound

Great bass! 2 Volume knobs and 3 slide switches make it as sweet as the original. At first I was skepticle, but I don't regret gettin' this sweet bass now.

Well, it's nice and boomy and "muddy" sounding, that the hollow body and nice pick-ups produce, like the original sounds of the Beatles music. HOWEVER, horrible stock strings that come with it but after a new set its ok... still a bit of buzzing though.

Not a flaw on it! Beautiful finish, and solid. Nice and light too. Great fit, just wish it was a 2 peice neck. Still adore the look though. I was afraid of ordering the left handed bass (as a lefty) and was terrified of it being an extremeley red tint, like the Rogue. However, the finish still looks as sweet as the original.

So far seems good. As a primarily 'young' musician, I've never played it in BIG gigs, however I have played live in small pubs, etc, and haven't had a bad thing happen yet. I'm not too worried about keeping a spare or second bass with me. This bass has an extremely solid body, for its hollow and lightweight fit. Treat it like your wife, and it'll never go bad.

Worked with stevesmusiccenter.com. Great! Fast shipping, great handling, made me wish I had done all spending with them!

I do not regret getting this. Waaay better than the rogue, and I truly believe this, is the absolute best Hofner copy there is. The brand Jay Turser is now up there with Gibson, Fender, and even Hofner. If it was stolen, or broken, I would replace in an instant!

2005 ( New Model ) Made in China ( With all the Rest...Hofner's got a Plant There Now...Heard about the Rumour of Hofner's Budget 500/1 ? )
22 Frets
Probably " Basswood " Body & Maple Neck.
Two Volume Knobs, Treble, Bass Rythym & Solo Selector Slide Switches.
Two Humbuckers.
Jay Turser " Hot Asian " Pickups, Twice the Pickup Output of a Hofner 500/1 & I have Owned Two Hofner's, they are Wimpy !
Passive Electronics.
Sunburst Finish.
Violin Bass Modeled after the Hofner 500/1 Beatle Bass and getting Bloody Closer !
Free-Floating Bridge similar to Hofner.
Die-Cast Chrome Sealed Tuning Machines...Very Functional albeit not the Prettiest !
30" or 31 " Scale ( actually takes a Medium-Scale Bass String. )The Neck is Comfortable yet Substantial.
Came with No Accessories.

Bought this to Primarily Handle Beatles, other British Invasion, and Blues,in a Project I am in. To My Surprise, I am Finding it much more Versatile & Capable of Handling a Wider Array of Music.
I will be Playing the Turser Beatle Bass through a Late 60's, or 1970, Ampeg V-6B 240 Watt RMS Tube Rig C/W 2x15" JBL's. I will know in a Few Days how that Sounds ( Oughta be Awesome ! ) I have Played it through My 1979 Traynor YBA-4 50 Watt Tube RMS 1x15" Altec Equipped Combo and it ROCKED ! I only had the Traynor on about Two ( In the Low Channel ! ) and I had no problem keeping up with a Loud Drummer & Loud Guitarist in a Power Trio Format.
It has a Very " Hofner-ish " Sound, but Fuller & Richer than a Hofner 500/1 ( and at a Quarter of the Cost ! ) Much More Versatile than a Hofner ( and I Speak from Experience ! )
I Love the Lightweight & Balance, Versatility & of Course, Cost.
The Elephant-Ear Tuners are somewhat Goofy, and I have Replaced them with Banjo Buttons, for a Modest improvement, I really don't care Either Way, cause it ain't a Real Hofner anyway !
The Nut Needs to be Lowered...No Sweat.

Factory Set-Up just Average, came with the Factory Crappy Roundwounds, Replaced with Rickenbacker Medium-Scale Flatwounds...What a Difference !
As Previously Mentioned, Nut Needs to be Be Filed Lower.
I Tweaked the P/U's...always Do on a New Bass.

