Acoustic bass suggestions?

[B-Mac]

Well, one would expect an acoustic instrument to be actually audible acoustically. There's the relevance. DB's are. Sure, they're not WOW loud but they're audible. And built a specific way to be able to actually project sound acoustically. The fact that they have to be amplified (now) as well is actually irrelevant to that argument. Acoustics are much more quiet. They don't have the body for it, if you will. And (to me) they seem "gimmicky". As in, someone in marketing decided "ok, here's an acoustic guitar. People like acoustic guitars, why not make an acoustic bass based on that!". And there we go.

As for the bold, a lot of people (myself included) don't. And that's okay too. I like how some of them sound, sure, I've even thought multiple times of getting one but I found no pros apart from the weight for that list and quickly abandoned the idea.

Again, the cons to playing an acoustic are what I wrote in my previous post. They're big, unwieldy, without much thought for ergonomics, they're usually a tad harder to play (for me) and set up than electrics, they do pretty much nothing acoustically (again, as the name would suggest) unless amplified, not to mention, like a DB, they can't take the same abuse an electric can.

Totally unrealistic scenario: If you could only have one bass, would you choose an acoustic over an electric?

If one, like the OP, actually WANTS one for whatever reason, cool. To each his own. But other than that, calling people who have valid (for the umpteenth time, for me/them) reasons not to like them, "full of BS" isn't really good manners now, is it? One can dislike a p-bass for whatever reasons, doesn't make them "wrong".

Still, I'll gladly eat my words publicly if you can "sell" me on an acoustic. Seriously, not being a -male member- here, I mean it. Explain to me (if you wish) what you think I have not seen or considered that makes an acoustic (not hollow or semi) bass a good choice and I might just get one.

OP, sorry for the tangent but I do find this debate interesting. Mods, delete at will if you so wish.

Cheers

One of the issues I find with this debate is the way in which an ABG is played which absolutely positively affects volume when played unplugged. If you play an ABG with a super low action and light touch dead fish handshake you’ll definitely have a hard time hearing an ABG when unplugged.

However, using a higher action to let the strings ring out, playing with finesse using a pic or finger nails and pressure wound (pressure wounds have virtually no squeak) phosphor-bronze strings you’ll be surprised at how loud an ABG can actually be. I’m a pic player and can be heard when I play with my friend who plays acoustic guitar. I usually have to sit across from her rather than next to her so she can hear me.

Also realize that when ABGs first started becoming somewhat popular in the late 70’s by Guild they had no electronics. They were mic’d back than as so were a lot of acoustic guitars.

My loudest ABGs when unplugged are my Martin, Dean EABC and Takamine Jumbo. Price wise this represents quite a range of ABGs from high, mid and low price categories.

If you don’t like the clickity clack of a pic a felt pic or hard rubber wedgie pic is recommended.

[edit] late 70's

 

[B-Mac]

Damn. Now I gotta find an outhouse to practice in! LOL

Hoping it will arrive Saturday. I opted for the spruce top - just aesthetics, no other reason.

The Viper or the Outhouse?

 

[HaphAsSard]

when ABGs first came out in the late 70’s by Guild they had no electronics.

Guild didn't introduce the ABG with their B50 (1975): going backwards in time, the Ernie Ball Earthwood (1972), the Maton Bindara B60 (1968) and the Harptone B4 (1967) all preceded it.
The horizontal acoustic bass guitar (viola baixo) was introduced in Portuguese fado music in the early '50s, although players back then (not so much now) preferred a double-contra-violin fifths tuning (G1-D2-A2-E3). Before that, the instrument (and the tuning) had been a fixture of the Portuguese tuna (a type of popular music ensemble) since at least the Eighteen-Seventies.

The above is net of other, some degrees -removed approaches, such as the diagonal/vertical (the 1936 Regal Bassoguitar, the 1914 Meyers, the 1912 Gibson mandobass, the old-style Balkan contrabass tamburitza - variously known as berda, berde, tamburaški bas, begeš and possibly others - also from the late 1870s, and the contrabass versions of the balalaika and the domra from Russia and Ukraine), the 6-string acoustic contrabass guitar (around 1960 in Japan, but with a 1899 antecedent advertised by Bohemian-born, Chicago-based luthier Joseph Bohmann) and the also 6-stringed guitarrón mexicano.

