Acoustic Bass Problem

[MakoMan]

I was originally going to buy the Dean AEB, but so many folks told me that the horrid electronics and lack of consistency in manufacturing made these instruments pale in comparison to the Ibby. Now I don't know what to think.

You were told wrong. My cheapie Dean was perfectly assembled and finished, as were all 8 that were in the store when I got mine... any of them certainly put that Ibanez of yours to shame - and these were advertised as Blems!! My impression has always been that Ibanez QC sucks on their less expensive instruments.
The electrics on the Dean may not be the best and require some slight tweaking, but they at least work properly.
Personally I would return that guitar and try to find a blemmed Dean AEB for $100-150 and consider it a lesson learned. I CERTAINLY would not compound my error by spending $650 on an acoustic bass, unless it was a used Guild or Tacoma.

 

[bassgod76]

You were told wrong. My cheapie Dean was perfectly assembled and finished, as were all 8 that were in the store when I got mine... any of them certainly put that Ibanez of yours to shame - and these were advertised as Blems!! My impression has always been that Ibanez QC sucks on their less expensive instruments.
The electrics on the Dean may not be the best and require some slight tweaking, but they at least work properly.
Personally I would return that guitar and try to find a blemmed Dean AEB for $100-150 and consider it a lesson learned. I CERTAINLY would not compound my error by spending $650 on an acoustic bass, unless it was a used Guild or Tacoma.

Okay, well my previous thread did not fare well for the Dean. In any event, I have discontinued thinking about dropping $650 for a once and a while bass. I will let you know how I make out. I have this feeling that spending a little more will get me a better product than what I have now.

 

[bassguitarthund]

I have been interested in those new Fender KIngman basses. Not sure if they come in black though. I would like to get a black one to match my Geddy (sorta). Hopefully will check one out soon. If you get one of those or try one, I would be interested in hearing what you think of it.

 

[bassgod76]

I have been interested in those new Fender KIngman basses. Not sure if they come in black though. I would like to get a black one to match my Geddy (sorta). Hopefully will check one out soon. If you get one of those or try one, I would be interested in hearing what you think of it.

I've seen one of those. It's cool, but I can't get past the headstock on an acoustic. I know looks are not important if an instrument sounds good. I just can't look past it. This coming from a guy who owns an Axe bass.

 

[experimental bassist]

For what you are wanting to do, I would send it back for a replacement Ibanez.

Those are not just blemishes, but major war scars indicating some sort of abuse somehow, somewhere, before it reached you.

I suspect it was dropped, and that's why you are also having problems with the tuner cutting on and off.

Since you seem to like it other than the severe damage issues, and are primarily going to use it for a single event if I recall correctly, I would be hesitant to throw much more money on something that may or may not be any better.

FWIW, I just purchased an Ibanez acoustic guitar for my youngest son, a V200S.

Not an expensive instrument at all, but it arrived in perfect shape, very nicely set up, an excellent finish (yes it's gloss black), and the on board tuner works perfectly.

I like it a lot, and my son is thrilled with it. We got it through Musician's Friend at a fantastic price.

Anyway, I hope you get an ABG you like whatever you decide to do.

 

[MakoMan]

Okay, well my previous thread did not fare well for the Dean. In any event, I have discontinued thinking about dropping $650 for a once and a while bass. I will let you know how I make out. I have this feeling that spending a little more will get me a better product than what I have now.

There's a lot of people who post their opinions about less expensive instruments like the Dean, who have never actually played one. They really only slag it because they are equipment snobs. Most of the people who have bought and owned one are pretty happy with them, myself included.

 

[bassgod76]

For what you are wanting to do, I would send it back for a replacement Ibanez.

Those are not just blemishes, but major war scars indicating some sort of abuse somehow, somewhere, before it reached you.

I suspect it was dropped, and that's why you are also having problems with the tuner cutting on and off.

Since you seem to like it other than the severe damage issues, and are primarily going to use it for a single event if I recall correctly, I would be hesitant to throw much more money on something that may or may not be any better.

FWIW, I just purchased an Ibanez acoustic guitar for my youngest son, a V200S.

Not an expensive instrument at all, but it arrived in perfect shape, very nicely set up, an excellent finish (yes it's gloss black), and the on board tuner works perfectly.

