considering buying an acoustic bass, simply because it would be easier than lugging my amp around, and praying it doesn't break. should i get one?
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acoustic bass, yeigh or neigh?
- Thread starter TheGriffExists
- Start date
Not enough info.
I own a Tacoma CB10. It was one of the louder ABGs. Most would not consider it loud enough to hold it's own in an acoustic guitar jam, unless you cheat and plug into an amp. A good ABG can make a difference in an acoustic jam, but you will probably feel like you are getting crushed by the guitars. Many ABGs sound great through an amp (IMHO). The Tacoma produces a unique tone you won't get from a slab.
Other detractors...Most ABGs are not exactly small. A slab in a gig bag with a small combo amp could be an easier carry and play louder. Also ABGs don't tend to be very ergonomic. Playing the Tacoma get's uncomfortable fairly quickly.
My advice is go play some ABGs and make your own decision.
I own a Tacoma CB10. It was one of the louder ABGs. Most would not consider it loud enough to hold it's own in an acoustic guitar jam, unless you cheat and plug into an amp. A good ABG can make a difference in an acoustic jam, but you will probably feel like you are getting crushed by the guitars. Many ABGs sound great through an amp (IMHO). The Tacoma produces a unique tone you won't get from a slab.
Other detractors...Most ABGs are not exactly small. A slab in a gig bag with a small combo amp could be an easier carry and play louder. Also ABGs don't tend to be very ergonomic. Playing the Tacoma get's uncomfortable fairly quickly.
My advice is go play some ABGs and make your own decision.
This is perfect for working ampless anywhere. My main tool at home. But for jam with others you'll need an amp, except if you play with one guitar player and with a pick. Which will not give you the nicest sound you can have with an acoustic.
I like my Ibanez shorty one
It is too quiet to play with other guitarists
Too loud for non guitarists in same house
And kinda fragile compared to a Jazz bass
on the plus side it makes me smile
It is too quiet to play with other guitarists
Too loud for non guitarists in same house
And kinda fragile compared to a Jazz bass
on the plus side it makes me smile
ABGs are Good for plucking at home or with your buddy at a campfire. When plugged in, they usually just become feedback machines. They just aren’t that useful IMO.
Really, just put the money toward a desired electric bass that makes you drool. Perhaps a semi hollow.
For instance, a Jack Casady is a good time. You can play loud and with flats it’s really thumpy and woody. They have really nice necks too. With a flick of the rotary switch, it gets aggressive. And it’s true hollow except for 3”x 1/2” reinforcement on the top and back. It will feedback on you too if you aren’t careful but is an entirely useable bass.
Really, just put the money toward a desired electric bass that makes you drool. Perhaps a semi hollow.
For instance, a Jack Casady is a good time. You can play loud and with flats it’s really thumpy and woody. They have really nice necks too. With a flick of the rotary switch, it gets aggressive. And it’s true hollow except for 3”x 1/2” reinforcement on the top and back. It will feedback on you too if you aren’t careful but is an entirely useable bass.
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I have a Fender CB100. I use it maybe 2-3 times a year if we sit outside. It's huge and it's case is huge, and it doesn't sit comfortably on a strap. It needs a small practice amp to keep up with multiple acoustic guitars. It mostly sits on a rack and takes up two slots. The hard case takes up a stupid amount of space.
If I didn't have it, I'd want one. I don't feel like selling it, 'cause it is cool that few times a year.
If I didn't have it, I'd want one. I don't feel like selling it, 'cause it is cool that few times a year.
I own and use a pair of Martin acoustic bass guitars. They are perfect for a particular type of gig. That said, I wouldn't expect any acoustic bass guitar to be loud enough unamplified for anything other than personal practice in a quiet space.
If your expectation is that, by getting one, you'll eliminate the need for an amp, then the answer is no.
I've always enjoyed having one around.
Is it needed? Naaa. Is it nice? Yaaa.
Is it needed? Naaa. Is it nice? Yaaa.
I went through several ABGs looking for something I could use when I played with my dad and not need an amp. Nothing I tried worked with his D28 unless I was plugged into an amp. Everything from the A on down to the nut on the E string disappeared when playing with that Martin, and it just got worse when my brother joined in with his D28. I wound up using a 60W cube with a 10 and a jazz bass, and went on to play that rig in a hillbilly string band.
