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Any acoustic basses with a decent neck?

WayneP

WayneP

Oct 11, 2004
2,497
3,419
Corpus Christi, Texas
#1

I may be joining a band that plays world music - various kinds of acoustic instruments, both stringed and wind. Needless to say, my Pedulla isn't going to cut it, so I'm in the market for an acoustic bass. There seems to be no shortage of them on eBay for under $600 which is nice considering that I just dropped $2100 for that Pedulla and I'm kinda tapped.

Problem is, all the ones I've seen in the local shops have the action 20 miles high, and you can't adjust it. And the necks are badly bowed.

So - any recommendations for a reasonably-priced acoustic with decently action and a reasonably straight neck?

I've searched the Forum and come up with these recommendations. Would any of these fit the bill?

Morgan Monroe
Michael Kelly Dragonfly
Michael Kelly Custom Deluz x w/ Variable Set Neck
Dean Performer
Harley Benton HBB30

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt
 
#4
WayneP said:

...Problem is, all the ones I've seen in the local shops have the action 20 miles high, and you can't adjust it. And the necks are badly bowed...
Click to expand...

Two points:

1) A higher action is generally needed if you want much acoustic volume. It's just the nature of the beast--there has to be more room for the string to vibrate.

2) Just like acoustic guitars, acoustic basses have a truss rod to let you adjust the relief, so "badly bowed" is just a problem of adjustment.

Mike
 
#5

Thanks for the info, everyone - gives me something to go on. Didn't know about the truss rod, Mike, thanks for that.
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Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt
 
#9
bassteban said:
You don't expect to hear yourself w/o amplifying do you?
Click to expand...

That's a good point. I've only ever had 1 abg, an Ibanez, and while there are several that have a good neck, and nice feel, there are none I know of that will ever be loud enough to play with anything more than 1 other acoustic guitar. That could expand your choices though, thinner bodies, semi-acoustic, etc. Just a thought.
 
#10
RickenBoogie said:
That's a good point. I've only ever had 1 abg, an Ibanez, and while there are several that have a good neck, and nice feel, there are none I know of that will ever be loud enough to play with anything more than 1 other acoustic guitar. That could expand your choices though, thinner bodies, semi-acoustic, etc. Just a thought.
Click to expand...

I have a 2004 Epiphone El Capitan and it sounds huge when amplifed and a nice playable neck - sound good unplugged too - it is all Maple - works for me.
 
#15
None of the acoustic/electrics will truly keep up without being amplified (one exception might be that REALLY jumbo Taylor) and none of them will sound like an upright... because they're not. However, you'd have a great sounding bass with either an older Washburn AB30 or a slightly tweaked Micheal Kelly.

I went with the Micheal Kelly and have never looked back. I had a denser nut and saddle fitted and moved the neck strap peg to minimize neck dive... now it plays as good as many much more expensive basses. The neck is nice and only needs a slight adjustment twice a year.

FWIW mine is a fretless fiver strung with Thomastik Infeld Jazz Flats... great fretless tone with plenty of brilliance.
 
#17
Michael Kelly acoustic basses are awesome. Pretty much every other acoustic bass I've played was super quiet and buzzed like hell. I like Fireflies, Dragonflies, and Club Customs, but since you specifically mention the neck, I'd definitely say you're gonna love that "Michael Kelly Custom Deluz x w/ Variable Set Neck".
 

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