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Acoustic bass vs electric?

#22
I like the idea of the Rotosound 88's. They sound similar to the Innovation Honeys I use on my Engelhardt for orchestra work. Of course, I know that Apple rooftop sound, and if I can get something like that with this acoustic bass, without the string noise, I think we have a winner.
 
#25
Then just play what you've got... this ABG. Plug into the amp you've already go. And you're good to go. Clean sound for sure. My own preference would be flat wound strings. Individual sound, in an orchestral environment is really not nearly as important as it is in a small rock/folk/jazz/etc group. So I wouldn't spend too much time pondering your "sound". It's a bit like singing in a small rock/folk/jazz/etc band... or singing in a chorus. The individual does get swallowed up by the group.
 
#26
Thanks boss. I thought so- but I figured I needed to do something about the string noise. The Rotosound strings sound like they will do the trick.

Will I need to do major surgery to the nut to accommodate the Rotosounds? I read that sometimes they're too big to fit the nut.

Listening to Let It Be ... Naked and digging that rooftop sound :)
 
#27
If you get those strings, check out bassstringsonline.com. Jason is an active TBer and offers some of the best customer service you could ask for. If you've got questions give him a call and he'll take care of you.

Invalid Link Removed
 
#28
MoonlightBass said:
That's not a bad idea! I might see about the nylon strings. I like the zing of the bronze bit I wonder if it's too much under the circumstances.
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I would second this - I've never been a big fan of acoustic electric basses, due to the strings and their "zingy" sound. I recently heard a guy play one in a 4-pc band with tapewounds and they sounded great!

I play upright and electric so have a pretty good ear for the difference; I too thought that the tapes were the best sound I've ever heard on an acoustic electric bass.
 
#29
MoonlightBass said:
Thanks boss. I thought so- but I figured I needed to do something about the string noise. The Rotosound strings sound like they will do the trick.

Will I need to do major surgery to the nut to accommodate the Rotosounds? I read that sometimes they're too big to fit the nut.

Listening to Let It Be ... Naked and digging that rooftop sound :)
Click to expand...

I use LaBella tapewounds, they are not too thick at all and shouldnt be a problem to adapt.
 
#30
Whoa whoa whoa whoa stop the clock!

"a Fender P bass, sunburst with tort guard and strung with flats" is the stock TB answer to "which bass?"
And in this case a P bass with flats isn't a bad suggestion for an orchestra pit with a need for a non bright sound. Rondomusic.com
Sells knockoffs for $150 and up.

Otherwise I'd stick with your Engelhardt!
 
#31
I'm not going to use the Engelhardt. I have decades of experience on the guitar to draw upon. I'm not nearly good enough at the double bass to do an adequate job.

I'm also not going to buy a new electric bass unless the acoustic I have can't do the job. If the acoustic sounds at all like a Hofner with nylon strings that would do well, I think; a Beatlesque sound would work with the '60's style rock in this show.
 
#33
MoonlightBass said:
Of course, I would love to have a P-bass- but I have to do a cost-benefit analysis here- a new set of strings is a helluva lot more affordable than a new bass. I can't just get a P-bass because I want one.
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No reason your ABG shouldn't work for you as long as you can control any feedback. A sound hole cover or a thick piece of dense foam will help with that.

LaBella Tapes are ~$20.00 from the Carvin site. They'll certainly squelch any finger noise you have, plus they sound and feel great.
 
#36
MoonlightBass said:
Is there any reason I couldn't use Rotosound 88's on this ABG?
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Take a look at D'Addario Tapewounds. The Rotosounds are thick gauges and may be difficult to install on your acoustic. The D'Addario Tapes are gauges 50-65-85-105 and are $6 cheaper! The 65-75-100-115 will certainly require nut modification and may not fit into the bridge easily. I'm sure they're great strings, but for ABG I'd steer clear and go for the D'Addario.

That, and D'Addario sound great. I love 'em on my electric.
 
#38
Slowgypsy said:
I'm finding this fascinating. Years ago I was a pro flutist. Played in everything from chamber ensembles to orchestra. Playing in the orchestral pit, there's a lot of volume going on. There's absolutely no way you're going to have adequate volume playing a ABG with no amplification.
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Ric5 said:
I agree
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Again, using the ABG plugged in or unplugged is not his question. He is asking if it would be worthwhile to purchase an electric purely for this gig, as he is focusing on upright.

Every time someone posts about ABG, haters gonna hate and trash ABGs as "not loud enough to be played unplugged." Even if the thread is about how you tune your ABG, someone will chime in and say "there is absolutely no way an ABG will keep up with an acoustic guitar."

I'm sorry to rant, but let's please keep it relevant and pertinent to the question at hand.

OP, try some D'Addario Tapes on your plugged-in ABG and call it a day. No need to shell out coin for an electric if you won't use it much.
 
#40
I'd put a set of tapewound strings (I like the GHS on my Tacoma Thunderchief). Play it close to the end of the fretboard (not over the sound hole). EQ the mids and trebles way down, and give a bit of bass boost. You'll be surprised at how "upright-ish" it can sound.
 

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