I hadn't listened to it, so I just did and kept the window minimized. The whole track is so processed, that I couldn't even hear the bass -- that, or the "subwoofer" for my PC speakers sucks that badly. I looked at the vid, then, to see what was going on, and his E string sounded like a drum beat, not very bass-like at all.
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Acoustic Bass Guitar -- too genre-oriented?
- Thread starter foq1978
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I hadn't listened to it, so I just did and kept the window minimized. The whole track is so processed, that I couldn't even hear the bass -- that, or the "subwoofer" for my PC speakers sucks that badly. I looked at the vid, then, to see what was going on, and his E string sounded like a drum beat, not very bass-like at all.
I realise this is all subjective, and not wishing to get into a pissing match...but I can certainly tell the difference in sound between the ABG and my EB's...that's why I went with an ABG for the acoustic line up.
I use the same head and cabs for ABG and EB with very little tonal alteration (at the head) and the difference in sound is very much noticeable. So much so that it has been commented on by punters.
Going from my own experience an ABG in an acoustic setting is of great benefit...not only to the look (all wooden boxes), but also to get a mellower sound without relying on a box of tricks.
I use the same head and cabs for ABG and EB with very little tonal alteration (at the head) and the difference in sound is very much noticeable. So much so that it has been commented on by punters.
Going from my own experience an ABG in an acoustic setting is of great benefit...not only to the look (all wooden boxes), but also to get a mellower sound without relying on a box of tricks.
And that kind of proves my point.
I am in total support of us, as players, who - whether real or not - hear the nuances of tonal differences which therefore influence how we play and feel about our playing.
What I feel I can insist on is that those differences - unless they are marked differences - are meaningless in the vast majority of real world playing situations.
The fact that this site is filled with debates about different woods, SS vs tube, 10's vs. 15's etc. etc. is testament to that.
I suppose I should specify what I mean. If you play somewhat aggressively with a pick.....you will more than likely be heard. If you are playing fingerstyle and not digging in....i think you're gonna struggle to be heard.
Granted this is all dependent, to some degree, one what style of music you are playing. I generally play in the rock genre, so the guitar player(s) are usually givin' her hell.
Just my experience. I legitimately would like to see your video proof though (I mean that in a non-dickhead way)
My problem is getting my band out of work and the studio and into my living room to film it....
My plan it to sit around, stick a Behringer condenser mic a couple of meters away, and record through a Behringer usb miver interface into Cubase, or Premier, using the web cam for the video.....
Good plan just need the Band.... who are camera shy...
An ABG is an interesting creation.
I hope no one expects Upright volume out of one.
It's interesting that most of the complaints are coming from folks who are playing inexpensive ABGs. This is not an issue per say because I wouldn't take an expensive instrument to a campfire in the woods or at the beach.
The lesser costly models may not have solid tops. These reveal a thud. Add cheap electronics and you may not like them plugged in.
Conversely except for the Taylor the more you spend, and I generalize, the better they get. That Martin is a toneful expressive instrument. The Guild was beautiful sounding but suffered from a laminated top and short scale. The Tacoma originals spanned the space between loud and good price point. The Maize, Breedlove, Larivee get into the extremely articulate class. The Larivees could be had up to six stringed and fretless.
Once you cross over that $1000. line they get amazing. The timbre is out there. You can play chords that just sound beautiful. My experience of playing an ABG is that you will find those techniques crossing over to your EB playing. You will experience first hand that you bring the notes out of the instrument.
I hope no one expects Upright volume out of one.
It's interesting that most of the complaints are coming from folks who are playing inexpensive ABGs. This is not an issue per say because I wouldn't take an expensive instrument to a campfire in the woods or at the beach.
The lesser costly models may not have solid tops. These reveal a thud. Add cheap electronics and you may not like them plugged in.
Conversely except for the Taylor the more you spend, and I generalize, the better they get. That Martin is a toneful expressive instrument. The Guild was beautiful sounding but suffered from a laminated top and short scale. The Tacoma originals spanned the space between loud and good price point. The Maize, Breedlove, Larivee get into the extremely articulate class. The Larivees could be had up to six stringed and fretless.
