[Joe]

I've gotten myself into a bit of a bind, and have promised my son that I'd build him a Rickenbacker(ish) violin bass like McCartney used to play. I can't find anything that gives the dimensions for this guitar anywhere. Does anyone have a source or happen to own one and be willing to give me the size of the bouts and waists as well as the overall body size and thickness? The original scale length would be a big plus. These days it's easier to get specs on the electronics and pickups in these instruments than the actual dimensions. I assume it's a carved sided box with a graduated arch in the top and back. See what you get yourself into when you have kids?

[Old_Bassman]

Joe, McCartney's violin bass is a Hofner, not a Rickenbacker, though Sir Paul does still play his Rick occasionally. His Hofner is a short scale bass, which is 30 inches from bridge to nut. Hofner makes an Icon series bass which has the feel and sound of their German made ones at about 1/10 the price. I would think that making a short scale bass from scratch would be more expensive than that. Also Epiphone makes a Viola model bass which is essentially the same and ajsut a little cheaper than the Hofner Icon series. Hope this helps.

[Old_Bassman]

Also, I forgot to mention, but the Hofners are hollow body instruments. Either way you decide to go, be sure to have good strings for it. Hofner uses German made Pyramid Gold strings, about $70 UDS a set. Not cheap, but they contribute greatly to that Hofner "Beatle" sound. Good luck.

[WAB74]

Are the pyramid strings the black tape ones?

[Old_Bassman]

Originally Posted by WAB74

Are the pyramid strings the black tape ones?

No, The black tape strings are made by LaBella. Pyramid Gold are steel, but unlike any regular flatwound or roundwound bass strings. You'll feel and see the difference when you take them out of the package. Incredible tone. They can make a bass sound completely different and are a large part of th legendary Hofner sound. Not cheap, but well worth it and they wil last longer than standard el cheapo bass strings.
Here is the link for the Pyramid Gold strings website:

http://www.pyramidstrings.com/st-guitar.html

[odysseios]

Hofner strings are Pyramid with the Hofner brand and package.
Green tape for both.

[VOXguy]

There are many other options for a McCartney style violin bass. I have seen chinese knock offs for under $200 new.

I wouldn't waste my money on an ICON as they use all chinese parts. The German model uses all German parts, plus it is built and finished by guys making $30+ and hour in Germany, so it costs way too much.

The build in China has been excellent for the better brands of guitars and in some cases better in China, than the USA. Japan and Korea has put out some exceptional guitars and Mexican guitars are becoming more highly regarded for their finishes. All of the indonesian stuff I have seen is 2nd rate.

Personally, I think if you want a "Beatle" style bass, Hofner is the brand. If you want the best bang for your buck, buy a Hofner Contemporary -its made in China with all german parts and if you shop hard you can pick one up with a nice case for about $700.

[VOXguy]

Kool School has a new Beatle Bass for $199.99 on eBay.

[Repairman77]

Even cheaper if you just want a copy...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/TOP-NEW-BEATLE...item5636c66938
Not sure if they post to the USA but probably do.
Mike.