Which acoustic bass Fender o Takamine?

Dude7777 · #1 07-16-2011, 02:27 PM

So I'm looking for a acoustic bass to keep around for an easy quick pick up and play. Thinking about the Fender Kingman SCE because I like the jazz neck. But I hear it doesn't have much sound when it's not amplified. Also looking at the Takamine EG512C and EGB2S . I don't have a dealer close by to compare so looking for a little guidance here. Thanks for your help.

chunkstyle · #2 07-16-2011, 02:38 PM

Nothing against their electric instruments, bug I've never played a decent Fender acoustic. I can't remember the models, but I've come across some Takamines that were at least decent or better.

SirGrotius · #3 07-16-2011, 02:55 PM

You'll want to lean to what has the bigger sound unamplified. At the end of the day, that's a better sign of a good acoustic bass that you'll actually use, IME.

darkstorm · #4 07-16-2011, 06:33 PM

Not familair with either brands acoustic basses. I do like the mid level and up fenders for reg acoustic. And anything takamine for acoustic guitar. Not a big fan of takamines jasmine line for their budget stuff. Besides these two brands for acoustic guitar I like washburn. Havent tried their acoustic basses.

GangstaBean · #5 07-16-2011, 07:11 PM

Takamine is known for their acoustics, fender is known for their electrics...

Rebop · #6 07-16-2011, 07:34 PM

I've played a few of the Fender's that were really good as far as feel, but as an upright bass guy I'd have to say, not much thump. They have a great midrange bark but don't pump the lows like a bass should (the best tone out of most ABG's is to really lay into it with a pick so lows aren't really there anyways). On the other hand, I've never played a Takamine acoustic that I liked. Most were fairly cold and dry sounding. The Fender's tone at least had character. You gotta ask yourself what you really want outta the bass tonally and go from there. Feel is secondary IMHO.

MiniMoose234 · #7 07-16-2011, 07:37 PM

I played the fender kingman at a guitar center the other day, i've gotta say it was quite comfortable and as loud as any other ABG. Seemed ok, a lil expensive.

JTE · #8 07-16-2011, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MiniMoose234

I played the fender kingman at a guitar center the other day, i've gotta say it was quite comfortable and as loud as any other ABG.Seemed ok, a lil expensive.

(Emphasis added)

Then you've never played any of the real Acoustic Bass Guitars out there. The Ernie Ball Earthwood, the Guild B50/B30, and the Tacoma Thunderchief are the only ones that have any real acoustic sound across all four strings.

IF you want acoustic sound, you need to move a lot of air, and that means a big body (not just the face, but the depth of the instrument too), and a good bit of tension on the strings so they can drive the top to pump air. Simply, most of the ABGs in the world are NOT acoustic instruments.

John

ZZMorgan · #9 09-18-2011, 11:05 AM

I had a chance to play them both side by side. IMO, the Takamine sounded very clean and elegant and would have been a great acquisition if I hadn't heard the Fender. The Fender had that midrange growl associated with Fender's electric basses. I had never heard it in an acoustic before. As an old acoustic guy I tend to play pretty loud and this one responded nicely without losing its fat sound. I have played Fenders my whole life and I just fell in love with it. I bought the Fender and played it on a gig a few days later running through a Tech 21 Sans Amp bass driver and got lots of positive comments on how well it blended into the mix.

Because of the big fender neck, it is a bit neck heavy. But that is easy to compensate for (just don't let go of it or you'll whack the drummer!) Otherwise, it is a lot of fun to play.

Anyway, both are good instruments and would be good choices. Just my own experience.