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Choosing an Acoustic Bass

R

Roar!

Nov 12, 2007
16
0
35
Arcata, California
www.pearldrummersforum.com
#1
Hello all! I've been playing orchestral stand-up for about a month and it is this good. --->:hyper:


Now I think I want an acoustic bass for Christmas and split the cost between me, my parents, and my grandparents. Now I'm not going to say "choose the best one for the value" because that is stupid.

Lets pretend I had $300-500 dollars. I want a very decent bass, not top of the line but surely not something I'll want to replace anytime soon. I kinda know how these works being a drummer. :D


Thank to all who help. I know nothing.
 
#2
I'm in the same boat my friend. I'm currently looking at the Washburn AB10. I've heard good things about it and it looks cool as hell. However, it can't play without an amp. From what I've seen, the only bass that could hold its own in a acoustic guitar setting without an amp is a Tacoma Thunder Cheif. Check out the Washburn, you can get it for $479.
 
#9
You might be able to find a Thunderchief used and I think there was an overseas version under the Olympia label that was less expensive. If I remember correctly, the Olympia line was canceled...

I've got an acoustic Hohner with the semi-triangular sound hole and fairly thin body. Usable for practice without an amp, it really blossomed when I was able to use it with a reasonable amp.

Look for one with as deep a body as possible if you only want to use it unplugged...

You will be having fun either way!
=wr=
 
#11
I have a Fender BG-31 A/E Bass, fretted. It's pretty nice unplugged, but when plugged in the E-string is incredibly quiet compared to the other three. This is a major disappointment, as I really like the low end of basses. I would suggest a Michael Kelly fretless... you can get a 5-String or 4-String and you can get them in 3 different colors. They range from $300-$600 and they have a very good reputation!
 
#12
Roar! said:
Lets pretend I had $300-500 dollars. I want a very decent bass, not top of the line but surely not something I'll want to replace anytime soon. I kinda know how these works being a drummer. :D
Click to expand...

Ibanez AEB10E. It's got a nice, warm acoustic sound (no harsh twang), good ergonomics (small enough to fit in your lap and with a 32" scale), good electronics, decent playability and a surprising amount of acoustic volume. I've played three of these now, and while they're not 100% in terms of construction (sloppy binding/paintwork), they're best-in-class in the $300-500 range.

I can say that after having compared this Ibanez to the Deans, Michael Kellys, Breedloves, Fenders and other Ibanezes. Honestly, you won't find anything better at that price, or even for twice as much.

The only other production acoustics I've sampled that had a comparable amount of volume and a pleasing tone were the Victor Bailey ($850) and Tacoma Thunderchief (+$1000).
 
#13
You have a real acoustic bass, you don't need an acoustic bass guitar. :D

I'd recommend getting a fretless for the record with acoustic bass guitars. I often find the frets on them make them too bright and sharp for an acoustic instrument to have much tonality. With adjustment if you play upright, intonation will come naturally.
Ibanez fretless acoustics aren't bad for example, and they're right in your price range.

Edit: I didn't read your fretless post! Go to a music store and see if they have any of that sort in stock and try 'em out. That's my best recommendation.
 
#16
I'm quite pleased with my Michael Kelly fretless 4 string ... especially after I removed the horrible bronze roundwounds or whatever those retched things are they supply with the bass. I can only imagine how much wood they'd eat off the fretboard in a few short years. Here's a clip of how mine sounds with regular light gauge flatwounds on it ... if anyone is interested. Jamming with my nephew shortly after I acquired the bass ... :D

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=GQtYxDOHn2M
 

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