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Dean Playmate EAB Acoustic Bass
- Thread starter TrevorNorton
- Start date
Dean Playmate EAB Acoustic-Electric Bass Review
I have been looking at the Dean Playmate EAB Acoustic-Electric Bass for well over a year as an addition to my studio setup, but kept debating between it or a solid-body 5 string. Well, within the last year I have decided to go mostly "Acoustic" for awhile, so I needed to add some items to the list that were in that vein.
I have an OK Acoustic Guitar (Rogue RA-100D, which is next on the list to be replaced) and Mandolin (Rogue RM-100A), so I decided to go with the Dean to have an "acoustic bass" without the size of a "dog house" sitting in my studio.
After a year of reading reviews I knew that it was huge, and the pickup sucked. But that was OK because 95% of the reviews also said that after a truss rod tweak and new stings, it played fine....and that was the bottom line for me, since I was planing on micing it.
So I start keeping an eye on all the usual sites, and around the first of Dec. I get an email from Music 123 that they are taking an additional 10% off all their Outlet Store prices. So I go to the site, and find that they have a Dean in the outlet store, and with the extra 10% off it comes in at $100 with S&H.....so it "comes home" with me.
When it arrived I was shocked at the size, even tho I knew that it would be large! This thing is a good 1/3rd bigger than all the other Acoustic Bass's that I have tried. This is not a Dreadnought body with a bass neck, it is designed an acoustic bass, and has a 34" scale.
The Dean EAB Acoustic Bass beside my Rogue Full Size Dreadnought.
So after letting it get acclimated to the environment I tune her up....and had a problem right off the bat. The A sting had a massive rattle, along with it being almost totally dead. All the other strings sounded true, so I figured it was something with that part of the bass itself.....well, after removing the strings, bridge, pickup, and checking out the backing plate for problems, I decided that it had to be the string itself. The G string is slightly louder than the rest, and these Round Wounds make a major racket. I have decided to place some flat wounds on it, to give it a more "dog house" type of tone.....we will see what happens later this week!
After a truss rod tweak the neck plays as well as any electric I have played.....really! The neck, to me, has a thin C-Shape profile, with an narrow and ever-so-slightly radius fretboard. The frets seem to be low-profile mediums. This bass is a 34" scale, so it is a long way down the neck. The Nut and Saddle is made of plastic, and the Nut was cut pretty roughly, tho the string spacing is spot on.
The passive piezo under-saddle pickup is OK, but nothing special. The Passive Volume and Tone controls actually work, tho they feel like they came from a cheap stereo from a dollar store. The under saddle piezo pickup plugs into the control box with a mono 1/8" plug, and all the leads workmanship seems to be fine. A major concern I had was while reading all the reviews on this bass, a lot of folks said that the Bridge Plate was splintered due to the sloppy drilling for the string holes. I must have lucked out, because the one on this bass has only slight splintering. This is great, because I am planning on placing a K&K Pure Bass pick-up in this.
The soundhole in it is the standard 4", so put my Duncan Maverick in there and tried it out. Because of the narrow neck and spacing, the strings sit right in the same area as they do when it is in my Rogue Dread, thus the pickup picks up each string just fine. Yes, it is thin sounding because the pickup is a single coil, but I am getting some great tones using the Maverick, various mics, and the under-saddle piezo.....lots of fun!
You can grab a quick recording of the bass from here..... http://www.savefile.com/files/1304122
The volume unplugged is amazing, tho I don't thing that it would keep up with a couple loud acoustics in a living room jam without using a pick. But even using just finger tips (the way I play 95% of the time) it is surprisingly full sounding, even the low E.
All in all, I am pretty excited about having it!
I have been looking at the Dean Playmate EAB Acoustic-Electric Bass for well over a year as an addition to my studio setup, but kept debating between it or a solid-body 5 string. Well, within the last year I have decided to go mostly "Acoustic" for awhile, so I needed to add some items to the list that were in that vein.
I have an OK Acoustic Guitar (Rogue RA-100D, which is next on the list to be replaced) and Mandolin (Rogue RM-100A), so I decided to go with the Dean to have an "acoustic bass" without the size of a "dog house" sitting in my studio.
After a year of reading reviews I knew that it was huge, and the pickup sucked. But that was OK because 95% of the reviews also said that after a truss rod tweak and new stings, it played fine....and that was the bottom line for me, since I was planing on micing it.
