Can I expect to get a better sound plugging in an acoustic bass guitar directly into the mixer w/ 1/4" plug than I would from an electric bass? thanks!

Not sure I understand the question, but I'll try....

It probably has a preamp, so it will be better than hooking up a PASSIVE bass directly to the mixer since it has a preamp. However, an active bass will have a similarly hotter signal since it also has a preamp.

What you need is a DI in either case.

basically, my friends play open mics at a few of the local bars and generally they just take their acoustic-electric guitars and plug right into the PA without a DI box.

I'd rather spend my money on a used acoustic bass guitar with active pickup than a DI box, so I am wondering if I can reasonably get away with plugging right into the PA without the DI box, like they do.

I am assuming if I plug an electric bass in without the DI it is not going to mesh well w/ acoustic guitar signals and everything will sound like mud.

I'd rather spend my money on a used acoustic bass guitar with active pickup than a DI box, so I am wondering if I can reasonably get away with plugging right into the PA without the DI box, like they do.

Yes, you can get away with plugging it in without a DI if it has a preamp. The DI will improve the signal, but you can get by without it like your guitarists.

I am assuming if I plug an electric bass in without the DI it is not going to mesh well w/ acoustic guitar signals and everything will sound like mud.

This assumption is wrong..."meshing" with the guitars and things sounding like mud will not happen. What will happen is the signal will be weak, you'll have to crank up the gain on the channel (if it has one, some cheap mixers don't) and your sound will suffer.

I'd rather spend my money on a used acoustic bass guitar with active pickup than a DI box, so I am wondering if I can reasonably get away with plugging right into the PA without the DI box, like they do.

Why would you do that? A good DI is probably one of the most useful tools in a gigging bassist's arsenal.

On the topic at hand, though, a lot of acoustic-electric instruments nowadays have a low-impedance output in the form of an XLR jack, and that can be plugged straight into a mic input on the mixer. If you're going the acoustic route, look for one with an XLR jack, since you don't want to get a DI.

I insist on plugging my EBG direct. It sounds awesome. I have a Dean Performer (the koa model) and I have found that less clutter between the bass and the speaker, the better. I constantly get compliments from venue owners and soundmen on how it sounds.

If I HAVE to play through an amp, I run it through my BBE DI to smooth out some of the honk that the bass amp seems to bring out more.

Get a DI! I don't bring a backup amp anymore, just the DI. It has saved my bacon many times!

Why would you do that? A good DI is probably one of the most useful tools in a gigging bassist's arsenal.

the reasons are:

1) I think a new bass guitar seems like a way more fun toy than a DI box.. :bassist:
2) I am skeptical that the DI box is really going to make a big enough difference that it will be perceived by the 3 drunk people in the bar who are actually paying any attention to the music.
3) If I have a real gig I will run the XLR out on my amp and I can always buy a DI down the line if I see the need.
4) I feel like there is a good amount of tweaking needed to get a tone appropriate for playing along w/ acoustic guitars whereas an acoustic bass i can plug in and go.

But.. I'm a newb to all of this so please correct me if I am completely crazy..

Also, I will need a preamp (or di box with preamp) in order to plug in my passive bass, right? how much does a decent DI w/ built in preamp run?

thanks for the help everyone..