Nowhere I can try out an acoustic before buying

[Claus Rogge]

I DESperately need an acoustic fretless bass guitar, preferably six string. I found a lot of different models on the net but there is no place where I can go and compare 'em. Not living in NewYork (rather, in Austria, Europe) so any US addresses won't help
The only model I can seem to find here is the Warwick Alien Deluxe (despite its name, it's the cheaper version of the Alien). They absolutely won't take it back so if I decide to order it, I'll have to take it.
The "real" Alien (I'm taking data from the five-string) has a spruce top and Ovangkol body, the "deLuxe" has a laminate top and Bubinga laminate body. This is going to make some difference, no? Then if I'd be content with a five-string, there is the Furch B61-5CM that has a cedar top and "Sapeli" (whatever that is) body. The necks are all ebony/mahagony.
Since there is no way I can test these instruments, is there anything one can say about which one will sound what? Is there such a big difference in sounds? Anyone have experience with one of these instruments and care to share?
Thank you

 

[CaseyVancouver]

If you are not familiar with acoustic basses I don't recommend just ordering one.

You really need to have it in hand to know what you are getting. If you desperately require one soon are you hired for a gig with it? That would be the only reason worth taking a chance, in my world.

 

[Claus Rogge]

Yes thank you, sensible advice! Although the only other option is paying twice as much and getting one from the luthier ... and probably never getting one because I won't suddenly have all that money Or drive I-don't-know-how-far in order to find a shop that has several different fretless acoustic six-strings that I can compare

 

[Gorn]

There's no reason to think that Warwick won't be good if it's new and from a reputable dealer, though whether or not you like it is a different story. As far as the wood differences between models, it really doesn't matter.

 

[charlie monroe]

As far as the wood differences between models, it really doesn't matter.

Most times I would agree with this, but not with acoustics.

A laminated top is much stiffer than a spruce top which is different again from a cedar top. IMHO, the way an acoustic's top flexes has far more effect on sound and volume than wood choices in any solid body.

AB's are kind of quirky things. If you can't try before you buy then I strongly suggest buying only something you can return.

 

[tat2clod]

Charlie Monroe hit the nail on the head wood choice has everything to do with the sound. Shopping even in the US was difficult at best to A-B comparison for your needs. Good luck in your search.

 

[Gorn]

Most times I would agree with this, but not with acoustics.

A laminated top is much stiffer than a spruce top which is different again from a cedar top. IMHO, the way an acoustic's top flexes has far more effect on sound and volume than wood choices in any solid body.

AB's are kind of quirky things. If you can't try before you buy then I strongly suggest buying only something you can return.

You may be right about the wood. I'd be more concerned about structural strength than tonal qualities between one wood or another. What I meant was the bass would probably be functionally okay sight unseen. Warwick makes good stuff. Whether the player likes the feel or not is another matter.

 

[Jeff Scott]

Will the OP be plugging the AEB in for performing? If so, the top wood, and even the B&S wood may have little, to nothing, to do with the electric sound produced by the bridge piezo pickup system. It is amazing how much a bridge piezo pickup system equalizes the tone of vastly different instruments.

 

[buldog5151bass]

A big issue with ABGs is size, not only with sound, but with playability. I have a Tacoma Thunderchief. Great sound, but the huge body is quite an adjustment. You are taking six string fretless. If you do not like it, you have an albatross that you likely will burn before you can sell. Do NOT buy it sight unseen. Remember, people play regular basses in acoustic situations ball the time - it's not a need.

 

[Claus Rogge]

Thanks all for your input and advice. Yes I like the option of being able to plug the monster in, but will use it for pure acoustic gigs as well. I play an electric fretless six but the size of that body of course is going to be unaccustomed. And, I definitely need all these strings! Don't ask me how but I can feel it

 

[CaseyVancouver]

Graz is a town of 300,000 and only 1.5 hours drive away. No acoustics there?

