Washburn AB5 acoustic-electric bass

chookens · #1 01-03-2011, 11:57 PM

Hello, Although i presently play a mandolin, i'd really like to play bass. I'm female, of small build, and an electric bass seems too heavy for me. I had a go at playing - just basic stuff - a friend's Washburn AB5 (ABG), and it felt pretty good. It's not too heavy, and is smaller than a regular ABG. Does anyone have any advice re this particular bass, or on any other makes that may be similar.
Many thanks for your help!

Bobster · #2 01-04-2011, 07:15 AM

How many strings, and what scale length are you interested in?

ABGs and hollowbodies (as compared to semi-acoustic with sustain block) basses tend to have some feedback issues. Several manufacturers make instruments and it will primarily be an issue of lining up what you're looking for with that.

There are a lot of 30" scale instruments available if you'd like a shorter neck as well.

Bob

chookens · #3 01-04-2011, 03:54 PM

Hi Bob, Many thanks for your reply. I'm looking at getting a 4-string ABG - no longer than 32" scale. Preferably a nut width no more than 1.69". The Washburn i had a play on seemed to be 'spot on' for me, as far as size and weight goes, but i played it unplugged, so don't know about the feedback. I know that Fender makes a similar ABG, but cannot find much info on them. If anyone has experience with a Fender, or the Washburn, or any other make of 4-string, 30 or 32" scale, or has any tips on what NOT to buy, i would be most grateful.
Again, thank you, Bob.
Chookens, in rainy Queensland (at least we're not flooded, like a lot of the state is!)

rodl2005 · #4 01-04-2011, 04:22 PM

+1 the flooding is HUGE!!!! You are lucky!!! The Washburn AGB was HUGELY popular in the "unplugged" craze of the early-mid '90's. Every band from Nirvana to Rod Stewart used 'em. My guess is they're darn good. If YOU like it & it's a good $$$ grab it!

chookens · #5 01-04-2011, 05:05 PM

Hey, Rod - another Aussie on the forum! My husband, also named Rod, and I are headed for Tassie mid-Feb for a coupla months. Soooo lookin forward to it! Hoping to get hold of a Washburn AB5 (or something similar??) before then, but they seem to be as scarce as hen's teeth. Got a good price on an AB5 from Guitar Exchange in Morayfield, but they cannot obtain one from the supplier till June! No one here in Qld seems to have any in stock. I've found 1 in Dural and 2 in W.A. My friend got hers in Kyogle, NSW, but that was over a year ago. You know of any in Tassie?? Or even in Melbourne, cos we'll be there half a day before we board the Spirit of Tassie.

Yep, the flooding is absolutely horrendous in Rockhampton, Emerald, Bundy, etc. We on Bribie Island, so no rivers to flood, and it's all sand, so rain soaks right thru.

Many thanks for your reply and thoughts on the Washburn AB5
If i could find one, i reckon i'd be out there buying it today! I love playing my mando, but i'm real keen to start playing bass. Rod plays acoustic guitar and sings, and while i back him on some songs with the mando, the bass would be better. Plus, he could then play bass behind me, when i'm playing instrumentals on the mando.
Cheers, Chookens