I like it a lot, and my son is thrilled with it. We got it through Musician's Friend at a fantastic price.

Anyway, I hope you get an ABG you like whatever you decide to do.

I ordered this today. MF gave me free 3-5 business day shipping, which is cool.

We'll see how she does. If this one sucks, I will rethink this whole ABG business.

My only true worry is the body size of this bass. It "appears" smaller than the Ibby. We'll see.

The Ren Fest even is a one-time thing, and we may be doing "unplugged" shows in the future.

I appreciate everyone's help here.

 

[bassgod76]

There's a lot of people who post their opinions about less expensive instruments like the Dean, who have never actually played one. They really only slag it because they are equipment snobs. Most of the people who have bought and owned one are pretty happy with them, myself included.

There are also a lot of folks on here who are gear heads, and have owned both instruments. Those folks peaked my interest. The overwhelming feeling was that the Ibby is more consistent, and it has better electronics. (Shrugging)

 

[bassguitarthund]

I've seen one of those. It's cool, but I can't get past the headstock on an acoustic. I know looks are not important if an instrument sounds good. I just can't look past it. This coming from a guy who owns an Axe bass.

LOL, no problem It is all personal preferance after all. As you know I own a axe myself so we can't be that far off. I do however happen to like the headstock. Love the idea of a jazz neck on the body. Just wish the body was jazz shaped also with that neck!!!

Anyways, I see you got a Tak on order. Let us know what you think when you get it!! Good luck

 

[MD]

I ordered this today. MF gave me free 3-5 business day shipping, which is cool.

We'll see how she does. If this one sucks, I will rethink this whole ABG business.
My only true worry is the body size of this bass. It "appears" smaller than the Ibby. We'll see.
I appreciate everyone's help here.

The Tak has a jumbo size body and is probably as big, if not bigger than the Ibby. i don't think it's as big as the Dean though.

 

[bassgod76]

LOL, no problem It is all personal preferance after all. As you know I own a axe myself so we can't be that far off. I do however happen to like the headstock. Love the idea of a jazz neck on the body. Just wish the body was jazz shaped also with that neck!!!

Anyways, I see you got a Tak on order. Let us know what you think when you get it!! Good luck

I love the Fender headstock; just not on an acoustic. Oddly enough, one of my old bandmates owned a black Fender acoustic guitar with the Fender strat headstock. Interestingly enough, I kinda dug it.

I own the Axe, because my gig requires it. I still strap it on and just shake my head.

I will let you know when I get it. It will be forced to earn its stripes on the 4th!

 

[bassgod76]

The Tak has a jumbo size body and is probably as big, if not bigger than the Ibby. i don't think it's as big as the Dean though.

MD, you rule. Thanks!

 

[eban3]

OLDER BREEDLOVE'S W/ CEADAR TOPS ONE OF THE BEST SOUNDING ABG'S DONT KNOW IF THEY DID EM IN BLACK BUT EVEN THE BLACK ONE'S WITH THE SPRUCE TOPS ARE BETTER THAN MOST

 

[experimental bassist]

I ordered this today. MF gave me free 3-5 business day shipping, which is cool.

We'll see how she does. If this one sucks, I will rethink this whole ABG business.

My only true worry is the body size of this bass. It "appears" smaller than the Ibby. We'll see.

The Ren Fest even is a one-time thing, and we may be doing "unplugged" shows in the future.

I appreciate everyone's help here.

I bet you'll be pleased with the Takemine!

Good luck, keep us updated.

 

[bassgod76]

I bet you'll be pleased with the Takemine!

Good luck, keep us updated.

I will. Now to post my review of the Ibby on Musicians Friend.

 

[bassgod76]

Here's my review on the Ibanez I posted on Musicians Friend. I hope they post it.

Ibanez AEB10BBE Acoustic-Electric Bass
I’m not a huge fan of the acoustic bass guitar (ABG). The lack of volume and the need for an amp to be heard among other guitars makes owning an ABG more of a novelty than anything else. I owned an Applause AE40. I sold it two years later because of the above.

I joined a KISS tribute band recently, and we are now doing “unplugged” sets in makeup. This required me to purchase an ABG in black. The color requirement, and the fact that I didn’t want to spend over $400, significantly narrowed my choices. After much research and inquiries, it appeared that the Ibanez may be the best, cost-effective way to go about pulling off the “unplugged” thing.

