Help: Brands of acoustic bass guitars

Subject: RE: Help: Brands of acoustic bass guitars
From: Llanfair
Date: 07 Aug 00 - 04:07 PM

The other alternative is the one that Jim, my husband is working on. He failed to find an accoustic bass that was loud enough, so he is building a portable amplifier for his Rickenbacker.
It will be powered by a re-chargeable battery, and SHOULD be ready in time for Whitby. Bron.

Subject: RE: Help: Brands of acoustic bass guitars
From: Naemanson
Date: 07 Aug 00 - 07:14 AM

Hey Jabes!

I know a couple of very good luthiers here on the coast of Maine. Nick Apollonio is one of the best! And Carter Ruff is no small change either.

However, I also know that money is a consideration so that will have to be a future concern.

Best,

Brett

Subject: RE: Help: Brands of acoustic bass guitars
From: Mooh
Date: 06 Aug 00 - 11:51 PM

Had a Washburn and didn't really like it...had to be plugged in to be heard above a whisper. Had a Godin Acoustibass fretless which I loved because its plugged in sound was very good and it was light and fast.

Tried the Taylor...very good, Martin too.

Ever think of having one made by a decent luthier?

Mooh.

Subject: RE: Help: Brands of acoustic bass guitars
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 06 Aug 00 - 10:15 PM

I've played the Fender, bassboy and I agree. I own a Reid which has a very short neck and big body, sort of like a Mexican Guitarron. I designed it as well...so it's my fave.

Rick

Subject: RE: Help: Brands of acoustic bass guitars
From: GUEST,Bass-boy.
Date: 06 Aug 00 - 08:29 PM

I can't vouch for the sound when amplified, but the Fender acoustic-electric bass has a nice short scale for guitar players who aren't used to those big bass stretches.

Bass-boy

Subject: RE: Help: Brands of acoustic bass guitars
From: John in Brisbane
Date: 06 Aug 00 - 08:27 PM

I don't know about the Nartin but the Australian guitar maker Maton has been making a fabulous acoustic bass for about 30 years - available second hand here about $700 US. Regards, John

Subject: RE: Help: Brands of acoustic bass guitars
From: catspaw49
Date: 06 Aug 00 - 06:59 PM

Acoustic bass guitars? Its already been said, but for the money and for the sound, you cannot beat the Martin. I was hopeful that Guild would build a good one, but the unplugged quality is lacking for some reason. In this area, Martin seems to stand way above the rest....and the price is excellent, especially for Martin.

Course, if you're playing completely acoustic, the WORST upright bass in the world sounds better than any bass guitar.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Help: Brands of acoustic bass guitars
From: oggie
Date: 06 Aug 00 - 06:51 PM

Ignore the brands and get stuck in and play as many as you can before you buy and only buy an instrument that you've played and is fully set up. If possible also get someone else to play the instrument while you listen so you can hear what the public will hear, the difference in perspective can be startling!

All the best

Steve

Subject: RE: Help: Brands of acoustic bass guitars
From: RWilhelm
Date: 06 Aug 00 - 09:57 AM

Jeb is right, most acoustic basses can't cut through other instruments unless they are plugged in. Then you are back where you started. My wife has a Dobro bass which has a resonoator like a Dobro guitar. I can be heard in any setting without amplificatoin. Not cheap but worth the price if you play unplugged.

Subject: RE: Help: Brands of acoustic bass guitars
From: JedMarum
Date: 06 Aug 00 - 09:26 AM

Jabes - I know you're looking to buy used, but I hope you go off to your local music store and play a Martin acoustic bass. This is a beautiful guitar - it produces a warm, bright sound that can stand up to all the other acoustoc instruments. If you sit and jam with others "unplugged" it is the only bass guitar I've ever heard that can stand on its own, without amplification.

You may be able to find one on the used market, by now. I hope you give it a try. I am sure you'll be impressed, and it may make you reconsider your goals for a new bass!

Subject: RE: Help: Brands of acoustic bass guitars
From: bigchuck
Date: 06 Aug 00 - 08:49 AM

Jabes, of the brands you mentioned in your post, I would think Alvarez is the most reputable, with Washburn a close second. I have not seen an Alvarez bass, but the Washburns are not bad plugged in. I would avoid Dillion, Samick and Galveston. Deans are good values for the money. We have a Guild acoustic bass that is good when plugged in. If you want one with a good sound when not plugged in, only Taylor and Martin fit the bill, IMHO. I work in a music store and have had a chance to see and play some of the above.
Sandy

Subject: RE: Help: Brands of acoustic bass guitars
From: Brendy
Date: 06 Aug 00 - 04:58 AM

Without doubt The Sir Toby

B.

Subject: Brands of acoustic bass guitars
From: Jabes
Date: 06 Aug 00 - 04:51 AM

Hello. I'm new to Mudcat and am so glad I've learned about it!

I just bought a used electric bass guitar, and I think I also want to buy a used acoustic electric bass guitar. A friend suggested I try eBay, and they have dozens! I'm unfamiliar with these brands, though:

Alvarez Dillion Galveston Hohner Johnson Oscar Schmidt Vantage Washburn Samick

Can anyone tell me which are good and which to avoid? To put this in context, I sing and play guitar and bass in a new three-person traditional folk music group in the Boston area.

Many thanks in advance for any info you can share! Cheers.