So I start keeping an eye on all the usual sites, and around the first of Dec. I get an email from Music 123 that they are taking an additional 10% off all their Outlet Store prices. So I go to the site, and find that they have a Dean in the outlet store, and with the extra 10% off it comes in at $100 with S&H.....so it "comes home" with me.
When it arrived I was shocked at the size, even tho I knew that it would be large! This thing is a good 1/3rd bigger than all the other Acoustic Bass's that I have tried. This is not a Dreadnought body with a bass neck, it is designed an acoustic bass, and has a 34" scale.
The Dean EAB Acoustic Bass beside my Rogue Full Size Dreadnought.
So after letting it get acclimated to the environment I tune her up....and had a problem right off the bat. The A sting had a massive rattle, along with it being almost totally dead. All the other strings sounded true, so I figured it was something with that part of the bass itself.....well, after removing the strings, bridge, pickup, and checking out the backing plate for problems, I decided that it had to be the string itself. The G string is slightly louder than the rest, and these Round Wounds make a major racket. I have decided to place some flat wounds on it, to give it a more "dog house" type of tone.....we will see what happens later this week!
After a truss rod tweak the neck plays as well as any electric I have played.....really! The neck, to me, has a thin C-Shape profile, with an narrow and ever-so-slightly radius fretboard. The frets seem to be low-profile mediums. This bass is a 34" scale, so it is a long way down the neck. The Nut and Saddle is made of plastic, and the Nut was cut pretty roughly, tho the string spacing is spot on.
The passive piezo under-saddle pickup is OK, but nothing special. The Passive Volume and Tone controls actually work, tho they feel like they came from a cheap stereo from a dollar store. The under saddle piezo pickup plugs into the control box with a mono 1/8" plug, and all the leads workmanship seems to be fine. A major concern I had was while reading all the reviews on this bass, a lot of folks said that the Bridge Plate was splintered due to the sloppy drilling for the string holes. I must have lucked out, because the one on this bass has only slight splintering. This is great, because I am planning on placing a K&K Pure Bass pick-up in this.
The soundhole in it is the standard 4", so put my Duncan Maverick in there and tried it out. Because of the narrow neck and spacing, the strings sit right in the same area as they do when it is in my Rogue Dread, thus the pickup picks up each string just fine. Yes, it is thin sounding because the pickup is a single coil, but I am getting some great tones using the Maverick, various mics, and the under-saddle piezo.....lots of fun!
You can grab a quick recording of the bass from here..... http://www.savefile.com/files/1304122
The volume unplugged is amazing, tho I don't thing that it would keep up with a couple loud acoustics in a living room jam without using a pick. But even using just finger tips (the way I play 95% of the time) it is surprisingly full sounding, even the low E.
All in all, I am pretty excited about having it!
well im happy for you Smurf. It is insanely big though. Im only 5'4" tall, but after two weeks of playing it you get used to the size. i recently just picked up a regular 6 string guitar and strumed it and realized how small it was compared to the EAB. I was amazed!
thanks for the review and the pic, smurf. even that picture doesn't really capture how large the bass is. HUGE! but i like it. now i don't know if i'll have the patience to wait for a b-stock or just order new.
well, i just ordered another one (not "blem" this time) - there was a $25 discount they emailed me, so i did it. will report back.
Your Welcome Gear Junky! I think you will be happy with it, I know I am. I got a great deal on a Invalid Link Removed for my acoustic, and am thinking about putting one of their active preamps in the bass at a later date. But really the passive is doing a fine job for demos when ran thru a channel of the mixer.
I look forward to your thoughts on the bass!
I look forward to your thoughts on the bass!
yes, frankly, i don't understand why everybody complains about the low level. even all the stewmac under-saddle piezo pickups clearly say "preamp recommended" - people are just used to having a preamp built-in.
I intend to just use the Behringer ADI21 (Acoustic SansAmp DI clone) to the same effect and expect great results.
that Artec 3-way pup looks great, the mic looks just like the cheap ($30) Washburn "ROMP" mic I have in my acoustic (similarity could be purely visual), it's just a condenser mic (3 watch batteries) that protrudes right from the endpin jack. It's also "weak" but works well for my cheap guitar and i will have to try it with adi21 too.
how much was the Artec?
I intend to just use the Behringer ADI21 (Acoustic SansAmp DI clone) to the same effect and expect great results.
that Artec 3-way pup looks great, the mic looks just like the cheap ($30) Washburn "ROMP" mic I have in my acoustic (similarity could be purely visual), it's just a condenser mic (3 watch batteries) that protrudes right from the endpin jack. It's also "weak" but works well for my cheap guitar and i will have to try it with adi21 too.
how much was the Artec?
