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Acoustic Bass

H

Harro72

Aug 3, 2007
28
0
Canberra
#1
I'm looking at buying an Acoustic bass and would like to get some feedback on what I should look out for.

Went to the local music shop and they gave me the big "BEWARE" on cheap acoustic basses as they haven't been built with quality woods and in the end, are impossible to tune.

Please, I require the wisdom of the Forums to help me make the descision.

Peace
 
#3
Is it something you want to use professionally? Are you really picky about how it sounds? Then go with what the music stores say - ABGs are hard to get right, and Ibanez might be the only one who does it cheap and well. Deans can be hit and miss, and IMHO Michael Kelly basses are beautiful - and toneless.

If money is no object, look into getting a Martin. Yeah, it's the price of a hot tub, but man, that TONE.... ;)

Another good option is an El Capitan from Epiphone. They're worth a play or two. And not quite so pricey as a Martin. Tacoma is another brand you might consider when measuring bang for the buck.
 
#6
Harro72 said:
Went to the local music shop and they gave me the big "BEWARE" on cheap acoustic basses as they haven't been built with quality woods and in the end, are impossible to tune.
Click to expand...
IMO they're full of it. Lots of people on this list use low priced Michael Kelly and Dean acoustic basses. Acoustic bass guitars are cool and they make a nice sound. Recommended. Very few are loud enough to be heard in a pure acoustic environment, and even then they only work when your guitar player plays quietly. Plugged in they sound pretty nice though.
 
#8
I play a Larrivee acoustic bass and it is the best I've ever heard or played (which is why I bought it). You really need to play and hear an acoustic bass before you buy it as it is more dependant on the tone of the woods that it is constructed with than an electric bass.

I have played lots of acoustic basses in the stores and found some cheapies that played and sounded really good for the price.
 
#10
One of the best acoustic bass guitars I've played is the Tacoma Thunderchief. But as you're on a budget, I'd suggest you to try finding an Olympia version of that bass. They share some design features, and the Olympia is said to be great for the price.

Another brand I always hear positive comments on is Crafter. I've never tried one myself, but I will make sure to do so, the day I go shopping for an ABG. (if that day ever comes, that is)
 

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