Does anyone own one of these? I just bought one (haven't recieved it yet) from musiciansfriend brand new for $119.99. And No its not a refurb model neither. they sent me a coupon in the mail for 20% off and it was originally $150.00. my question is if you do have one do you play it often? and did you get it set up?
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Dean Playmate EAB Acoustic Bass
- Thread starter TrevorNorton
- Start date
I've messed around with various EABs when I've browsed in guitar shops from time to time over the years. I've never been especially impressed. Then I picked up one that felt and sounded big and satisfying. I looked at the tag and headstock to be amazed that it was a Dean Playmate bass, for a really low amount of $$ compared to other EABs I've seen. It seems to be an amazing value. Definitely post what you think of it when you finally receive it!
I've played one, the pickup is really, really weak. But you don't buy an acoustic to plug it in, and acoustically it's very loud due to its size, and works great for unplugged jams.
I love mine. Pretty much like eveyone else has said: the pickup is pretty lame, but with a good deal of tweaking (from the amp) you can get a usuable tone. Very nice unplugged tone - yes it's got a big body, but I think that lends itself to the huge tone it puts out. It sounded as nice as any other ABG I've tried, including Martins & Tacomas (again, this is the unplugged tone we're talking about here). The playability is excellent - the g**tarist in my band loves "flying around" on it. Played nice right out of the box, just tweaked the truss rod a bit more to my liking & I was set.
Also worth mentioning - the stock strings that come on the bass are awful. You should swap those out ASAP. I currently have Martin bronze strings on mine, but I'm seriously considering some LaBella nylon tapewounds in the near future... Y'know, so I can pretend I'm playing a Rob Allen!
You're getting a GREAT deal for $120, IMHO. Enjoy!
Also worth mentioning - the stock strings that come on the bass are awful. You should swap those out ASAP. I currently have Martin bronze strings on mine, but I'm seriously considering some LaBella nylon tapewounds in the near future... Y'know, so I can pretend I'm playing a Rob Allen!
You're getting a GREAT deal for $120, IMHO. Enjoy!
well i dont see any acoustic bass strings at musiciansfriend.com except for ones ive never liked on electric. my favorite electric bass strings are Rotosound RS66LD's. If got them on my Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Bass and I was wondering can you put the Roto's 66's on an acoustic?
So Lalabadie your saying its alright? I don't know about Rotosounds. They are stainless steel not nickel. They've probably different tension. Though I never have liked Slinkys
I don't know, I was a little stressed when trying at first, but the thing seems pretty solid.
On my side, I still have no experience with Rotosounds. I chose the slinkys because they were the only ones available for six string basses, allowing me to tune EADGC. I had a talk with the local luthier and he told me this bass could handle it alright, as long as I'm not going for monster tension. Which is good, because I like low tension.
However, the bridge is really tender, so that's where the most damage will happen if the strings are too tight. They'll slowly eat through the bridge. Mine has set to a small curve and now seems pretty solid, but I surely won't exagerate.
On my side, I still have no experience with Rotosounds. I chose the slinkys because they were the only ones available for six string basses, allowing me to tune EADGC. I had a talk with the local luthier and he told me this bass could handle it alright, as long as I'm not going for monster tension. Which is good, because I like low tension.
However, the bridge is really tender, so that's where the most damage will happen if the strings are too tight. They'll slowly eat through the bridge. Mine has set to a small curve and now seems pretty solid, but I surely won't exagerate.
I'm getting the 4 string not the five but, is the bridge adjustable at all Lalabadie? How big is this bass. I'm only 5'4" tall with stuby arms. Though I do play with a 67" strap all the way down (Krist Novoselic style!)
It is about this high
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And this large
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The bridge is probably available in different heights, and though I like low action, I brought it a little higher (a flat 1.2mm piece of wood in the slot). The factory setup has it so low that the strings rattle from open string to 8-9th fret. It's not really a big issue, since the bridge is a piece of ivory (or... hard plastic) which you can just take out when there are no strings on.
You mention using a strap, but I'm afraid you have little choice but to play this one while sitting. It's really big, and the neck goes about two inches further to the left, compared to my mental average. It's a 32" scale, however its construction (bridge on the harmony table) pushes everything to the left. I'm not big either and it took me maybe 2-3 weeks to really adapt to the thing. Now I love it.
And get ready to answer questions about your "big guitar"
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And this large
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The bridge is probably available in different heights, and though I like low action, I brought it a little higher (a flat 1.2mm piece of wood in the slot). The factory setup has it so low that the strings rattle from open string to 8-9th fret. It's not really a big issue, since the bridge is a piece of ivory (or... hard plastic) which you can just take out when there are no strings on.
You mention using a strap, but I'm afraid you have little choice but to play this one while sitting. It's really big, and the neck goes about two inches further to the left, compared to my mental average. It's a 32" scale, however its construction (bridge on the harmony table) pushes everything to the left. I'm not big either and it took me maybe 2-3 weeks to really adapt to the thing. Now I love it.
