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Acoustic Bass?

T

tchuang

Apr 25, 2010
1
0
#1
Hi, I want to get an acoustic bass and I was wondering what people thought. I have a double bass, electric upright, and an electric bass. I have been playing upright for about 7 years and just recently started playing electric(about a year). I am about to go to college and will probably bring my electric or possibly and acoustic if i get one. I was looking at a Tacoma Thunderchief. Are there any other cheaper options that do not sacrifice too much quality, or are Thunderchiefs the best way to go. Should I get a cheaper bass just to see if I like acoustic bass or just go for the Thunderchief? :confused::confused: Are there things that are different for acoustic that I should be concerned about?
Please give me some comments/ideas
Thanks!:)
 
#4
I have 2 5-string acoustics. First is an older Epiphone El Captain, and a Michael Kelly studio. The Captain is a feedback monster that screams when I get anywhere near an amp. The MK is greatness acoustically and electrically. The band plays acoustically for 30 minutes before a gig, then when we strap on our electric instruments, playing is almost effortless. I will replace the pickup in the Epiphone someday when I get time.
 
#5
I can't imagine NOT having an ABG in my collection. And I've owned several over the last decade. my Michael Kelly is my favorite.

That being said, you WILL have to plug in if you want to be heard when playing with more than one or two acoustic guitars. This is just a fact. No matter the make, no matter the model, no matter what anybody tells you to the contrary. Accept this fact and it will make things less frustrating for yourself.


Good luck!
 
#8
i have one of the $350 ibanez acoustics.
i think the quality is great... the ends of the frets could be filed, but thats about it. much better than the deans i checked out in the same price range.
the best thing about this one is that the body is pretty big so it puts out a good amount of volume.
it also has a built in tuner/pickup with some EQ.

it is probably my most used bass because it sits next to the couch and i pick it up all the time while watching tv.
 
#9
I use a Morgan Monroe ABG and love it. Inexpensive, sounds great and well made. $459 with a great hardshell case.

http://morganmonroe.com/Creekside-MVAB500_69e3c4d6640e60.html

Also, I played an unplugged gig last week with 2 acoustic guitarists and I could barely hear myself. My ABG is the loudest I have ever played, so amplification is required unless you are playing with a single guitarist IMO.
 
#10
I have an Alvarez RB-30SC. I like it for practice & general plinking, but like nearly all acoustic basses, it needs to be plugged in if you want to be heard in a group, & it's feedback prone.

The Tacoma Thunderchief is extra nice, but not as thunderous as the hype would lead you to believe, and they ain't cheap, even used. The Olympia OB3CE is the lower priced import version. IIRC both models are discontinued (thanks, FMIC :mad:).
 
#13
LAPetrarca said:
I can't imagine NOT having an ABG in my collection. And I've owned several over the last decade. my Michael Kelly is my favorite.

That being said, you WILL have to plug in if you want to be heard when playing with more than one or two acoustic guitars. This is just a fact. No matter the make, no matter the model, no matter what anybody tells you to the contrary. Accept this fact and it will make things less frustrating for yourself.


Good luck!
Click to expand...

I disagree.... Everything into context! But I'll have a private row with you!
 
#14
tchuang said:
Hi, I want to get an acoustic bass and I was wondering what people thought. I have a double bass, electric upright, and an electric bass. I have been playing upright for about 7 years and just recently started playing electric(about a year). I am about to go to college and will probably bring my electric or possibly and acoustic if i get one. I was looking at a Tacoma Thunderchief. Are there any other cheaper options that do not sacrifice too much quality, or are Thunderchiefs the best way to go. Should I get a cheaper bass just to see if I like acoustic bass or just go for the Thunderchief? :confused::confused: Are there things that are different for acoustic that I should be concerned about?
Please give me some comments/ideas
Thanks!:)
Click to expand...

If money isn't a problem go for Go for the Thunderchief.

If it is a 5 string you want:

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Breedlove

If it is a 4 String:

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[Invalid or Expired Link Removed] mega awesome

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Breedloves
 
#16
I've owned most of the production models (yes including the earthwood, thunderchief, martins, etc)

Deans are spotty on quality

Ibanez AEB10 is the low cost value bass for used fretted

Michael Kelly Dragon Fly 5 is the value fretless.

Nomatter what you buy, you'll be amping with others.
 
#17
oldprussians said:
If money isn't a problem go for Go for the Thunderchief.

If it is a 5 string you want:

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Click to expand...

Just a few Tacoma cautions:

> Don't let their website fool you...Fender stopped Tacoma production years ago. The "dates" on their Tacoma website update via an automated date stamp. Download the Tacoma catalog from this site and it is dated 2005. Fender's Tacoma site is a heartless, deceptive ruse - they have no shame.

> The only way to get a Tacoma is the used market.

> Tacoma 5-stringers are quite rare - practically unobtainium.

Great ABG if you can get one. I love mine.
 
#18
Code: 
The Thunderchief is in a class by itself.

I could not agree more. It is the best tone, IMO. Fender bought them a while back, though, and I hear that the support may not be the best...just what I heard, not personal experience.

I did buy the Michael Kelly and the tone is awesome. It does get too boomy on stage and feeds back pretty bad for me but offers a buttery tone when you find the sweet spot. I really did like the Thunderchief better though...even at twice the price. I probably should have gotten it :crying:
 

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