Acoustic electric bass guitars- is it worth it?

bubleeshaark · #1 12-09-2011, 02:36 PM

Hey guys!!

So I went to guitar center to try out the AEBs. I tried the ibenez AEB10, which I could get for $329. They were out of stock on the AEB5, which I could get for $200.

Is it worth it to pay the extra $130 for that bass? What are the major differences? ......or are either of them even worth that price?

Thanks guys!

bubleeshaark · #2 12-09-2011, 03:01 PM

Hey guys, I'm also looking for a 5-string acoustic electric. What do you guys suggest? Price range is $200-350 or so

Jay Ralston · #3 12-09-2011, 10:10 PM

I have an AEB 10 and it is definitely worth the extra money. The main differences are better electronics and the AEB 10 seems to be slightly better made. I played an AEB 5 and it was okay but it felt a lot cheaper to me and the electronics were a joke.

MaxSBM · #4 12-09-2011, 10:20 PM

By acoustic electric I'll assume you mean acoustic with electric input.

I have only ever owned one, my Dean 5 string acoustic. I have also played some other acoustics, and I don't really like them, but I would love to hear your thoughts if you do get the instrument.

MakoMan · #5 12-10-2011, 05:20 AM

They're both good AE basses and worth their respective prices. If you can afford the 10 without financial stress I'd go with it. If money is a serious object you'll get good bang for your buck out of the 5.
If money is even more of an object you should also check out the Dean AEB, which can be had for under $150 and is very good value for the price.
While acoustic basses have their obvious limitations, to me it's worth $150-200 to have something around for quiet acoustic practice on the couch and to jam acoustically with a buddy. Everything else is a bonus.

SleepingMikkel · #6 12-10-2011, 05:36 AM

While far from being the biggest fan of Dean guitars and basses, I've had my friend's Dean AEB on a sort of permanent loan mainly used for practice on trips or when I don't want to worry about bringing out my workhorse (and my baby) bass in smaller practices. The best thing to ask is are you
(A) Going to play it in a band or for strictly practice.
And (B)If just for practice do you really need it to have that nice of electronics. While the Dean sounds paper-thin when plugged up, unplugged it sounds heavy and I could compete with a higher-end acoustic Ibby. (My guitar player and I are very heavy handed though, so of course attack matters.)

Orangeclawhamme · #7 12-10-2011, 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MakoMan

They're both good AE basses and worth their respective prices. If you can afford the 10 without financial stress I'd go with it. If money is a serious object you'll get good bang for your buck out of the 5.
If money is even more of an object you should also check out the Dean AEB, which can be had for under $150 and is very good value for the price.
While acoustic basses have their obvious limitations, to me it's worth $150-200 to have something around for quiet acoustic practice on the couch and to jam acoustically with a buddy. Everything else is a bonus.

I got my AEB 5 for $170 because I had a coupon. It is a HUGE improvement over the Sky bass I got on eBay for $105. For that price, it is worth having for the reasons MakoMan mentioned. I would not have opted for the Dean because, IIRC, it has a 34" scale. I prefer 30". My electric bass is a Squier SS Jag. I have played it "out" through a PA. It sounded fine. For me, it was not worth the extra money for the AEB 10. The 5 is adequate for what I am using it for. Then again, my electric is a Squier, not a Fender, Landing, Birdsong, or other more esoteric make of short scale bass.

I find all acoustic bass guitars to be cumbersome compared to a slab with a neck, so this was never going to be a "go to" instrument. But as MakoMan said, they are great for when you don't want to use your amp. Besides, my friends who host open mics let me play my ABG through their PAs. I have to bring an amp if I want to use my electric.

Ibanez's website probably explains the differences between these two models better than any of us will. In the end, it's your choice. I hope you enjoy whichever one you pick.

MakoMan · #8 12-10-2011, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orangeclawhamme

I would not have opted for the Dean because, IIRC, it has a 34" scale. I prefer 30". My electric bass is a Squier SS Jag.

That's an interesting point and well worth noting. I also prefer 30" scales and play a Squier SS Jag. I got a phenomenal deal on the Dean as a blem and I don't mind the long scale for acoustic. It's also helped me get used to a long scale neck, so when I pick up an electric one I'm already comfortable.
I do agree though that for most people it might be best to match scale lengths on your acoustic and electric.

Orangeclawhamme · #9 12-11-2011, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MakoMan

That's an interesting point and well worth noting. I also prefer 30" scales and play a Squier SS Jag. I got a phenomenal deal on the Dean as a blem and I don't mind the long scale for acoustic. It's also helped me get used to a long scale neck, so when I pick up an electric one I'm already comfortable.
I do agree though that for most people it might be best to match scale lengths on your acoustic and electric.

I noticed that you had the SS Jag in your sig. You have excellent taste in basses. You have a point about having one regular scale bass so you can be ready to play one if you need to. I gave my last 34" to my son. I'm sure I could borrow it if I had to.

rockscott · #10 12-11-2011, 06:32 AM

Acoustic bass guitars are not cheap if you want good quality wood & electronics. I paid $500. for my epiphone el capitan. I think the tone is beautiful and the electronics are pretty good.