Bass already has withstood Live Playing. Jay Turser has constantly Improved these Basses: they are Good Enough for Me, although I am only a Recreational Bass Player anymore, with the " Odd " Gig. I would say they are more Durable than a Hofner 500/1, and at 5.0 Lbs., a Half-Pound Heavier & Stronger ( Of Course, a Hoffie is still a Hoffie, and still the McCartney Bass ! )
Strap Buttons are Very Solid, although I immediately installed Strap-Locks, as I always do ( I Nearly Dropped a 1970 Gibson EB-3 because I didn't have Strap-Locks Installed ! ) I Installed the Forward Lock on the Neck Only made a Couple of Truss Rod Adjustments...No Problem !
Sure, I intend to Gig with it, but it won't see many Gigs !

Jay Turser & Innovations Music ( The Store ), were very helpful indeed !
The Warranty is One Full Year.

I have been Playing Bass since 1969. I also Own a Vintage 1977 Fender Musicmaster Bass ( My Main Bass ), a 1976 Yamaki 6-String Acoustic Guitar, a Hartke Kickback 10 120 Watt Bass Combo Amp, a Fender BXR25 Bass Practice Amp, a Rolls Mini-Mix 51 System ( For at Home Practice ), a Vintage 1979 Traynor YBA-4 50 Watt Tube 1x15" Altec Lansing Equipped Bass Combo Amp.
I have Owned a Jay Turser Beatle Bass before, and this is an Improvement, Much Closer to the Hofner in Size and Look. I Basically Bought this Bass for the Golden Oldies Project that I am in....We do about 50% Beatles ! My Fave Bass is still the 77' Fender Musicmaster, however.
One Last thing I'd like to share is that it seems Silly to Spend a Lot of Money putting Hofner Parts into these Basses. They usually Require Modifications and, Hence $$$$$$$, so if You want a Real Hofner..... Put the Dollars into a REAL One !
A Turser's a Turser a Turser.....they Look Different because they ARE DIFFERENT !
They LOOK & SOUND SIMILAR to a 500/1....but they AREN'T Hofner 500/1's !

That Said, for the Money, they CANNOT BE BEAT ! And I Previously Owned a 1970 Vintage Original Hofner 500/1 & a 1999 Vintage Reissue 1963 500/1.

I've had this bass for three years and submitted an earlier review. Wanted to follow up with another one.

Features? Well covered in other reviews.

I am amazed that some are shocked that the bridge "falls off" when you take the strings off.

1. the floating bridge is an authentic Hofner touch. It's SUPPOSED to do that!

2. when you change strings you souldn't take all the srings off at the same time anyway!

you get this bass BECAUSE it makes a certain sound. it's warm and thumpy. if you want bright sustain, or you want to slap or pretend you are Flea, spend less on an OLP Ernie Ball copy fercyrinoutloud!

and yes, for the love of all that's holy put flatwounds on it.

Ok, this is what I really wanted to get at.

if you want this bass to learn to play (a good choice) or just to muck around with, enjoy it out of the box.

If you want to gig with this bass I strongly urge you to spend a little extra money and have a guitar tech do the following (unless you can competently do it yourself)

1. set the intonation. with the floating bridge this is NOT easy. Not a Jay Turser issue, same goes with a genuine Hofner or any guitar with a floating bridge.

2. check the fretwork. mine needed a little tweaking (again an issue endemic with all cheap asian made copies.)

3. check and adjust the truss rod.

this made a HUGE difference in playability and sound.

i also took the advice of a previous reviewer and replaced the tuner pegs with banjo tuner pegs from stewmac.com. three bucks and from a short distance are identical to genuine hofner tuners (which go for $110!)

Giving it a 6 just because it is what it is.

played and gigged with this bass regulary for three years. it's held up well with normal maintenence.

Emailed Jay Turser once with a question and got an immediate reply. Other reviewers have mentioned a positive things.

"Jay Turser" is part of a large compay called Music Industries Corp that makes a range of low cost instruments and accessories. Not a fly by night operation.

Overall, I am VERY happy with the bass. Has held up well and with the tweaking I mentioned sounds very good.

I play in a cover band. We play mostly 60's garage band staples, beatles and some classic rock. This bass does most of that just fine, thank you.

If it was stolen? For five minutes I would dream about getting a real Hofner and then come to grips with reality and my budget and get a new one.