BEST VALUE ACOUSTIC HELP

[tmusic101]

Hi, Y'all. Having never owned an acoustic bass I'm looking for input on what is the best value "low end" acoustic out there. I am looking to add one to round out the family. I have played a few & sometimes I jam with an acoustic group so it would be nice to have one to use in these situations.

When I say "low end", I'm talking maybe a max of $250.

 

[lomo]

Ibanez is cheap. You'll need an amp to jam with acoustic guitars unless you use a pick.

 

[gustmouse]

I have an Ibanez and a Rouge from MF. The Rouge sounds better playing it acoustically. Not so good plugged in because of it's poor pickup. But add one of those sound hole pickups to it and it sounds good with an amp. It cost less then $200. The Ibanez sounds good plugged in, because of it's "superior" electronics. But has a harsh and uninspiring sound unplugged. It costs $350.00. I think the Ibanez may last longer then the Rouge. But I've had the Rouge for 7 years now and it still works and looks good!

 

[Turock]

Get the $149 Dean, put on a heavy gauge of string. Sounds as good and as loud as any.

 

[John127]

The Ibanex can be had for as low as $240 shipped. I just got one from Musician's Friend - they did a price match. To me, it's a steal at that price- good plugged-in sound, nice feel, built in tuner.

 

[Lazyboy]

You really won't be able to play unamplified with even a couple of guitars and a couple of singers.

I own both the Dean and the Ibanez. The Ibanez is far higher quality, better electronics, sounds much better amplified, very solid feel, quite heavy for an acoustic. Doesn't resonate well, and is practically useless as an acoustic, unless you are by yourself.

The Dean Playmate is very light, very cheap feeling, resonates quite well, probably in he top 30% for acoustic volume. + 1 on needing to add a set of heavy bronze strings, so count on adding 20% to that $150. The Dean easily gets a slapping sound when played hard. If you have an amp with a lot of low end EQ, you can make it sound decent.

I use the Dean 4 to 1 over the Ibanez. Weird. I guess it's because I have a few dozen electric basses to get the amped sounds I want. Also, the Dean is so cheap I don't worry about taking it out and banging it around a bit.

 

[tmusic101]

All very helpful advice. I'm leaning toward the Dean from what I've heard. I want to get out as cheap as possible because I'll use an acoustic bass so rarely. On the other hand, I don't want to toss money at firewood!

 

[Pilgrim]

A different vote - the Ovation and Applause (same bass, different headstock) are about the loudest you can buy. I practice with two guitars using my Applause and the bottom end is audible. If they really bore down, I don't know if even the Applause would generate enough sound.

 

[Ammioz77]

I saw a Michael Kelly Dragon acoustic electric fretless 5 on sale at Guitar Center last night. They're pushing a lot of those.. Anyone have any dealings with those? How do they sound/feel?