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Average Price: $550

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$1001+

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Description

The 1965 EKO 995 Violin Bass is a vintage gem that captures the essence of the 1960s music scene. Renowned for its unique shape and resonant sound, this bass is a must-have for collectors and musicians drawn to retro aesthetics and tones. Crafted in Italy, EKO's violin bass is known for its hollow body, which provides a warm, rich sound that easily cuts through any mix. The short scale length makes it incredibly playable, making it a favorite for bassists who enjoy fast, melodic lines.

This bass guitar features a distinctive dual pickup configuration, allowing for versatile tonal options, from deep, thumping lows to more articulate mids and highs. The EKO 995 is equipped with a traditionally styled bridge and tailpiece that contribute to its classic look and authentic feel. The neck is designed for comfortable playability, while the fretboard offers smooth action, perfect for those extended jam sessions. With its unique styling and rich tonal palette, the EKO 995 Violin Bass stands out as a piece of musical history and a reliable instrument for modern players.

Whether you're a collector seeking a rare vintage find or a musician looking to add a touch of retro flair to your sound, the 1965 EKO 995 Violin Bass offers both exceptional style and performance.

Key Features:

  • Short scale length for enhanced playability
  • Hollow body design for a warm, resonant tone
  • Dual pickup configuration for versatile sound options
  • Traditional bridge and tailpiece for classic aesthetics
  • Crafted in Italy, iconic 1960s design

Product specs

Brand Eko
Model 995 Violin Bass
Finish Natural
Year 1966
Made In Italy
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Shape Violin
Color Family Natural, Tan
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 4-String
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What is the scale length of the 1965 EKO 995 Violin Bass?

The 1965 EKO 995 Violin Bass features a short scale length, typical of violin basses, which enhances playability and provides a warm, deep tone.

What type of pickups does the 1965 EKO 995 Violin Bass have?

This bass is equipped with passive pickups in a single-coil configuration, contributing to its vintage sound profile.

How does the EKO 995 Violin Bass compare to the Höfner Violin Bass?

While both share a similar violin body shape, the EKO 995 is known for its unique Italian craftsmanship and distinct tonal characteristics, differing from the more commonly known Höfner sound.

Is the 1965 EKO 995 Violin Bass suitable for beginners?

Yes, its short scale length and lightweight design make it comfortable for beginners to play, while still offering a rich, vintage tone appealing to experienced players.

What is the fretboard material of the 1965 EKO 995 Violin Bass?

The fretboard of the 1965 EKO 995 Violin Bass is made from rosewood, which is known for its smooth feel and warm tonal qualities.

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The Bass Guitar - 1965 EKO 995 Violin Beatle Bass (515) 864-6136

Video thumbnail for The Bass Guitar - 1965 EKO 995 Violin Beatle Bass (515) 864-6136 by Lawman Guitars

The Bass Guitar - 1965 EKO 995 Violin Beatle Bass (515) 864-6136

Lawman Guitars

Lawman Guitars

Video thumbnail for EKO Model 995 Bass Guitar from Italy by Dave's World of Fun Stuff

EKO Model 995 Bass Guitar from Italy

Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Video thumbnail for [GUITAR CRAFT]EKO Guitars Violin Bass 995 Made in Italy by gtcraft

[GUITAR CRAFT]EKO Guitars Violin Bass 995 Made in Italy

gtcraft

gtcraft

Reviews

PROS

  • Offers a unique, thumpy tone distinct from other hollow basses

  • More affordable alternative to a German Hofner with a similar vibe

  • Slightly fatter tone than a Hofner Violin Bass due to its bigger body

CONS

  • Considered impractical for serious use by some users

  • Perceived as more of a decorative wall guitar than a playable instrument

  • Price seen as too high given its perceived quality and function

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
rodrigo_ogando

My favourite bass

Very thumpy. I prefer the tone of hollow basses, like hofner or vox. A german hofner cost 3 times the price of this one, but mines 50+ years old, and maybe the aging makes it sound better. It has a slightly fatter tone than a hofner violin, maybe beacause it has a bigger body.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Les Claypool uses Eko 1965 995 Violin Bass

Les Claypool

Singer, Bassist

Primus

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, from the performance of Claypool Lennon Delirium at the Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival 2016: for "Astronomy Domine" by Pink Floyd, Les Claypool briefly abandons his Pachyderm Bass to play an EKO 995 Violin Bass.

