Silent bass for quiet practice

[Bodhammer]

Found this on eBay, any experience with these?

4 String Silent Bass Hollow Body with A Free Padded Gig Bag 090X U ES | eBay



Purpose - noodling and quite living room/TV watching practice.

 

[scourgeofgod]

Nothing against those silent basses, but aren't unplugged solid body basses already quiet enough? I've had plenty of people tell me that they can't hear a bass unless it's plugged in, I beg to differ but if that's what they honestly think then both parties are happy.

 

[Bodhammer]

Nothing against those silent basses, but aren't unplugged solid body basses already quiet enough? I've had plenty of people tell me that they can't hear a bass unless it's plugged in, I beg to differ but if that's what they honestly think then both parties are happy.

I'm actually leaning toward an AEB but I thought these were interesting and just wondered if anyone here had bought one.

 

[Neveragain55]

I went through this last summer as I travel a lot for business and I wanted to buy something really small that would fit on the plane so I could practice while I'm on the road.

I bought the little Hofner shorty bass and although it was nice....it was a nightmare because ergonomically it just wants to slip out of your lap and you can't hole the damn thing properly.

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I wound up just getting a really good travel case for my "regular" bass and I've been traveling with it for months now without a problem at all.

I practice almost exclusively unplugged (as weird as that sounds) and trust me, you can hear your self and others in the house within a short distance will also be able to hear you.

Sometimes I'm in the living room on the couch playing my bass (unplugged) and my wife will come downstairs and tell me I sounded pretty good.

All that said, this hollow body bass you found on eBay looks really cool, and I think I might be interested in getting one just to see how it sounds, but if I bring another bass into this house I'll be in divorce court...

 

[Acoustic356]

I played the guitar version of the first one. For starters, it's the same size as a regular instrument and the wings can't be removed. It was also wildly unplayable. I kept if for about 2 days.

The 2nd one s actually a guitar...

 

[abarson]

Here's a thread about this model: rtslinger seems to have liked it.
Anyone tried one of these: Zenison Silent Bass? | TalkBass.com

The Aria Sinsonido is a good option, if you can find them.
Traveler basses are also a good option.
Bass

 

[Bodhammer]

I played the guitar version of the first one. For starters, it's the same size as a regular instrument and the wings can't be removed. It was also wildly unplayable. I kept if for about 2 days.

The 2nd one s actually a guitar...

Sorry - deleted.

Meant this one: Minstar Brand Basstar 5STRING Travel Electric Bass with Carring Bag | eBay


How about these: Amazon.com: Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Acoustic-Electric Travel Bass with Gig Bag: Musical Instruments

 

[MD]

I'm actually leaning toward an AEB but I thought these were interesting and just wondered if anyone here had bought one.

I'd rather wrap my arms around an ABG than any of the above basses.

 

[spade2you]

My Rob Allen Mouse 30 has just enough unplugged volume to be useful for playing around the house without an amp.

 

[Acoustic356]

Sorry - deleted.

How about these: http://www.amazon.com/Traveler-Guit...cal-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1431737951&sr=1-2

You can find used Traveler basses with the P pickup for a little less than that used. I owned one... sounds and plays great. Even when you plug headphones into the headphones jack.

It also gives you an aux in so you can play along with the music of your choice.

 

[Amplified]

Kala basses. Small and portable.

 

[70'sRockChild]

I have something like the OP's ebay reference, in a violin version. The purpose being an acoustic violin played at night is loud. Sometimes too loud even with a mute also. So you plug it into an amp with headphones. Solid basses sound good and loud enough for me unplugged, but you won't hear the richness or sloppiness with out a real or headphone amp. The ebay bass looks like it was made for the cool factor, weight factor, travel advantage, or pizeo pickup. It is cool. I might have to see if there any demos on youtube.

 

[Toptube]

Found this on eBay, any experience with these?

4 String Silent Bass Hollow Body with A Free Padded Gig Bag 090X U ES | eBay



Purpose - noodling and quite living room/TV watching practice.

play a bass you already own, unplugged. if you want to hear it "plugged" via headphones, buy a Vox amplug for bass.

 

[taught]

play a bass you already own, unplugged. if you want to hear it "plugged" via headphones, buy a Vox amplug for bass.

I agree, Vox Amplug is the best solution. You can hear yourself, it's cheap, small and discreet.

 

[Double E]

Kala basses. Small and portable.

I agree, Vox Amplug is the best solution. You can hear yourself, it's cheap, small and discreet.

I second both of these suggestions. I use the Amplug almost exclusively for home practicing. If my lady is trying to get to sleep I use the Kala because there isn't any string noise.

As for the "silent bass" in the OP... I agree that it's probably no more silent than a regular solidbody electric bass. I believe the whole "silent" marketing lingo is borrowed from the guitar version which was originally intended a a practice tool for acoustic guitarists...it just doesn't make sense to market this to electric bassists.

Now, this on the other hand...

Yamaha SVB-100 Silent Bass and more Electric/Silent String Instruments At Cascio Interstate Music

 

[Watchootognbout]

I do the same thing.Play quietly in the living room with this. And it cost FAR less than a new bass!

 

[Dug2]

try not to practice while watching tv.

 

[Dug2]

watch tv while watching tv

 

[audreycashin]

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I own a pair and love them. You can also use the headphone by themselves, as they are quality Audio Technica headphones.

 

[Bodhammer]

play a bass you already own, unplugged. if you want to hear it "plugged" via headphones, buy a Vox amplug for bass.

I'm coming to that conclusion. I have a Korg Beat Boy that I use with open ear headphones and it is pretty good and really all I need.

Playing plain, unplugged does not expose my sloppy fretting and that is why I'm thinking of something else. I do think a AEB will be next but I will wait for a killer CL deal.