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Acoustic Basses

#2
Muusers said:
Lately, I've been thinking alot about buying an acoustic bass, but then again, why should I buy one?:help: Could you guys help me get some pros and cons about acoustic basses, so I can decide if to buy one.

thnx
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A lot depends on how you intend to use it. I use mine to practice and work out tunes at home. I never gig it and rarely record with mine. I love being able to grab it and play when I feel like it. In that way, I tend to have my hands on an instrument more often.

I have not heard a single ABG that can keep up with more than 2 acoustic guitars, let alone a piano and drums without amplification. For that reason, how loud it is acoustically seems to be a moot point for me.

My Victor Bailey is plenty loud for my needs and has great tone and playability.

IMHO, If you decide to get one, make sure it is an instrument that compells you to pick it up and play it.
 
#4
Definitely spend the money and get an acoustic bass. I have mine on a stand in the livingroom and whenever I want to play, I just walk over and pick it up and start playing. You don't have to pull out the amp, plug it in, etc... It is so convenient. You will also love playing it. It is a completely different feel. I have two. I have a Titan acoustic/electric that I paid $70 for. And, believe it or not it is not too bad for $70.00. But I also have a vintage Kramer Ferrington acoustic/electric that I paid $350 for. It is a pretty damn good acoustic electric. I bought this Kramer acoustic bass after seeing Gene Simmons playing one on the Kiss MTV Unplugged special they did several years ago. I love it.

It is also alot of fun to jam with acoustic guitarist. Although, some acoustic basses can get drowned out by the guitars. So, I would suggest getting one with a Jumbo type body so you can get a louder, deeper sound. My Kramer Ferrington has a thin-line body so I wind up having to plug it in even when playing with other acoustic guitars and drums, which sort of defeats the purpose.

Then when I really want to play, I drag out my Fender Jazz bass and get with it.
 
#5
I like the bright, percussive sound I get from my Takamine acoustic/electric when it's plugged in. Using phosphor/bronze strings and a pick, it's just what I need for the "eclectic acoustic" band I play with, the Link Removed. (Sorry, there are no bass tracks on the posted songs. I've only recently joined the band, and we're now recording a new demo CD, so maybe there will be samples up soon.)

The main drawbacks are, first, that most acoustic basses are not really loud enough without amplification, unless you're only playing with one guitar and maybe a singer or two. They really need to be amplified (although if you can find -- and afford -- an Earthwood acoustic/electric, it may be loud enough all by itself); and second, they're prone to feedback if you're playing amplified at certain higher volumes.

Good luck!

~John
 
#6
I just bought a Takamine for acoustic gigs. I played 3 just like it at Guitar Center in Memphis. This particular one has more response than the other 2 just like it. I am happy with it. It comes in handy at home practicing. It sounds good plugged in and has an onboard tuner and bass boost button. Surprisingly, I have not had any trouble with feedback. I would recommend it to anyone. I paid about $320+tax for it(US dollars). If you find one you like, let us know.
_Burney
 
#7
Absolutely get an acoustic/electric. As mentioned in my last post and the previous post, acoustic basses can not keep up with acoustic guitars especially when you have pianos and drums.

I have found that you can get a really decent acoustic/electric bass for $300-400 dollars. Fender make makes some good acoustic basses for around $300.

Check out SamAsh.com or Musiciansfriend.com for some really good deals.
 
#9
While we are on the subject. Does anyone know where I can find another Kramer Ferrington ABG? I am looking for the ones that had the "hockey stick" type headstock which Kramer was known for.

They were manufacturer in the late 80's early 90's. They are very had to find these days but I did find one at Ed Roman guitars in Las Vegas for $350.

I anyone knows about one PLEASE let me know.
 
#10
Even an upright needs amplification to be heard on top of amplified instruments these days. Get one that sounds good to you unplugged when you're playing it. There is no reason to settle for an anemic E string. I used mine by itself most of the time and I always mic'd it when I was recording instead of plugging it in. A larger body translates into more sound acoustically and a pick will help it cut even more if you're jamming with a guitar player. (Think Brian Ritchie)

Then check out the way it sounds plugged in. The preamp and pickup are the entire voice of the ABG when it's amplified in most gigging situations. Check the string balance if the bass has a piezo or undersaddle style bridge.

FWIW, mine was an Olympia OB3-CE, the chinese budget version of the Thunderchief by Tacoma. It was plywood but it had a big body and sounded great unplugged. I got it for $300 US, but now that Fender has acquired Tacoma the Olympia line has been discontinued. If you can find one used for a good price I'd buy. The caveate is that mine had the headstock fail in a way that would've cost more that the bass was worth to fix. I'm saving and looking for a good deal on a used Thunderchief. That seems to be the gold standard for ABGs these days but they can be pretty spendy - $900 to $1000 new for the 4 string version.
 
#12
Muusers said:
so you're saying that if i want an ABG that is loud enough to be heared when i'm playing with an acoustic guitar and drums, i'd probably need a semi acoustic right?

what kind of bass of roughly 200-500 euro's would you suggest?

(1 euro is about 1 dollar)
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To echo what others here have said, it really depends on what you plan on using it for.

I own a Takamine G Series which I picked up for about $400. It is great for practicing and songwriting. If it is just me and my guitar player, I can hear it just fine.

From your comments above it sounds like you are planning on playing this with your group, so yes you will need some amplification. When we've done acoustic shows, our drummer usually plays hand drums and we just mike the guitar and bass and run it through the PA. My bass has a pickup, but running it through an amp gets a decent (though boomy) sound at low volumes and I really don't like its tone at high volumes. It also doesn't have a strap button so it really needs to be played sitting down (or you need to have one installed).

I don't know if others have this problem, but I change the strings on my acoustic MUCH more than my other basses. The bronze strings develop this gritty feel pretty quickly.

Also, I saw the suggestion of a Carvin AC40 or AC50. These are good instruments, but they are really meant to be plugged in. Their volume output is pretty low when played unamplified. Another option from Carvin is the Cobalt basses which are more like my Takamine.

The AC40 runs about $829 to start and the Cobalt basses are about $600 which is right at the top of your price range. But then again, I am quite happy with my Takamine and you can likely find one for less. It depends on your intended use.
 
#15
To anyone, I've a similar question and don't want to start a new thread. I'm thinking of getting an acoustic bass as this would make practicing with kids around more practical.

I'm 5'2". I can deal with the weight of a bass, but no matter how light if it's huge it'll be impractical. Are smaller acoustics OK? My only reason for considering the acoustic is so I can hear myself play unplugged while the kids romp.

Any suggestions for inexpensive, smaller acoustics? What about violin basses?
 
#17
I play mine through a little Roland Cube 30 when playing with another two guitarists and a percussonist. I also like to stick some foam under the strings against the bridge to tame some of the sustain and make it sounding more like an upright. If I'm forced to play acousticly I use a pick which makes it sound louder and cuts through the guitars much better. Mine is a Korean made Monteray which I modded by changing the cheap nut and bridge with bone and installing a new strap button.
Here she is:

DSCF0119.jpg
 
#18
Was almost talked into getting a tacoma...but bought a Fender GB-41 SCE at my local guitar center TODAY!! I tried a couple mike kellys and a couple takamine's the 512 series...I asked if they had any other abg's...he went back to check...and brought another mk and an unopened fender box...he opened the box up and as soon as tried the fender...i was sold!! it came with some perfect action and sound! :hyper:
 

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