I agree Satchel. Trying to play my acoustic bass (Ovation) in a big session just results in blisters. And after all these years I'm not going to start using a pick on it. Fingers (and thumb) give a much warmer, more pleasing sound.

I've played my various electric basses in sessions and I've got some funny looks, but if your technique and volume are OK it shouldn't be a problem (except to bigots!). But it's always easier with an acoustic bass and in a small(ish) session it sound fine.

Bobjack: my bouzouki is neither loud nor low - certainly not as loud or as low as an acoustic guitar.