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IMHO, electric, for 3 reasons:
1) Acoustics can be kinda awkward to hold / play, and electrics (generally) encourage better ergonomics.
2) Acoustics can be a little quiet, leading you to pluck too hard. Vs an electric, where you can just turn up the practice or headphone amp. Sure, you can get an acoustic/ electric, but if you’re gonna plug it in anyway...
3) electric bass is simply the standard for so many styles of music. If you’re totally lost, I’d recommend a P bass.
happy hunting!
Start on electric.
About the only possible pro to an acoustic for a beginner is not needing an amp to start learning. This seems appealing as a potential cost savings, but given the availability of relatively cheap amplifiers (and beginner amplifier/electric bass starter packs) it is an incorrect assumption. Buying a starter bass and amp is typically going to be cheaper than buying a decently reliable acoustic.
Additionally, acoustics require more maintenance (humidity management) or they will begin to deteriorate (particularly in harsher environments). Electrics have some maintenance, but typically much less than acoustics.
Note this is coming from someone who loves acoustic bass guitars. Most bass players are not overly fond of them, which is actually another reason to not start out on an acoustic. Music culture prefers the electric bass over acoustic which is not true in the 6 string guitar world. For 6 string guitar, acoustics and electrics tend to be mutually respected unless you are into a specific genre that has a preference.
About the only possible pro to an acoustic for a beginner is not needing an amp to start learning. This seems appealing as a potential cost savings, but given the availability of relatively cheap amplifiers (and beginner amplifier/electric bass starter packs) it is an incorrect assumption. Buying a starter bass and amp is typically going to be cheaper than buying a decently reliable acoustic.
Additionally, acoustics require more maintenance (humidity management) or they will begin to deteriorate (particularly in harsher environments). Electrics have some maintenance, but typically much less than acoustics.
Note this is coming from someone who loves acoustic bass guitars. Most bass players are not overly fond of them, which is actually another reason to not start out on an acoustic. Music culture prefers the electric bass over acoustic which is not true in the 6 string guitar world. For 6 string guitar, acoustics and electrics tend to be mutually respected unless you are into a specific genre that has a preference.
I started out exclusively with acoustic. Going to electric wasn't that big of an issue for me because I'm a pic player. Many people here play electrics with their fingers and the action as low as possible and play with a light touch and let the amp do a lot of the work. You'll never get heard playing an acoustic that way if you play it unplugged with say one or two acoustic guitar accompaniment. Not as much of a big deal if you're playing it plugged in.
If you see yourself playing in a band that is playing rock, punk, etc. then I'd go electric.
If you see yourself just doing 'round the campfire type things then go acoustic.
Getting an electric you'll need an amp or some other way of hearing what you're playing. If you're just playing an acoustic at home with no accompaniment you can get by without an amp.
Just my opinion. YMMV.
If, for some reason, all you want to play is an acoustic, then start out on one.
However, the ergonomics are not that great.
I remember MTV unplugged, where it was quite common to use an electric bass, even though all the other instruments switched to their acoustic counterpart.
An acoustic bass is a bit of an oddity, because it still needs amplification. If you want to play an acoustic bass that can be heard unamplified, playing with others, you'll need an upright.
IMHO the best way to learn is to start out on an electric and play amplified, either with headphones or with an amp. And it should be more than one of these 6" speaker 10W things. It should sound like a proper amp, so you don't compensate for the equipments shortcomings with your technique. One in ten thousand bassists might develop a trademark style with a setting like this, but all the others simply get bad technique.
However, the ergonomics are not that great.
I remember MTV unplugged, where it was quite common to use an electric bass, even though all the other instruments switched to their acoustic counterpart.
An acoustic bass is a bit of an oddity, because it still needs amplification. If you want to play an acoustic bass that can be heard unamplified, playing with others, you'll need an upright.
IMHO the best way to learn is to start out on an electric and play amplified, either with headphones or with an amp. And it should be more than one of these 6" speaker 10W things. It should sound like a proper amp, so you don't compensate for the equipments shortcomings with your technique. One in ten thousand bassists might develop a trademark style with a setting like this, but all the others simply get bad technique.
******. FAKE NEWS ********
I am calling you guys out on this; that is totally BS. It’s just completely ridiculous to say that cannot start on (any) acoustic instrument. I had no problem starting on acoustic bass 10 years old. And I wasn’t special, or even big for my age. I know thousands of kids start at an early age on Upright. You don’t have to start on a full-size instrument. You can get a smaller one, and quite honestly, if I remember right, The one I began with wasn’t even half size. I started on a bass that was, I believe, 3/4 size.
