Acoustic/Electric Bass - Suggestions?

Subject: Acoustic/Electric Bass - Suggestions?
From: Cubs
Date: 03 Nov 02 - 09:28 PM

The group in which I currently play guitar needs a bassist. I took college work on a standard upright and, for twenty years or so, played as secondary or chief guitarist of the "folk" group to which I belonged.

I am a folk guitarist of the old school. You know, the guys and girls who are out there with no backup - wound strings are bass notes and the other two strings are for melody and harmony.

So I need an Acoustic/Electric Bass. What are the best ones you have played? What are the best ones you have played that cost less than $500?

Subject: RE: Acoustic/Electric Bass - Suggestions?
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 03 Nov 02 - 10:06 PM

The best buy in an inexpensive acooustic-electric bass is probably Dean. Try http://www.musiciansfriend.com/ for price.

Subject: RE: Acoustic/Electric Bass - Suggestions?
From: Bassic
Date: 03 Nov 02 - 10:21 PM

I currently play a Fender Accustic Bass which has integral pickup etc for playing "Pluged or Unplugged". (Sorry I dont have a model name or number, Guitar not with me at the moment and I never bothered looking before!) I have found it a robust instrument capable of giving a remarkably loud and full sound when played unplugged and it also sounds good through an amp though I rarely play it plugged in. It cost me £350 in 2000 in the UK which should bring it into your price range and US prices for guitars are usually substantially cheaper for the same instrument bought in the UK. It certainly gets my recomendation after lots of hard use though I am sure there will be others worth considering. Good luck, let us know what you decide.

Subject: RE: Acoustic/Electric Bass - Suggestions?
From: DonMeixner
Date: 03 Nov 02 - 11:29 PM

The bass player in my band uses an Ovation accoustic bass. It sounds exceptionally good underamplification. It sounds, well...accoustic.
That I would have anything nice to say of an Ovation guitar is rare. But this one seems to be an exception. The other he tried all seemed to light weight to withstand touring. It has a slightly shorter scale and it is intoned quite well.

Don

Subject: RE: Acoustic/Electric Bass - Suggestions?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 Nov 02 - 12:09 AM

Research some old threads, too. Several, I recall.

~S~

Subject: RE: Acoustic/Electric Bass - Suggestions?
From: Jeremiah McCaw
Date: 04 Nov 02 - 07:24 PM

I believe the Fender referred to is the B-29. I used to own one. Short scale neck, flat fingerboard as I recall, decent electronics. Good choice in the relatively inexpensive category. If you can kick your budget into the near $1000 range (should specify I'm talking Canadian funds here), definitely look at the Tacoma acoustic bass guitar.

Subject: RE: Acoustic/Electric Bass - Suggestions?
From: Bobert
Date: 04 Nov 02 - 08:23 PM

The J.B. PLayer JBEAB 1600 plays purdy good fir a cheapie electric bass. $300 to $350 new on ebay. Not a hatefull lookin' guitar either for the money... Ive got one and, though not a serious bassist, enjoy playing it and like thensound...

Bobert

Subject: RE: Acoustic/Electric Bass - Suggestions?
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Nov 02 - 08:35 PM

The acoustic/electric is a bastard instrument that doesn't sound good un-amplified, and is clumsy to play either way.

Buy an electric bass, or bite the bullet and try an upright bass.

I play both--my electric is a fender style fretless that is a dream to play, and the sound is great. The acoustic/electric hybrid guitar gains no advantage from being "acoustic"; The body is too small to make good sounds in its lower range.

Subject: RE: Acoustic/Electric Bass - Suggestions?
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Nov 02 - 08:49 PM

Where did my cookie go? The last post was from me


Rich McCarthy

Subject: RE: Acoustic/Electric Bass - Suggestions?
From: Cubs
Date: 05 Nov 02 - 01:41 AM

I need portability and I refuse to buy a vehicle that could easily transport an upright bass. I want a hollow body so that I can play at home without an amplifier. I want the electronics so that I can be heard with drums, grand piano and two guitars.

There are some interesting stores nearby that I will drop into from time to time to check out their wares.

Subject: RE: Acoustic/Electric Bass - Suggestions?
From: Mark Ross
Date: 05 Nov 02 - 12:10 PM

The Guild Acoustic bass sounds really good without being plugged in.
It costs a little bit more(maybe 50%, used)but I would say the sound and tone is worth it.

Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Acoustic/Electric Bass - Suggestions?
From: Mooh
Date: 05 Nov 02 - 12:26 PM

My first acoustic (non-standup) bass was a Washburn B20 (or some Model number) which was okay plugged in but was too quiet acoustically and balanced poorly on the lap or strap. Fast action with flatwounds though.

My second was a Godin fretless four string which was even quieter acoustically than the Washburn but sounded great plugged in and balanced beautifully on the lap and strap. Incredibly fast action with nylon coated Fender tapewound strings (9120s). This axe was my regular gigging bass for several years in The Unknown Legends (a Neil Young tribute band) and Homespun (a celtic band) not to mention misc other outfits. Unfortunately I retired the Godin after a couple of stage accidents. I am considering another, likely a five string.

Others I've tried and liked are the Martin and Guild, and various one-off handmades. The funkiest award is shared by a bass banjo (make unknown but Gold Tone makes one now) and a Regal resonator bass. All fretted.

My experience is they all need amplification to some degree or another. Therefore a solid body is still a viable choice. I prefer Fender styles, fretless, and flatwounds. My idea is that they all should sound like a respectful nod to the bass fiddle.

Man, am I opinionated. Mooh.