Acoustic Anyone?

[FreeBassJunky]

Not the amps. Acoustic as in not electric. I was thinking about getting an acoustic/electric bass and was wondering who or what to try and/or buy. I know Dean and Ibanez offer their own very "affordable" models.

Any thoughts?

 

[blastoff99]

Try before you buy. I bought a Dean online after reading rave reviews (for the price) and it was an utter disaster. The bass was not playable.

I ended up with a Michael Kelly Dragonfly 4 fretless. I like it all but the 'fretless' part, which is my fault, not its fault.

There's an MK in the Classifieds for what seems like a very nice price if you're in the guy's neighborhood.

 

[gigslut]

search the forums "Acoustic electric bass" there have been a dozen threads in the last month. Lots of reviews and opinions abound.

 

[fen5bassman]

I have a Godin A4 Fretless. If you boost the bass a bit and scoop the mids you get amazing Fretless stand up bass tone. If you boost the mids and throttle down the bass a bit it sounds electric. My Church tech director said if had his eyes closed he would have sworn I brought a double bass to church with me. Cost a pretty penny but you can not not not beat the playability and tone.

 

[slapmachine]

All I can say is be wary of the electronics in some of these lower end acoustic-electric basses, I've owned several, and either have to get them replaced or I just tore them out for an extra sound hole on the side. I'd recommend saving money for a high quality acoustic-electric if you're really into having the option of plugging it in just because inexpensive electronics can ruin the sound.

Best regards,

Brooks

 

[Tat2dHeart]

I have a Dean that I really like.


Back row left:

Although - I decided that I hated the typical phosphor-bronze wound acoustic strings and I put on nickel flats instead. I lost a little unplugged volume, but the sound I get now is a much nicer sound to my ears - a lot warmer and thuddy instead of bright and punchy.