Is an Acoustic bass worth it

[Kalsarikannit]

Yes. Nylon wrapped.

 

[Wasnex]

...but the feedback was loud.

A sound hole cover and notch filters will help immensely.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

I'm going direct into the pa. If I get the acoustic, I may use a q-strip as a preamp.

A q-strip is always the right tool for the job.


But, acoustic basses are cool, and fun to play. Reality, I prefer those Ibanez hollow bodies with the piezo pickup over them though. I think theyre the SRH series. The fretless one is so dope. Just easier/more comfortable to play, and they give off a similar sound. Ish.

Ultimately, your P bass will be more than adequate for the job. Tapes, and a tone knob.

 

[matdras]

I really want to want another ABG - they look cool and sound unique. I shouldn't have sold my Thundercheif as it was an exquisite instrument.

My beef really comes down to the ergonomics. If you're a thumb on the pup person, good luck anchoring on that piezo. If you're like me and have orangutan arms, I hope you like cutting off your circulation. If you like standing with it, I'd recommend daily fretting arm curls.

I believe some manufacturers have found solutions to these cliche problems, and I wish my local music store carried these models so I could trick myself into thinking I need one!

Good luck on the hunt

 

[Max Blasto]

Acoustic Bass Guitar Player here.

Do not buy an ABG because the band asked you to. Only buy one because the instrument inspires you.

If you do buy an ABG because the band asked you to, make sure the band is paying for it.

If you buy an ABG and then put tape wounds on it, then you can join the I Wish I Could Play a DB Club, But I Can't Now I Have to Sell My ABG Cuz It Isn't Loud Enough Club.

 

[Jeff Scott]

If you really need some sort of ABG look into the Rick Turner Renaissance series of basses. I used to have both 4-string and 5-string fretless versions of the Ren. They do need to be plugged in, they won't feedback, and they sound amazing.

Here are examples of each (4-string, and 5-string).

 

[spade2you]

If you really need some sort of ABG look into the Rick Turner Renaissance series of basses. I used to have both 4-string and 5-string fretless versions of the Ren. They do need to be plugged in, they won't feedback, and they sound amazing.

Here are examples of each (4-string, and 5-string).

..or Rob Allen.

 

[bassbrad]

It is your decision, for me it is worth it. I play my acoustic bass guitars as much as electric for the sound and convenience at home and as often as appropriate on gigs. For a one off gig - no way.

My Washburn AB20 sits on a stand by the couch and gets grabbed and played a bit every day, my others not as much.

 

[Cave Puppy]

Yeah … no. I can't abide by an abg. I've had several. I was in a very similar situation as yours. I bought several different basses for several different situations for that band and it wasn't worth it. At all. Maybe for at home playing and quiet practicing but that's it.

 

[themickster]

Our band has a upcoming acoustic show coming up and they say that I should get an
acoustic bass for the gig. I have a fretless precision bass and was thinking should I just put nylon strings on it and roll off the tone. I will be playing direct through a pa so I don't know that it would make any difference. Some of the band are not fans of fretless bass but I do use it for a few songs when we play live. Any thought on this?
thanks.

Do you mean nylon strings or nylon wound steel strings?

 

[Aloe]

maybe some semi-acoustic bass will get you close to the looks for the acoustic show? or even better -- an upright, if you play fretless?

this said, I had an ABG, but when I got a semi-acoustic, I felt that the semi-acoustic is better for me in every aspect, so I sold the ABG.

 

[BobDeRosa]

Yeah … no. I can't abide by an abg. I've had several. I was in a very similar situation as yours. I bought several different basses for several different situations for that band and it wasn't worth it. At all. Maybe for at home playing and quiet practicing but that's it.

I can echo this. Having owned two ABGs, I found I have neither love nor use for them.

 

[B-Mac]

I really like how these two arranged this:
Guitar - lead/ Bass - rhythm
Guitar - rhythm / Bass - lead
Guitar - lead/ Bass - rhythm
Guitar - rhythm / Bass - lead

 

[mcnach]

Our band has a upcoming acoustic show coming up and they say that I should get an
acoustic bass for the gig. I have a fretless precision bass and was thinking should I just put nylon strings on it and roll off the tone. I will be playing direct through a pa so I don't know that it would make any difference. Some of the band are not fans of fretless bass but I do use it for a few songs when we play live. Any thought on this?
thanks.

Been in the same situation, I've used a fretless Precision and a fretted one too. You will need amplification regardless, so it doesn't make a lot of sense to get an acoustic bass other than the look. They do have a particular type of sound which may fit well with the acoustic vibe, but what you're suggesting will easily have the same vibe.

I'd definitely not be buying an acoustic bass unless you were already wanting one.

 

[mcnach]

Nylon strings? Will there be any tone to roll off?

Plenty!

There's a lot of top end with nylon coated strings if you want it.

 

[klattman]

My guess is your group may not realize you will need to be amplified regardless, unless you bring an actual 3/4 DB.

I have an Ibanez srh500F semi hollow with labella nylon tapes that gets close enough to the sound of a DB. So fretless with tapes should be acceptable.

If it's the sound you want either that or a rubber string bass will sound great, just have to get used to the short scale first.

If it's the look, an AEB would work but you absolutely still need to be plugged in either way.

In your situation I'd bring my ashbory or maybe the resonator (depending on the songs and sound vs look requirements.).

 

[klattman]

Plenty!

There's a lot of top end with nylon coated strings if you want it.

I like it but if it isn't desired the Q strip should be able to tame it.

 

[Slevage]

One gig—- he'll no.

Some band members don't like fretless?
How's your intonation?

 

[buldog5151bass]

I have a very nice Tacoma Thunderchief that I almost never use. Use the bass you want, put on some flats (if you want), put in some foam (if you want), roll off the treble, and play the bass (you want).

 

[Ric Vice]

Our band has a upcoming acoustic show coming up and they say that I should get an
acoustic bass for the gig. I have a fretless precision bass and was thinking should I just put nylon strings on it and roll off the tone. I will be playing direct through a pa so I don't know that it would make any difference. Some of the band are not fans of fretless bass but I do use it for a few songs when we play live. Any thought on this?
thanks.

Since I play Double Bass the Acoustic Bass Guitars I've tried out seemed unruly and cumbersome by comparison. I have a Lakland 55-94 lined fretless with Ernie Ball Slinky Cobalt Flats. I also have early Godin Acoustibass that has a very nice feel and sound. Just my take.