Acoustic/Electric Bass Guitar

If I were to drop some coin, I'd be looking at the Ribbecke Halfling.

 

Mike Tobias makes superior everything...can't go wrong with that guy...

 

Other than the Tacoma Thunderchief...hard to find, I think, you might consider this one.

If I could afford it, I wouldn't consider anything else.

 

There's a Regal Bass-o-guitar in the classifieds!

 

The Breedlove Atlas is a decent ABG as well.

 

Really? Not mine!

 

I know! There's TWO of them!!

 

I tried a Chinese-made Warwick Alien (not the Rockbass) for 3 weeks with the bronze strings that came with the bass and my flatwounds (Fender branded, probably D'Addarios). It was used from GC, and in near-perfect condition. I really wanted to like that bass, but I didn't. It was really a disappointment. Returned it to GC.

The Ribbecke Halfling is available in 4 and 5-string models. Here's the link to the 5-string page: http://ribbeckehalfling.com/5BVB.html There is a video of Bobby Vega playing the 4-string on the site. Wish I could try one of those!

I've played several ABGs over the years, and the only one that I really liked was the Taylor, which is no longer made. If you have the opportunity to play a used one, you may like it, but it will cost you some serious bucks.

 

My Dean Exotica still sounds better than anything similar I've tried. They're only $399 (got mine brand new for $215!) so I wouldn't consider it high end, but the electronics are definitely top notch.

 

Fender Victor Bailey acoustic.