 

[Jeff Scott]

Well, as you will be playing the ABG unplugged, primarily, get one with the biggest body you can find. You will need that to try and enough acoustic volume unless you are playing solo in your bathroom.

 

[CaseyVancouver]

A few reasons to actually try one:

Getting the biggest body you can find is, in my experience, a harder instrument to move around on. I would suggest getting a body that is 'playable'. Watch out for dreaded neckdive. With 6 strings you will have a wide heavy neck. A big body does NOT necessarily make it louder. Match a playable one with a super high quality amp. Acoustic bass guitar by nature is a really quiet instrument without an amp. I cannot imagine using one without an amp.

 

[Claus Rogge]

Yes Graz is near and the biggest music shop there asked Warwick for the option of sending it back in case I didn't want it after testing it but they said no. They do have an acoustic bass now and then but never fretless and not 6-string.
I'll probably take the chance. What's money for if not being spent on instruments, after all (not sure my wife'd agree though)

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

A six string means large body and neck. Take a look at this thread as there are many pitfalls to a large ABG.
Ergonomics of acoustic bass guitars (ABG)

There will be quite a bit of variation tone wise depending particularly on your string type. Many ABGs come with bronze phosphor strings (which I can't stand), provided to give as much amplification as possible. Bronze phosphor will damage a fretless ABG fingerboard. Tone wise, if you're going for more of an upright tone, you'll want to go with nylon tapewounds. Those produce the least amount of volume.

You cannot gig an ABG without amplification. So consider the type of amp and speaker cabinet. Many are voiced for rock music played with electric bass. You'll want an uncolored amp and cab for ABG, especially fretless. You can discover options over on the double bass side of TB. You'll also need a sound plug or feedback buster to close off the sound hole if the band is playing at volume.

ABG is not something you should jump into without understanding what an ABG can and cannot do for tone. There are many threads on TB you should check out via the search function. Do your homework. You won't learn everything you need to know simply by posing a question in this thread.

Also plan to drive and test a few. Otherwise you're bound to be disappointed.

 

[old spice]

Acoustic bass guitar by nature is a really quiet instrument without an amp.

This is so true.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

I don't think there is a music store on the planet that is going to have a selection of fretless six string acoustic basses. You're at the fringe of the fringe of the fringe of the bass market which itself is a fringe market.

 

[Drgonzonm]

I bought an lower cost 4 string acoustic/electric bass. It came with a dreadnought sized body. Physically it is more taxing to play than an all electric. My left arm is more extended, making harder to to play. The bass is six inch taller than the electric, even though it has a shorter scale. In spite of its challenges, I play the acoustic, it just pairs better with the 12 string our choir director uses (my main but unpaid gig). Now if I am playing with another group its an all electric.
If you test a 4 string, and find it uncomfortable, you will be in misery with a 6 string.
Try a fretted, for comfort.
Remember, for comfort, an upright six string, might be your answer. big bucks, Bill Gates type income. (the 4 string purist are going to try me for heresy.)

 

[dan1952]

You really should play a few acoustic bass guitars. They ALL have the problem of being too quiet to be heard, even with a really quiet acoustic group. Especially the lower strings...The IDEA of the ABG is nice, and it looks cool in the acoustic band setting, but even a loud bass violin, which is a lot bigger than any ABG, isn't going to be very loud compared to a banjo, or a resonator guitar, or a fiddle, or a loud flat top guitar. With an acoustic bass guitar you'll still need to live in electric land...

 

[Claus Rogge]

Wow this is a lot of help you guys are offering, thank you every one for helping me consider and think all this over. I think I will go to my luthier, I tried a sixstring that he had built and it was awesome but it had frets. If he still has it I will try playing it for a little longer and see how (un-)comfortable it is and then maybe order one; that way, I can even order some specialities like soundhole placement and so on. Thank again for all your help, I'll post pictures of the baby once it is here!