I got it for $45 shipped. It is usually around $80-$90 so I felt OK with the price...I mean it was still brand new in the box! I will let you know how it sounds after I get it installed....
I am off to check out the Behringer ADI21 unit. I am sure it will be better than the UB802 mixer I am using for everything at the moment, since it "voiced" for acoustic guitar. Thanks for the heads up!
I am off to check out the Behringer ADI21 unit. I am sure it will be better than the UB802 mixer I am using for everything at the moment, since it "voiced" for acoustic guitar. Thanks for the heads up!
$45 shipped sounds like a steal for a 3-way system!
In my case I liked just the mic because I didn't want to pay anything for labor (cutting a hole for the controls) for a cheap guitar that I have (and i don't record).
i think for the price the behringer v-tone units (sansamps) are a "can't go wrong" proposition - for that much money they can always be used as a passive DI box if you don't like them. But the thing is you most likely will like them.
In my case I liked just the mic because I didn't want to pay anything for labor (cutting a hole for the controls) for a cheap guitar that I have (and i don't record).
i think for the price the behringer v-tone units (sansamps) are a "can't go wrong" proposition - for that much money they can always be used as a passive DI box if you don't like them. But the thing is you most likely will like them.
Just received another Playmate EAB. This wasn't a direct replacement, they just had some sort of sale, so I got a new one for $129 (not a "blem").
Well, this one does have some of the factory visual defects that should really make it a blem, but it has good intonation and no buzzes out of the box, so for the price i might just keep it. Love the tone (but strings are JUNK!).
I would like to raise the action, though (for more projection/volume).
Also, the round-wound strings made me think that perhaps bronze roundwounds might be a good idea - the highs might help it cut through guitars better. And I like the guitar-like quality of notes at the higher register. It could be nice in an aboustic guitar duet or trio where it could do a bit more than just honky-tonk bass.
we'll see.
basically at this point (without regard to price) I'd give finish and cosmetics about 6 (but 8 considering the price) - all of that due to some blemishes, not the finish overall. I think it looks VERY nice - nice wood grain, nice satin finish, nice feel.
action and setup out of the box would almost have to be 10 - tuned up and played it - all frets are fine, action is low without being too low (but could be a bit higher for volume). The neck is VERY comfortable. I actually play short-scale electric bass, because the likes of Fender P-Bass make my left hand hurt. But not this bass.
The sound is actually very deep and woody, even with the stock junk strings (which look like cheap electric roundwounds). It's very piano-like (in a good way) in higher registers.
I would save my last cent to try and get a solid-body acoustic guitar (as i did), but this laminated-top bass sounds great and will probably be stronger due to the lam. top.
The Michael Kelly's might be VERY nice looking with pretty inlays, etc., but every one of them I picked up was a disappointment soundwise and cost hundreds more.
I'd say the sound is a 9 without regard to price (possibly only rivaled by Tacoma Thunderchief or some Martin 15-series bass) and a definite 11 considering the price
that's me review
Well, this one does have some of the factory visual defects that should really make it a blem, but it has good intonation and no buzzes out of the box, so for the price i might just keep it. Love the tone (but strings are JUNK!).
I would like to raise the action, though (for more projection/volume).
Also, the round-wound strings made me think that perhaps bronze roundwounds might be a good idea - the highs might help it cut through guitars better. And I like the guitar-like quality of notes at the higher register. It could be nice in an aboustic guitar duet or trio where it could do a bit more than just honky-tonk bass.
we'll see.
basically at this point (without regard to price) I'd give finish and cosmetics about 6 (but 8 considering the price) - all of that due to some blemishes, not the finish overall. I think it looks VERY nice - nice wood grain, nice satin finish, nice feel.
action and setup out of the box would almost have to be 10 - tuned up and played it - all frets are fine, action is low without being too low (but could be a bit higher for volume). The neck is VERY comfortable. I actually play short-scale electric bass, because the likes of Fender P-Bass make my left hand hurt. But not this bass.
The sound is actually very deep and woody, even with the stock junk strings (which look like cheap electric roundwounds). It's very piano-like (in a good way) in higher registers.
I would save my last cent to try and get a solid-body acoustic guitar (as i did), but this laminated-top bass sounds great and will probably be stronger due to the lam. top.
