Need a cheap ABG for coffee shop gigs

[GreatScott91]

OP, not to rain on your parade as I think there's only been one answer to your question (suggest look for an Ibanez or Dean acoustic, probably the better ones in that price range), however I must agree that a small combo would suit you much better. I understand your concerns but I have a Michael Kelly Dragonfly and it's utterly useless if I'm doing anything other than quiet practice at home. That being said it has a cool tone when amp'd and like others said, cannot be reproduced by regular electric basses.

I'd say most of us are just trying to help you from making a $250 mistake. I like the MK, but in hindsight probably would have done something else; now I used it at church with a folk group and the amp'd tone works well, so I kept it.

Would something like a Pignose Hog 30 work better in this situation? Battery powered, 30 watts, 8" speaker, only $159. Don't know anything about them but have REALLY thought about getting one. You could lug it around, plug in and be playing pretty darn quick. Just a thought.

 

[Fishyfishfish]

Guitarron!! Works every time.

 

[GBassNorth]

The correct answer to your question is - buy the smallest, lightest most portable bass combo amp that sounds good to you and plug your A/EBG into it. The Roland micro cube might be a good choice since its battery operated.

However, if you don't want to take that advice there's always this option...
Amazon.com: VOX APACHE1B3U 4-String Travel Bass Guitars with Built-In Amplifier and Rhythms: Musical Instruments

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[Gravedigger Dav]

Why not a DI pedal?
Personally, I use a Mike Kelly Dragonfly fretless 5 through a Rumble 25 for this because our small gig PA doesn't have enough channels.
The drummer uses a cajon.

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

Guitarron!! Works every time.

LOL, saw one in a music store a few years ago. I told the owner I would like to learn to play one some day. He said I couldn't play it. I asked why not and he said,"Because you don't weigh 300 lbs."

 

[bholder]

LOL, saw one in a music store a few years ago. I told the owner I would like to learn to play one some day. He said I couldn't play it. I asked why not and he said,"Because you don't weigh 300 lbs."

Hmmm, well, where is this music store? Hate to admit it, but I currently "qualify".

 

[dream_theater]

People usually sell AEBs on craigslist for relatively cheap since the market for them is much less. I'd be on the look out for something on there (or here!) and pair it with a Rumble 40. I have a Rumble 40 and routinely run my AEB into it when playing play with my guitarist who has a heavy right hand.

Rumble 40 is much better than a BA108- I own both.

Make sure the AEB you buy has good intonation. That's the largest issue I've encountered with cheap AEBs!!!!!!!!

 

[packhowitzer]

I don't think there is an ABG in your budget that will work without an amp or at minimum a DI to a board.

 

[danosix]

So I'm playing with only me and a guitarist at some open mic nights. Problem is, lugging my GK combo for an open mic night is not only a hassle but not courteous considering I'd be holding up the show for other acts. I need something quick and dirty, and, if need be, may be put up to a microphone (the extent of amplification going on). Any electronics are not necessary. Budget is ~$250.

If you are not in a huge rush, the best value in an ABG is the old Epiphone El Capitains - they are great and go for $200-$300 - so you get a bass that was $700 new for the price you want rather than a bass built to the $250 price point - not that many of these aren't fine basses too, but the Epi is sortof the step between the "cheap ones" and the "good ones". (naturally IMHO)
Having said the above - there are really no ABGs that will actually compete with and acoustic guitar in a club. As others have said, they're just plain too small - many say a double bass is too small - hence the rapid adoption of the electric in the 50s. You will still need amplification, so just get a small combo and have your settings ready to plug and play - 30 seconds max if you are prepared and tuned before you jump on stage.
EDIT - of course - the EC has an XLR out so you could go to the PA that would otherwise be amolifying that mic - or even use the cord from it...

 

[buldog5151bass]

OP - do you NEED an ABG? Again, if you get an amp, why not use your regular bass, or get a hollowbody if you want to get anther bass? Give you the best of both worlds.

 

[jd56hawk]

I don't understand why you think using a small combo would be a problem: How long does it take to plug it in, and then plug in your bass? If your current combo is larger than you want to carry, get a smaller one -- and use your favorite bass instead of getting a new one just for this purpose.

True, in keeping with the acoustic atmosphere here's what I use at the local coffee house. Sure, I can use my Precision or Jazz bass but that'd look funny sitting down and it'd look even funnier if my friend's sitting and I'm standing.
Dean Exotica...it has one of the best-sounding preamps made...brand new it only cost $217 thanks to Guitar Center.
150 watt Ibanez Promethean that I can pick up with one finger!

Takes me all of two minutes to plug in and check my settings.

 

[Jon Moody]

Can the audience members in the back vouch for that?

Having previously owned a Warwick Alien 6 string fretless, I'll vouch for it. I've used it plenty of times with two acoustic guitarists - all unplugged - and the bartenders heard me clearly.

That, and the Tacoma Thunderchief are the only two AEBs that I've tried that would stand any sort of chance being used unamplified. However, neither fits the OP's budget, so there's that.

 

[Tupac]

Point taken everybody. I suppose I can just take my old 10W Acoustic amp.

 

[bholder]

Having previously owned a Warwick Alien 6 string fretless, I'll vouch for it. I've used it plenty of times with two acoustic guitarists - all unplugged - and the bartenders heard me clearly.