 

[B-Mac]

Guild didn't introduce the ABG with their B50 (1975): going backwards in time, the Ernie Ball Earthwood (1972), the Maton Bindara B60 (1968) and the Harptone B4 (1967) all preceded it.
The horizontal acoustic bass guitar (viola baixo) was introduced in Portuguese fado music in the early '50s, although players back then (not so much now) preferred a double-contra-violin fifths tuning (G1-D2-A2-E3). Before that, the instrument (and the tuning) had been a fixture of the Portuguese tuna (a type of popular music ensemble) since at least the Eighteen-Seventies.

The above is net of other, some degrees -removed approaches, such as the diagonal/vertical (the 1936 Regal Bassoguitar, the 1914 Meyers, the 1912 Gibson mandobass, the old-style Balkan contrabass tamburitza - variously known as berda, berde, tamburaški bas, begeš and possibly others - also from the late 1870s, and the contrabass versions of the balalaika and the domra from Russia and Ukraine), the 6-string acoustic contrabass guitar (around 1960 in Japan, but with a 1899 antecedent advertised by Bohemian-born, Chicago-based luthier Joseph Bohmann) and the also 6-stringed guitarrón mexicano.

Hey, thanks for the wiki history lesson. Really appreciated. I made an edit to my post that you commented on.

I just recall seeing Guilds in the late 70’s when I was 18. I’m sure there were others as you listed, but I really recall the Guilds being the ‘popular’ ABG in the stores back then. Not like you’d see an Earthwood in a small mom and pop music store.

I remember the mom & pop music store (Jaworski’s) in my home town had one hanging up.

 

[Buster53]

Well, one would expect an acoustic instrument to be actually audible acoustically. There's the relevance. DB's are. Sure, they're not WOW loud but they're audible. And built a specific way to be able to actually project sound acoustically. The fact that they have to be amplified (now) as well is actually irrelevant to that argument. Acoustics are much more quiet. They don't have the body for it, if you will. And (to me) they seem "gimmicky". As in, someone in marketing decided "ok, here's an acoustic guitar. People like acoustic guitars, why not make an acoustic bass based on that!". And there we go.

As for the bold, a lot of people (myself included) don't. And that's okay too. I like how some of them sound, sure, I've even thought multiple times of getting one but I found no pros apart from the weight for that list and quickly abandoned the idea.

Again, the cons to playing an acoustic are what I wrote in my previous post. They're big, unwieldy, without much thought for ergonomics, they're usually a tad harder to play (for me) and set up than electrics, they do pretty much nothing acoustically (again, as the name would suggest) unless amplified, not to mention, like a DB, they can't take the same abuse an electric can.

Totally unrealistic scenario: If you could only have one bass, would you choose an acoustic over an electric?

If one, like the OP, actually WANTS one for whatever reason, cool. To each his own. But other than that, calling people who have valid (for the umpteenth time, for me/them) reasons not to like them, "full of BS" isn't really good manners now, is it? One can dislike a p-bass for whatever reasons, doesn't make them "wrong".

Still, I'll gladly eat my words publicly if you can "sell" me on an acoustic. Seriously, not being a -male member- here, I mean it. Explain to me (if you wish) what you think I have not seen or considered that makes an acoustic (not hollow or semi) bass a good choice and I might just get one.

OP, sorry for the tangent but I do find this debate interesting. Mods, delete at will if you so wish.

Cheers

With regard to this part of your comment..."If one, like the OP, actually WANTS one for whatever reason, cool. To each his own. But other than that, calling people who have valid (for the umpteenth time, for me/them) reasons not to like them, "full of BS" isn't really good manners now, is it? One can dislike a p-bass for whatever reasons, doesn't make them "wrong"."... I'd just like to make it clear as the OP, that I ave not called anyone's opinion "full of BS." I appreciate everyone's opinion, even if I disagree. I'm sure you didn't mean to apply that comment to me personally but the way the statement reads it might be inferred. Thanks.

