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Loud acoustic bass

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Here's my observation. The guy is not wailing on the acoustic guitar as people in acoustic jam sessions often do. So that part is probably a bit unrealistic. The bass is very easy to hear and sounds nice, but I think most of us would prefer if it was louder and a bit fuller. That's also the sensation I get when playing my Thunderchief acoustically.

To my ears the Spector Timbre videos do seem to produce a sound that is similar to my Tacoma Thunderchief, but not exactly the same. The Spector seems to be a bit more focused. My opinion has always been the Thunderchief sacrificed some tone for maximum acoustic volume and evenness across the strings. It would be interesting to hear the Spector and Tacoma side by side with a fresh set of strings.

The best sounding ABG I have ever played was a Taylor AB1. The A, D, and G string were at least as loud as my Thunderchief, but they were much fatter sounding. Unfortunately, the acoustic volume dropped of drastically when I played below the A string. In order to get an even sound out of the instrument, one would need to play the E string aggressively and the A, D, and G string much lighter. My feeling was the AB1 essentially functioned as a 3-string bass, so I passed.
 
Hey guys, thank you so much for all your input!!

didn't expect that this would become such a great thread!

what I am considering now:
Model Furch Bc 61-CM 4 - Bass Guitar Models - Furch Guitars
or that one
Model Furch Bc 62-SW 4 - Bass Guitar Models - Furch Guitars
I tried the first one, like the sound, especially when amp'ed (-; was plugged into a 10" mark combo)

I just bought the SW62 so I'll report back in in a few days when it gets here. If I forget just dm me
 
The Bc 62 is a beauty... way more than I'd spend on an AEB... guess it all depends on your level of use and needs. But sure looks like a 1st class instrument.

It's used but near new...so some savings. But in Canada still a bit pricey. I admittedly do play a better made and sounding instrument more..and being in IT my only playtime is plugged into headphones and I need a huge break from that. It may get some recording time too in the fall but that would be a bonus :)
 
People will tell you there are several that can be easily heard in an acoustic setting, but unless you're sitting right in front of the crowd and your bass has those horrible bronze-wounds and your ripping the hell out of them with a stone pick whoever's playing the acoustic guitar is sitting twenty feet behind you, it's an uphill battle. We're bassists, it's all about tone. There's only so much tonal variety you can get out of an unplugged acoustic bass. Now, using a battery-powered amp, is an entirely different thing. The Roland Micro Cube will really get the job done...it's a good little practice amp, too, and the Joyo iMA 10-B is small enough to wear strapped to your back. Then, you'll be able to put a nice set of D'Addario black tapewounds on your bass, instead of those awful bronze-wounds.

Speaking of the Joyo, after wondering about it for the past two months, I finally took the plunge and bought one and I can't say enough about it. Louder than thought it would be and well worth the price.
From now on when people ask "Which acoustic bass should I buy that's loud enough to be heard in an acoustic setting?" I'm going to say "Buy whatever you like, just make sure you buy a Joyo MA 10-B, too!"
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Have you ever played the Pignose HOG 30? Curious how they compare.
That was my solution a few years back - I figured if I had to play through an amp, though, I might as well play electric through it (since I like the ergonomics better).
 
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Have you ever played the Pignose HOG 30? Curious how they compare.
That was my solution a few years back - I figured if I had to play through an amp, though, I might as well play electric through it (since I like the ergonomics better).
Yes, might have been a viable alternative back when it first came out, but there are better battery-powered amps available now, starting with the Roland Micro Cube bass amp.
Other than that, I'm more than satisfied with the Joyo.
Only other in its class I'd consider is this.
Might buy one just to keep at my buddy's house.
Screenshot-20200608-021237-Amazon-Shopping.jpg
 
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I was SO taken by the Alice in Chains unplugged bass sound, I purchased an Alvarez AB. I can definitely attest the amazing tone you hear on the recordings, is the tone the bass produces. While there is no telling the amount of wizardry may be going on in post production, the tone is definitely there. And the bass would be a deal at twice it's price. Alvarez quality is seriously underpriced! I would consider it fairly loud for an AB, but will have more references soon. I have a Warwick Alien 4, Michael Kelley 4 port Java Ebony, Fender Kingman VII, and an Ortega Stripe Bass being ordered in the morning. There will be plenty of comparisons coming !
 
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Yes, might have been a viable alternative back when it first came out, but there are better battery-powered amps available now, starting with the Roland Micro Cube bass amp.
Other than that, I'm more than satisfied with the Joyo.
Only other in its class I'd consider is this.
Might buy one just to keep at my buddy's house.
View attachment 3859232
Less than half the price of a Roland! Just might have to check this out!
 
Now THIS is how you should start a morning of bass !!!! I ordered one each of these today. All are on the way, but the Alien, which is backordered.

Warwick Alien 4
F1.jpg

download (2).png

Michael Kelley 4 port Java Ebony,
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aDSC02215.jpg


Fender Kingman VII,
preview (3).jpg

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and an Ortega Stripe Bass,

preview.jpg

preview (1).jpg


I am being serious guys ... other than the Fender, you can see I am off the beaten path with my choices ... so seriously, what else have I missed that I need to add to my collection? I am buying NOW. Thank you.
 
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Now THIS is how you should start a morning of bass !!!! I ordered one each of these today. All are on the way, but the Alien, which is backordered.

I am being serious guys ... other than the Fender, you can see I am off the beaten path with my choices ... so seriously, what else have I missed that I need to add to my collection? I am buying NOW. Thank you.
Guild, Alvarez, Breedlove, Ibanez, Takamine, Boulder Creek, Spector, Crafter, ...

And that's before you get into the high quality instruments.
 
I am being serious guys ... other than the Fender, you can see I am off the beaten path with my choices ... so seriously, what else have I missed that I need to add to my collection? I am buying NOW. Thank you.
I'll answer that with another question.
How many acoustic basses are available with Aphex System electronics?
FB-IMG-1592559245838.jpg

(Headphones are recommended)
 
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Guild, Alvarez, Breedlove, Ibanez, Takamine, Boulder Creek, Spector, Crafter, ...

And that's before you get into the high quality instruments.
Well ... I didn't need a list of brands, lol. I already own the Alvarez. The Breedloves are too quiet for me. Guild, Tak, Boulder, and Crafter are all kind of plain. Spector ... maybe. Thank you. Anything higher end than the $1700 Warwick I bough today is just unnecessary for me at least.