Acoustic bass suggestions?

[Buster53]

I play only short-scale and that right away limits my options I know. I've got a Gibson SG, a Squire, two Hofners and my 1960s vintage Apollo violin bass - all 30" scale. I want to add an acoustic primarily as a practice instrument for when I'm traveling (don't want to lug around an amp!).

I've got a line on an Applause (Ovation) AE40 but where I thought these were mid-depth I'm reading more that suggests they were all the "deep" bowl and I'm not sure I'd be comfortable with that. A Plan B could be a Fender Kingman. I'm trying to stay in the $500 budget range tops.

Anyone know if the AE40's were definitely "deep" bowl backs? Any other models I should look at? Even half considered a Best Choice ($99 on Amazon) but if it's junk I don't need to waste $100 even just to practice.

And if you have an AE40 I'd love to talk.

 

[Katoosie]

Get a small headphone amp and mig your favourite bass where ever you go instead of getting an acoustic
Just a thought!

 

[Buster53]

Certainly an option I'd not thought of and maybe should consider but still curious about the AE40s or other acoustics. Thanks!

 

[dalkowski]

With very costly exceptions, ABGs unamplified won't give you much volume (enough, but not much). So if you're only using it for practice, get the one that feels best, sounds best, and is within your budget.

(Everything I see on page 1 of Google sez the Applause is a deep bowl.)

 

[Buster53]

Thanks. Volume not an issue cause if I were to gig it I'll run it into my small Vox amp. Mostly a practice instrument in the hotel room and possibly an occasional "campfire" acoustic jam with friends while on the road - in which case I'll jump into someone's amp if really needed.

Deep bowl is what I see in my Google searches though somewhere in the past couple of days I'd swear I saw mid-depth? Have a call in to Ovation so maybe they'll confirm.

 

[dalkowski]

Just FWIW, the Ovation bowls don't sit equally well with all players. Test drive.

 

[Buster53]

Exactly. I'm short and fat and I worry the deep bowl won't sit well with my body type. LOL!

 

[abarson]

I had a 6-string Ovation with a fairly deep bowl. I didn't think the ergonomics were good and I absolutely hated the V-neck profile.
I'll join the pack in saying that ABGs are really limited in applicable use. Hotel room ampless? Yes, but a regular SS bass with headphone amp takes up less space. Campfire playalong? Two acoustic guitars will drown you out.

But if you're really sold on the concept, I'd suggest either one of these:
Tribal Acoustic/Electric Bass - Short Scale | Luna Guitars
Mitchell EZB Super Short-Scale Acoustic-Electric Bass 3-Color Sunburst | Guitar Center

 

[GretschWretch]

Exactly. I'm short and fat and I worry the deep bowl won't sit well with my body type. LOL!

A convex bass back paired with a convex human front usually results in a dobro playing position.

 

[CryingBass]

That's why I love my NS Radius! ( form = belly ) ( not an acoustic )

 

[Buster53]

I had a 6-string Ovation with a fairly deep bowl. I didn't think the ergonomics were good and I absolutely hated the V-neck profile.
I'll join the pack in saying that ABGs are really limited in applicable use. Hotel room ampless? Yes, but a regular SS bass with headphone amp takes up less space. Campfire playalong? Two acoustic guitars will drown you out.

But if you're really sold on the concept, I'd suggest either one of these:
Tribal Acoustic/Electric Bass - Short Scale | Luna Guitars
Mitchell EZB Super Short-Scale Acoustic-Electric Bass 3-Color Sunburst | Guitar Center

I've seen the Luna online and like what I see. Wish the short scale offered a sunburst or other than natural finish but that's nit picking. I've got a local Guitar Center so might see if they have one I could check out.

 

[REV]

I think Taylor makes a small acoustic bass. The Mini E?

 

[Buster53]

They do but outside of my comfort budget. Think it's like $700 or $800?

 

[ColdEye]

They pop up used for about $400 on guitar center. If it's crap when it arrives or you don't like it, super easy returns.

 

[macmanlou]

Consider the Guild B-240E. 30.75" scale, Fishman electronics. I have the fretless version and I really like it. The output jack does not go through the strap button, and the battery is accessible from outside the body. Usually sells for $500. I have no affiliation with Sweetwater.

Guild B-240E, Concert Acoustic Bass Guitar - Natural

 

[nickpc]

The couple of times I've had my hands on the Fender T-Bucket Acoustic I've been impressed, and they're not overly big. I'd have grabbed one except I have my Charvel Surfcaster AEB, and with that there's no need for another one (and I'd recommend it except you can't find them, anywhere).

 

[Buster53]

Consider the Guild B-240E. 30.75" scale, Fishman electronics. I have the fretless version and I really like it. The output jack does not go through the strap button, and the battery is accessible from outside the body. Usually sells for $500. I have no affiliation with Sweetwater.

Guild B-240E, Concert Acoustic Bass Guitar - Natural

View attachment 4399333

Ooh - I've not seen this and I'm a loyal Sweetwater client. I'll check this out. Thanks.

 

[Buster53]

The couple of times I've had my hands on the Fender T-Bucket Acoustic I've been impressed, and they're not overly big. I'd have grabbed one except I have my Charvel Surfcaster AEB, and with that there's no need for another one.

Sorry - T-bucket?

 

[Obese Chess]

Sorry - T-bucket?

Short-scale Acoustic Bass that Fender made in the mid- to late- 2000s. There is one on Reverb now in your price range. I know nothing else about them.

 

[nickpc]

Sorry - T-bucket?

Sorry - looks like they aren't making it any more, but here's the info on them:

Fender Introduces T-Bucket 300E Bass

And medium/32" scale, so it might not fit your need.