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ACOUSTIC BASS RECOMMENDATIONS Please

Rick N. Hofner

Rick N. Hofner

Oct 30, 2008
51
5
Connecticut
#1
I want to ask the TB community if they can recommend any particular acoustic bass brands / models. I am shopping for a reasonably priced acoustic bass guitar, 4 string, either new or used. I have heard the Michael Kelly Dragonfly is a good instrument. I also heard the Fender AB models are a good value for the money. Does anyone have experience with Ibanez, Washburn, Dean, and Takamine AB's? Thanks! :smug:
 
#2
I have a Takamine G series and love it. I did a few slight modifications to it to make it more playable; sanded the back of the neck, made minor adjustment to the bridge piece and replaced those bronze strings with some rounds... Now the bass plays great and sounds great too.

I was very picky when it came to selecting an ABG, I played many models and this one was the best fit for me. I suggest playing as many as you can before you buy...find the one that meets most of your criteria and then adjust as necessary.

Good luck!!
 
#3
Hi!

Unfortunately, you won't find alot of love for ABG's around here but, on the other side of the coin, there is a small but growing group of ABG owners around these parts. There's a thread already going titled "The Acoustic Bass Fetish Club" and you can read it here......

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=443269

I've owned several ABG's over the years and the one thing that is consistent, regardless of the make or model or what anybody else tries to tell you, is if you want to be heard when accompanying more than one acoustic guitar is that you're going to need to plug in. Plain and simple fact. Accept it and it will make your decision making somewhat easier.

The best advice I can give you is to go fretless. Get a proper setup with tapewound strings. It will make all the difference in the world.

Every fretted ABG I've owned had an annoying fret rattle. I researched this problem and after doing alot of reading, followed the advice listed above and I'm very happy with the results. The tone comes VERY close to an upright bass and it plays smoothly and quietly.

Check it out.......Michael Kelly Dragonfly 4 Fretless..........

Stuff039.jpg
 
#5
There are two Dean models, the lower priced (made in china?) "Playmate" and the more expensive (once made in Korea - not sure now) "Performer". In the under $500 category the Dean "Performer" is definitely worth a look. I personally like it more than any other lower priced acoustic I've played. I tried a Michael Kelly Dragonfly fretless recently and hated it even though on paper I should have liked it.
 
#9
Rick N. Hofner said:
I want to ask the TB community if they can recommend any particular acoustic bass brands / models. I am shopping for a reasonably priced acoustic bass guitar, 4 string, either new or used. I have heard the Michael Kelly Dragonfly is a good instrument. I also heard the Fender AB models are a good value for the money. Does anyone have experience with Ibanez, Washburn, Dean, and Takamine AB's? Thanks! :smug:
Click to expand...

I have a Takamine G series as well. They don't make a G series fretless, so I had to pull'em. It cuts through with two finger picking guitars and quiet vocals around a fire. Action is 1/4"+ off the board with LaBella Tapewounds.

From my reading, I'd also look into the Dean's for a first time ABG.
 
#13
I have one of the Ibanez Exotic woods series with an ash body. It has a very deep "woody" tone. I know nice description. :rolleyes: My buddy just bought a Victor Bailey signature Fender. Amazing!Doesn't have the low, low tone of my Iby, but it's not 5 inches thick either. Both have great pre-amps and built in tuners.

H
 
#14
34" Scale, chambered, piezo in the bridge...it will absolutely blow your mind. It is going out in a trade soon, but I now have the 6-string version in a 35" scale with the upgraded preamp. The thing has so much bass you could play dub reggae with it. Just recorded with it down at Black Lodge and the engineer said it was the best sounding bass he ever heard. Simply awesome. I posted a clip of the 5-string last year, so you guys could check that out if you want...I guess I consider these things to be semi-acoustic.


VeilletteFullFront.jpg
 
#15
Thank you all for the great information! I have only been playing bass a couple years. My reason for wanting an ABG is for practice, not performance. I just want a bass nearby I can reach for and start playing, or workout an idea for a song. LAPetrarca, thanks for the advice to go fretless, and the reasons behind why. I will definitely keep that in mind. RNH
 
#17
I'm a hobbyist, so my opinion my not count for much, (plus I'm on a budget). I bought a Dean Playmate and it seems ok. It does have a little fret buzz in places, but I take that as a challenge to place my fingers so as not to get as much. It's $150 tops new, and probably cheaper other places.
I wanted the same thing, not having to plug in all the time. plus there are others to consider. I bought mind blind, and the action is ok. I like to play AJ's "bahama mama" on it. Don't look for documentation though, I'm searching the DEAN site right now trying to get info on how to string it, etc.
 
#19
The Godin A4 and A5 as well as the Carvin AC40 and AC50 are good value for money ABG. You can find all at a very good price (esp 2nd hand). I own a Godin A4 (fretted) as well as a Michel Fournel ABG 5str. The Michel Fournel is fantastic but the price tag is a bit high
 

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