I still haven't met an ABG that does it for me, that being said I play upright
I bought a cheap ($99) acoustic 5 string to have something to practice on without having to turn on my amp. IMHO we should all have one.
You'll still need to lug an amp around. (And speaking personally, my Guild ABG in its case is so heavy and unwieldy, I'd rather schlep my P in a gig bag and carry my one-hand rig in one go.)
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Like the idea and found a very very nice one in a specialist shop...very tempted and still think back, should I have..?? but to serve what purpose?
$3000 plus is quite an indulgence for limited need
$3000 plus is quite an indulgence for limited need
I got one specifically for playing acoustically at folk clubs or busking, along with a guitar and fiddle. Complete waste of time, sadly. I can't hear it and my bandmates can't hear it. Two or three yards in front of me it's okay, apparently, but that's no compensation! 
I could see it working with a gentle fingerpicked guitar, perhaps - but that's not happening in this band!
It is nice to play around with at home, and with tapewound strings and foam by the bridge it makes a nice DB style thump (plugged in!) but as a means of jamming ampless it likely won't cut it, sadly.
I bought a battery powered PA combo amp and use that with an electric bass.
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I could see it working with a gentle fingerpicked guitar, perhaps - but that's not happening in this band! It is nice to play around with at home, and with tapewound strings and foam by the bridge it makes a nice DB style thump (plugged in!) but as a means of jamming ampless it likely won't cut it, sadly.
I bought a battery powered PA combo amp and use that with an electric bass.
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This ^^^^^
It’s a fact, not just conjecture, that the incredible majority of ABG’s simply cannot keep up with strummed acoustic guitars or banjo’s without amplification. There are a limited few that might have a chance at cutting through, but they’re generally very expensive and many times have crazy high action or require the use of bronze strings, both of which have somewhat limited appeal to the average bassist.
I play ABG’s almost exclusively in steady gigging situations (organ-fronted jazz trio) and amplification is absolutely needed. You can control feedback using soundhole plugs and/or EQing, that’s not an insurmountable problem. ABG’s have a unique acoustic voice (IMO) that I’m fully able to maintain when amplified, that’s why I play them. Yup, big bodies for sure but that doesn’t bother me at all … but I’m 6’5” so I don’t feel dwarfed by the ABG.
IMO, get an ABG if you like the sound, maybe get an ABG if you just want to plunk away on your sofa at home, but it’s just not realistic to think you can ditch your amplifier. There are lots of reasons to own an ABG, but for most bassists, going unamplified isn’t one of them.
I tried one around a camp fire with friends telling me : "you should get one, that’s always fun during summer, you know…….."
So they brought me a Fender acoustic bass with copper strings and not only it was totally uncomfortable to me, but nobody could hear me !
On top of that, I would be using it once a year so not worth it.
Did I also mention this doesn’t rock at all ???!!!
Next time I will bring my beat up/junk p bass and ask my friend to bring is battery operated Rolland cube combo and we will have much more fun.
So they brought me a Fender acoustic bass with copper strings and not only it was totally uncomfortable to me, but nobody could hear me !
On top of that, I would be using it once a year so not worth it.
Did I also mention this doesn’t rock at all ???!!!
Next time I will bring my beat up/junk p bass and ask my friend to bring is battery operated Rolland cube combo and we will have much more fun.
One of these can go up against trumpets and violins, acoustically. Not the world's most transportable instrument though.
Guitarrón mexicano - Wikipedia
Guitarrón mexicano - Wikipedia
Q) should I buy—-
A) yes
ABGs are fun and can be useful. Go in knowing it’s not as loud as a dreadnaught guitar but it’s definitely loud enough to be heard in a low volume context for practicing or writing or noodling on the couch. I play with my friends acoustic and I’ll use a heavy pick and muscle to be heard. Or I plug into an amp.
Bottom line it’s a unique sound and why not?
A) yes
ABGs are fun and can be useful. Go in knowing it’s not as loud as a dreadnaught guitar but it’s definitely loud enough to be heard in a low volume context for practicing or writing or noodling on the couch. I play with my friends acoustic and I’ll use a heavy pick and muscle to be heard. Or I plug into an amp.
Bottom line it’s a unique sound and why not?
