Acoustic Bass For Vacation

The choice is yours my friend. As far as acoustics go, I've heard good things about Dean ($170 to $225). They sound good and are affordable. I've also heard great things about the Michael Kelly basses ($325 to $ ???). I own a Rogue that I bought, used and mismarked, for $135... One of the better deals of my life.

BTW... Jamaica; you lucky B@ST@RD! Congrats.

 

Don't know where you are located - but if you want to grab a case you can Borrow my Epi El Capitain.

Edit: Of course if this is a good excuse to acquire another Bass then - please proceed - I like the Epi - got deal on it on Craigslist - might want to take a look there first.

 

As I recall, the Dean ABG's have a good rep here on TB. They make a Playmate, and a Performer model, the later being the more expensive.
I think the Playmate also has a cutaway and a non-cutaway body style.
Two octave board too.

 

congrats on the wedding.
I cant see your new wife being overly impressed with you playing bass with your mates on your wedding night ( unless you have a very decent lady ).
My wife cant stand me playing bass at anytime of the day ( miserable bitch ).

 

Chris....bringing your "buddy"/guitarist on your honeymoon is a pretty bold move.

What about your drummer? You cant neglect drummers' feelings.

Anyhow. Dean acoustics sound pretty good for the money (I'd avoid high end if youre knocking around the beach)

 

well, i dont think its his honey moon, just his wedding, and i assume you will be there for a while, no? and i mean come on, a whole _________ (insert number of days) without a bass, no way man

 

While you're at GC check out the Fender Victor Bailey acoustic/electric. They may have a 5-string on the floor.

 

In the past I've read that some ABG "B" strings are useless. More so while played unlpugged. You might want to take your buddy with you, and have him play the bass while you listen from a distance. Or, if there's a bass player working the floor, have him do it.

Also remember; set up on an ABG is directly related to acoustic volume.

 

I played all 3 at GC and thought that the Dean was the loudest and sounded better than the Ibanez and as good as the Fender. I am presently looking for an ABG and have the Dean on my short list.

Get the 4 string Dean but buy the one you play. I have read about inconsistencies in manufacturing with the Deans so don't let them give you one out of the warehouse unless you play it first.

 

I've owned several ABG's and the Michael Kelly in my sig is definitely the best of the six or seven that I've owned.....a definite keeper! I wouldn't take it to the beach though.....it really is a very nice instrument. I might go with the Dean for the beach.

My advice.....get a fretless and put a set of tapewounds on it. And, if you're planning on keeping it later, make sure it's got a pickup in because you won't be able to jam with more than one or two acoustic guitars without plugging in.

 

First off.... congratulations!

Second... I have a Tacoma ABG, great for what it is, but if you've not played an ABG before, be warned that the volume is low, very low. As in if you're playing outside on the beach with other folks with the surf in the background and the wind blowing... no one will hear a single note you play.

Here's another option... this is what I did on my last vacation...
http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Roland-Micro-Cube-Bass-RX-Bass-Combo-Amp?sku=483095
I'm not saying this is for everyone, but you should at least consider it.

 

Do keep it simple and just get the 4-string. I have played as many acoustics that I can get my hands on. One thing I noticed is that price has nothing to do with performance of an acoustic bass. I have played ones that are over $1000 and they sounded no where near as nice as my $350 Ovation CC2474.

I have played the Micheal Kelly's and they sound nice and are loud as my ovation. Yesterday I was goofing around while my guitar player was trying out 12-strings, with a Samick 4-string acoustic bass. That was a pretty nice bass too and was in the $300 range.

Just makes sure that if you do opt for an acoustic that it does have a pick up on just in case you decide to play with a couple of people in a jam.

 

I had a Dean Playmate and it was a surprisingly nice bass for the price. I would definitely recommend it. I only sold mine because I won a Tacoma Thunderchief in a drawing.

 

I put TI-Flats on mine. Less string noise and it still sounds great!

 

I've owned 2 michael kelly's, you can get a used one for 2-300 bucks and they sounds great!