Resonator Bass

[1gneissguy]

I would like to hear from those who own and/or have personal experience with a resonator bass. Until recently, I didn't know they existed! I normally play an acoustic upright and also own a P-bass, an acoustic electric and an electric upright. I am looking for something that will allow me to jam with two or three acoustic players (old-time, bluegrass & gospel) and still be heard. I am in my 70's and get tired of dragging "the beast" everywhere I go to play. Usually an amp is a no no, so that leaves out the full electrics. The acoustic electric is okay to work out songs on or play with one guitar, but lacks volume unless hooked up. (Of course amps are heavy too.) Will the resonator bass give me what I want?

[mjac28]

I'm curious also There's been one in the local CL for months I've seen a few demos but I couldn't get a real feel of how it sounded.

[3234718]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EE5GuBSstw0
I'm pretty sure Mr. Claypool is playing this one unplugged, and it certainly sounds louder to me than a regular ABG. Then again he's not playing regular finger-style, so it's hard to say, so overall I suppose this is a pretty useless comment. Primus sucks!

[ponticat]

There might be some help here:

http://www.moonshineguitars.com/index.html

[Kickass]

I had the same problem, bass for a gig with no power. I have, and love, an old Washburn AB20 but it has no real power when unplugged and I do not own/play DB, so had a look in my "parts store" and put together this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDL2SsgRM0o&feature=plcp

It is loud enough to play with several acoustic guitars and other instuments in the local bar. It has legs and I play it sitting down with the drum resting against my left leg or with my left knee inside the drum. I am now making number 4 with a floor tom but my favourite so far is this one with a 20" bass drum:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2P6wDfIrJgU

http://www.sixpennyjack.co.uk/KAB/index.html

[MCS4]

I have a resonator bass from Gold Tone (the Paul Beard Bass, link below) and have had some success playing acoustically. I don't think it is substantially louder than a decent ABG, but it has a midrange-y tone when played with a pick that cuts through better than most ABGs. It does not cut through nearly as well when played fingerstyle.

http://www.goldtone.com/products/det...Beard-Bass-PBB

[lug]

you might want to consider this if you can't use an amp of any kind. the neck detaches w/o tools for easier transport

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8ptP...=results_video

They run about $2k

[cchorney]

This might be loud enough. Its certainly big enough!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXw__...eature=related

[Diogenes]

I've only played one resonator bass a few weeks ago. It was a lot louder than my ABG and had a cutting yet clean tone.