5 string acoustic bass recommendations

[jamphunk]

I’ve been thinking about getting an acoustic bass for many years now and the acoustic guitar hanging on the wall does not get much play. I mainly play a 5 string electric, so it would be nice to have something to easily play around the house that I don’t have to plug in.

I have a Kala ubass, but that doesn’t really scratch my itch. I know there are a lot of low tier options, but I want something I will love to play, and I don’t mind paying for quality. I’m really not finding much browsing on the web.

What is your past experience? I will mostly be playing solo around the house so no need to tell me it won’t work well playing with other acoustic guitars. Thanks

 

[jamphunk]

Leaning towards a michael kelly dragonfly 5 port java 5…

 

[Wretched Banana]

My recommendation: Don't.

Forget loving to play them, I fail to find anything I don't strictly hate in the acoustic space. They aren't comfortable, they don't sound good, they don't feel good, they don't respond to good technique and just serve to make you feel miserable... Originally a classical guitar player, so I'm not alien to acoustic instruments either.

That Kala Ubass is the closest thing to being acceptable that you'll find.

 

[jamphunk]

My recommendation: Don't.

Forget loving to play them, I fail to find anything I don't strictly hate in the acoustic space. They aren't comfortable, they don't sound good, they don't feel good, they don't respond to good technique and just serve to make you feel miserable... Originally a classical guitar player, so I'm not alien to acoustic instruments either.

That Kala Ubass is the closest thing to being acceptable that you'll find.

i knew that was coming lol

 

[GTHintz]

Id go with either a Warwick alien bass or ibanez. Maybe a dean acoustic. Thats going from most expensive to least. Ive been thinking about acoustic too.

 

[B-Mac]

I’ve been thinking about getting an acoustic bass for many years now and the acoustic guitar hanging on the wall does not get much play. I mainly play a 5 string electric, so it would be nice to have something to easily play around the house that I don’t have to plug in.

I have a Kala ubass, but that doesn’t really scratch my itch. I know there are a lot of low tier options, but I want something I will love to play, and I don’t mind paying for quality. I’m really not finding much browsing on the web.

What is your past experience? I will mostly be playing solo around the house so no need to tell me it won’t work well playing with other acoustic guitars. Thanks

New or used?
Asking as the Dean Performer 5 string is a very nice ABG in 32" scale.
Made in South Korea in the early 2000's. There's also the Performer Plus that came in 5 string with a thinner body (extremely hard to find).
2000-2001 Catalog page

2003 Catalog page

My 2003 5 string Quilt Maple Performer

 

[alembicf1x]

Acoustic-Electric Bass – Boulder Creek Guitars

I tried the four string version in a music store and was so impressed I purchased it on the spot - it sounds wonderful unplugged and plugged in as well. The soundhole is not in the traditional location but pointed directly at your head, in addition to having a smaller one facing forward. I've tried many and this one blows them all away sonically.

I would never want to play one at a gig because the body is big and not comfortable to play for extended periods of time but for just plinking around at home it is great.