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Accoustic bass guitar questions

I need to get a moderately priced ABG in the low 3's. I should?

  • Get the Dean EAB. It's cheaper, and if it sucks, you can always return it.

    Votes: 7 31.8%

  • Save yourself the hassle, and get Ibanez AEB10BBE. It's more $, but worth it.

    Votes: 15 68.2%
  • Total voters
    22
  • Poll closed .
#41
Don't be surprised if you have a very hard time hearing the ABG when playing with other musicians. I had a Fender GB-41 SCE, which is a fairly large sized ABG. While it seemed loud when practicing alone, it was drowned right out when jamming with even just a single acoustic guitarist. They would say, "I can barely hear the bass!" I would respond, "I can barely hear it either and I'm playing it!"

The good thing is that if you will need some amplification for an "acoustic" gig, a small practice combo amp/cabinet with low wattage (25-50 watts) will do just fine to make your ABG be heard.
 
#42
bassguitarthund said:
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. I see you will be using a amp.
Click to expand...

The idea is that we are going to crash the event and wander, while playing. We are hoping that we make such an impression, that the event organizers would want us to either come back next week, and play, etc.

In future gigs, at other venues, we may do an "unplugged" set.

I was considering the Dean, because of it's large body. However, so many told me it sucked in the electronics dept...

BUT... I wonder, if I ran it into my Sansamp Bass driver DI, that it would increase my signal, saving me $$$ from buying a nice Ibanez

Thoughts? Beatings? Slaps in the back of my head?
 
#43
PaulMacCnj said:
Don't be surprised if you have a very hard time hearing the ABG when playing with other musicians. I had a Fender GB-41 SCE, which is a fairly large sized ABG. While it seemed loud when practicing alone, it was drowned right out when jamming with even just a single acoustic guitarist. They would say, "I can barely hear the bass!" I would respond, "I can barely hear it either and I'm playing it!"

The good thing is that if you will need some amplification for an "acoustic" gig, a small practice combo amp/cabinet with low wattage (25-50 watts) will do just fine to make your ABG be heard.
Click to expand...

I hear ya', and expect not to be really heard if we are wandering. It's more of a visual than anything else.

Future gigs where we'd do an "unplugged" set, I'd be going through my amp.
 
#44
bassgod76 said:
The idea is that we are going to crash the event and wander, while playing. We are hoping that we make such an impression, that the event organizers would want us to either come back next week, and play, etc.

In future gigs, at other venues, we may do an "unplugged" set.

I was considering the Dean, because of it's large body. However, so many told me it sucked in the electronics dept...

Thoughts? Beatings? Slaps in the back of my head?
Click to expand...

Consider this...
If you're"crashing" the event, it's possible you may not be very popular and not be welcome back. You may want the nicer electronics for any unplugged sets in the future. Just looking at it from a realistic perspective.

The more expensive Dean's have active electronics while maintaining the large body. I think it was the "Performer" model. Not sure about now.
 
#45
MD said:
Consider this...
If you're"crashing" the event, it's possible you may not be very popular and not be welcome back. You may want the nicer electronics for any unplugged sets in the future. Just looking at it from a realistic perspective.

The more expensive Dean's have active electronics while maintaining the large body. I think it was the "Performer" model. Not sure about now.
Click to expand...

I use the word "crashing" rather loosely. Most who attend the ren fest come in costume and have fun by carrying on and enjoying the festivities. We by no means would interupt other performances, shows, etc.

We'd be wearing monty Python meets KISS type tunics, so it would fit. Especially to those who have seen the movie "Role Models".

Invalid Link Removed
 
#47
I have a cheap Michael Kelly that I got for $250 used and it sounds pretty good (used in the below soundcloud link). With new strings it's pretty loud, but outside you'll get drowned out with any ABG. You could get a real small battery operated speaker. I saw someone walking with a $20 kids toy speaker clipped to their belt. Oddly, the mix of acoustic bass output and amplified (even rough sounding) made it audible with acoustic geetars as they walked around.
 
#48
I've been pleased with the amplified sound of my cheapo Dean ABG fretless with flats, sounds pretty upright-ish even with a pick. Can't hear it or my Michael Kelly 5-string over an acoustic guitar unamplified, though.
 
#50
VitalSigns said:
Not to hijack the thread but...

My Dean EAB came with one strap button at the end of the body. Is it safe to drill a hole for the other one? Or do I have to buy one of those straps that tie behind the nut?
Click to expand...

The strap that ties on the neck will work, but since most ABG's are so long it may drive you crazy how far the bass will want to drift to your right (assuming you are right handed).

I found it ridiculously awkward, so I simply drilled a hole and put a strap button on the back side of the heel.

Easy as pie, and works perfectly. :)

Hondo010-1.jpg
 
#51
DogBone said:
The strap that ties on the neck will work, but since most ABG's are so long it may drive you crazy how far the bass will want to drift to your right (assuming you are right handed).

I found it ridiculously awkward, so I simply drilled a hole and put a strap button on the back side of the heel.

Easy as pie, and works perfectly. :)
Click to expand...

Thanks man. I'm probably gonna do that tomarrow.
 
#59
DogBone said:
+1 on the Sound hole cover.

Consider it a necessity if you plan to amplify your ABG to anything resembling "performance volume."
Click to expand...

Dumb question... Is the sound hole the same size on every acoustic? Or does Ibanez make one for their instruments?

I was able to play an Ibanez AEB10E this weekend. It had a decent volume and tone, unamplified. It was okay in the craftsmanship dept, but wasn't anything to write home about. However, it really came alive when plugged into an amp. Unlike my old Applause AE40, this bass had a nice bottom end. The tuner was pretty crappy, but I guess that's what you get in that price range.

I will probably opt for the AEB10BBE.
 
#60
bassgod76 said:
I appreciate everyone's input. I love this forum. People have so much great knowledge, here. :)
Click to expand...

You haven't been here long enough! :)
Just kidding.
One day people will stay out of threads that don't concern them. Then peace shall reign.:)
For instance this thread hasn't attracted the people who don't like ABGs.
I don't drop opinions in threads that don't concern me. If folks are waxing poetic about a well known amp and cab that I used but don't favor I'm not going on there with a bunch of hatism.

I love ABGs. I use them as they were intended. I don't expect them to project like an upright. I don't expect $100.00 ones to sound like $2500.00 ones. Like all things you get what you pay for. The $100.00 one is perfect for the camp/beach fire. The pricey one? The conservatory or museum or art gallery or recording studio. Ones intended to plug in do that well. Ones intended to be acoustic do that well.
Peace Y'all.
 

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