 

[B-Mac]

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.

Guild Jumbo B-240E Acoustic-Electric Bass Guitar Natural

Have you looked at these?
Scale length: 30 3/4"
Guild Jumbo B-240E Acoustic-Electric Bass Guitar | Music & Arts

 

[Buster53]

Yes, thanks, someone earlier recommended this and another the Guild Junior Jumbo. I’ve opted for the Cordoba Mini II as the body is similarly sized to my Hofners but the Guilds are my Plan B if needed.

 

[MrLenny1]

Go ahead and get one but IMHO don't spend too much on them.
They are fun around the house but just not practical to gig with.

 

[Buster53]

Well as noted it is primarily to be used for practicing when traveling and sitting alone in a hotel.

 

[jd56hawk]

One poster (not the one you're quoting) said that the trite truism "All acoustic basses are worthless" is bs. Not the most polite way of putting it but, in fairness, the quote gets old fast.

That guy probably said it because "all acoustic basses are worthless" is mere opinion.
The simple truth is, some people know the difference between opinion and fact, some don't.
"All solid-body basses are worthless" is an opinion, of course, and not a very valid opinion, either.
However, "Some solid-body basses cost more than other" is a fact.

 

[HaphAsSard]

Hey, thanks for the wiki history lesson. Really appreciated.

Let's call it Wiki-like: a lot of it isn't anywhere to be found on Wikipedia (I had to dig out termini post quem for the berda and the viola baixo in academic articles - the latter was in Portuguese, which I don't speak but sort of read).

 

[chadds]

Why do threads about ABGs attract the naysayers? If on TB I go to the SVT + Tort + P thread and say they are useless, I'd be trolling.

Were the naysayers feeling duped? Do they wish ABGs exceeded the laws of physics? Are they disappointed that they need to be plugged in? Is this the same as saving players from falling for Monster Cable hype?

If you missed all this, only recently have posters been sitting just inside the forum rules by saying the ABG isn't right for them.

Your mother said, "If you don't have something nice to say......"

 

[Ed Goode]

Why do threads about ABGs attract the naysayers?

It does make one wonder, doesn’t it? In this case, the OP asked a simple question looking for shortie ABG suggestions and received all manner of “useless”, “not practical”, “not gig worthy” or other less than complimentary verbiage. I’ve never understood the negativity directed towards acoustic basses …

 

[yonatan1991]

In My opinion ,people are disappointed when they pay lot of money And expect to get something that will change something . I see companies like emerald balor, Martin,furch . Acoustic bass for 2000-3200$ . People buy this, and expect to get instrument with loud tone as double bass .

 

[Buster53]

Thanks for this! While I don’t dis other’s opinions, everyone is entitled to one, those wo made actual recommendations (the purpose of this post - not to open an obviously endless debate on ABGs) are deeply appreciated.

 

[Buster53]

Thanks for this! While I don’t dis other’s opinions, everyone is entitled to one, those wo made actual recommendations (the purpose of this post - not to open an obviously endless debate on ABGs) are deeply appreciated.

Sorry, still learning this forum on my phone, this reply was directed to Ed Goode’s comment above.

 

[jd56hawk]

Why do threads about ABGs attract the naysayers? If on TB I go to the SVT + Tort + P thread and say they are useless, I'd be trolling.

Were the naysayers feeling duped? Do they wish ABGs exceeded the laws of physics? Are they disappointed that they need to be plugged in? Is this the same as saving players from falling for Monster Cable hype?

If you missed all this, only recently have posters been sitting just inside the forum rules by saying the ABG isn't right for them.

Your mother said, "If you don't have something nice to say......"

The funniest thing is, some would claim they're trying to help other bassists.

 

[Gothic]

Yeah sorry guys, I meant to quote @jd56hawk 's post as well but it got lost in the post editing process.

