ABG why?

[chadds]

Try one that is designed to be an acoustic instrument. Hopefully solid back sides and most of all top. If it's ply it's strong but won't be as resonant as solid can be. Watch it. You get what you pay for. If you need a cheap knock around that you might take on the beach fine. Just don't knock the species if you haven't played a fine instrument by a fine luthier.
Even if you are not fond of his technique Jonas Hellborg has several ABG albums using his Wechter. "Silent Life" I recommend.
One of the least expensive Martins doesn't look like much and is really one of the best out there. Surprising that all that tone comes from that smallish body. Tacomas have the biggest sound for unamplified work. The Guild B-30 if you don't mind the short scale. I did and the laminated box gives it's sound a subdued and compressed character. Only when compared to other more expensive ones. It does sound really good and is very well made. Again the Dave Maize ones are made from reclaimed woods. They are beautiful and really sing.
The Taylor, expensive and see my thread about improving it. Great neck and action! It's a Taylor.

 

[MD]

My point is that if I'm gonna need to bring an amp to be heard? I'm gonna bring my P. Too bad too, I really like the look of them Kelly's. What's your take on this?

This is equivalent to saying: "if I have to plug in my nylon string, classical guitar to be heard, why not just bring the Strat".

 

[roadkill2309]

This is equivalent to saying: "if I have to plug in my nylon string, classical guitar to be heard, why not just bring the Strat".

+1

 

[envika]

This is equivalent to saying: "if I have to plug in my nylon string, classical guitar to be heard, why not just bring the Strat".

nicely put, sir.

also, everyone, please don't use a pick on an ABG, unless you want to sound like the guy from the violent femmes, which you don't.

 

[Darkstrike]

nicely put, sir.

also, everyone, please don't use a pick on an ABG, unless you want to sound like the guy from the violent femmes, which you don't.

I play my ABG with a pick a lot, sounds fine, but then I've never heard ot those violent femmes either,

 

[chroma601]

I've found my Kelly fretless to be audible with two acoustics, but not satisfyingly so. But it has a great tone when plugged in, and my band does some all acoustic numbers with all instruments amplified. In that context it's fantastic. Even when the guitarists go electric, it's still my choice for some songs. The rest of the time I'm on the P bass.

It's also handy to have around when I'm waiting to have the dogs come in, or the spirit grabs me late at night...

 

[MD]

Aibohphobia: The fear of pallindromes

Go hang a salami, Im a lasagna hog.


Had to do it!

 

[chroma601]

Now I'm terrified!!

 

[RED5]

This is equivalent to saying: "if I have to plug in my nylon string, classical guitar to be heard, why not just bring the Strat".

unless of course you play bass?

 

[RED5]

Sure set fire to that one,Thanks everyone for the response. I guess it'd be like adding another language to my list. I'll have to try one in a real world situation and see what it's like.

 

[franchelB]

This is equivalent to saying: "if I have to plug in my nylon string, classical guitar to be heard, why not just bring the Strat".

You can always stick a mic in front of the classical guitar, not to mention that the frequency range of the guitar is easier heard with the human ear than it is on a bass guitar. Which is also why "uprights"/"doghouse", double bass violins are so huge...it needs all that air to help move the low-frequency sound.

Again, I've had an "ABG" before, and I've played quite a few shows with it! Based on my experience, I wouldn't purchase another one.

But eh, it's your money....

 

[tplyons]

I used a cheapie to noodle around the house. That's it.

 

[ferrellcat]

i like my abg, work well it can be heard well w/ other acoustic inst. plus - could you imagine blister in the son w/out an abg - it just aint the same

 

[Sneckumhaw]

nicely put, sir.

also, everyone, please don't use a pick on an ABG, unless you want to sound like the guy from the violent femmes, which you don't.

I disagree that a pick on an ABG will make you sound like that guy, but I lol'd nonetheless. Always hated that band.

 

[sethlow3]

Using tape wound strings with a pick doesn't sound like dude from the Violent Femmes at all, plus that's just HIS tone in HIS hands. Everyone's tone will vary.

 

[Sneckumhaw]

Using tape wound strings with a pick doesn't sound like dude from the Violent Femmes at all, plus that's just HIS tone in HIS hands. Everyone's tone will vary.

Indeed.

 

[walkbassman45]

I have a Washburn AB 34 that was homebound until I got a call to sit in with a real good Jazz singer. She does all the old standards that called for some walking/swing basslines. A nice woody tone thats not intrusive ( Nylon strings ) just loud enough so she and the guitar player could hear the changes. (nobody gets lost)The night was a success with many compliments.Now when she calls I just bring the acoustic and leave the J Bass at home.

 

[Liko]

An acoustic-electric (piezo-equipped) ABG will have its own unique sound that even a piezo-equipped solidbody won't quite reproduce. Yes, you may need an amp, but your acoustic is going to sound more like an acoustic when you plug in than any solidbody will; your P-bass won't even come close. Also, most electric guitarists keep an acoustic around for practice. It's very simple; no amp. You don't need an amp to noodle around on an ABG and hear yourself.

That's the reason they're used for acoustic sets. Yeah you need an amp; what's the big deal? Even the acoustic guitars have to be miked, and if the ABG sound makes you sit better in the mix with two acoustic guitars, you bring an ABG. You gonna tell any acoustic rock group or anyone who's ever done an unplugged album that they should have recorded with a P-bass cause there's no point using an acoustic if you have to be amped?

 

[Baird6869]

Why? What else am I going to play with the guitards around the campfire?

My Morgan Monroe ABG is loud enough to be heard with 2 guitars. If they strum really hard, I might need to use a pick, but normally I am ok fingerstyle.

P.S. The Morgan Monroe ABG has a very large body which is why it is so resonant IMO.

Here is an eBay example.....
http://cgi.ebay.ca/SOLID-TOP-MORGAN-MONROE-ACOUSTIC-ELECTRIC-BASS-GUITAR_W0QQitemZ320216335759QQihZ011QQcategoryZ4713QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQ_trksidZp1638.m118.l1247QQcmdZViewItem

 

[Darkstrike]

Why? What else am I going to play with the guitards around the campfire?

My Morgan Monroe ABG is loud enough to be heard with 2 guitars. If they strum really hard, I might need to use a pick, but normally I am ok fingerstyle.

P.S. The Morgan Monroe ABG has a very large body which is why it is so resonant IMO.

Here is an eBay example.....
http://cgi.ebay.ca/SOLID-TOP-MORGAN...ZWD1VQQ_trksidZp1638.m118.l1247QQcmdZViewItem

My ABG is about that size, and as I have said in the past, I have no trouble being heard over a guitarist, and two singers. Mine is currently strung with Steve Harris Flats and low action, plenty loud.
Remember, acoustic instruments project outwards, they are a lot louder than the person playing hears, hand your acoustic to someone else and let them play, you'll see.