Interested in playing again and need gear + advice...

I don't know Boulder Creek, but if you're playing with a band at all you're going to need at least a small practice amp. Acoustic bass guitars are OK for practicing or playing at a campfire with one or two acoustic guitarists, and that's about it.

Pilgrim said:

I don't know Boulder Creek, but if you're playing with a band at all you're going to need at least a small practice amp. Acoustic bass guitars are OK for practicing or playing at a campfire with one or two acoustic guitarists, and that's about it.

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If even that. I couldnt hear my Dean Playmate when it was me in my room with all doors and windows shut..

I say get an SX (Essex, Rondo, Douglas) bass, and a super cheap used bass amp from the TB Classifieds, Craigslist, eBay, etc.

No thoughts on the bass right now... but do check out this thread... http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=523493 I think you will find it interesting.

Have fun!

+1 to the above, and definately pick a bass after you've played it. No other way around it. Just buy a bass you like. As to amps, many things have happened in the past 6 yrs. Lots of very lightweight and powerful amps on the market, but the same rules apply. Only buy an amp that you have played through first, prefferably with YOUR bass. Good luck, (I took almost 14 yrs off, 1993-2006).

Hi I am have been interested on the BC Bass for a year or so, looking to augment my Fender Jazz for home and friends situations. The idea of the side hole looks like one of the major design developments in recent years, but they are hard to get your hands in Australia. And I don't want to buy before I try whatever the price. The best acoustic electric I have tried so far has been the Warwick Alien Rock Bass, having played a few others like Maton and Fender. Has anyone had experience of the Warwick and Boulder for comparison?

Acoustics have their place, but are limited, not my choice as an only bass. It is a buyer's market right now. Shop used - CL, TB classified, and pawn shops. Used is a better bang for the buck. Buy a playable solid body, and a cheap amp.

I'd look on this list or go to a local Guitar Center or some other used dealer and find one of the Fender Squier Vintsge Modified basses and get a new or used Ampeg BA-108 amp and be done for about $300.

misterk73 said:

First off, anyone have first-hand experience with Boulder Creek acoustic basses? (http://bouldercreekguitars.com)

I'm looking to get back into playing after having sold my gear and not played for almost six years. I'm considering fretless for a new challenge. I also figure an acoustic will spare me the expense of amps and/or effects -- which I can't afford at this point -- and let me focus on playing for enjoyment and (re)building fundamentals in the comfort of my own home.

Any ideas and input will be much appreciated. I haven't spent much time keeping up with the world of bass since I quit playing, so am curious what -- if anything -- is new and noteworthy in recent years.

One more thing: I'm definitely on a budget at this point, but I am far more interested in VALUE than CHEAPNESS.
Cheers!

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An acoustic will be limited.. but it may meet your stated needs of just getting something you can play right away.

I'd start with something like a Squire VM J or P .. and a decent combo. In fact I would look in the cllassifieds for the combo.

I took a hiatus myself a few years ago, retired from playing in a band or even playing alone , one thing I can say about basses these days, there are more inexpensive basses available these days that are of much higher quality.
What is your budget? My recommendation is look at used instruments on CL, classifieds or even on the Guitar Center used website (they'll deliver any bass to you for roughly $20)
As an example, I bought a Fender MIM jazz bass for $200, a Fender Bassman 150 amp for $80, all in great condition. So it is possible to get a setup going for a pretty decent price. You can easily get one of the new Sterling Sub Ray basses used for under $200. These basses are incredible value for the money.
If you want to go the Fender style route, a used Squier Vintage Modified or Classic Vibe Jazz or P Bass are much improved Squier models that meet or exceed Fender Made in Mexico quality instruments. These ain't no Affinity quality basses! They can be picked up used for around $200 or less as well.

Here is the link to the GC used website, I've sorted it in price order. Basses are delivered to your door for $25 or less (my recent bass had shipping cost of $14 from MA to MI)
There are acoustic and electric basses in this database. (I can understand if you want to pursue the Acoustic route for now, but if it's just a question of cost, buying used can afford you an electric and amp)
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The best sounding preamp'd acoustic bass I've heard at a reasonable price is the Warwick Rockbass Alien. Put one of those through a TC Electronic BG250 12" combo and you're in business for not too much money.

Besides a full thickness acoustic bass, I was thinking of the Spector Spectocore. It's the best of all worlds, hollow/chambered and armed with a humbucker as well as a piezo bridge. Also, sometimes Status Electros come up on the used market. They're a very good piezo equipped semi acoustic bass (of sorts.)

misterk73 said:

First off, anyone have first-hand experience with Boulder Creek acoustic basses? (http://bouldercreekguitars.com)

I'm looking to get back into playing after having sold my gear and not played for almost six years. I'm considering fretless for a new challenge. I also figure an acoustic will spare me the expense of amps and/or effects -- which I can't afford at this point -- and let me focus on playing for enjoyment and (re)building fundamentals in the comfort of my own home.

Any ideas and input will be much appreciated. I haven't spent much time keeping up with the world of bass since I quit playing, so am curious what -- if anything -- is new and noteworthy in recent years.

One more thing: I'm definitely on a budget at this point, but I am far more interested in VALUE than CHEAPNESS.

Cheers!

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Well, if you still haven't found your acoustic fretless bass in 5 years, you might want to check.out ebay. There's a $400 Dean Exotica on there for $110…make an offer.