Accoustic bass guitar questions

[bassgod76]

Volume-wise you'll do best with an Ovation or an Applause (same as Ovation) deep bowl bass, a Guild (lotsa $$) or, by reputation, a Tacoma.

I have an Applause and it has more volume than any other ABG I've heard.

Some people like the rounded back, others don't. It works for me.

Buy used and you can easily get under $300, possibly under $200.

I used to have one of these, and I hated the rounded back. It played okay, but I would never get another ovation/applause product.

 

[dvh]

If you go unplugged, I predict you will not hear yourself anywhere near where you'd like to. A BIG-box ABG, like a Tacoma, will get closer than a cheapo- perhaps a moot point.

+ infinity. I tried using an ABG in an outdoor busking situation. Even with a pick there's really no bass. It's a visual thing only....

 

[bassgod76]

I spoke to the guy at Guitar Center. He said the Rogue I posted was a POS. He said Ibanez has more consistent offerings than the Dean.

 

[bassteban]

I would place far more faith in a random TB noob than any GC schwub(no offense to any schwubs, GC or not )- they're trying to sell you something- anything.

 

[bassgod76]

I would place far more faith in a random TB noob than any GC schwub(no offense to any schwubs, GC or not )- they're trying to sell you something- anything.

I agree, but I like to gather much info from many sources.

 

[bassgod76]

The used Dean will cost me $200, shipped. No return policy, but includes a Dean HS case.
MF is selling a nice used Ibanez AEB10E for $211.85 shipped that has some chips in the headstock, but has a 45 day return policy.

Should I opt for the Ibanez? It seems nicer.

 

[VitalSigns]

So your going to be only playing KISS music?

 

[bassgod76]

If I liked it, I may just use it for other things. Right now, this is the gig I have.

 

[RedsFan75]

The electronics on the Dean were thin, and did not give a consistent tone across all the strings. The best tone I got was when I used TI Acousticore bronze. It was an active electronic version but it seemed like the ribbon for the pickup didn't fully contact the saddle properly. I tried a couple of different saddles and still couldn't get the contact I needed. Also it was very heavy on the treble side. I had to cut the treble completely and boost the bass fully to get a decent balanced sound. No such trouble with the Ibanez. I bought my AEB10E in much the same manner you are saying. I paid about the same price. Well worth it.

 

[bassgod76]

I hear you guys, and I think I should spend a little more to get a much better instrument. Instead of being a world class cheap a$$, I will expand my budget to low 3's. I came upon these. What is the difference between these two?

Ibanez AEB10BBE

Ibanez AEB10E

I assume the BBE is a bigger body, but they have different stuff, yet are the same price.

 

[flaquito]

I've always liked my Epiphone El Capitan. The body is huge and it puts out pretty decent volume unplugged. Not available in black, so I don't know if that's a deal-breaker for you. They can be picked up pretty inexpensively used.

They're also really well-built. Mine was in my basement years ago when it flooded, and I poured water out of it. Took off the strings and electronics and dried it out with a cool blow dryer. No warping, no glue issues, no cracking, nothing. Local luthier inspected it and said it was still in perfect shape.

All that to say, they might be worth looking into for your purposes.

 

[bassgod76]

I've always liked my Epiphone El Capitan. The body is huge and it puts out pretty decent volume unplugged. Not available in black, so I don't know if that's a deal-breaker for you. They can be picked up pretty inexpensively used.

They're also really well-built. Mine was in my basement years ago when it flooded, and I poured water out of it. Took off the strings and electronics and dried it out with a cool blow dryer. No warping, no glue issues, no cracking, nothing. Local luthier inspected it and said it was still in perfect shape.

All that to say, they might be worth looking into for your purposes.

They're about the same price used on Ebay as a new Ibanez on MF. Plus I have return policy with MF.

However, I really appreciate the suggestion.
You rule

 

[Lowest End]

From what I've read, the lower end Dean has passive electronics so the output is very weak. The more expensive Dean ABGs have active electronics.

This is the case. I have one of these and while it's fine for my purposes (a few sets a year), I had to buy a Fishman ABG preamp to get any kind of usable volume out of it, and a soundhole cover to kill the feedback.

 

[bassgod76]

This is the case. I have one of these and while it's fine for my purposes (a few sets a year), I had to buy a Fishman ABG preamp to get any kind of usable volume out of it, and a soundhole cover to kill the feedback.

What does a Fishman ABG preamp cost?

 

[UncleJimmy]

I'm pretty sure Gene played an Ovation when they did the whole unplugged thing.

Of course they were really "plugged"

 

[bassgod76]

I'm pretty sure Gene played an Ovation when they did the whole unplugged thing.

Of course they were really "plugged"

I think he played a Kramer Ferrington on "Unplugged"

 

[MikeB_30]

I have an AEB10E and it's pretty loud when it's acoustic. If you're going to be playing just acoustically I might go for the one with the bigger body. If you're plugging in, it probably won't matter.
BTW, I've had my AEB10E for going on two years and have had no issues with it.

 

[Lowest End]

What does a Fishman ABG preamp cost?

Amazon.com: Fishman PRO-EQ Platinum Bass Preamp/EQ/DI: Musical Instruments

I think I got it used for about half that, if memory serves.

 

[bassgod76]

So maybe I could use my Sansamp to boost the signal before it goes to my amp, if I opt for a Dean?
Or am I wasting my time, and should roll with the nicer Ibby?

 

[bassguitarthund]

If you guys are going to be in one spot and not moving around like minstrels do (i think). You could always hide a small amp somewhere and go wireless. Are you guys going to battle like they did in the movie for your country men in "Kiss-My-Anthia"? That would be funny!!

edit: For those that had not seen the movie. Kiss-My-Anthia was the fake country that they were battling to defend in the role playing thingy. Funny movie. Actually saw people doing the role play stuff in a park here in Grand Rapids. All though not to that extreem, lol. Was fishing, the other BASS!

edit, edit: Ok I was to late on posting my message or corn-fused. I see you will be using a amp.