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Bass for acoustic rock?
- Thread starter The Veg
- Start date
I've overthought the issue in the past, so my advice is to stick with what you have and don't overthink it. In my opinion, what you have will sound fuller in the whole mix than an ABG. In my experience, I found keeping my tone as punchy for acoustic songs as when rocking out with electric guitars sounded best. While my instincts (and desire to buy more stuff) led me to try ABG, hollow bodies, flatwounds, nylon wounds, etc., my ultimate conclusion was "meh". And when I think of many of my fave acoustic-based songs, it's electric bass on all of them (Here Comes The Sun, Sundown, the beginning of Ramble On, etc.)
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You don't need a special electric bass to play acoustic-leaning music, unless you need something for the visual. And yes, most ABG's sound like shite, acoustic or plugged in.
Too many examples to list. Listen to the greats like Lee Sklar for example on James Taylor, etc.
Here's Nashville legend Larry Paxton on his active Lakland five string with Kris Kristofferson--try and tell me that is not a lovely organic bass sound (and that low C is so tasty)...:
Too many examples to list. Listen to the greats like Lee Sklar for example on James Taylor, etc.
Here's Nashville legend Larry Paxton on his active Lakland five string with Kris Kristofferson--try and tell me that is not a lovely organic bass sound (and that low C is so tasty)...:
Just stick with your electric. You will play better in all probability and will have less gear to lug. MTV's Unplugged was a curse to many of us who ended up with ABGs because we thought we had to have one to be complete. Nobody is going to care if you are playing an electric, just turn it down and don't slap it.
There are so many ways to approach it. I think you are on the right track focusing on the sound. That should be 90% of it. But looks are more important to me than I would like to admit.
When I did that kind of thing in the 1st half of the '90s when I was playing regularly, all I had was a Jazz Bass, so that's what I used and no one said anything. When I started playing again in the 2000s and had the chance to do a gig like that, electric was no problem. I was fortunate to have a GIbson EB-2, a semi-hollow, which I enjoyed. I also did try an acoustic bass guitar around 2001 and it sucked! String balance from the onboard preamp was way off - I did buy it used from GC so I can't say that they all sound like that. I do have a small ukulele bass (a custom, predecessor to the Kala U-Bass) that is a lot of fun with other ukes or acoustic guitars, and that might be an option for you IF looks are key.
OP I'd be interested to hear what basses you have and what you think of them in the context of the group. Do some feel like they would be more appropriate for the gig?
When I did that kind of thing in the 1st half of the '90s when I was playing regularly, all I had was a Jazz Bass, so that's what I used and no one said anything. When I started playing again in the 2000s and had the chance to do a gig like that, electric was no problem. I was fortunate to have a GIbson EB-2, a semi-hollow, which I enjoyed. I also did try an acoustic bass guitar around 2001 and it sucked! String balance from the onboard preamp was way off - I did buy it used from GC so I can't say that they all sound like that. I do have a small ukulele bass (a custom, predecessor to the Kala U-Bass) that is a lot of fun with other ukes or acoustic guitars, and that might be an option for you IF looks are key.
OP I'd be interested to hear what basses you have and what you think of them in the context of the group. Do some feel like they would be more appropriate for the gig?
Seeing a good amount of ABGs do not sound good/ABGs sound like low tuned guitars. I agree this is true for most ABGs off the shelf. You can make them sound much better with a few tweaks. While I recommended non-ABG in my post and still stand by that as the best solution...
- ABGs sounding like low tuned guitars is due to phosphor bronze strings; throw a good set of tape-wounds or flats on one and that problem mostly goes away. Some of the ability to cut through the mix acoustically usually goes away too, but better that than sounding like a low tuned guitar.
- Some ABG pickups/electronics are a little bright. Low Pass Filter helps with this.
- ABGs can work well amplified if you figure out feedback handling (sound hole plug, body/amp/instrument positioning, notch filter, and/or a High Pass Filter).
Note I am still not recommending an ABG to OP as the best solution. I am recommending that anyone who wants an ABG to sound better take these steps. I have on a few ABGs and they sound much better with the right setup.