Once you cross over that $1000. line they get amazing. The timbre is out there. You can play chords that just sound beautiful. My experience of playing an ABG is that you will find those techniques crossing over to your EB playing. You will experience first hand that you bring the notes out of the instrument.
Take a look at this, Michael Baumgarten using one...
Bruunari no. 278, EKO acoustic bass guitar - YouTube
He's getting a fab tone from it...
I had wanted one for years, but the cheaper ones always were either too quiet or had fret buzz somewhere on the neck. I found a factory second Ibanez that is actually pretty loud and has no fret buzz. Got it for $160. Awesome!
I really just wanted one for tinkering around the house. I keep my basses and amps stored away and it's a pain to get everything out to mess around, so I just leave my Ibanez lying around and grab it whenever I get the urge. A lot of times I use it to practice, I just use my iPhone and one earbud so I can hear the bass as well.
I really just wanted one for tinkering around the house. I keep my basses and amps stored away and it's a pain to get everything out to mess around, so I just leave my Ibanez lying around and grab it whenever I get the urge. A lot of times I use it to practice, I just use my iPhone and one earbud so I can hear the bass as well.
Wow! thank you so much for the input and recordings.
Nightsun, vivisound and DogBone: I am really glad you showed me your videos / soundclouds. They are really helpful for me to get a better impression of the ABG sound.
Again, thanks! (and keep the videos / audio coming!)
Nightsun, vivisound and DogBone: I am really glad you showed me your videos / soundclouds. They are really helpful for me to get a better impression of the ABG sound.
Again, thanks! (and keep the videos / audio coming!)
Glad it was helpful.
I'm reluctant to post this one as the bass is so subtle and practically buried, but here it is anyway in case it may help.
In this demo I was using my Hondo running direct into a multi-track digital recorder set up during one of our rehearsals.
I had my Hondo strung with Elixir phospor-bronze ABG strings in this one, treble rolled off.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
I'm reluctant to post this one as the bass is so subtle and practically buried, but here it is anyway in case it may help.
In this demo I was using my Hondo running direct into a multi-track digital recorder set up during one of our rehearsals.
I had my Hondo strung with Elixir phospor-bronze ABG strings in this one, treble rolled off.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Last edited by a moderator:
It does help, thank you. It also helps that the song is beautiful, too.
Were all the other instruments / voice recorded through the multi-track DR as well?
Take care!
Thanks for the good words.
Yeah, everything went direct into the multitrack, we recorded live together for these demos. Myself on bass, with two guitarists, singer of course, and a drummer.
The recorder wasn't mine, I think it was some "Digital workstation" or something. Had the mixer and recorder built in, and could burn a CD all in one. It did okay for demos and rough mixes. This recording was done about 2005 I think.
Yeah, everything went direct into the multitrack, we recorded live together for these demos. Myself on bass, with two guitarists, singer of course, and a drummer.
The recorder wasn't mine, I think it was some "Digital workstation" or something. Had the mixer and recorder built in, and could burn a CD all in one. It did okay for demos and rough mixes. This recording was done about 2005 I think.
Cheers glad they helped. There are more up on my youtube channel if you want some more examples.
Nathan East and his 5 string Yamaha ABG:
Eric Clapton Bell Bottom Blues Unplugged Live TV Recording - YouTube
Mike Inez on his Alvarez 4 string:
Alice In Chains - Would? - Unplugged - YouTube
Eric Clapton Bell Bottom Blues Unplugged Live TV Recording - YouTube
Mike Inez on his Alvarez 4 string:
Alice In Chains - Would? - Unplugged - YouTube
The one acoustic bass that I owned was a four string fender victor bailey signature.
It was one of the most beautiful and comfortable basses I've EVER played, up there with my fodera in terms of comfortability....BUT....
The E and the A strings were WAYYYYYYY louder than the G and D, and that type of problem for a 1000 dollar bass made me return it within a week.
It was one of the most beautiful and comfortable basses I've EVER played, up there with my fodera in terms of comfortability....BUT....
The E and the A strings were WAYYYYYYY louder than the G and D, and that type of problem for a 1000 dollar bass made me return it within a week.
A $7 sound hole cover, if amped, and some d'addario half rounds on my AEB and I can rock with any genre.
