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Acoustic bass guitar

#21
FugaziBomb said:
I initially had planned to de-fret a lower end acoustic because my assumption was that no one made an affordable fretless AEB, then I saw the dean for under $150 and couldn't say no. I strung it with Black Diamond Pure Jazz flats and it sounded great. The tension of those strings is giving me some belly bulge, tho, so I'm switching to a set of TI flats as I've read they are much lower tension.

Edit: Also, glad to hear you mention the upright attitude that a lot of people get. I had it bad when I used to play upright. :unsure:
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You might want to consider a set of LaBella white nylons. On a lark I put the copper set (I love copperwound strings) on a VM Jag and fell in love with the sound. Next restringing on the ABG I'm either going to try those or the red copperwound set of Invalid Link Removed on it.

The TIs are very much lower tension. But they also have a somewhat different sound than other flats.

Have you tried any of the newer "low tension" flat sets yet? I think LaBella and somebody else is now offering them.
 
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#22
I have said this in the many ABG threads. I keep my acoustic in the family room. When I'm watching TV or hear a song, I a can pick it up, play for a while and not disrupt the whole house. It gives me a chance to be around the family while still able to work on my technique.

For bonfires and other events, get a pignose battery powered amp and you are set.
 
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#23
40Hz said:
You might want to consider a set of LaBella white nylons. On a lark I put the copper set (I love copperwound strings) on a VM Jag and fell in love with the sound. Next restringing on the ABG I'm either going to try those or the red copperwound set of Invalid Link Removed on it.

The TIs are very much lower tension. But they also have a somewhat different sound than other flats.

Have you tried any of the newer "low tension" flat sets yet? I think LaBella and somebody else is now offering them.
Click to expand...
Those white nylon strings are interesting looking. I wasn't aware there were other options for lower tension flats these days. Nice to know there are lower cost options out there (~$75 for a set of strings hurts)
 
#24
I've been using ABGs for almost 20 years, they are great for acoustic jams. If I'm playing with an unamplified guitar and a beat box or a cajon, I don't plug in and just use a felt pick. Otherwise I go amplified.

After all these years with Tacomas, I took delivery of this a few months ago. It's amazing!

IMG_0963.JPG
IMG_0964.JPG
 
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#25
I have 2 abgs that get regular play but not much gigging anymore.

My main long time ABG is a Washburn AB20 with Rotosound TruBass nylon tape strings, I use the stock piezo and have also added a Barcus Berry flat Humbucker on top in the sweet spot. I play this bass a lot as it is the closest at hand by the couch and occasional recordings.

My second ABG is a Dean Playmate EABC 5 with believe it or not the stock strings with a low B. I use the stock passive POS piezo and a Highlander Insider. I do play this bass usually unplugged as singer/songwriter sessions very often using a capo to make it easier to follow. It is fine in an unplugged situation volume wise I I need more volume I will use a pick or play octaves guitarron style.
 
#29
mikeoso said:
If you intend to plug in, there are many choices....try them till you find what you like. If you expect to play unplugged with others, there are limits...small groups, small venues, and very large expensive ABGs...older Guilds, Tacomas, Earthwoods, some Martins.
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Add the Emerald Balor and Rigel Acousta to that list. ;) They exist, but they're generally big, rare, and expensive.
 
#31
HeavyDuty said:
I've been using ABGs for almost 20 years, they are great for acoustic jams. If I'm playing with an unamplified guitar and a beat box or a cajon, I don't plug in and just use a felt pick. Otherwise I go amplified.

After all these years with Tacomas, I took delivery of this a few months ago. It's amazing!

View attachment 1170371 View attachment 1170372
Click to expand...

What is that - who makes it?
 
#33
FugaziBomb said:
Those white nylon strings are interesting looking. I wasn't aware there were other options for lower tension flats these days. Nice to know there are lower cost options out there (~$75 for a set of strings hurts)
Click to expand...

On a positive note, it is possible to routinely get 6+ years out of a set of TI flats. I've gone much longer myself. But I only replace TIs when I can't get them in tune anymore. And since it takes a little break-in time before flats really open up, anything I can do to avoid changing flats is very tempting. But yeah…TI must be awfully proud of those strings.

I've recently started using the light guage #3025 GHS Precision Flat set (.45-.95) on my JB and couldn't be happier. Plenty of thump if/when you want it and they play well with a JB's electronics. No lack of flatwound character or feel despite the lighter gauge. Something that really surprised me.
 
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#34
I got one of these back in December. I either use it to practice/noodle around or if I'm playing an acoustic gig, it's plugged in. The body is really thin (which I like) but it doesn't project a lot of sound in an acoustic setting.
AEGB14E_MHS_12_03.png
 
#35
I'd like to offer a unique alternative:

I bought these strings for my Breedlove Passport: Invalid Link Removed

My acoustic only really comes out to play with a flamenco player, and I wanted something more like his sound. The strings are holding up very well (though they go flat after about a half hour of playing). They sound awesome, and I'm not going to do anything different with that bass from here on out.

Although, it will need a very good setup with those strings.
 
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#36
bopeuph said:
I'd like to offer a unique alternative:

I bought these strings for my Breedlove Passport: Invalid Link Removed

My acoustic only really comes out to play with a flamenco player, and I wanted something more like his sound. The strings are holding up very well (though they go flat after about a half hour of playing). They sound awesome, and I'm not going to do anything different with that bass from here on out.

Although, it will need a very good setup with those strings.
Click to expand...

I've had the same problem with similar strings on my nylon acoustic - just won't hold a tune after a little while of playing it
 
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