- ABGs sounding like low tuned guitars is due to phosphor bronze strings; throw a good set of tape-wounds or flats on one and that problem mostly goes away. Some of the ability to cut through the mix acoustically usually goes away too, but better that than sounding like a low tuned guitar.
- Some ABG pickups/electronics are a little bright. Low Pass Filter helps with this.
- ABGs can work well amplified if you figure out feedback handling (sound hole plug, body/amp/instrument positioning, notch filter, and/or a High Pass Filter).
Note I am still not recommending an ABG to OP as the best solution. I am recommending that anyone who wants an ABG to sound better take these steps. I have on a few ABGs and they sound much better with the right setup.
I'd get an electric upright bass. I used a 34"-scale Dean EUB for years with a standards jazz quartet. Looking back, I'm a little sorry I didn't go for one with a standard 41" scale, but the Dean was fine.
Here's an EUB that was recently listed on Reverb. Looks like a homemade one, but it appears to have been built by someone who knew what they were doing. 34" scale. There's a video in the ad, and the bass sounds pretty decent. It's inexpensive, too.
Here's an EUB that was recently listed on Reverb. Looks like a homemade one, but it appears to have been built by someone who knew what they were doing. 34" scale. There's a video in the ad, and the bass sounds pretty decent. It's inexpensive, too.
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In my opinion, the only reason to use an acoustic bass is to look like everyone is playing an acoustic instrument. It’s not a requirement to get the best tone, but a muted acoustic bass with flats can create a great foundation for bright ringing amplified acoustics. I stopped using bright phosphor bronze strings on acoustic bass years ago. It’s flats or tapes wth a soft rubber mute for me.
There's no shame in using the electric for acoustic shows. In a lot of ways, it makes everything easier. A solid body is definately more comfortable in most every case. But..... I hope you end up finding and using a good acoustic bass. Once I finally got a good one, it completely changed my relationship with the bass guitar. A good acoustic that plays well is hard put down. My practice time went through the roof after getting this last one.
I have a Warwick Alien thinline. It's the Rockbass version. I couldn't be happier.
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I've tried many ABGs, and only a few can keep up with 2 acoustic guitars. There is a reason that the MTV unplugged sets all included electric basses, whether or not they were also ABGs...
The most straight forward approach (and avoid overthinking it) is to focus on the sound. A foam mute costs pennies and totally changes your sound. Flats or tapes (which may also require a new nut) cost more but may accomplish something similar. Spend an hour futzing with what you have to get the sound you want. Then you can feel free to overthink it
The most straight forward approach (and avoid overthinking it) is to focus on the sound. A foam mute costs pennies and totally changes your sound. Flats or tapes (which may also require a new nut) cost more but may accomplish something similar. Spend an hour futzing with what you have to get the sound you want. Then you can feel free to overthink it
I highly recommend the short lived Gibson 335 bass. I think they were made only from 2012-2013. I use one with the guys I play with when we do a acoustic, speakeasy thing locally and I am constantly getting compliments on how it works in the dynamic.
I used to play a fretless PJ for "unplugged" gigs. A light touch and light on the volume go a long way.The ABG thing is silly to me cuz you still have to plug it in, so why not play something that's playable and sounds good. I also used to play an Ambeg baby bass for "acoustic" gigs. These days I'm playing upright with an all-acoustic folk-rock band, but we all plug in -- fiddle, guitar and bass -- and we have a full drum kit. Unless people are really hung up on the look, I say stick with electric.
I play mostly Bluegrass and old Country, and even they are forgiving of an electric BG. Recently, there has been a few mentions of rubber string u-bass.' Some say the tone is great for the type of music, but I've never heard one live. I use a very cheap imitation P-bass with flatwounds and a noodle mute. Nice and thumpy.
My last band 
was acoustic rock! I mostly played a Sterling with flats, foam mute under the strings, rolled off the tone on the amp a bit. I think maybe the flats were the most important part of the equation.
was acoustic rock! I mostly played a Sterling with flats, foam mute under the strings, rolled off the tone on the amp a bit. I think maybe the flats were the most important part of the equation.