PROS:
- You can remotely keep up with two guitarists without any amplification. It’s not perfect by any means, but it was a lot better than what I thought. Keep in mind, that to produce this volume level, you must use a pick, and raise the action.

- The black hardware is pretty cool looking and unique to an acoustic instrument.

- The bass played decently for its price range, despite the fact that it is an ABG.

- The square back is nice, and resonates pretty well. The rounded backs on the Applause/Ovation acoustics would always slide of me while seated.

- The two input choices is a nice touch (XLR or ¼”).

- This bass uses two AA batteries to power the onboard preamp and tuner. Being that my Line6 wireless operates on AA batteries, this worked well for me. This bass comes with two batteries. Very nice.

- The battery tray slides out pretty easy for quick access.

- The bass also comes with two Allen wrenches for trus rod adjustment, one spare bridge bobbin, and one spare bridge insert. Nice!

- The best part of this bass is the onboard preamp. It really allows the user to dial in a nice tone when amplified. You have a 3 band EQ, a phase switch. It even has a “Shape” slider which aides in preventing feedback.

- Hanging on a strap, the bass balances nicely. I used a cheap Ernie Ball Nylon strap, and had no neck dive.

- It has a finished, black neck, but I didn’t have any issues with it getting sticky.



CONS:

- The finish had several blems. One ding on the headstock, in between the E & A tuners, smudges on the top and bottom of the body, one the edges.

- The A tuner on the bass looks like it was installed by a drunk person, because it was so far out of alignment.

- There were big globs of dried wax where the fingerboard met the body.

- The decal around the trus rod was half way falling off.

- The phase switch on the preamp doesn’t really do anything.

- The onboard tuner is slow to register the note. I think it’s a preamp and tuner geared more towards guitar that they retrofitted to an ABG.

- I had to return this bass, because it was defective. The onboard tuner is activated by pressing the tuner button. This action cuts the output signal. Once tuning is completed, the user presses the button again, and output signal returns. The bass I received would randomly go into tuning mode, causing my signal to disappear, mid-song. If I didn’t have this issue, I would’ve most likely kept the bass, despite all of its blems, dings, etc.


Maybe I got a lemon, but I didn’t take any chances and upgraded to a Takamine G Series bass. Yeah, it was a little more $, but I hope the extra cost is worth it. As usual, Musicians Friend stood by their product, and went out of their way to make me happy.

 

[SurferJoe46]

OK - one at a time:::

CONS:

- The finish had several blems. One ding on the headstock, in between the E & A tuners, smudges on the top and bottom of the body, one the edges.

█ As stated, most think you got a returned or 'B-Stock' guitar.

- The A tuner on the bass looks like it was installed by a drunk person, because it was so far out of alignment.

█ I've seen this on all of this particular bass. I can't deny it's there, but not in an offensive way - just slightly off kilter.

- There were big globs of dried wax where the fingerboard met the body.

█I think the 'someone' who tried and returned the bass tried to cover the damage they did with a coat of wax - liquid wax prolly.

- The decal around the trus rod was half way falling off.

█ It's a sticker - not a decal. Just push it back on fer cryin' out loud.

- The phase switch on the preamp doesn’t really do anything.

█ That's what it's supposed to do - you won't notice nuttin' - it's a transparent way of cutting feedback, that's all.

- The onboard tuner is slow to register the note. I think it’s a preamp and tuner geared more towards guitar that they retrofitted to an ABG.

█ No trouble with mine, although the sustain can mess with it a little.

- I had to return this bass, because it was defective.

█ No - mostly it was trashed and should have been sold as a Used bass, that's all.

The onboard tuner is activated by pressing the tuner button. This action cuts the output signal. Once tuning is completed, the user presses the button again, and output signal returns.

█ Yup - that's the way it's SUPPOSED TO WORK. That way you can tune up and not let the audience in on the noise.

The bass I received would randomly go into tuning mode,

█ This happens when the batteries are dying but not totally dead. Sending a signal out from the preamp requires more voltage than using the tuner - think about it. It just default-fails by going into tuner mode, that's all.

.....(cont) causing my signal to disappear, mid-song.