See how Justin Meldal-Johnsen uses Eko 1965 995 Violin Bass

Justin Meldal-Johnsen

Bassist, Music Producer

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via TalkBass.com

JMJ is an active presence on TalkBass.Com and discusses his Eko 995 with other players in this thread. He links Paramore's "Hard Times" as a song he used the Eko on. There is also a screenshot of his basses on a stand with the Eko pictured.

See how Christian Bland uses Eko 1965 995 Violin Bass

Christian Bland

Guitarist

The Black Angels

...
Verified via YouTube

In a Premier Guitar Rig Rundown video, Christian Bland discusses his use of the 1965 EKO 995 Violin Bass, noting its connection to the Beatles' sound.

See how Carl Wilson uses Eko 1965 995 Violin Bass

Carl Wilson

Singer, Guitarist

The Beach Boys

...
Verified via Photo

In a live performance, Carl Wilson can be seen playing a 1965 EKO 995 Violin Bass, as documented by @columnatedruinsdomino on Instagram.

See how Sarah Midori Perry uses Eko 1965 995 Violin Bass

Sarah Midori Perry

Singer, Keyboardist

Kero Kero Bonito

...
Verified via YouTube

At 1:41 you can see Jamie playing an Eko Violin Bass.

See how Chris Joannou uses Eko 1965 995 Violin Bass

Chris Joannou

Bassist

Silverchair

...
Verified via Photo

In this old pic from the Innocent Criminals era, you can see Chris holding a Eko 995 bass

See how Jeff Walker uses Eko 1965 995 Violin Bass

Jeff Walker

Singer, Bassist

Carcass

...
Verified via YouTube

In Carcass "Heartwork" music video Jeff Walker is playing a Eko 995 Violin Bass. This is probably the only time he uses this bass.

See how Chris Ballew uses Eko 1965 995 Violin Bass

Chris Ballew

Singer, Guitarist

The Presidents of the United States of America

...
Verified via Photo

In the lump music video you can see clearly Chris ballew playing a 1965 eko 995 violin bass

See how Jamie Bulled uses Eko 1965 995 Violin Bass

Jamie Bulled

Bassist, Keyboardist

...
Verified via YouTube

Jamie plays this bass in this video

See how Rob Grill uses Eko 1965 995 Violin Bass

Rob Grill

Singer, Bassist

The Grass Roots

...
Verified via Photo

When Rob Grill and the Grass Roots reach their peak of success, Grill is mainly seen with an Eko Violin Bass. The Violin design on the bass has been remastered and reimagined by other companies in their own style, due to Paul McCartney popularizing the Hofner Violin. This Eko Violin Bass was similarly a short-scale bass, but with a bigger body, and that is probably why Rob Grill managed to get a hold of one. This Eko bass would be his primary bass in 1967, performing songs such as Let's Live for Today, Midnight Confessions, etc (though he might not record some of the basslines i.e. Midnight Confessions).

See how Keith Olsen uses Eko 1965 995 Violin Bass

Keith Olsen

Bassist, Music Producer

The Music Machine

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Keith can be seen using EKO Violin Bass.

See how Sky Saxon uses Eko 1965 995 Violin Bass

Sky Saxon

Singer

The Seeds

...
Verified via Psychedelic-rocknroll

In the photos in this article, Skye Saxon is playing Eko Violin bass.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Eko 1965 995 Violin Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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