I've been in an alt country acoustic duo for a couple of years, we play anything from old country to 90's grunge and more Here's a chronology (Lol) of the Instruments that I have used.
I started out using a Tanglewood acoustic bass guitar. I've had it for years. solid wood, real loud unplugged with nickel roundwounds (ran it through the PA at gigs). I still use it for rehearsals. It's fun to play, but with the action set high for volume, it gets difficult to play up the fretboard.
Next I tried a Samick Greg Bennett solid body acoustic electric (poor man's Godin). Great bass, it sounded best using Labella white gold tapewounds. It sounded good but notes lacked definition.
I tried a couple of older hollowbody basses that I have, a Harmony H22 (such an iconic bass!) and a Aria Diamond Series bass (Gene). They both sound a lot alike; pure magic, perfect for country/Americana/country rock. Not so great for heavier Southern rock/hard rock/grunge/etc.
I started using this really cool Fender Precision Lyte Deluxe (MIJ), it was beat up with the frets pulled out when I got it years ago. I have done my best to deystroy it, but it just keeps going. This one provided the sound and playability that I've been looking for.
At our gig last Friday, I decide to break out my MCG Jazz replica. I've had this thing for 10 years, hadn't used it in a long time. It was a blast to play. It's my favorite bass. for now.
YMMV.
I started out using a Tanglewood acoustic bass guitar. I've had it for years. solid wood, real loud unplugged with nickel roundwounds (ran it through the PA at gigs). I still use it for rehearsals. It's fun to play, but with the action set high for volume, it gets difficult to play up the fretboard.
Next I tried a Samick Greg Bennett solid body acoustic electric (poor man's Godin). Great bass, it sounded best using Labella white gold tapewounds. It sounded good but notes lacked definition.
I tried a couple of older hollowbody basses that I have, a Harmony H22 (such an iconic bass!) and a Aria Diamond Series bass (Gene). They both sound a lot alike; pure magic, perfect for country/Americana/country rock. Not so great for heavier Southern rock/hard rock/grunge/etc.
I started using this really cool Fender Precision Lyte Deluxe (MIJ), it was beat up with the frets pulled out when I got it years ago. I have done my best to deystroy it, but it just keeps going. This one provided the sound and playability that I've been looking for.
At our gig last Friday, I decide to break out my MCG Jazz replica. I've had this thing for 10 years, hadn't used it in a long time. It was a blast to play. It's my favorite bass. for now.
YMMV.
I knew a guy who played both upright and U bass in a new grass kinda act, and to my ear the rubber string U bass is the opposite of what you want: all boom, no thud, note bloom or note definition..
The best choice is upright, but since that's not an option any electric bass played sensitively is fine.
More expensive but I use...a Gretsch Broadcaster or there are the less expensive Gretsch models,..........or a VOX Stinger
If you have the disposable monetary means for a nice hollowbody bass and are so inclined, many of the already posted basses would fit the vibe.
I myself would pick a different route, though.
I'd hop on ebay/etsy and buy a set of F-Hole Stickers.
I'd put them in my case.
When the time comes for the acoustic set, I'd use the minute it takes for the others to change instruments to put my bass in a stand, clearly exposed to the audience so everyone can see what I'm doing and then I'd put the stickers on the bass.
Alternative option: I'd pick my Kala U-bass for the acoustic set.
I myself would pick a different route, though.
I'd hop on ebay/etsy and buy a set of F-Hole Stickers.
I'd put them in my case.
When the time comes for the acoustic set, I'd use the minute it takes for the others to change instruments to put my bass in a stand, clearly exposed to the audience so everyone can see what I'm doing and then I'd put the stickers on the bass.
Alternative option: I'd pick my Kala U-bass for the acoustic set.
OP, I tried a number of ABG's and none worked out so went w/ an electric hollow body [Gretsch 6072RI] for the reasons you stated. The Hollow body gives the woodier tone, has pickups because it will be plugged in to an amp anyway, & looks the part.
