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Bought my first ABG

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by Rocky55, Dec 8, 2005.

  1. Dec 8, 2005 #1
    Rocky55

    Rocky55

    Jan 28, 2004
    Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
    Hey guys,

    I've been wanting an acoustic bass for a very long time, mainly something I could leave out at home and pickup while watching TV, or figure out parts that have been playing over and over in my head all day long. The problem is that I aslo wanted the ABG to be LOUD acoustically so that I could keep up with an acoustic guitar so I could take it for kitchen parties, or around the campfire, or in hotel rooms to "rehearse" when on the road with the band.

    This weekend, my brother-in-law showed up with a brand new "Jerzey" ABG. He paid $300 canadian at a pawn shop (new in box). He's not really playing it so he told me to try it out and pay him later if I wanted to keep it. I could tell it was a pretty cheap bass, but it didn't sound terrible, although the intonation was quite off. On Monday, I tried to look them up on the net but came up empty. Then I did a search on the very popular Tacoma Thunderchief. There were a few on eBay and I managed to get one of them. I talked to the seller a few times since then and it should be on its way tomorrow.

    I can't wait to try it out. The only problem is that when it comes, I will have to wrap it and put it under the tree so that my little girls can see me opening my gift from "Santa" on Xmas morning. Is it the 25th yet??????

    Thanks to all of you who have supplied reviews and comments on the Tacoma. You are the reason I bought this without even haved tried one out. I already have a few acoustic jam sessions planned for the new year. Should be fun.

    Lager,
    Rocky
     
  2. Dec 8, 2005 #2
    ncpilot2

    ncpilot2

    Apr 26, 2005
    Nashville, NC
    I was watching a couple of Tacoma's on Ebay, I'm glad you were able to get one! I just couldn't justify the expense right now :rolleyes: Enjoy it!
     
  3. Dec 8, 2005 #3
    BartmanPDX

    BartmanPDX

    Jan 21, 2005
    Probably my living room
    Haha!

    It's going to be tough to keep that under wraps. I've loved my Tacoma -- I'd say it's my second-favorite bass right now. Unbelievable tone.

    My wife got me a used Godin A4 fretless semi-acoustic as an early Christmas gift -- she was afraid the store might sell it. Fortunately for me, we're flying cross-country for Xmas and my daughter is too young/autistic to understand the concept of Santa, so I've been happily playing it for several weeks now. :D

    'course now there's nothing under the tree for me for Xmas . . . :(
     
  4. Dec 8, 2005 #4
    UtBDan

    UtBDan

    Oct 29, 2004
    Connecticut
    my Tacoma isn't as loud as it should be. Could it be the strings? I'm buying some Ernie Ball ABG strings later today..
     
  5. Dec 8, 2005 #5
    Philbiker

    Philbiker Pat's the best!

    Dec 28, 2000
    Northern Virginia, USA
    It's possible that it's the strings. Also, it could be technique. On mine, I rest my thumb on the side of the neck at the top frets on the neck and pluck across the fingerboard. I also play my Thunderchief quite vigorously. The bracing on the top is such that this bass really responds beautifully to digging in pretty hard. I keep my action high on this bass for this reason. However, it also has a wonderful sweet sound through the pickup when played with a light touch.

    It could be the strings. After reading recommendations here on talkbass I tried LaBella Deep Talkin' Bass tapewound acoustic strings. They're expensive, but Carvin sells them for cheap. I love 'em. I have used D'Addario (which came as stock on the very early examples like mine) and Elixers. I like the LaBella tapewounds the best, followed closely by the Elixers.