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Good acoustic/electric bass?

Myth_103

Myth_103

Jan 2, 2007
430
9
Starkville, Mississippi
www.myspace.com
#1
What's up, TBers? I've recently gotten the desire to purchase an acoustic electric bass guitar for both acoustic sets and apartment practice. I can honestly say I know NOTHING about acoustic basses. All I'm looking for is good playability and a decent sound. I'd prefer a 5-string, but 4 strings would be fine also. So.. What brands should I check out? I'd prefer to keep it around $200-300 or less. Any suggestions?
 
#2
I was going to suggest the Breedlove ABJ250/SM5, but I think it's a little high didge for your stated budget. Great bass, though. I really like mine.

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#4
I lucked into a used but in good shape Ibanez AEB45 at my GC for $160.00 W/HSC last week. I played it along side the Breedlove and a Fender as well as a few others and acousticly and plugged it either out performed them all sound wise (volume) and tone. The breedlove had better tone but the Ibanez was just as loud unplugged as well as plugged in. The AEB45 is discontinued and features a slim body that i liked. They still make a AEB10 but i am not sure if its as good...might want check them out and they are around 300.00 i think.
 
#5
I'm drooling over the Ibanez AEB10 or AEB5. The AEB5 is more my price range ($199) for an entry level. I got my first electric bass this Christmas, so I am a nooborn bass player. The only difference between the two is the electronics, and the wood (mahogany in the AEB10, agathis in the AEB5) accounting for the $150 difference.

I played the Dean Playmate EAB, but wow, was it humongous! it was no deeper than the Ibanez, but the bottom bout was way bigger. Even at $149, Dean is out.
 
#7
Minotauros said:
I'm drooling over the Ibanez AEB10 or AEB5. The AEB5 is more my price range ($199) for an entry level. I got my first electric bass this Christmas, so I am a nooborn bass player. The only difference between the two is the electronics, and the wood (mahogany in the AEB10, agathis in the AEB5) accounting for the $150 difference.

I played the Dean Playmate EAB, but wow, was it humongous! it was no deeper than the Ibanez, but the bottom bout was way bigger. Even at $149, Dean is out.
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The Ibanezs are know for good acoustic and plugged in sound that for sure in a decent price range. The big as a box body styles is what has kept me from buying till i found the slimline AEB 45 and it sounds huge for a slim line. I dont know if the AEB10 is slim or not. I dont feel starting out you can go wrong with either of those two basses. Deans, i didnt like the sound or style personally.
 
#10
Myth_103 said:
Ok... so my band was just offered an acoustic gig in Barnes and Noble on my college campus. Perfect opportunity to own an acoustic bass! Say we up the price ran to $600 or so. Would people still suggest the same basses? Ibanez? And is a Breedlove really worth the $800+?
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I think I got my Breedlove for under $600 at GC. It had a tiny scratch on the back, so they came way down on the price. And that was for a 5-string.
 
#11
Myth_103 said:
Ok... so my band was just offered an acoustic gig in Barnes and Noble on my college campus. Perfect opportunity to own an acoustic bass! Say we up the price ran to $600 or so. Would people still suggest the same basses? Ibanez? And is a Breedlove really worth the $800+?
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Go and shop around. The breedloves are very nice and i seen them around $800.00 in my GC. There are several other in the $400-600 range. The Ibanezs rate good for less and have a huge acoustic sound and are good plugged in. I was not so thrilled with a expensive Martin or some of the Fenders i tried and I am a Fenderhead, Deans are blah FWIW.
 
#13
Myth_103 said:
Ok... so my band was just offered an acoustic gig in Barnes and Noble on my college campus. Perfect opportunity to own an acoustic bass! Say we up the price ran to $600 or so. Would people still suggest the same basses? Ibanez? And is a Breedlove really worth the $800+?
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Make sure you're geared to plug in, be it PA or amp. Acoustics have limitations, and come with piezos for a reason.
Bump the price point? I'd look for a Boulder Creek; or in your range, an Olympia.
 
#17
bamba22 said:
I have some nice michael kelly acoustic bass in that range of prices
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I just picked me up a nice 2006 MK Firefly for $90 on my local CL. I've not really made having an acoustic a priority for my collection, but the deal was too good to pass on. Plays nicely and looks great. Only problems are a slight fade where 2 stickers used to be (no big deal) and the battery cover is missing. Any ideas on where I might be able to score the cover for a Shadow LC-3 active pup?

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#18
I've owned most of the acoustics out there..

For overal value.. it's the Ibanez AEB10 (for fretted 4) or Michael Kelly Dragon Fly (for fretless 5)

There's nothing wrong with a Tacoma, Martin, etc...

The reality is you'll have to plug it in.. all of the basses priced under the AEB10 were lacking.. or had quality issues.


PERIODICALLY .. you can find an applause that is a quality build they're acoustically louder than the "loud" models.. the issue is the electronics/pickups are not useful.

Tim
 

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