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Electric bass for an acoustic set?

A

AddSomeRiddim

Sep 23, 2011
27
0
#1
I'm not sure where to put this thread so feel free to move it.

Right then, the band I'm in has been offered a slot to open for another act but we'd have to be acoustic.

We're a 4 piece but the guitarists sometimes do short acoustic songs at gigs and I only have/play electric but they are stubborn on me playing as this could be quite an important gig.

What I'm wondering is; how would I go about this? I know that it isn't uncommon for an electric bass for an acoustic set but i wouldn't know what to do.

As you may have guessed I'm not an experienced player but any help or nuggets of wisdom will surely help.

Thanks in advance
 
#2
If it is just the "sound", I love a well played electric backing up acoustics. Besides, the band will be amplified anyway through a PA. If it is a "look" thing, then you may have to find an acoustic bass or sit that one out.
 
#3
AddSomeRiddim said:
I only have/play electric but they are stubborn on me playing as this could be quite an important gig.
Click to expand...

Stubborn as in 'you have to play' or 'you can't play during our acoustic set as you only have an electric bass'?

You could do a lot worse than plugging straight in to a DI for such a gig. In fact, the guy at the sound desk would probably be quite happy if that were the case. I would also recommend sticking to playing on a bass you're happy and comfortable with rather than seeking out an acoustic bass that you may not really need, want or have the cash for!

In any case, hope it goes well for you! :bassist:
 
#6
pedrodelawasp said:
Stubborn as in 'you have to play' or 'you can't play during our acoustic set as you only have an electric bass'?

You could do a lot worse than plugging straight in to a DI for such a gig. In fact, the guy at the sound desk would probably be quite happy if that were the case. I would also recommend sticking to playing on a bass you're happy and comfortable with rather than seeking out an acoustic bass that you may not really need, want or have the cash for!

In any case, hope it goes well for you! :bassist:
Click to expand...

Thanks bud, they were quite adamant on me playing as they didn't want to leave me out of the gig :D Friends for ya, eh?

Yeah I do like my Jazz and don't see myself getting an acoustic bass any time soon
 
#7
go to all neck pickup, dial the tone back (not all the way, but like 3/4 back, or you'll get that midrange hump), and play gently towards the neck;

or even do the joey spampinato "fake upright" trick, where you use the edge of your palm right over the saddles to mute the strings, then thump them with your thumb for a boomy, no-sustain "acoustic bass" sound.
 
#8
Here's a key question; are you still playing with drums? Hand drums or kit? I just played an acoustic show with my band (sans drummer). It was a bit weird as we're a pretty loud and rockin' band. I did what some have suggested; I dialed back the tone knob to let the acoustic guitar really take the lead and also played fewer and longer notes on some songs to give a base for the guitar, vox, and extra stuff (from our synth, guitar, auxiliary percussion guy). On others I dialed a more punchy tone (though still not very present, treble-wise) and played more rhythmically to give a feel like the drums were still there.

Oddly enough, our faster songs generally were slowed down and vice versa. Overall it went very well.
 
#9
I also go with flats typically for an acoustic gig. I dont have a lovely P Bass though right now, would love to get my hand on one again.
I am using a Carvin B5 with flats and a either go direct or sometimes carry a 112 setup.

I actually like having the electric bass seperated from the main mix in an acoustic set.

Anyone know how to use the Mini Quotes on here? Im stupid :(
 

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