Anyway, like I said before, I didn't really mean to rag on acoustics and I don't care enough to dissuade anyone from getting or playing whatever they like and acoustics are fine by me, although I gave my reasons for not considering one and I do believe I'm free to voice my opinion to anyone, unless otherwise prohibited in a privately controlled environment.
I do however like a civilized debate and I intended my posts as an invitation to one such thing.
So when I said "sell me on it", I actually meant "present me with your findings so maybe I can see what the other side does and I maybe I will rethink my approach". I realize most people don't care to "sell" anybody on whatever but I really don't get acoustics more than that. I haven't played one extensively and would absolutely love a long term user's/player's opinion on them. And that was the extent of my "hubris".

I will voice my questions once again, wishing for an honest answer instead of a fight.

Are they not bigger, more unwieldy and more prone to damage than electrics?
Do they not need amplification to be audible, especially when played live, along with other instruments?
Did you really replace your electrics in favor of one, and if so, why?
What exactly is it about their tone that you can't reproduce with an electric and electronic wizardry (hence, what makes an acoustic, irreplaceable)?

I've read the relative posts and honestly appreciate every answer that gives me some clarification and isn't just "well eff you and the arguments I've heard a thousand times". I believe these arguments exist because they are realistic. No?

I realize a lot of "defenders" feel the need to somehow "justify" their choice of one when presented with what I consider absolutely logical counterpoints but being on the other side of a debate doesn't necessarily mean one hates or wishes the opposing side harm or anything of the sort and doesn't warrant a fight or internet hissy fits and accusations.

 

[jd56hawk]

Yeah sorry guys, I meant to quote @jd56hawk 's post as well but it got lost in the post editing process.

Anyway, like I said before, I didn't really mean to rag on acoustics and I don't care enough to dissuade anyone from getting or playing whatever they like and acoustics are fine by me, although I gave my reasons for not considering one and I do believe I'm free to voice my opinion to anyone, unless otherwise prohibited in a privately controlled environment.
I do however like a civilized debate and I intended my posts as an invitation to one such thing.
So when I said "sell me on it", I actually meant "present me with your findings so maybe I can see what the other side does and I maybe I will rethink my approach". I realize most people don't care to "sell" anybody on whatever but I really don't get acoustics more than that. I haven't played one extensively and would absolutely love a long term user's/player's opinion on them. And that was the extent of my "hubris".

I will voice my questions once again, wishing for an honest answer instead of a fight.

Are they not bigger, more unwieldy and more prone to damage than electrics?
Do they not need amplification to be audible, especially when played live, along with other instruments?
Did you really replace your electrics in favor of one, and if so, why?
What exactly is it about their tone that you can't reproduce with an electric and electronic wizardry (hence, what makes an acoustic, irreplaceable)?

I've read the relative posts and honestly appreciate every answer that gives me some clarification and isn't just "well eff you and the arguments I've heard a thousand times". I believe these arguments exist because they are realistic. No?

I realize a lot of "defenders" feel the need to somehow "justify" their choice of one when presented with what I consider absolutely logical counterpoints but being on the other side of a debate doesn't necessarily mean one hates or wishes the opposing side harm or anything of the sort and doesn't warrant a fight or internet hissy fits and accusations.

I bought three of these for a very good reason...tone.

It's really quite simple...the older Dean Exoticas have more tone options than most solid-body basses.
Also, I like the way they look.
As for playability, they're not at all uncomfortable...I have no problem playing for an hour or more.

 

[Gothic]

I bought three of these for a very good reason...tone.
View attachment 4402373
It's really quite simple...the older Dean Exoticas have more tone options than most solid-body basses.
Also, I like the way they look.
As for playability, they're not at all uncomfortable...I have no problem playing for an hour or more.

Couple of extra questions, if you care to indulge me.

Is this picture yours? I see the soundhole's plugged. Do you ever have feedback issues when playing live? And if so, does the plug really help?
Also, in the clip you posted, is the mute from the picture in place?

I'd also love to hear how an acoustic responds to OD! Hell, if they are indeed viable I might as well get one! I still find them uncomfortable, especially the lack of upper body contours but I suppose a bowl design might be alright. The weight, especially considering my spinal issues is definitely enticing but I've only considered semi-hollow electrics instead.