LeftyBassist.com

Hello all, I acquired two nice basses from Eugene in a trade that were in our own spotted section and I was asked and said I would give a small review of the basses when I got them. I traded my first Warrior and a MarkBass head for these basses plus a little cash. Not much success lately selling anything of serious value so I took a chance. If this should be in another section sorry...
So as far as the F bass fretless it is being shipped off to Pat Wilkins to be refinished. I’m still not sure what color I want done. It will most likely be up for sale or trade when it gets back so if anyone has any opinion on the color I should choose please I am open to all recommendations. I was thinking piano black, deep dark blue violet purple or a deep dark like dried blood red. Anyway I’ll post before and after pics when I get it back in 6 – 8 weeks. She is perfect in every way but for the finish.

Now for this Vinny bass a Joe Zon VB 5 set neck (he doesn’t make set neck Vinnies anymore) I wasn’t sure what to make of it you know it’s just weird looking. I have never owned a composite graphite neck bass of any kind before and didn’t know what to expect. So it was in need desperately of a serious cleaning of all parts and new stings and a good set up. I put DR Marcus Millers on and set intonation and adjusted truss rod slightly and just cleaned her up well. There were some shiny spots in the satin finish and well 0000 steel wool takes that right out. She is in my opinion now 9.5 out of 10. I have original gig bag and real Zon knobs coming in a day or so.

I brought it to one of my rehearsals a week or so ago and I got some snide remarks and comments on the shape. Like “hey dude the 80’s called and want their bass back” and all that kind of stuff. Well I plugged it in and oh man just totally kick ass jazz tone with super sustain and projection. The neck gives totally even notes all over the neck no dead spots at all. Just crystal clear articulation and full round tone I was so surprised. I love this bass more and more. The curly redwood top is just beautiful too. This set neck design actually has a wood core in the neck and then it’s wrapped or molded with all the composite material and the Phenowood fretboard. Just a superb stable bass you can throw over your shoulder and go anywhere easily.

Congrats! I sure am glad this baby ended up in the family.

I'm wondering about the wood-core of the neck. Do you think that was done more for weight-relief, or for tonal purposes?

Another member here who I am good friends with who also owns a superb Zon bass and talks to Joe often asked Joe the same question…I had the email but I think I dumped it by accident. The higher end Zon basses still are made with the same set neck but the Vinny basses are not anymore.

Joe explained in so many words that the bolt on is a solid composite graphite neck that will give a more punchy hard tone. The set neck with I believe a maple core will give a more open neck through tone. I can tell you though my Vinny is punchy as hell so I’m not sure how much punchier it could get but I like what this one is doing.