Which Washburn AB20 or AB40?

[scottie65]

Looking for an acoustic bass and have seen the standards at MF and GC as well as other general music stores but have not seen many Washburns on line. Found a used Washburn AB20 in town for $275 and an AB40 2hrs away for $425. The AB40 is fretless. Both are described as excellent. Any advice on either of these? Is anyone familiar with any known problems? From what I have read about the AB40 they are made of excellent materials and of high quality. I have not seen anything or even know the difference between the two models. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,

 

[darkstorm]

Unless your really wanting a fretless. Skip that one. Remember that acosutic basses are very low volume animals comapred to the guitars. So you'll be needing a nice little combo amp or headphone monitor with it. Btw washburn to me sounds better then some of the much more expensive brands. Thier good choice for acoustic guitars.

 

[Kickass]

I have an AB20 and it is a well made bass from 1981. It came to me 10 years ago with a case for £170 and was a steal! It came with standard electric strings but I now use nylon cored strings. I love the sound (amplified) and find the strings are kind to my fingers. The bass is light and can be played/carried all day.
I think the list price was $1000 or so.
I do not know the AB40 but have played an AB10. The AB20 is far superior to the AB10. The only issue I've had is an occasional hum, this turned out to be a dirty jack/socket between the pickup(piezo) and pre which was sorted by popping the pre out and a squirt of switch cleaner and some plugging and unplugging.
The guitar is not loud when played acoustically, will feedback if played in a very loud environment, needs a big case.

 

[frettman]

Look for an AB34, quality construction and good eq. They are well regarded in the bass community. No longer made but can be had on the used market with case for around $300.00.

 

[boristhespider9]

Guild acoustic basses were the best...

 

[Greg Moody]

I have a fretless Fender P-bass and want a Washburn AB20. Anyone out there want to trade?

 

[Sbassman Scratch]

I've had an AB20 for a couple decades. Well made. Fun to play. Great tone plugged in , though my EQ controls are giving out. I've played a fretless, the AB2O is not loud, the fretless is practically inaudible unplugged.