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Examples of where ABG works

Zerozeddy

Zerozeddy

Nov 17, 2004
305
19
Amersham, Bucks, UK
#1
I'm not sure whether the point of acoustic bass gits is to look the part rather than anything else. In fact the only person I've come across who uses it as a stylistic/sonic choice seems to be Jonas Hellborg.

Can anyone point me towards other recorded examples of its use in bands, where it's a feature? And not just an "unplugged" stage prop?
 
#3
I think of it as a non-instrument, inasmuch as it does not deliver what its appearance says it should - that is to say, unamplified usability. If a DB is too bulky, use an EUB. If the player doesn't want to or physically cannot learn DB technique, why not use a slab with a piezo instead of a pointless box?

Adrian :p
 
#6
Chuck Sylvester said:
I don't have any video examples, but I brought my fretless Breedlove acoustic to an open mic the other night. Got a lot of compliments on the tone. It was definitely not just a prop. It had a resonance I can't get with the solid body Jazz fretless.

Of course, it was "plugged." But even through the PA ststem, it sounded much different than an electric.
Chuck
Click to expand...

Would that not be on account of a number of factors though - not least the pickup and preamp?
 
#11
IMO they are for looks/image only.

A few years back I bought a Martin 00-C16 and a Breedlove ABG for two acoustic projects I was involved in just because it was all about "the look". Both basses were totally useless unamplified. The female songwriter I was backing up on one of the projects commented that my Precision with TI flats sounded MUCH better than the ABG....same amps, a G-K MB150E and a Walkabout Scout. Also, the string volume balance on both ABG's was poor and was uncorrectable.

I sold both of them and wouldn't waste my money on another. The only acoustic bass that is useful unamplified is a URB unless you are jamming quietly with a light-handed guitarist or two. For gigging...no way unless looks are more important than sound.
 
#12
Zerozeddy said:
Exactly: I'm really after audio-only examples. Where'd you'd think oo, that sound can only come from an ABG.
Click to expand...

To be totally honest, I don't really like the sound of a fretted acoustic bass. To me it seems like the fret slap often sounds almost as loud as the actual note. And roundwound strings add all that zipping noise. That's why I bought a fretless and strung it with flats. Just my opinion; others will disagree.

On the subject of campfire playing, (totally unamplified): My Breedlove is louder than anything I've ever played, including Fender, dean, Ibanez, and Michael Kelly. I've been told that a Tacoma is louder, but I've never tried one. Mine will hold its own with one acoustic guitar- unless the guitar is strummed agressively.
Chuck
 
#13
ABGs are good for practicing or charting tunes when no amp is at hand. I've very occasionally used them with a pick at acoustic jams at a party. Otherwise there's no use for them. The tone is no reason to use them as it's generally inferior to both DB and EBG (in my view). However, I like having one for when I need it, like to sit at a desk and chart a tune off a computer in a room that doesn't have any other music gear.
 
#14
I had my ABG for 5 years or so, only used it a couple of times outdoors and its hard to compete with two guitars regarding volume!
Sometimes use it at home but rarely!
Used it once in the studio and it sounded pretty good! It was just miced!

Link Removed

In all honesty i cant say that they are very useful and could definitely do without one!
 
#17
I had an ABG for a while. Decent for the occasional practice or acoustic/acoustic jam when I didn't want to plug in, but overall they're pretty useless, IMO.

No volume to speak of, but the tone was kinda neat with round wounds. I can see how it might work out in a studio setting, but I'm picking up an active 5er soon to lay down bass for some acoustic stuff, so I guess it's just not for me..

That particular ABG had an unfortunate accident involving a foot to the face...
 
#18
Zerozeddy said:
I'm not sure whether the point of acoustic bass gits is to look the part rather than anything else. In fact the only person I've come across who uses it as a stylistic/sonic choice seems to be Jonas Hellborg.

Can anyone point me towards other recorded examples of its use in bands, where it's a feature? And not just an "unplugged" stage prop?
Click to expand...

Sure. Here ya go...

YouTube - Gino Vanelli - People Gotta Move (Live @ DWDD)
YouTube - Joe Nichols Performs "Believers" on SIRIUS XM Radio
YouTube - Recepción con champán by Martin Motnik
YouTube - Loef acoustic bass
 

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