That, and the Tacoma Thunderchief are the only two AEBs that I've tried that would stand any sort of chance being used unamplified. However, neither fits the OP's budget, so there's that.

An Ernie Ball Earthwood would also do; there are others as well - but none in OP's budget unless OP gets really, really lucky.

 

[Jon Moody]

An Ernie Ball Earthwood would also do; there are others as well - but none in OP's budget unless OP gets really, really lucky.

Never tried one. They seem to be a bass-unicorn of sorts.

 

[hrodbert696]

While we're on the subject, can I just ask a question. People have commented, and I've heard before, that the Warwick Alien and the Tacoma Thunderchief manage high volume without amplification. Does anyone know HOW? Like I said in an earlier post, the physics are the physics; you need larger vibrating surfaces to get longer wavelength sounds with amplitude. So what voodoo do those ABGs have that ordinary ones don't?

 

[bholder]

While we're on the subject, can I just ask a question. People have commented, and I've heard before, that the Warwick Alien and the Tacoma Thunderchief manage high volume without amplification. Does anyone know HOW? Like I said in an earlier post, the physics are the physics; you need larger vibrating surfaces to get longer wavelength sounds with amplitude. So what voodoo do those ABGs have that ordinary ones don't?

Larger top surface and volume to start with, then maybe some differences in the bracing and in soundhole size and placement to help direct the sound. But yes, it's mostly "big box" physics. Same with the Earthwood and the others that are acoustically loud.

Edit: one reason I'm interested and have picked up a few is that I'd like to figure it out for myself and learn how to design and build my own that can do the job - helps to study examples of what works. I have a few that don't work nearly as well for counterexamples (a very very pretty Michael Kelley dragonfly 5 that hasn't a chance acoustically, for example).

 

[Yaphet]

Edit: same as above post... Beat me to it! Obviously we both love ABGs

I can't comment on the alien, but the thunderchief has a few characteristics contributing to its superior tone and volume.

First, all of the body wood sections (top, back, sides) are relatively thin and lack any kind of finish- maybe a light oil finish, but that's it. This allows the top to vibrate freely. It also makes the bass rather delicate, but that's a trade off I'm more than willing to make.

The body is large compared to many other ABGs. The lower bout is wide, and the body is deep. I think this contributes to the volume. Also, the sound hole located on the upper bout (like the alien) allows for more of the top to vibrate uninterrupted- volume and tone result.

Say what you will about tone woods on electric basses, on acoustics, it matters. The TC has a top-grade spruce top and mahogany back, sides, and neck (1 piece neck). The mahagony seems to impart a deep, rich tone. Top it off with quality assembly and you have a bass that stands out- one that rises to the physical limitations of the instrument. Obviously an upright will always be louder.

Cheap ABGs usually have a center sound hole, smaller more traditional shaped bodies, use cheaper laminate woods, are usually encased in some kind of poly finish, and generally sound thin and IMO are something of a novelty. That's not to say that they aren't fun to play or use for practice etc., they obviously have a place in the market, but again, IMO, they can't conpete with higher quality instruments.

 

[Lobster11]

Point takeneverybody. I suppose I can just take my old 10W Acoustic amp.

And now you've got $250 to spend on something else!

 

[bholder]

Edit: same as above post... Beat me to it! Obviously we both love ABGs

I can't comment on the alien, but the thunderchief has a few characteristics contributing to its superior tone and volume.

First, all of the body wood sections (top, back, sides) are relatively thin and lack any kind of finish- maybe a light oil finish, but that's it. This allows the top to vibrate freely. It also makes the bass rather delicate, but that's a trade off I'm more than willing to make.

The body is large compared to many other ABGs. The lower bout is wide, and the body is deep. I think this contributes to the volume. Also, the sound hole located on the upper bout (like the alien) allows for more of the top to vibrate uninterrupted- volume and tone result.

Say what you will about tone woods on electric basses, on acoustics, it matters. The TC has a top-grade spruce top and mahogany back, sides, and neck (1 piece neck). The mahagony seems to impart a deep, rich tone. Top it off with quality assembly and you have a bass that stands out- one that rises to the physical limitations of the instrument. Obviously an upright will always be louder.

Cheap ABGs usually have a center sound hole, smaller more traditional shaped bodies, use cheaper laminate woods, are usually encased in some kind of poly finish, and generally sound thin and IMO are something of a novelty. That's not to say that they aren't fun to play or use for practice etc., they obviously have a place in the market, but again, IMO, they can't conpete with higher quality instruments.

The Earthwood has traditional sound hole placement, and I believe some sort of thin nitro finish - the top isn't really thin at the soundhole, but it may well be thinner further out. But the common factor is top size and overall volume - the Earthwood has a somewhat odd shape, but even the "small" 6" deep kind like I have have a huge internal volume. I hope to be able to try a large 8" deep one some day, but I'd best be saving lots and lots of pennies.

My '37 Regal Bassoguitar has them all beat on internal physical volume, but it's in somewhat of a different category - at 41.5" scale, it's really more of an ABG shaped upright. It has good acoustic volume, but doesn't beat the Earthwood as it is, because it's strung with upright strings. What it needs are really heavy gauge metal core bronze wrapped ABG strings, which is what is was designed for, but nobody seems to make them 78 years later.