- Publisher: Toontrack
- Product: Hollowbody EBX
- Release: Talula
- Version: 1.0.0
- Format: EZbass Sound Expansion
- Requirements: EZbass 1.2.0 and higher
Introducing the Hollowbody EBX for EZbass, a versatile bass instrument designed for everything from mellow acoustic pop to hard-hitting electric rock. This stunning virtual instrument is based on a rare 1967 short-scale, semi-hollow electric bass, offering a unique combination of warmth and clarity that’s perfect for a wide range of musical genres. Whether you’re crafting subtle singer-songwriter tunes or energetic indie rock anthems, the Hollowbody EBX delivers solid low-end power, articulate mids, and piercing highs, making it an essential tool for any producer or musician.
Key Features
- Sampled from a rare 1967 semi-hollow electric bass for authentic, vintage sound
- Finger and pick playing styles to provide varied tonal options
- Half-round strings for a balanced mix of warmth and brightness, with reduced rattle and noise
- Custom MIDI library designed for acoustic pop, indie rock, new wave, and goth styles
- Collection of mix-ready presets for a range of warm, earthy tones and punchy basslines
- Range from D1 to E4, covering all your bass needs from low, thuddy foundation to bright, twangy articulations
- Available in EZbass, making it easy to integrate into your workflow with infinite customization options
The Instrument: Semi-Hollow, Rock Solid
The Hollowbody EBX is based on the iconic Gibson EB-2, an electric bass introduced in 1958 as part of Gibson’s second-ever bass guitar series. The EB-2 was designed with a semi-hollow body construction, similar to the ES-335 guitar, and featured a short 30.5″ scale neck, making it perfect for a unique bass tone that blends acoustic-like warmth with the punch of an electric instrument. This instrument’s one humbucker pickup produces a powerful, focused sound that has captured the attention of bassists across genres for decades.
Sampled directly from one of the rare basses in this series, the Hollowbody EBX brings its distinctive sound to your EZbass library with all the rich tones of the original instrument. From its warm, swampy low end to its articulate and expressive midrange, this bass has a sound that truly stands out in any mix.
The Sounds & Articulations: Thud, Thump, and Twang!
The Hollowbody EBX offers a tonal palette that spans from deep, thuddy lows to bright, twangy highs—perfect for a variety of musical styles. The bass was sampled using two playing methods: fingerstyle and pick, giving you two distinct tonal flavors that will suit any project.
- Fingerstyle: Ideal for warmer, rounder tones with a rich, earthy character that sits well in acoustic pop or singer-songwriter tracks.
- Pick: For a brighter, more expressive sound that cuts through dense mixes, ideal for genres like indie rock, new wave, and goth.
The selection of half-round strings plays a crucial role in shaping the sound of this bass. These strings offer a perfect balance between the bright, sharp edge of roundwound strings and the smooth, muted tone of flatwounds. This makes them ideal for reducing noise and rattle while retaining just enough brightness for a more expressive, resonant tone.
As Ulf Edlund, the lead sound designer for EZbass, notes, the bass’s naturally narrow frequency range makes it perfect for standing out in a mix without clashing with other instruments. It locks in tightly with the drums and provides a solid foundation for the rest of the track, making it an invaluable tool for any producer looking to add depth and warmth to their sound.
The Presets: Ready-Made Tones for Every Style
The Hollowbody EBX comes with a wide range of mix-ready presets, meticulously designed to capture the essence of this instrument’s unique tonal qualities. From warm and robust basslines to brighter, more articulate tones, these presets make it easy to dial in the perfect sound for your track. Each preset includes a custom set of controls, giving you full control over the bass’s sound while providing a solid foundation that works in any genre.
Whether you’re working with vintage amps, modern effects, or a blend of both, the Hollowbody EBX delivers classic and contemporary tones that can fit into any production.
If you prefer to create your own tones from scratch, simply use the ‘DI’ (direct input) preset, which bypasses all internal effects, allowing you to run the instrument through your own external signal chain. Combine this with the ‘Multi-Out’ option for ultimate flexibility, and shape the bass sound to your exact specifications within your DAW.
The MIDI: A Jumpstart for Your Own Grooves
In addition to the instrument itself, the Hollowbody EBX comes with a custom MIDI library, featuring a collection of basslines tailored to the genres where this instrument truly shines. From acoustic pop and singer-songwriter to indie rock, new wave, and goth, these MIDI basslines offer a solid foundation for your compositions. They are easy to customize, tweak, and fine-tune, allowing you to create endless variations on each groove.
The included MIDI library is designed to get you started quickly, but also leaves plenty of room for you to adjust and make it your own. Whether you’re creating simple rhythms or complex basslines, the Hollowbody EBX ensures your bass parts fit seamlessly into any production.
Why Choose the Hollowbody EBX?
The Hollowbody EBX offers a unique blend of features that make it a standout choice for bassists and producers alike:
- Authentic vintage sound sampled from a rare 1967 semi-hollow bass.
- Two playing styles (finger and pick) provide versatility and a wide tonal range.
- Half-round strings deliver a balanced sound that’s perfect for a variety of genres.
- Mix-ready presets designed for immediate integration into your projects.
- Custom MIDI library for easy inspiration and fast workflow.
- Built for EZbass, making it simple to integrate and customize.
This instrument isn’t just for traditional bass lines—it’s perfect for adding warmth, depth, and character to any style of music, from indie rock to acoustic pop, new wave to goth. With the Hollowbody EBX, you have everything you need to create authentic, powerful bass tones in minutes.
System Requirements
- 500 MB free disk space + an additional 500 MB for installation
- 4 GB RAM (8 GB or more recommended)
- A working EZbass 1.2.0 (or above) installation
Ready to Rock with the Hollowbody EBX?
Unlock the full potential of your bass tracks with the Hollowbody EBX for EZbass. With its rich, versatile tones and intuitive features, this instrument will become an essential part of your production toolkit. Get started today and bring the earthy warmth and powerful punch of this classic 1967 semi-hollow bass to your music!