acoustic bass vs electric

sacredink · #1 05-30-2010, 01:43 AM

I've been doing some research on acoustic/electric basses and honestly am feeling a little more confused than ever. I haven't had much experience with acoustic basses and opinions that I've seen are mixed. My band gets together for practice without the drummer and its pretty much a campfire environment. They also play some acoustic shows and are wanting me to get involved. My question is, is it worth the investment of an acoustic bass or am I just better off sticking with the old reliables and investing in a smaller amp for the acoustic shows. I don't have lot of money to invest in a high dollar acoustic (I'm looking at the washburn ab10) and from what I have read most acoustic basses just don't cut through and get lost in the mix. Anyone have any advice? Thinks in advance!!

badboy1984 · #2 05-30-2010, 01:50 AM

I use to own a Vintage (The brand) acoustic bass and also play several different one in shop. They all just not have enough volume to play unplug (specially for gig). Maybe ok if the acoustic guitarist play with soft on the pick or completely soft finger picking.

Even with acoustic bass you still need a amp to be able to keep up with the guitar. Even the expensive one are the same .......

Depend how often do you do acoustic gig, if not much i think a small amp and electric bass will do. If not just get a cheap acoustic bass.

Ibanez Bassist · #3 05-30-2010, 06:19 AM

I have an Ibanez AEB10BE Acoustic/Electric and when I get together with my son and he plays his acoustic guitar it works well it sounds good.. but any other instruments or anybody thats powered .. my acoustic bass becomes lost in transition no matter how hard I pluck..

RonChase · #4 05-30-2010, 06:24 AM

ditto what they said,you have to carry an amp anyway because they cant be heard,get one maybe for the look but sound they tend to feedback.Why not get an Ibanez artcore bass they are a great compromise

queevil · #5 05-30-2010, 06:39 AM

Yep, I've picked up a lot of acoustic basses and I've never played one whose sound projected all that well which is the reason I've never bought one. The only reason I would ever buy one is to play in a small acoustic jam environment as in low volume unplugged jams. However, they don't really project their volume all that well so I would end up having to plug in anyway.

If I ever picked up an acoustic bass guitar that had a really nice, full loud sound and was reasonably priced I would probably buy it, even more so if it were fretless.

Turock · #6 05-30-2010, 07:12 AM

The Washburn AB10 is not going to cut it without amplification. It is also very hard to play loudly (amplified) without it squealing like Ned Beatty on a canoe trip. I own an AB20.

SurferJoe46 · #7 05-30-2010, 07:29 AM

I got the AEB10-E Ibanez and just added a 4-inch sound hole plug and can power up just as loud as any of my slabs.

Don't be fooled - that acoustic basses have a lot going for them even if they need at least a small-ish amp at most times in an all-acoustic atmosphere.

Bass tones need the power push to be heard - it's all about moving air - lots more air that a guitar!

sideMan91 · #8 05-30-2010, 07:44 AM

I like the idea of having one just for home practice, just grab it and not have to plug it in, and for when I am just watching some TV. An EB is not loud enough to her without plugging in.
Would an AEB be loud enough to practice along with mp3s, CDs etc.?

skwee · #9 05-30-2010, 08:00 AM

Yes, at home mine is great for learning purposes and living room jamming. For rehearsal with the group (without percussion), I find I need to use a pick to be heard over the voices and other stuff. Then, my callouses go away...

sideMan91 · #10 05-30-2010, 08:04 AM

skwee,
what bass to you have?
I was thinking of just getting an inexpensive Rogue

Turock · #11 05-30-2010, 08:16 AM

For inexpensive, I'd go with the $150 Dean. It's big and louder than most.
http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend....ELAID=26045102

sideMan91 · #12 05-30-2010, 08:32 AM

I have played a Dean. Man it was huge! I understand for volume purposes that helps though. I wondering/hoping that a smaller body one would still be loud enough for the couch.

honestjohnny · #13 05-30-2010, 06:51 PM

Check out the Kala Ubass. You'll still need an amp to go with it, just like any other AE bass, but this one will sound great and be easier to transport.

Jeff Scott · #14 05-30-2010, 06:57 PM

Knowing how inadequate ABGs are I bought a Rick Turner RB4FL instead, if you got to plug in you may as well have a great sounding bass for those acoustic

gigs.

sacredink · #15 05-30-2010, 09:29 PM

Thanks for all the info and help! . I knew shows would have to be amplified, thats pretty much a given, I was hoping I could get away from an amp in the living room jams, and though not an issue practice. If I need to carry one anyway then whats the point. Squeal was another issue I was worried about. Seems like most acoustics have that problem unless you can afford a high dollar one. I hear that Ned Beatty squeal every wednesday night.The washburn was one of the only acoustics that I liked and fit my style. No offense intended to anyone, but the selection of acoustic basses in my price range is visually unappealing. Guess its just the metal head coming out in me. Seems like the best option is to stick with the old reliables and buy a smaller amp to tote around. Thanks again to everyone! You guys helped me not make another purchase I will regret in a couple months. (never buy a nemesis amp!!!!!!!!!)