Acoustic Basses

[Obsdian]

What are some manufacturers and models for acoustic basses? I'm looking to switch over from electric, preferable something in the mid to low price range?

 

[MobileHolmes]

Acoustic bass guitar or upright?

In my experience ABGs have mostly been pretty disappointing. They just don't put out enough volume unamplified and seem to be feedback-y when they are amplified. In the low to mid range, there washburn and epi both make them. The washburn wasn't too bad as I recall, but not real loud.

 

[Earwigger]

Takamine makes a decent one. I don't know the model, but I "inherited" it from some guy who left it here years ago. It can almost match 1 acoustic guitar in volume. If you're going to have to amplify it though, just use a better-sounding electric. New strings = volume on ABGs.

 

[lug]

Johnson Acoustics are extremely cheap and sound very good for the money. The have a very large body so volume is decent but still won't keep up with a determined guitarist.

 

[Baryonyx]

I think the best value for money you're going to get would be the fender Victor Bailey acoustic model.

Aisde from that, Wechter instruments are good if you can afford them (just ask Jonas Hellborg and John Mclaughlin).

 

[ggunn]

You might want to look at some Tacoma Thunderchiefs. I tried a lot of ABG's when I was shopping for one, and the Tacomas were consistently louder than the others in the $1K and lower range. You can't use a normal acoustic guitar feedback buster on them when you amplify them because of the weird shaped sound hole, but I found a guy in California that custom makes them.

 

[fryBASS]

fender Victor Bailey acoustic model.

that suppose to be Victor Wooten and Steve Bailey put together?

 

[Lokire]

that suppose to be Victor Wooten and Steve Bailey put together?

Victor Bailey is another bassist altogether. He played in Weather Report after Jaco for example

I'm quite fond of my Kinal Kompact acoustic:

I'm sure it's not as loud as most full sized acoustic basses, but unless you're practicing by yourself you'll pretty much have to use amplification to be heard anyways...

 

[JoelH]

I got a fender bg-31 that asn't too bad. I got mine for $400 canadian. I played along side the "Victor Bailey" model and it sounded damn close. Same problem as most ABG have with sound when not amplified but it sounds beautiful through an amp

 

[garth elson]

definately go with the Tacoma Thunderchief if you can. It's got a HUGE resonant body, along with a great feel and tone. If you plan on using this seriously, I reccommend it most highly because it really holds it's own if you're playing with a buncha guys with acoustic guitars. If you don't plan on using it that much and the price sucks (my scenario), just go with the Olympia model of it for about 300-450.

Also, dulcimer basses project very well too. give 'em a look up on the old google.

 

[acleex38]

In the price range people are quoting (under $1000), the Tacoma Thunderchief and the Breedlove Atlas series are both top notch. Neither can go completely unamplified if you're playing with more than a single acoustic guitar, but they still sound quite good. The Tacoma is, by reputation, louder. The Breedlove has the tone I prefer (and thus purchased and used as my primary bass for about 6-8 months waiting on my current favorite), but I have to pay the Thunderchief proper lip service in the interest of fairness.

 

[Christov]

A friend of mine has a Thunderchief for sale, I will find out more info. I know it is original with the hardshell case, and preamp installed. It is a fretted model.
I will find out the price if you are interested.
Christov

 

[allenhumble]

+1 on the Breedlove. Great bass.