acoustic-electric basses

[bassmanjer]

I am new to TalkBass so perhaps this question has been dealt with before. I currently play a Carvin Electric bass, but am thinking about also buying an acoustic-electric bass if it would allow me to practice and play with a few other acoustic instruments without needing an amp. So far, the few acoustic-electric basses I have tried (in the acoustic mode) are very disappointing - the sound quality is poor and they put out very little volume. Is this pretty much true of all acoustic-electric basses or are there ones which would both sound good and put out adequate volume to play with a few other folks? Thanks.

[SurferJoe46]

Join the club.

Acoustic basses don't have much volume without an amplifier except in the most quiet surroundings.

I own an Ibanez AEB10 and it's right up there with most other AEBs for volume and I won't try to fool you or me either for that matter - that you can get much outta them without an amp.

Private-bedroom practice and maybe another acoustic guitar or so and you're OK.

Any more noise and you'll do a Houdini. I love my AEB but there's NO WAY to compete without a few hundred Watts to back you up.

[eaaa410]

Yeah, you have to plug them in. I play a Fender Kingman for the tone and type of sound I get out of it plugged into the PA. Otherwise, an unplugged electric is about as loud for practice purposes.

[crazy_bassist]

I'm with eaaa410 as I also play the Kingman and plug it in to be heard other than practicing solo.

[SurferJoe46]

Check out this YouTube video and see if you like the way it sounds electrified:::
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ipk58...eature=related