Acoustic basses advice!

Christo1989 · #1 07-16-2012, 02:39 AM

Hey guys, I am looking to buy myself a new toy to add to the collection and I have about 600 quid to play with. I'm looking for something with a pretty tasty tone and nice playability without breaking the bank too much. Can anyone please offer any good advice on acoustic basses that are worth looking into? I've seen Rockbass by Warwick's Alien, But I have heard mixed reviews on manufacturing quality. What do you think?

Thanks in advance!

Chris

3234718 · #2 07-16-2012, 09:57 AM

Get a used Godin. I've seem them for about $1000 US.

NoChi · #3 07-16-2012, 10:02 AM

I just got a rockbass alien standard fretless from the latest batch. It is killer and affordable

Wallace320 · #4 07-16-2012, 10:06 AM

They can stay half your price (or come up to high end models)
with absolutely no regrets.

Cort's great too in the acoustic bootcamp.

Cheers,
Wallace

Christo1989 · #5 07-16-2012, 10:22 AM

Thanks very much guys! Will have to have a bit of a scope around now... Denmark Street, London here I come

Christo1989 · #6 07-16-2012, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoChi

I just got a rockbass alien standard fretless from the latest batch. It is killer and affordable

Where did you order yours from?

bassteban · #7 07-16-2012, 11:11 AM

Suggestion: Ask yourself *What do I aim to accomplish w/this purchase?*

Christo1989 · #8 07-17-2012, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassteban

Suggestion: Ask yourself *What do I aim to accomplish w/this purchase?*

Haha are you suggesting I don't need to buy an acoustic? :P I think my parents are growing tired of my bass vibrating the floorboards ha!

Christo1989 · #9 07-17-2012, 08:01 AM

I was talked into looking at Crafter basses by a guy in Wunjo, who seemed to know his stuff and it was a very nice bass. Think the model was a BA400EQ... Anyone got any experience with these? He was asking for £399.00 for it...

bassteban · #10 07-17-2012, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christo1989

Haha are you suggesting I don't need to buy an acoustic? :P I think my parents are growing tired of my bass vibrating the floorboards ha!

No- but it seems the majority of TBers are not satisfied w/the unpluged volume and can't hear the bass well enough to jam w/anything louder than a determinedly humming mosquito. OTOH, many use ABG's for impromptu or solo/couch plunking, learning songs, etc- and are quite happy w/their volume(or lack thereof). It's a sometimes-hotly-debated topic; I am more in camp B(solo plunker).

Srza · #11 07-17-2012, 08:46 AM

I recommend Fender Victor Bailey acoustic bass

jbossolo · #12 07-17-2012, 09:09 AM

Any love for Fender Kingman's here? I tried one at GC the other day and loved it. I might trade my Ibby SR400 (the one I use least) for one.

Christo1989 · #13 07-17-2012, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassteban

No- but it seems the majority of TBers are not satisfied w/the unpluged volume and can't hear the bass well enough to jam w/anything louder than a determinedly humming mosquito. OTOH, many use ABG's for impromptu or solo/couch plunking, learning songs, etc- and are quite happy w/their volume(or lack thereof). It's a sometimes-hotly-debated topic; I am more in camp B(solo plunker).

You raise a valid point, which is why im asking for experienced opinions on sound acoustic basses

something which can project the sound a little better (and that is designed to do so, rather than an afterthought by an electric bass manufacturer) mine will be solely for jamming in the quietness of my room (solo plunker).

Tried out a lovely Fender in the same shop, can't remember the model though. Didn't feel as nice to play as the Crafter though IMO.

Slowgypsy · #14 07-17-2012, 10:53 AM

I've owned/used/gigged my Tacoma Thunderchief for years... and it is certainly one of the standards by which ABG's are judged.

That said, for solo playing/practice... I'd recommend getting a headphone amp and headphones. Or better yet, I use the Tascam MP3 Bass Trainer on a daily basis... worth it's weight in gold.

bass32 · #15 07-17-2012, 10:58 AM

I have a Michael Kelly Firefly V acoustic/electric that I use for the same reason you've mentioned, quiet practice at home. Works well for me. I have played along with one acoustic guitar and it did okay volume wise. Any more than that I would use an amp, which I thinks it sounds great plugged in.

jallenbass · #16 07-17-2012, 10:59 AM

I just bought an Ibanez AEB5E to have at my parent's house when we visit. $200 and really nice. I like its playability and acoustic sound as well as my Breedlove. Electronics and fit and finish are better on the Breedlove but that costs more money. The Ibanez is a great instrument for individual practice.

Aussie Player · #17 07-17-2012, 11:56 AM

I have a Fender Kingman and have played about a dozen gigs with it. So far, I like it a lot. I play it through a Hartke rig at moderate volume and into the PA so feedback is controlled but is mixes very well with accoustic guitars including 12 string. A little neck heavy but I got used to it very quickly.

placedesjardins · #18 07-17-2012, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christo1989

Haha are you suggesting I don't need to buy an acoustic? :P I think my parents are growing tired of my bass vibrating the floorboards ha!

You could always get headphones.

jbossolo · #19 07-17-2012, 10:28 PM

Pulled the trigger on the Kingman earlier today. Very happy so far!

Christo1989 · #20 07-18-2012, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by placedesjardins

You could always get headphones.

Tried headphones, and don't like it really. Want the freedom of no wires - without sounding like a hippy!