█This is kinda a cool thing I think as you get a forewarning that the batteries are about the flop on ya. FWIW: the batteries in mine are over three years old right now and still going strong.

If I didn’t have this issue, I would’ve most likely kept the bass, despite all of its blems, dings, etc.

█ No way I'd accept a RW'd AEB-10BEK Ibanez bass when it's supposed to be new. I agree that it should have been returned, but not for most of the reasons you've stated.

Wasn't there an operator's manual with it? Reading it would de-mystify a lot of the confusion there methinks.

 

[bassgod76]

OK - one at a time:::

CONS:

- The finish had several blems. One ding on the headstock, in between the E & A tuners, smudges on the top and bottom of the body, one the edges.

█ As stated, most think you got a returned or 'B-Stock' guitar.

- The A tuner on the bass looks like it was installed by a drunk person, because it was so far out of alignment.

█ I've seen this on all of this particular bass. I can't deny it's there, but not in an offensive way - just slightly off kilter.

- There were big globs of dried wax where the fingerboard met the body.

█I think the 'someone' who tried and returned the bass tried to cover the damage they did with a coat of wax - liquid wax prolly.

- The decal around the trus rod was half way falling off.

█ It's a sticker - not a decal. Just push it back on fer cryin' out loud.

- The phase switch on the preamp doesn’t really do anything.

█ That's what it's supposed to do - you won't notice nuttin' - it's a transparent way of cutting feedback, that's all.

- The onboard tuner is slow to register the note. I think it’s a preamp and tuner geared more towards guitar that they retrofitted to an ABG.

█ No trouble with mine, although the sustain can mess with it a little.

- I had to return this bass, because it was defective.

█ No - mostly it was trashed and should have been sold as a Used bass, that's all.

The onboard tuner is activated by pressing the tuner button. This action cuts the output signal. Once tuning is completed, the user presses the button again, and output signal returns.

█ Yup - that's the way it's SUPPOSED TO WORK. That way you can tune up and not let the audience in on the noise.

The bass I received would randomly go into tuning mode,

█ This happens when the batteries are dying but not totally dead. Sending a signal out from the preamp requires more voltage than using the tuner - think about it. It just default-fails by going into tuner mode, that's all.

.....(cont) causing my signal to disappear, mid-song.

█This is kinda a cool thing I think as you get a forewarning that the batteries are about the flop on ya. FWIW: the batteries in mine are over three years old right now and still going strong.

If I didn’t have this issue, I would’ve most likely kept the bass, despite all of its blems, dings, etc.

█ No way I'd accept a RW'd AEB-10BEK Ibanez bass when it's supposed to be new. I agree that it should have been returned, but not for most of the reasons you've stated.

Wasn't there an operator's manual with it? Reading it would de-mystify a lot of the confusion there methinks.

The first thing I did was swap out the crappy factory batteries with fresh, name-brand types. I'm not a genius, but I know you always troubleshoot the problem with a simple solution, first.

It shouldn't just go into tuning mode at random. When this happened again, I tried a 3rd set of batteries. Once again, the same result occured.

I agree, it should've been returned, but the only reason I returned was the tuner issue. Everything else I could've fixed or lived with. For a cheap bass, I wasn't expecting perfection, just function.

 

[SurferJoe46]

Was there any corrosion in the battery tray? Seems to me someone rode this bass hard and put it away wet,

In the end, it may have been a lemon, but I think some untoward results were from human failure - not yours. Obviously a new piece of gear should be pristine, I know I wouldn't roll over on it that way.

I expect cherry when I buy new.

 

[bassgod76]

Was there any corrosion in the battery tray? Seems to me someone rode this bass hard and put it away wet,

In the end, it may have been a lemon, but I think some untoward results were from human failure - not yours. Obviously a new piece of gear should be pristine, I know I wouldn't roll over on it that way.

I expect cherry when I buy new.

No, everything looked new (except for the blems).

I will chalk it up to being the exception rather than the rule. A lot of folks said the Ibanez would be a great choice given my budget and color limitation. I imagine the bass is a sound buy; just not in my case.

I think my review was pretty even handed. I hate when reviews are either the reviewer practically blowing the company for making the greatest bass ever, or it's some wing nut with an axe to grind.