The First instrument I played actually was piano and my first lessons were at age 5. For me that might’ve been a bit young my mom (a music teacher) took me out of that after a year because I hated the teacher not because I couldn’t play at all at that age. After that she found me a lady teacher I liked that was super nice and and I got on better with her. Then at ten I started upright for three years. After three years I wanted to quit but not because I didn’t like the base or couldn’t play it at that age it was because I didn’t like carrying it. I switched to flute for two years. I did like that but I decided later that I actually like the base better. Those were my decisions. Because children in Japan start violin, doing the Suzuki method on a small instrument at three or four years old. ( and even I think that’s a bit extreme)
I was a scrawny little kid and not only did I start on a real acoustic I lived three blocks from my grade school at first and then I switch to a school that was six blocks and I actually carried my acoustic bass to school walking, when I was in grade school.
You guys are nuts if you think you can’t start on a string bass that’s just a completely ridiculous proposition.
So, come on, do your research people. Sheesh, give me a break that is just so silly I can’t believe you’re saying this. If you really think I’m not go over to the acoustic Bass side here and ask how many guys started when they were kids I’m sure tons will say they did. Hell I barely knew electrics existed when we were kids.
I am calling you guys out on this; that is totally BS. It’s just completely ridiculous to say that cannot start on (any) acoustic instrument. I had no problem starting on acoustic bass 10 years old. And I wasn’t special, or even big for my age. I know thousands of kids start at an early age on Upright. You don’t have to start on a full-size instrument. You can get a smaller one, and quite honestly, if I remember right, The one I began with wasn’t even half size. I started on a bass that was, I believe, 3/4 size.
The First instrument I played actually was piano and my first lessons were at age 5. For me that might’ve been a bit young my mom (a music teacher) took me out of that after a year because I hated the teacher not because I couldn’t play at all at that age. After that she found me a lady teacher I liked that was super nice and and I got on better with her. Then at ten I started upright for three years. After three years I wanted to quit but not because I didn’t like the base or couldn’t play it at that age it was because I didn’t like carrying it. I switched to flute for two years. I did like that but I decided later that I actually like the base better. Those were my decisions. Because children in Japan start violin, doing the Suzuki method on a small instrument at three or four years old. ( and even I think that’s a bit extreme)
I was a scrawny little kid and not only did I start on a real acoustic I lived three blocks from my grade school at first and then I switch to a school that was six blocks and I actually carried my acoustic bass to school walking, when I was in grade school.
You guys are nuts if you think you can’t start on a string bass that’s just a completely ridiculous proposition.
So, come on, do your research people. Sheesh, give me a break that is just so silly I can’t believe you’re saying this. If you really think I’m not go over to the acoustic Bass side here and ask how many guys started when they were kids I’m sure tons will say they did. Hell I barely knew electrics existed when we were kids.
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I do not believe OP is asking about double bass. They mention “acoustic bass guitar” which is not how most people describe a double bass. If they do intend to mean acoustic bass guitar, then yes they are better off starting on electric bass unless they have a very specific set of needs (which seems unlikely). If they were asking double bass versus electric bass, my answer would be that it depends on what they ultimately want to do.
Now I’m kind of laughing because (A) I did miss the “Guitar” part, and (B) the acoustic bass guitar is way easier to play than acoustic upright bass so again, the premise is even more preposterous. I’m out. time to go to bed.
The OP wasn't asking about DB Vs electric bass guitar. He was asking about ABG Vs. Electric Bass Guitar.
[edit]
Just saw your edit.
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I'm one of those weirdos who thinks picking up an instrument (or any new hobby) should be as fun as possible. For me, bass didn't really stick until I sat down with a $200 Dean acoustic with flatwound strings for about a year--but that was me. For others, especially younger folks, an ABG might seem not cool, not fun, and/or not comfortable. It's also not a great choice for a beginner who wants to play with others. As long as someone finds their passion for music, they can go back and fill in gaps in techniques and knowledge later. But what's the point of "doing it the right way" if you never get off the ground?
I think there's also a distinction between picking up an orchestral instrument to walk the well-worn path of symphonies and chamber music, etc., versus using a relatively modern instrument to explore new ground in a rock/jazz vein. Rigid convention would seem less applicable in the latter case.
I think there's also a distinction between picking up an orchestral instrument to walk the well-worn path of symphonies and chamber music, etc., versus using a relatively modern instrument to explore new ground in a rock/jazz vein. Rigid convention would seem less applicable in the latter case.
Started with electric but I wanted to + something @B-Mac said. If you want anyone else to hear your ABG (maybe an acoustic guitarist) a pick is going to help with that. I’ve owned ABGs since the ‘80’s. I love having mine and enjoy the grab and go for porch picking or while watching the Falcons lose from my sofa. I’ve always found some great tones in studio. But you’ll eventually need an amp if you want to play with others. In my case one of my ABGs is an old Kramer with an electric neck so I won’t say the left hand is any difference. But if you want to be in a band and that band isn’t the Violent Femmes you’ll need an electric anyway, eventually. Because you’re going to want to learn more subtle techniques that are difficult to hear on an ABG.
