I've wanted a big hollowbody bass since forever... especially a Hofner President, though it'll be forever 'til I find one I can afford. Of course, Broadkasters, Electrotones and Long-scale Shovelheads get me all hot and bothered, too.
Looking for cheap alternatives, I came to like the Dean Stylist - big singlecut body, mostly traditional style. As luck had it, I found an older model on the great market bazaar for $200. In my long tradition of half-assing cheap replicas in favor of saving for the real thing, you just know I'm going to mod the tar out of this thing.
Based on parts I've got laying around the shop, I'm thinking:
- Hofner bridge & tailpiece
- Bass Filtertrons or DeArmond Goldtones
- Sperzels or Hipshot Ultralites
- New tort guard
- Moving jack to side & rewiring to vol/vol/master tone
Mockup from the auction photo:
I had a Hofner bridge for it, but didn't realize just how narrow it was - I'm going to try carving a wider bridge & base from ebony blocks, complete with slots & fretwire saddles. Fortunately, there's plenty of clearance for a floating bridge.
