Acoustic bass suggestions?

[jd56hawk]

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.

You're talking about plugging in, right?
Because you won't find anything better than this for a sweet plugged-in tone.

 

[SoundOfOneHandSlapping]

I know the balance on the full scale Fender Kingman is pretty extreme. If you practice while seated, it's not bad at all. I found the neck profile really comfortable to play. The body won't give you a big sound, but it's a nice tool for solo practice.

I imagine someone will chime in on how much neck dive the short scale version has.

 

[Killing Floor]

You can’t go wrong with an 80s Kramer Ferrington if you can find one and if you have long enough hair. They’re not much bigger than a refrigerator.

 

[Buster53]

Ive not played a 32 scale tbh. As a teen I had a full scale (34") and my arms are just too short, so that (and my then admiration of Sir Paul) sent me to a Beatle bass and I've loved em ever since. The current Fender Kingman is a 30" however.

 

[IBJammin]

Ibanez AEBs are decent. Keep the stock bridge (or replace if the previous owner shaved it), use acoustic bass strings, and add the DAddario O-Port. Im heard over 2 guitars with no amp.

 

[BassToGoGo]

My personal favorite:

Guild Guitars | Jumbo Junior Bass

23 3/4" scale, Fishman pickup/electronics.

 

[Queue]

I went on a similar search last year. I play a Squier Jag SS, and landed on a Fender Kingman V2 (used from GC). Make sure you get a current one (Black, formerly know as the V2).

I love mine, and play it frequently. You will likely need an amp at the campfire.

 

[ProbablyTooLoud]

I love my Breedlove fretless Jumbo Solo.
Here's a random pic of one I grabbed online.
But oops it's a 34 so not a match for you.

 

[Boomhowertx]

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.

I have a Martin B-15 E that I seldom ever play.
Let me suggest this; my wife night me a Cordoba mini 'll bass MH-E. A hollowbody shaped like a ukulele. Mahogany, piezo, built,in tuner. Overall length 34", with about a 21" scale. Mine came with decent gig bag and accessories.
You said no amp, and hotel rooms. This would be perfect for you.
I'm 300 lbs, and use mine in a cabover camper. Come on man, check this out!
She got it on Amazon last year. Currently $229 without gig bag.
I've never played any acoustic bass I didn't like, and I'm an electric guy. I only have one short scale now, I guess. A '69 Gibson EB3.
Good luck with your search!

 

[KohanMike]

Look at the Traveler Redlands Mini, 22.2" scale, but no electronics. Reverb has one from PitBull audio for $250, and Traveler shows back order for $199.
Traveler Guitar Redlands Mini Bass Compact Acoustic Bass w/ Gig Bag, Spruce | Pitbull Audio | Reverb
Redlands Mini Spruce | Traveler Guitar

 

[SoCal80s]

How about a semi-hollow electric like the Guild Starfire?

 

[Clark W]

A Plan B could be a Fender Kingman. I'm trying to stay in the $500 budget range tops.

I love my Fender Kingman, it's an excellent instrument, unplugged or plugged in. You have to make sure you get a Fender California Series Kingman V2 JTB, the V1 is 34" scale, the V2 is 30". I actually use short scale D'Addario Chromes on mine. It's became my main "solo" practice bass because I don't have to plug anything up. I play it at least once a day M - F. Sometimes for just a song or two, sometimes for an hour or more. Every now and then I'll use it live too.

 

[Deleted member 165050]

I have a medium scale Dean (fretless) acoustic, handmade in Korea... but not sure they make that scale now. I play mostly 34" and one 35", but have to admit 32" is very comfortable to play.

 

[GretschWretch]

You can’t go wrong with an 80s Kramer Ferrington if you can find one and if you have long enough hair. They’re not much bigger than a refrigerator.

View attachment 4399377

Plus, if you remove the strings, it's the perfect target for a cornhole competition.

 

[Collin Lyle]

This is what I have and highly recommend:

Guild B-4CEN 1994 Natural Guild B-4CEN 1994 Natural | My Generation Guitars | Reverb


I have no affiliation with this item for sale. Just for reference. But, there are a few on Reverb right now which surprises me as I hunted for mine for over a year .

 

[friedlbug]

I’m currently enjoying an Ibanez PNB14E that checks off most of you list.

 

[coy garcia]

I've owned 3 different acoustic basses in my life for all the reasons you listed. Funny I sold or gave away all of them because they just didn't deliver a good sound, volume, or even travel well.
What I do now when I travel in my RV. I bring a beater bass in a gig bag with a tiny battery powered amp in the pocket. You'll get better sound and volume than a unplugged acoustic and travels better. I also use this amp for computer speakers mp3 speakers.
Blackstar Fly 3 Bass Pack 1x3" 3-watt Bass Combo Amp with Cabinet and Power Supply

 

[FLStudiobassist]

Ibanez AEB10E is mine, got it in violin burst. Excellent acoustic bass.

 

[Jeff Scott]

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!).

You already have three that I can see in your listing. Anything else is a waste of money for just personal practice, really.

 

[Buster53]

I have a Martin B-15 E that I seldom ever play.
Let me suggest this; my wife night me a Cordoba mini 'll bass MH-E. A hollowbody shaped like a ukulele. Mahogany, piezo, built,in tuner. Overall length 34", with about a 21" scale. Mine came with decent gig bag and accessories.
You said no amp, and hotel rooms. This would be perfect for you.
I'm 300 lbs, and use mine in a cabover camper. Come on man, check this out!
She got it on Amazon last year. Currently $229 without gig bag.
I've never played any acoustic bass I didn't like, and I'm an electric guy. I only have one short scale now, I guess. A '69 Gibson EB3.
Good luck with your search!

interesting you suggest this. I got on phone to my Sweetwater rep to inquire about the Guild

I have a Martin B-15 E that I seldom ever play.
Let me suggest this; my wife night me a Cordoba mini 'll bass MH-E. A hollowbody shaped like a ukulele. Mahogany, piezo, built,in tuner. Overall length 34", with about a 21" scale. Mine came with decent gig bag and accessories.
You said no amp, and hotel rooms. This would be perfect for you.
I'm 300 lbs, and use mine in a cabover camper. Come on man, check this out!
She got it on Amazon last year. Currently $229 without gig bag.
I've never played any acoustic bass I didn't like, and I'm an electric guy. I only have one short scale now, I guess. A '69 Gibson EB3.
Good luck with your search!

Wow. Interesting you suggest this. I got on the phone with my Sweetwater rep to inquire about a Guild and after much discussion (he plays bass) he asked if I’d consider his suggestion based on my expressed goals and he said let me tell you what I use… the Cordoba mini!