And get ready to answer questions about your "big guitar"
I have one. Yeah, it's an excellent value. The pickup blows (I hate that Piezo tone), because it's passive.
I had been searching for an acoustic bass guitar with decent tone, at least 23 frets and good access to the upper register. I played the Martins and Tacomas, and while they sounded amazing unlpugged,The Martin didn't have enough access and the Tacoma not enough frets; plus both seemed just a tad expensive for me at the time. I had been messing with the Dean at a local guitar store and noticed it sounded best among the $400-$600 ABGs, and when I looked at the price tag I was blown away. I got it for about $180.
I've mic'd it for recording and it sounds awesome. No, it's not loud enough to compete with guitars in an all-acoustic setting (no ABG is -thank you physics!), but I play solo anyway and in any setting with more than a handful of people you'd be amplified anyway. I'm going to try an internal mic next time I play live.
For less than $200 you can't go wrong.
-b
I had been searching for an acoustic bass guitar with decent tone, at least 23 frets and good access to the upper register. I played the Martins and Tacomas, and while they sounded amazing unlpugged,The Martin didn't have enough access and the Tacoma not enough frets; plus both seemed just a tad expensive for me at the time. I had been messing with the Dean at a local guitar store and noticed it sounded best among the $400-$600 ABGs, and when I looked at the price tag I was blown away. I got it for about $180.
I've mic'd it for recording and it sounds awesome. No, it's not loud enough to compete with guitars in an all-acoustic setting (no ABG is -thank you physics!), but I play solo anyway and in any setting with more than a handful of people you'd be amplified anyway. I'm going to try an internal mic next time I play live.
For less than $200 you can't go wrong.
-b
Thanks Lalabadie for pointing that out but I ment when playing it. It's alright, no more pictures please
So the bridge is adjustable thats cool. Just stick a piece of wood under there and forget about it? But for the non-cutaway model the neck is 2 inches longer or so. Thanks, can you add me to your buddy list
So the bridge is adjustable thats cool. Just stick a piece of wood under there and forget about it? But for the non-cutaway model the neck is 2 inches longer or so. Thanks, can you add me to your buddy listThe Nicest I've heard and Played are The Takamine 512, and Hofner which is an absolute steal at the price, and also the deepest sounding. the Tanglewood is also strangely good.The Strings that I think are best are Thomastik ABG strings that are like Classical guitar strings, but thicker and they make a set for 5 strings. The have a more rounded and warmer tone.
I really like mine, but I have no real comparison as a new bassist. I did adjust the truss rod a bit (1/8 turn), other than that, I've just been playing it as much as I can.
One thing to keep in mind: good luck finding a case that fits. My bass was bought for me as a gift, my friend ordered a bag with it, way too small, even though the sticker on the thing said it was right. Wanted one of the tan Dean bags, found a good price at Sam Ash, ordered it and got a black bag (which fit at least!). Called, they sent another black one! Finally got out of them that they don't have any tan ones, and they're 60 bucks or so everywhere else, and I'm not sure they are tan, either. So now I have an extra black gig bag, think I'm gonna take it out in the shop and paint it with fabric paint in a jungle camo pattern or something.
Like others have said, for the money, it can't be beat. No, it's not the quality of higher-priced basses, but that's why it's a buck and change instead of 700 and up!
It IS huge, luckily I have very long arms (*Gibbonboy*) so I don't have many problems with the size. I added a strap knob in the "usual" spot, it does work for me, but probably not for many people.
I am also trying to decide what strings would be best on this beast, any experiences would be appreciated.
Did you get the black or natural? Mine is black, I think natural looks nicer, since you can't see the defects highlighted by the black gloss. Enjoy it, play it, and report back.
One thing to keep in mind: good luck finding a case that fits. My bass was bought for me as a gift, my friend ordered a bag with it, way too small, even though the sticker on the thing said it was right. Wanted one of the tan Dean bags, found a good price at Sam Ash, ordered it and got a black bag (which fit at least!). Called, they sent another black one! Finally got out of them that they don't have any tan ones, and they're 60 bucks or so everywhere else, and I'm not sure they are tan, either. So now I have an extra black gig bag, think I'm gonna take it out in the shop and paint it with fabric paint in a jungle camo pattern or something.
Like others have said, for the money, it can't be beat. No, it's not the quality of higher-priced basses, but that's why it's a buck and change instead of 700 and up!
It IS huge, luckily I have very long arms (*Gibbonboy*) so I don't have many problems with the size. I added a strap knob in the "usual" spot, it does work for me, but probably not for many people.
I am also trying to decide what strings would be best on this beast, any experiences would be appreciated.
