• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Acoustic bass

M

Moom

Jul 7, 2009
22
0
#1
hello. Im a big fan of acoustic bass guitars. Im thinking of buying one,but don't know much about them.. maybe someone can tell me how to choose one. what wood is better, what strings do i need and etc. I want to jam with acoustic guitar outside and with acoustic band on stage. I don't want to spend a lot of money (300-500 eur will be ok for me). what amps are better and etc. i want to have a lot of info,so i hope u will tell me more about acoustic basses!:)
:bassist::bassist::bassist::bassist::bassist:
 
#2
I've got a bit of experience both playing and recording various ABG's. I own a M Kelly Club that I've used on stage with my acoustic duo. I've dealt with eveything from Tacoma's, Martins, Ovations, Kellys, and just about every other brand you can think of for live "unplugged" radio broadcasts.

Acousticly all ABG's are pretty weak...the only way to get any volume is to play with a pick. Plugged in they vary. Try several and see what you like. Spruce tops will help with the volume thing...don't expect much really bass though. Most small combos will work well, again try several. I've had good luck with the G/K Backline 110.

The most impressive sounding ABG - plugged in - was an Ovation that Cory Lowrey (at the time he was in Stereomud) brought in. I'll admit, that was the last one I expected to sound good.
 
#4
Moom said:
yeah,ovation.. with plastic back. i think its not the best choice:) what about dean,cort or ibanez?
Click to expand...
I'd go for an Ovation with a "plastic back" before I'd get a Dean, Cort or Ibanez. I've never heard or played any ABG from these companies that were any good (and I've played quite a few). I agree with the previous poster ... Ovation acoustic bass guitars are surprisingly good for the money. I love my Tacoma Thunderchief, and would only replace it with another ... or a Martin, Guild (if I could find one) or possibly Breedlove.
 
#5
thanks) i relly would like to know more more and more)) what other types of wood are good for AEB? i saw an ibanez in thomann called exotic wood something) what do u think about it? and, maybe, it will be a funny quenstion, but will i need amp for acoustic guitar or regular bass amp will be good?
 
#11
I've got a Martin B-1E and a Taylor. Of the two, the Martin is louder but the Taylor has the edge in tone!

Guitars184.jpg
 
#14
Funny thing .... I just played a Michael Kelly Firefly ( I think) a few hours ago.
I was impressed. Even tho' I had only played a few ABG's, this one was the best by far. ( I have played J.B. Player,Applause,Ovation,Dean, Fender, Martin - yuk! Alvarez - best up til now )
Fairly loud. For an ABG. Great tone, finger or with a medium pick. The thicker the pick, the louder , but loses tone.
I plugged it into a Peavey TNT 115. That thing smoked!
I want it baaaad. I'm thinkin' it'll sound killer with my Acoustic B100 combo.

Surprisingly I really thought the Martin was just awful.

Matt
 
#15
Moom said:
hello. Im a big fan of acoustic bass guitars. Im thinking of buying one,but don't know much about them.. maybe someone can tell me how to choose one. what wood is better, what strings do i need and etc. I want to jam with acoustic guitar outside and with acoustic band on stage. I don't want to spend a lot of money (300-500 eur will be ok for me). what amps are better and etc. i want to have a lot of info,so i hope u will tell me more about acoustic basses!:)
:bassist::bassist::bassist::bassist::bassist:
Click to expand...

When shopping for an ABG, its good to remember the good advice already mentioned...they are *rarely* loud enough to be be played with a couple of acoustic guitars.

And considering you want to play it amplified w/ a group, it's also good to remember that an ABG that is loud acoustically also tends to be feedback prone when plugged in.

So there's the classic ABG dilemma!

What to do?

For your scenario, I'd recommend an ABG that was full-bodied (no cutaway) to maximize internal area and hopefully be a little louder. (note, this is just a generalization, consider the Tacoma Thunderchief is one of the loudest ABGs and has a cutaway)

Second, I'd recommend an ABG that could accept a "Feedback Buster", you know, the rubber cap that fits in the soundhole to minimize feedback. Many nice ABG's have fancy oval and other cool shaped soundholes, but then the "Feedback Buster" won't fit in those.

Link Removed

Third, based on your particular unplugged needs, a small battery powered amp may be helpful in getting your bass heard over several acoustic guitars and percusion. At minimum I use a Crate Taxi at outdoor acoustic jams, and at a show or rehearsal I just use my regular bass rig (works great w/ ABGs, just need to be mindful of feedback issues).

The best battery powered amp I'm aware of and recommend 100% is the Carvin S400D - 100 watts, 10 inch driver, 4 channel, runs for hours and hours, street price around $450 USD.

Anyway, good luck with your search. ABGs are fun, but as I mentioned they have their own quirks, but then doesn't everything? ;)

And stop by here and feel free to ask questions and look around:
Acoustic Bass fetish club


Peace :bassist:



CrateTX30andHondo01.jpg
 
#16
This type of thread drives me nuts as folks try to justify their overspent gear vs help you.


quick answer

Ibanez AEB.. hole plug + tapewounds... you.ll need an amp.

I own a more expensive bass right now.. I couldn't honestly say it's a wise investment... only solid fretless 5 without spending thousands.

Do not buy a Dean

MKs are fine.... often not the value of the ibanez

Some folks will wank on about solid tops.. they're pickier to handling than a laminate.. your audience will not tell the difference.

Tim
 
#17
MNAirHead said:
This type of thread drives me nuts as folks try to justify their overspent gear vs help you.

Some folks will wank on about solid tops.. they're pickier to handling than a laminate.. your audience will not tell the difference.

Tim
Click to expand...

Tim, makes some fair points here, its good to see another guy getting into the whole acoustic bass thing. What i'd say is don't spend to much money, if this is something to just mess about on with a couple of mates playing acoustic guitar try and get something robust and big. I had a laminate Harley Benton and the guitar was a big as my Tacoma TC. See attached photo. Link here Invalid Link Removed
Quite cheap too. Can't vouch for the electrics as i only play my ABG unplugged and generally around the house or garden when a couple of mates come round for a jam session.
 
#18
thank u all! u helped me a lot! i want to make an acoustic rock band. to play on stage plugged and to just make quick concert outside unplugged with 1 rithm guitar => i need good looking with an awesome sound. loud and not very expensive!;) something from thomann or CORT SJB6 FX, SJB5 FX, Ovation CC 2474.
 
#19
Moom said:
i need good looking with an awesome sound. loud and not very expensive!;)
Click to expand...
I doubt there's an ABG on the market that ticks all those boxes. Having tried a few cheap ABGs in Denmark Street (London) I'd say that trying to get one heard outdoors would be like trying to plug a leaky dam with your thumb.

Why not get a cheap plywood double bass? Cheap uprights sound horrible, play like pigs, often fall apart quickly, are (rightly) ridiculed by the chaps on the Talkbass DB forums,- but at least you might be audible! They do wonders for hand strength too!

I'm not dissing ABGs by the way, but as an unamplified instrument they ain't a lot of use outside the bedroom or living room.

Adrian
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back