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Acoustic bass advice

R

RGMX100

Jan 6, 2014
9
0
#1
I'm guessing this question has been asked before, but anyway:
As Christmas is coming up, I'm considering getting an acoustic bass, but there's a few things I want to ask you guys;
a) Is it worth my time and money investing in one?
b) which brand for a small budget (£200-£300)?
c) 4/5 string? (I already own a 4 string electric Cort)

If there's any more questions I'll add them below
Thanks again :)
 
#3
I have a Samick Greg Bennett AB2, and I love it. It's slightly louder than most other ABG's, and sounds fantastic.

Keep in mind though that they are very low volume and don't keep up with a guitar or two very well. When I'm jamming with a guitar, I tend to play with a pick, which is about the only way to be heard.

Only you can decide if an ABG is right. I got frustrated with volume issues and strung mine with piccolo strings and detuned to B F# B E, which helped a lot. I decided on the odd tuning to keep the instrument "bassier".
 
#4
I have a Thunderbird Pro IV with flatwounds. Sounds great. It used to be my favorite until I put D'Addario tapewounds on my Dean Exotica. The plugged in sound really surprised me...3-band equalizer, aural exciter and phase switch...and the neck is incredible.
 
#6
Most ABG's are electric acoustic. I think mine has a Fishman electronics package, but I could be wrong on that. Whatever the case, it has simple controls - Volume, Bass, and Treble. It works for what I need it for and sounds decent enough.
 
#7
Don't bother with a 5 string, especially if you're gonna be playing it acoustically. ABG's aren't that loud on their own, and the low B will definitely not be heard (unless you're planning on EADGC, in which case you should be fine).
 
#9
Best I've tried is the warwick alien rockbass deluxe. They are about $700-900 new depending if you want 4,5, or 6 string and also come in fretted or fretless. If your planning on doing a lot it acoustic gigs it may be a good investment.

If your just wanting to casually sit on the couch and play without having to hook up an amp an ibanez or dean will be just fine. They sound decent but not as good as the alien and not as loud either.
 
#10
Acoustic bass on its own will not be loud enough, except for jamming by yourself for fun. I had one and sold it. Plugged in, the sound was not good.

My advice is get a Hofner Ignition violin or club bass, put some flat wounds on it, and get a small amp, 50 watts, and use that.
 
#11
Couple of months ago I bought a Washburn AB5K for $300 acoustic/electric slapped on some Elixir acoustic strings and called it good. Like others have said, its nice not to have to grab a cord, plug in, adjust any volume or EQ levels; I can just sit and play where ever. Also in the band setting we've found it convenient when collaborating one on one on days without our drummer present.
 

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