Accoustic bass guitar questions

bassgod76 · #1 01-25-2012, 11:47 AM

My tribute band is doing a thing where we are invading our local renaissance faire coming up.
We want to do the wandering minstrel thing, but with a twist...

Due to the movie, Role Models, we would do a KISS meets Monty Python sorta gig.

We would bring acoustic models, and our Peter would probably play some sort of bongo or whatever.

We also have plans to dress like the cover of Kiss's "Dressed to Kill" and do an acoustic show.

So here's my question.
1. I have to get an ABG
2. I really don't want to spend a lot of money on something I wouldn't (or care to) play alot.

3. What do you advise?

I was thinking about these two:
Ibanez AEB5E

Dean AEB

One guy wants to sell me a nice used Dean, but I hear horror stories about these instruments, and no return policy scares me.

MD · #2 01-25-2012, 12:20 PM

I can't speak to build quality, but, given the same set up, the Dean is probably louder due to its larger body. Given different set ups (low action vs. high action) the bass with higher action will more than likely be the louder. So, for your needs, probably the Dean with high action.

I read somewhere the black paint finish affects acoustic volume.

bassgod76 · #3 01-25-2012, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MD

I can't speak to build quality, but, given the same set up, the Dean is probably louder due to its larger body. Given different set ups (low action vs. high action) the bass with higher action will more than likely be the louder. So, for your needs, probably the Dean with high action.

I read somewhere the black paint finish affects acoustic volume.

Thanks! any and all opinions appreciated.

digitalmoney · #4 01-25-2012, 12:29 PM

Breedlove makes a really nice ABG

Breedlove acoustic bass ABJ250/SM4

woofer27 · #5 01-25-2012, 12:32 PM

Most AEBs are fairly low volume unamplified, it may help to use a pick whilst strolling the faire. Its always better to play the instrument you might buy rather than ordering one. Good luck.

bassteban · #6 01-25-2012, 12:33 PM

If you go unplugged, I predict you will not hear yourself anywhere near where you'd like to. A BIG-box ABG, like a Tacoma, will get closer than a cheapo- perhaps a moot point.

bassgod76 · #7 01-25-2012, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woofer27

Most AEBs are fairly low volume unamplified, it may help to use a pick whilst strolling the faire. Its always better to play the instrument you might buy rather than ordering one. Good luck.

I'd be doing the Gene Simmons thing, so pick is mandatory.

I was thinking about ordering a new Dean from MF, but this guy selling a used one is including the HS case.

**TheDude007** · #8 01-25-2012, 12:34 PM

I'd go for the Ibanez. I haven't ever played one of those Deans that has been worth anything. Either way you go, I'd highly recommend getting it from a store where you can see and play it first. Acoustic instruments tend not to ship well and stand up to the abuse FedEx and UPS put on them.

bassgod76 · #9 01-25-2012, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassteban

If you go unplugged, I predict you will not hear yourself anywhere near where you'd like to. A BIG-box ABG, like a Tacoma, will get closer than a cheapo- perhaps a moot point.

Isn't the Dean a "big box"?

bassteban · #10 01-25-2012, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassgod76

Isn't the Dean a "big box"?

Matter of opinion, I think. I'd call it *biggish*

Edit: I've had good experience w/Dean in general, if that helps.

Phalex · #11 01-25-2012, 12:36 PM

How's bout one of these?

The money is right.....

bassgod76 · #12 01-25-2012, 12:38 PM

@Phalex: LOL!

**RedsFan75** · #13 01-25-2012, 12:41 PM

I can weigh in on this as I've owned both the Dean (EABFL) and the Ibanez (AEB10E)

Volume, I can actually hear the Ibanez better (slightly) than I could the Dean. I played both painted and natural, natural is louder. I played both with tape wounds (more upright vibe) and bronze. The bronze give the most volume, but also have more 'twang'.
Scale - Dean - 34" Ibanez - 32"
Fit and Finish are very comparable, but the Dean did seem a bit dried out if that makes any sense.

I liked both basses... the Dean played really well, but the electronics were not very good. The Ibanez electronics are very nice, and I find I like the playability of the 32 scale more. I kept the Ibanez.

I think you'll find either would do a decent job. Neither might give you the volume you'll need. For that you might need a bigger one like a Boulder Creek, etc. (I think I saw one of those in the classifieds - not sure what your budget is)

mikeintheboat · #14 01-25-2012, 12:41 PM

Ill tell you what! I love having my acoustic. Its nice to have it laying around away from my electric set up. Easy to just pick it up and jam on it for a little while. Nice to have for camping or the likes. And the one i have is a J(unk) Reynolds. Cheap but sounds pretty good. I would suggest definitely playing both and see which one you like because you might be surprised how often you do play it.
The Breedloves ive played at GC seem to have very soft rounded tone. Like an unplugged electric, kind of quiet. The Deans had a more acoustic sound to them(bighter) and louder.

bassgod76 · #15 01-25-2012, 12:51 PM

I really don't want to spend over $300.

I understand that natural is a better finish for sound. Unfortunately, our band has to have a certain look.

If I was using it a lot more, I go big dollar, but I know this is a quasi prop more than anything.

I hear a lot: The Dean's electronics suck. Can someone explain this description better?

bassgod76 · #16 01-25-2012, 12:57 PM

What about this one?
In Store Used USED ROGUE AB304 ACOUSTIC ELECTRIC BASS and more at GuitarCenter.com.
Or this one?
In Store Used USED FENDER BG-31 ACOUSTIC BASS and more at GuitarCenter.com.

MD · #17 01-25-2012, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassgod76

I hear a lot: The Dean's electronics suck. Can someone explain this description better?

From what I've read, the lower end Dean has passive electronics so the output is very weak. The more expensive Dean ABGs have active electronics.

Twocan · #18 01-25-2012, 01:23 PM

I ordered a no-name one a while back, similar to this offer:

NEW JAMESON ACOUSTIC ELECTRIC BASS GUITAR with CUTAWAY & EQ SALE

For $150, it did the job well.

DJ Bebop · #19 01-25-2012, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phalex

How's bout one of these?

The money is right.....

I vote for this!

You can always, paint it black....that reminds me of a song....

Pilgrim · #20 01-25-2012, 01:25 PM

Volume-wise you'll do best with an Ovation or an Applause (same as Ovation) deep bowl bass, a Guild (lotsa $$) or, by reputation, a Tacoma.

I have an Applause and it has more volume than any other ABG I've heard.

Some people like the rounded back, others don't. It works for me.

Buy used and you can easily get under $300, possibly under $200.