Dean Playmate EAB Acoustic Bass

[ninerfan]

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?

From what I've seen the cutaways are $50 more than the EAB's. The best I've seen them for is $199, so I think you did O.K. if it's in good shape. I just got a non-cutaway in great condition for $100 from my local CL and am really enjoying it.

 

[Smurf]

Yup the cutaways are higher in price than the plain ones, but for $50 off I think you got a good deal also.

From what I have read all the Playmate EAB's are 34" scale, so I would say that the ad you seen was wrong. As for the age, I could not really tell ya

And Gear_Junky (and anyone else who cares to listen) HERE is a tune that I wrote for a contest that uses the Dean EAB, the Rogue with the Artec HT-TBL 3 Way pickup, and some sounds from my new toy, an old iMac Snow that I am using as a sound module at the moment....



If interested you can read how the entire tune was recorded, and what was used, [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]....but beware it is a long read!

Now, back to recording with this great instrument!

 

[Gear_Junky]

so, after a few months of having the EAB I had a bonfire 2 days ago and we had an acoustic jam on the porch (no amps). It was 3 acoustics and the Dean. this was completely spontaneous, so there were 2 people really strumming hard playing rythm, one playing lead and the Dean.

Disclaimer: at the loudest points the guys playing rythm really paid no concern to "letting others play" - they should have! they were just trying to make themselves heard. that's ok, this was the 1st time!

Perceptions: even at the loudest, even though you "thought" you couldn't hear the bass - you could always hear when it stopped or started playing (I was listening, somebody else was playing). During quieter rythm parts and or with just leads, it was great! The bass also sounds great at higher registers - nice and bright, like an acoustic guitar. (I have Martin SP bronze strings on it, medium gauge).

"monitoring" is also not an issue, because the bassist "hears" more of himself - due to being in direct contact with the bass.

I plan a bone saddle with a bit more action - my last recourse for more volume (or last hope).

Still, for what I paid - an excellent instrument and "jam promulgator".

 

[Smurf]

Thanks for the update Gear_Junky! I am also extremely happy with mine also!

 

[Spinal Tapper]

I just got mine a few weeks back. This baby sounds pretty nice for a $100 bass (I got it for $90 used w/ stand and oversized gigbag).

I recently bought flats for my Geddy, so I slapped my old electric strings on there and it sounds just fine (couldn't really tell the difference between the old worn-out bronze strings that were on there). Cuts through on the all-acoustic jam too (2 acoustic guitards and even a snare drum w/ brushes).

I love this thing. Best value I could imagine. I'm sure it's way better than those no-name Ebay Acoustic/Electric basses for around the same price! Probably because of the oversized body.

Hell, this sounds kinda silly, but sometimes I stand up and set it on the couch cushion and play the darn thing upright!!!

 

[Gear_Junky]

i think good strings make a slight difference, though. I use Martin SP phosphor bronze mediums. They add a nice warmness and at the same time have a sparkle to them. The bass can be slapped and sounds good (not that i'm into slap).

 

[bolophonic]

I have been playing a Dean Playmate that I got from a dude for $75. It is in great shape and I have never had to mess with it at all. I don't know what kind of strings these are, but I do think that I will probably change them out someday. I also have a Fishman acoustic pickup just sitting around in my shop. I will probably hold onto it just in case I ever need to amplify this beast. I have never plugged mine in, but I don't expect it to sound so hot. I love this bass, although I might sand off the logo on the headstock. "Playmate" has to be the worst sounding name for a bass model.