Another acoustic/electric thread...

[Semisweet]

As I learn to play my electric bass, I'm toying with the idea of also purchasing an acoustic. The reason is to have something lightweight and unplugged. I've been under the weather for a while now - I'm on medications that have been messing with my equalibrium, and sometimes picking up the heavy electric to practice is a little difficult. I'm tiring out faster than normal.

So if I were to purchase an inexpensive acoustic bass, would the transition back and forth between the two be difficult for a beginner? How different are they (besides sound and weight)?

[fretlessguy]

As for ABGs, most cannot be heard above more than one guitarst and singer when playing pure acoustic music. They are mainly for semi-unplugged situtations where the acoustic guitarists plug in. You could get a small combo amp to plug in and discretely sit it behind the chair you sit in while playing if you are in an acoustic setting. You should have very little difficulty in switching back and forth.
I currently use a Carvin AC40 fretless ABG for my "semi-acoustic" sets strung with GHS Precision Flats.
Yesterday I ordered one of those KALA U Basses in fretless, so I'll see how it goes. They sound a lot like an upright, and are very small, like a 20 inch scale. They do, also need an amp.

[Semisweet]

Thank you! I'm considering acoustic merely for solo practice at home, so amp or volume wouldn't be an issue.

[bassbrad]

I have 2 aebgs and they may be the basses I play most at home simply for grab and go and occasional gigs. It may be a way to improve technique as you will need more strength, be able to hear subtle dynamics and also things that you may not hear playing strictly on electric. I go for an acoustic bass guitar sound not a fake pseudo upright sound.
Washburn AB20 has good electronics and a smallish body easy to play but intonation in upper range may be an issue depending on the strings used.
Dean EABC5 is a beast with a large body "passive" piezo & electronics that are not too bad with a preamp. This bass is almost loud enough to play in some acoustic settings.

[Semisweet]

Is there a recommended acoustic only bass (not ae) that's relatively cost-effective?

[bassbrad]

Dean Playmantes are as cheap as it gets and i like mine.

[notverygood]

I have owned the Ibanez AEB5 and liked it. $199 and the AEB10 with better electronics is around $325.

[dmonroe]

I have a Fender Kingman and LOVE it!

[Semisweet]

Ooooh, I just found the Michael Kelly Firefly 4-string online and fell in love...anyone have experience with this one?

[mberlin74]

I actually just came across it yeaterday myself. I was heading towards a Breedlove but am also curious to see what people think. You can find some stuff through searching this forum but it all seems a little vague.

[justjake]

a breedlove is head , hand and feet above a kelly. i've had and played both

[Ukiah Bass]

I've used a Tacoma Thunderchief fretless ABG at gigs, and all required amplification. I also prefer to practice it in my home studio with amplification. The sound develops out in front of the bass and it's hard to get the full effect as the player. I don't want to imagine what it sounds like. Hearing good tone at the right volume is important.

With that said, the fretless ABG can cop a close acoustic upright feel. Here are a few gig recordings made with a good stereo mic right in front of the band. The Thunderchief did the job well. And it's a lot smaller to carry around than an upright!

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