Campfire Acoustic Bass Guitar??

[herbygardener]

Hello bass lovin’ folks;
We’ve been talking about booking our multi family summer camping trip and it has gotten me thinking about campfire jams and my responsibility to provide some bass support Usually just one other acoustic guitar and some vocals, prolly never more than a couple acoustic guitars, some hand percussion and a couple of folks who fancy themselves singers.
I’ve been doing some research and a common ‘complaint’ of many acoustic base guitars is the limited volume when not amped up. I don’t need to be out front, just heard…
Seems like Kala Ubass’ are kinda a hot thing, any feedback for my intended use?
I’m looking for opinions/options for a decent/inexpensive camping/beach gathering instrument. I will do my best to buy used locally.
As always, I appreciate any insight and assistance to help this ol’ dude get comfy in his new found Bassment existence
Cheers!

 

[hrodbert696]

With a couple of acoustic guitars and hand percussion, there is no acoustic bass guitar in the world that will be heard without amplification, sorry. Especially not a cheap one. There is a direct relationship between the size of the resonating body and the volume at longer wavelengths - that's the reason an upright bass is so much bigger than a violin. You could get a Mexican guitarron, of course, but may as well bring an upright (though a guitarron is cheaper...)

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[MD]

While the Ubass may be a fun to play around with, I'd not recommend it for campfire duties. I doubt it would have any volume at all.
My G series Takamine has worked well with two quiet, fingerpicking guitars and soft singing and 10 people around the fire. Everyone could hear it just fine. High action and a strong pizz attack is key to acoustic volume. That and avoiding knuckle bleeding headbangers with guitars.

 

[buldog5151bass]

ABG just do not have the volume - almost better of with an acoustic and playing bass line and some chords on that.

 

[bryan gibson]

I generally just take my old Sigma DR28 and play "bass lines" on the lower 4 strings, using a heavy-gauge pick gives it a bit more volume and cut.

 

[bobodechimp]

Wash tub bass with trimmer line string

 

[Gorn]

Unless you bring an upright or guitarron, you're not gonna be heard without an amp.
You could try playing with high action with a pick and pluck with all you've got, but is that really gonna sound good anyway? One ukulele will drown you out, let alone several guitars, percussion and singers.

 

[Stinsok]

I'd get one of those 70.00 ebay specials and play it with a pick.

 

[trevcda]

Campfire Acoustic Bass Guitar? They all seem to burn about the same, in my experience!

I bought a Tacoma Thunderchief specifically for stuff like this and although it's thought of by some to be one of the louder acoustic basses, it still wasn't adding much. And despite various bridge and string changes I finally just gave in and bought a cheap beginner electric bass/amp combo. Oh and an extension cord or a small battery inverter set up. I know it's not quite the answer you're looking for. It certainly wasn't what I had in mind. But it works for getting the bass up with the acoustic, particularly when everybody starts singing along. If I really need to look the part, the Tacoma has electronics on it and I can just bring that and plug it in. Additionally, if you choose to go this route, the Kala bass (and it's small form factor!) can also be used with a small amp. Unfortunately physics are tough to beat and hushing an your audience so you can be heard is not always appreciated!

 

[macmanlou]

Bring a Pignose Hog-30, Roland Micro Cube Bass RX, or Phil Jones Briefcase (in ascending order of cost). A U-Bass, Gold Tone MicroBass or acoustic-electric would look the part nicely - but with a small, battery-powered amp and most any bass of your choosing you'll be heard on both sides of the campfire.

Otherwise, the tub bass is probably the best acoustic solution. They can be surprisingly loud and kids love to take a crack at learning how to play them.

 

[Shovel]

I have no idea whether or not a resonator bass would be louder, but I would check it out. Here's the cheapest I could find after a 30 second google Invalid Link Removed

Also, I recently bought a honeytone portable amp, and I had to send back the first one. The second one works fine so far

 

[BassHappy]

If I am not sportin' enough wood - and I am fighting several acoustics - I use a battery powered Roland Micro Cube amp at the dock or down at the beach - works fine - with my Fender T-Bucket.

Models a bunch of pretty cool amp sounds, and has a decent drum machine.

Take her down to the dock and at the beach around the campfire. The bass plays great and I don't care if I get sand in it at $399!

BassHappy

 

[herbygardener]

Thanks for the feedback so far...
BassHappy...I have been considering a T Bucket because I like the size. Saw one used for $280, waited a day and it was gone, damn!
hrodbert...that's a beauty but cant see hiking thru the bush with that on my back
Shovel...that bass opens up a whole new avenue of exploration/obsession, thanks for that!
MD...another beaut and thanks for the technique tip
For those advocating the tub base or the 6 string; both are under advisement. I have an old Yamaha I could take 2 strings off and see how that sounds?? Buiding a bass 'might' get the kids interested??
Trev...I wondered how long it would take for a firewood joke
As usual I will continue to investigate...
A somewhat local music store will also rent some models, so that could be an option as a test run...
Keep the ideas coming...
Cheers!

 

[BassHappy]

i love my T-Bucket, I really do - it plays and sounds great and when I am outside it's the main squeeze - especially as a writing tool...

Sorry you missed the $280. that was a good deal if it was a nice one.

Another one will come along....

BassHappy

 

[hrodbert696]

I'd get one of those 70.00 ebay specials and play it with a pick.

I have found that if I dig in hard with a heavy pick and my wife plays lightly with a felt pick we can just about balance.

 

[bassbrad]

I use a Dean acoustic bass guitar that does a decent job, for more volume I either use a pick or play octaves like a guitarron

 

[Jeff K]

If I am not sportin' enough wood - and I am fighting several acoustics - I use a battery powered Roland Micro Cube amp at the dock or down at the beach - works fine - with my Fender T-Bucket.

Models a bunch of pretty cool amp sounds, and has a decent drum machine.

Take her down to the dock and at the beach around the campfire. The bass plays great and I don't care if I get sand in it at $399!

BassHappy

That's what I use also (the Roland Bass Micro Cube). Surprisingly good tone, too!

 

[BassHappy]

That's what I use also (the Roland Bass Micro Cube). Surprisingly good tone, too!

I call in the tiny beast.....



BassHappy

 

[GretschWretch]

Sorry. I'm just not buying the mantra that an ABG cannot be heard over more than two gently plucked acoustic guitars. I've played with larger ensembles in larger venues and was heard. But that was with instruments which have long been out of production. For your situation, a Dean Playmate may be the best option: large, light, plentiful, cheap.

 

[eban3]

if your budget is unlimited for several thousand dollars you can buy the Rigel acoustic bass and be heard ......Invalid Link Removed ..........and be heard