There is no acoustic bass that will even be on the same plane as the upright bass. I am talking about the quality of sound, the volume of sound and the playability (that is what you can do with the instrument). BUT - assuming you want a bass guitar, my money is still on the Martin bass. I know I could do so much more with this instrument then I could with any other acoustic bass I tried. I loved the sound (rich guitar like qualities) and found the volume quite good - and I never found any other model that could complete with the Martin's volume - not to discount the testimony of others in this thread who disagree. I am simply passing on my experience.

If you're only an hour away from Elderly, I suggest yuo really consider getting in your car one day and making the drive out there. Spend a few hours, talk to the folks there, try every instrument, listen to their opinions (but make up your own mind). There is almost nowhere better in the US to make such a trip. Elderly has a great collection of acoustic instruments, they have knowledgeable folks working there, and they are very 'customer' oriented. I never felt "put upon by the sales force" as I do in most other high dollar/high volume music stores.

I promise you you can find an instrument you'd be happy with at a price you can afford, if you take the time to look. And I think Elderly is a great place to look.