I’d say I love mine. But if I could only have 1 it would be an electric.
Here’s a thought. What about a semi-hollow electric? You can preface pretty well without an amp if that’s a concern.
I’d say I love mine. But if I could only have 1 it would be an electric.
Here’s a thought. What about a semi-hollow electric? You can preface pretty well without an amp if that’s a concern.
I don't get why people argue to start on an electric as "ergonomically better". If this was a real issue then it would be true for guitar as well, so in that case every aspiring guitarist in the world should be encouraged to start on an electric, for ergonomical reasons.
(If it matters: I play both acoustic and electric bass guitars. I don't play guitar.)
(If it matters: I play both acoustic and electric bass guitars. I don't play guitar.)
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We could really go on all day as to all of the advantages of starting on electric. There are just too many reasons to list. Objectively, it's the correct answer ... HOWEVER ...
In 25 years of playing DB and BG, I never owned an ABG until recently, and I have found the advantages to the ABG:
1. It can be slightly more convenient to work something out and record an idea quickly if you have an ABG at hand.
2. If you are giving a music lesson, it's nice to have the ABG at hand to demonstrate something or provide accompaniment.
3. Serenading your significant other, this is truly done to greatest effect with an acoustic-guitar-shaped-object. While DB and electric BG are clearly among the greatest musical instruments, they are honestly not the most romantic.
4. I practice classical pieces on my BG sometimes, and if I want to show something to a legit classical musician, they do receive it and engage with it better when played on an acoustic instrument.
I am a big proponent of up-tuning an ABG at least a fourth, piccolo tuning that requires a special string set, because nothing below A really speaks acoustically. Also, Bronze strings are trash - heavy gauge roundwounds sound fine and project well, tapewounds give you a real cool DB vibe, but for my money I will always prefer stainless steel flatwounds. It would be nice if ABG had as many string options as DB, but there are lots better options out there than bronze.
In 25 years of playing DB and BG, I never owned an ABG until recently, and I have found the advantages to the ABG:
1. It can be slightly more convenient to work something out and record an idea quickly if you have an ABG at hand.
2. If you are giving a music lesson, it's nice to have the ABG at hand to demonstrate something or provide accompaniment.
3. Serenading your significant other, this is truly done to greatest effect with an acoustic-guitar-shaped-object. While DB and electric BG are clearly among the greatest musical instruments, they are honestly not the most romantic.
4. I practice classical pieces on my BG sometimes, and if I want to show something to a legit classical musician, they do receive it and engage with it better when played on an acoustic instrument.
I am a big proponent of up-tuning an ABG at least a fourth, piccolo tuning that requires a special string set, because nothing below A really speaks acoustically. Also, Bronze strings are trash - heavy gauge roundwounds sound fine and project well, tapewounds give you a real cool DB vibe, but for my money I will always prefer stainless steel flatwounds. It would be nice if ABG had as many string options as DB, but there are lots better options out there than bronze.
I'm pretty sure he's not.
Doesn’t change the truth that learning on a solid-body bass is easier than learning on an acoustic bass.
Even an acoustic with a narrow, jazz-style neck.
I'm one of the biggest acoustic bass proponents here, but I wouldn't recommend an acoustic bass to a beginner unless that beginner has very specific needs, ie, playing acoustic sessions...with an amp...at open mic nights, small gigs, etc.
Despite some people claiming certain acoustic basses are loud enough without an amp, you have to understand those situations don't include jamming with a few friends who are playing their acoustic 6-strings.
Can an acoustic bass be heard?
Yes, to some degree.
Can you fully express yourself on an acoustic bass without an amp?
No!
As you're learning and it comes time to play along with songs on your iPod, YouTube, etc, that acoustic bass is going to require an amp, even a small amp.
For comfort alone, I'd recommend any number of solid-body basses to learn on.
I'd also recommend flatwound or tapewound strings for a beginner.
Why?
To make the learning experience easier and far more enjoyable.
Nothing worse than having the wrong bass turn off a beginner and the beginner giving up in frustration.
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Give GHS pressure wounds a try sometime. Loud like PB but not squeaky. They really help when playing the ABG unplugged.
I started out on an acoustic guitar, then electric guitar, then a 5 string bass. I had a few 4 strings, but have primarily stayed with 5 strings. Tried an acoustic bass before and hated every minute of it. And that's OK!
My advice, go the electric bass route for learning and as others have mentioned, it will take you farther. If you have specific needs or are just curious, there is nothing wrong with an acoustic bass. Try one and see what you like!
My advice, go the electric bass route for learning and as others have mentioned, it will take you farther. If you have specific needs or are just curious, there is nothing wrong with an acoustic bass. Try one and see what you like!