The Michael Kelly's might be VERY nice looking with pretty inlays, etc., but every one of them I picked up was a disappointment soundwise and cost hundreds more.
I'd say the sound is a 9 without regard to price (possibly only rivaled by Tacoma Thunderchief or some Martin 15-series bass) and a definite 11 considering the price
that's me review
It's great to hear you got a good one! I was just making the rounds where I had posted about the EAB and what I have found out so far....
I received my Fender Flat Wound Lites 9050's today and slapped them on an hour ago. Gauges are....
.095
.080
.060
.045
Using a set of calipers I found out (after I ordered the flats) that the gauges for the strings that came on the bass are also lites, same as above. Tho my nut would more than likely hold Med, I would worry about the extra tension on the bridge.
The flats sound really "thuddy" on here, but I also have not had a chance to record anything. I was looking for a more "upright" tone and these just might do it. I know that they FEEL fantastic! I will post back as soon as I have done some tracks with them.
I hope this helps!
I received my Fender Flat Wound Lites 9050's today and slapped them on an hour ago. Gauges are....
.095
.080
.060
.045
Using a set of calipers I found out (after I ordered the flats) that the gauges for the strings that came on the bass are also lites, same as above. Tho my nut would more than likely hold Med, I would worry about the extra tension on the bridge.
The flats sound really "thuddy" on here, but I also have not had a chance to record anything. I was looking for a more "upright" tone and these just might do it. I know that they FEEL fantastic! I will post back as soon as I have done some tracks with them.
I hope this helps!
I've looked at the SX bass numerous times and if they were the same price I would have no doubts - they seem about the same size and likely about the same quality from what I've read on SX.
But you're looking at ~$174 shipped on the SX.
Or $149.95 shipped on the Dean (new) or wait for some sort of sale or promo or a "blem" item and get it way cheaper, like i did. And Music123 also has a bag for it. I wouldn't dignify this bass with a hard case, unless you intend to use it a lot and travel with it.
Ya can't go wrong with either, but for me the extreme cheapness was important (while still getting the tone).
And I like the Dean headstock shape and bridge shape a bit better but that's just me.
Dean has 5-year limited warranty. I don't know about SX (they might too).
But you're looking at ~$174 shipped on the SX.
Or $149.95 shipped on the Dean (new) or wait for some sort of sale or promo or a "blem" item and get it way cheaper, like i did. And Music123 also has a bag for it. I wouldn't dignify this bass with a hard case, unless you intend to use it a lot and travel with it.
Ya can't go wrong with either, but for me the extreme cheapness was important (while still getting the tone).
And I like the Dean headstock shape and bridge shape a bit better
but that's just me.Dean has 5-year limited warranty. I don't know about SX (they might too).
Ok, I need a bit of advice or just opinion:
the current Playmate EAB that I have (my 2nd try) has PERFECT playability at all frets, although I might raise the action at the saddle.
it also sounds VERY good both acoustically and plugged-in.
But it has a few really minor cosmetic flaws - slight crack in the finish near the nut (where I see it when I play) - it's just a chipped off laquer on top of the binding the size of about 3mm. Then there's a slight crack (also in the finish) around where the neck joins the body (the 1st bass had the same thing).
that's it. I still have over a month to return/exchange it if I want.
It wouldn't cost me anything, except the effort to pack and take to a UPS pickup station. But there's a possibility that the next one will not play as nice or have other blemishes.
Does yours have the slight crack in finish around the neck/body joint? other minor blems?
Mine only cost me about $145 with gigbag (shipped).
Whatcha think?
I'm not really a neat-freak, I could live with blemishes, but on the other hand if there's a reasonable expectation of a better condition, why not?
the current Playmate EAB that I have (my 2nd try) has PERFECT playability at all frets, although I might raise the action at the saddle.
it also sounds VERY good both acoustically and plugged-in.
But it has a few really minor cosmetic flaws - slight crack in the finish near the nut (where I see it when I play) - it's just a chipped off laquer on top of the binding the size of about 3mm. Then there's a slight crack (also in the finish) around where the neck joins the body (the 1st bass had the same thing).
that's it. I still have over a month to return/exchange it if I want.
It wouldn't cost me anything, except the effort to pack and take to a UPS pickup station. But there's a possibility that the next one will not play as nice or have other blemishes.
Does yours have the slight crack in finish around the neck/body joint? other minor blems?
Mine only cost me about $145 with gigbag (shipped).
Whatcha think?
