Acoustic Bass Guitars - Are they all quiet acousticaly?

Jim C · #1 05-30-2010, 12:40 PM

Am considering my first acoustic bass to play along with a bunch of hippies and their acoustic guitars (I know, a train wreck going somewhere to happen).

Searching both here and the reviews at MF indicate that the cheapie (under $350) basses are very quiet without amplification, and that a few acoustics drown them out.

If this is true, then I'll just bring my tiny GK amp and a friggin generator if I have to, but thought that maybe there were some other view points.

I Google Dobro Bass and see that such an animal exists although a bit expensive and have no idea what it sounds like.

Also see that Rondo has an EAB bass that they say is "Loud and strong when played acoustically" but have not read a review here as yet.
http://www.rondomusic.com/burtha.html

Thoughts?

fretno · #2 05-30-2010, 01:16 PM

IME they are quiet , the Martin or Sigma project better than some and the old Earthwood seemed loud but yeah most are quiet . How about a Guitarron those things boom

Kitsapbass · #3 05-30-2010, 01:29 PM

Most ABGs are quiet - it's a matter of physics for the most part. Low frequencies have longer wavelengths, which in turn requires a larger soundboard to produce it. It's the same reason upright basses are so big - to be able to produce low notes with a good tone and to be able to project it out.

Swampmuzik · #4 05-30-2010, 01:39 PM

Lacking a cost-effective way to get upright-bass type volume with an ABG, I broke down and bought a Roland Bass Cube. Runs on batteries (which last a good, long, time) and even fun around the house since it models bass amps and has a tuner and drum machine on board. It's small and portable and nobody seems to notice when I use it at an acoustic jam with my Fender BG-29. I think it cost in the low $200.
Jim

Phalex · #5 05-30-2010, 01:53 PM

You get more projection using a pick, but you need a very large resonant body to get volume.

funkingroovin · #6 05-30-2010, 01:57 PM

I play my acoustic w/the campfire hippies quite often,and yes,for single string playing,it can be drowned by 2+ acoustic guitars.But,I find "bar-chording"(1/5/8) w/it tends to drown them out

Look into the bass cube,you won't be disappointed.

MalcolmAmos · #7 05-30-2010, 01:58 PM

Learned on an acoustic bass a friend let me borrow. Traded in an old banjo I no longer played for an electric Yamaha 4 string and never looked back.

If who you play with is plugged in that acoustic will not cut it.

spaz21387 · #8 05-30-2010, 02:01 PM

I have a dean eab and it seems to be pretty loud. and it was cheap

Rockingbird · #9 05-30-2010, 02:08 PM

Unless it's 5-6 inches deep, I don' think you'll get much volume out of it. As stated, a Roland Cube might work nicely. I wouldn't play with a pick, though. You hear way too much of it in comparison to anything else. Also, Maybe some somewhat heavier strings? If they're tighter, they cause the top to vibrate more, and push more air. Try it out, it could work.

Jim C · #10 05-30-2010, 05:31 PM

Thanks fellas; appreciate the info; you just saved me time, money and disappointment

Jeff Scott · #11 05-30-2010, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim C

Also see that Rondo has an EAB bass that they say is "Loud and strong when played acoustically".....

Thoughts?

Louder and stronger than a mouse fart, perhaps.

From my experience, most ABG can't keep up with more than, maybe, one acoustic guitar if you really want to be heard. I spent my money on a Rick Turner RB4FL instead, figuring I'd have to plug in, anyway.

basspraiser · #12 05-30-2010, 07:25 PM

Most ABG are very quiet...I have found Breedloves to be louder than others but they cost more than what you are willing to spend....

As for a Rick Turner....pure gold...but you do have to plug them in since they have a bery thin body and no resonance but TONS of acoustic sound! the one I played even got a nice stand up type sound (it was fretless)

debating between a Turner and a Breedlove myself if i can ever get the spare coinage!