Did you get the black or natural? Mine is black, I think natural looks nicer, since you can't see the defects highlighted by the black gloss. Enjoy it, play it, and report back.
i have one, and as mention over and over the pick up is nothing to write home about, its big. kind of bulky to play, i wanted/needed an acoustic and the price was right, if i used on more or need something better i would definately upgrade, but for my need this one suits me fine. bought it from musicians friend, when it shipped the pick up wasn't hooked up i had to reach inside and plug it in, other than that its not bad, not bad at all for the price.
well, looks like i might be a part of the club after all!
i guess GAS can strike at unexpected place and time! of course, there's still a chance they'll cancel on me due to un-availability (they've done that before), but hopefully not.
i've wanted an acoustic bass for ages, but could never afford the Tacoma Thunderchief and was on the wait for another bass within my budget and with acoustic volume to play unplugged with an acoustic guitar.
I knew about the Dean Playmate for many years, too, mostly very good reviews - cheap laminated bass with the size to deliver acoustic volume. They used to be $129.95 with free ship, i almost ordered and then they went up to $149.95.
anywho, this time there was a "blem" item for $127.95 and in the natural finish (i didn't want the black). Music123 now has their blem10 promo - 10% off all blems. So that was the time to snatch it at $114.74 (i also got the gigbag for $25, i don't really gig so a bag works fine).
it looks like their inventory is real-time, because after i paid, i was no longer able to add it to cart.
btw, MF and M123 share the same inventory (same company) so MF also doesn't allow adding it to cart.
Also, MF doesn't have the blem10 promo, like M123 does. He-he!
i guess i'll be sharing pics/impressions in about a week.
i figure i can always return it (45 days) but at the price i paid i can also always just sell it on craigslist.
I got the cheap 4-string non-cutaway version. I figure it can use all the body volume it can get.
I am curious to see your pictures of the non-cutaway playmate and also what strings seem to work better - flatwounds or acoustic bronze?
As far as using the electric sound - I have a behringer adi21 and bdi21 (acoustic and bass SansAmp copies) coming soon and I figure that with a preamp like that the bass should sound great.
Thanks!
i guess GAS can strike at unexpected place and time! of course, there's still a chance they'll cancel on me due to un-availability (they've done that before), but hopefully not.
i've wanted an acoustic bass for ages, but could never afford the Tacoma Thunderchief and was on the wait for another bass within my budget and with acoustic volume to play unplugged with an acoustic guitar.
I knew about the Dean Playmate for many years, too, mostly very good reviews - cheap laminated bass with the size to deliver acoustic volume. They used to be $129.95 with free ship, i almost ordered and then they went up to $149.95.
anywho, this time there was a "blem" item for $127.95 and in the natural finish (i didn't want the black). Music123 now has their blem10 promo - 10% off all blems. So that was the time to snatch it at $114.74 (i also got the gigbag for $25, i don't really gig so a bag works fine).
it looks like their inventory is real-time, because after i paid, i was no longer able to add it to cart.
btw, MF and M123 share the same inventory (same company) so MF also doesn't allow adding it to cart.
Also, MF doesn't have the blem10 promo, like M123 does. He-he!
i guess i'll be sharing pics/impressions in about a week.
i figure i can always return it (45 days) but at the price i paid i can also always just sell it on craigslist.
I got the cheap 4-string non-cutaway version. I figure it can use all the body volume it can get.
I am curious to see your pictures of the non-cutaway playmate and also what strings seem to work better - flatwounds or acoustic bronze?
As far as using the electric sound - I have a behringer adi21 and bdi21 (acoustic and bass SansAmp copies) coming soon and I figure that with a preamp like that the bass should sound great.
Thanks!
I just wanted to throw my $.02 in on this subject. I bought mine in October and it took a few months to settle. I noticed the strings were buzzing a bit more on the frets than when it was new, so I loosened the truss rod a 1/4 turn and waited a week with no change, so I loosened it again another 1/4 turn and it developed a wicked back bow so much that the strings were lying on the frets along the length of the neck. Good thing Dean has a 5 year warranty so KEEP YOUR RECEIPT...just in case! I sent the bass back and I should be getting it back by the end of this week or the beginning of next week.
eh, i don't understand - loosening the truss-rod should result in forward relief (string pull overpowers the truss-rod counterpull).
In my case I loosened the truss rod all the way and it didn't help the buzz (on all frets) - it seems to have bulges in the fretboard and also too low of a saddle action.
I am sending it back to Music123 for a refund. I do think that mine was just a lemon that slipped through QA. I will order another one when I see some kind of sale or coupon code. I liked the overall box build quality and tone/volume. I will try again.
In my case I loosened the truss rod all the way and it didn't help the buzz (on all frets) - it seems to have bulges in the fretboard and also too low of a saddle action.
I am sending it back to Music123 for a refund. I do think that mine was just a lemon that slipped through QA. I will order another one when I see some kind of sale or coupon code. I liked the overall box build quality and tone/volume. I will try again.