I'm not really a neat-freak, I could live with blemishes, but on the other hand if there's a reasonable expectation of a better condition, why not?
Mine came with a pretty nice job on the finish, fretboard a little dry but lemon oil was all I needed.
I'd keep it if I was you. Maybe if it becomes worse you could have a luthier do a quick job on the finish. I would'nt want to sacrifice playability.
I agree, if it plays the way that YOU are happy with I would not take the chance of starting "musical S&H". I would keep it also. My neck was also dry, so I also gave it a drink when I changed strings.
Mine has some "hazing" on the headstock, and it seems to have some "crackling" in the finish on the neck. You can feel it, but only if you place you hand right on it. You would not even know it is there just playing it.
And on a side note, now that the flats have settled in for a couple days I can say that these are not quite what I expected. They do give it a more "upright" type of tone, but it also rendered the piezo almost non-existent...more than it was before. As for the acoustic sound, it made this EAB sound ALMOST like a cardboard box..
...there is some tone & sustain, but overall when these are ready to be changed I will look for another brand, or go back to a round wound string. I guess Web Strings will be getting some of my cash a little earlier than expected! 
Mine has some "hazing" on the headstock, and it seems to have some "crackling" in the finish on the neck. You can feel it, but only if you place you hand right on it. You would not even know it is there just playing it.
And on a side note, now that the flats have settled in for a couple days I can say that these are not quite what I expected. They do give it a more "upright" type of tone, but it also rendered the piezo almost non-existent...more than it was before. As for the acoustic sound, it made this EAB sound ALMOST like a cardboard box..
...there is some tone & sustain, but overall when these are ready to be changed I will look for another brand, or go back to a round wound string. I guess Web Strings will be getting some of my cash a little earlier than expected! I have been experimenting with it since I got it, and by putting a Duncan Performer Maverick in the sound hole, and placing my MXL990 about a foot and 1/2' out from the body I have been getting a decent sound....until the Flatwounds....but I have not gave up yet!
I have been going back & forth on getting a K&K Pure Bass for it, but the pickup costs almost as much as I paid for the bass!
I have been going back & forth on getting a K&K Pure Bass for it, but the pickup costs almost as much as I paid for the bass!
well, my piezo is strong enough as is and sounds nice and warm. but by all means, slap a preamp after it! and some mentioned that perhaps it needs adjusting under the saddle there.
Interesting. I've read thru this thread & learned alot. I just picked up a Playmate EABC today. I got it used from a local music store for $150. Now, this one LOOKS brand new, but from the info I'm getting in this thread, I payed too much.
I haven't found any of those $149 or less deals from any of the major retailers. They all seem to be listing the EABC for $199 in which case $150 wouldn't be such a bad deal (tax was included in the $150).
My main question is about the scale length. The ads all list it as 32". I just measured mine & it's 34". What's the deal with this? Also, in another thread, someone was unclear whether the one they played at a store was a Playmate or Performer. Well, mine has Playmate in big letters on the headstock.
Do I have an early or late model? It is very large which is not a problem for me cause I'm a big guy (6' 2" & 240) & have hands like an orangutan! I haven't actually played mine yet but I'm excited about getting to it. This is my first adventure with an ABG & I don't even care whether it has a preamp or not cause I just bought it to play around with a couple acoustic buddies & noodle with on the couch. I don't intend to play it electrically, I've got seven electric basses for that!
As far as build quality, IMO, it's as good as you could ask for at this price point. Binding looks great, tuners are just ok.
Anybody wanna chime in on this?
I haven't found any of those $149 or less deals from any of the major retailers. They all seem to be listing the EABC for $199 in which case $150 wouldn't be such a bad deal (tax was included in the $150).
My main question is about the scale length. The ads all list it as 32". I just measured mine & it's 34". What's the deal with this? Also, in another thread, someone was unclear whether the one they played at a store was a Playmate or Performer. Well, mine has Playmate in big letters on the headstock.
Do I have an early or late model? It is very large which is not a problem for me cause I'm a big guy (6' 2" & 240) & have hands like an orangutan! I haven't actually played mine yet but I'm excited about getting to it. This is my first adventure with an ABG & I don't even care whether it has a preamp or not cause I just bought it to play around with a couple acoustic buddies & noodle with on the couch. I don't intend to play it electrically, I've got seven electric basses for that!
As far as build quality, IMO, it's as good as you could ask for at this price point. Binding looks great, tuners are just ok.
Anybody wanna chime in on this?
