Acoustic Bass Guitar

[marc61]

I'm looking to buy one.

Thing is, I need something inexpensive that can jam with an acoustic volume wise.

Any good experiences or recommendations?

[teb]

I've been watching and testing them for several years and generally find them pretty disappointing (especially the low E string) unless you go for big bucks. Surprisingly though, the Dean "Playmate" (yes, it's a really stupid name for a guitar) can sometimes be found for around $150 and if set up properly, they both sound and play quite decently. They seem to be as good as, and are often better than, anything else I've found under $500 or so.

[cjj]

Dredging up an old thread...

So Mark, did you ever end up getting an acoustic bass?

Lately, I've been thinking about getting an acoustic, but not having any decent music stores near me, can't really go try 'em out. So, I'm wondering if anyone has any opinions on current models (all brands, not just Dean)...

[sloop_john_b]

Unplugged, most ABGs just can't compete with other instruments. Fun to mess around solo with but that's about it. Plugged in is of course a different story, and there are many great sounding ones.

I just bought a Kala U-Bass. Should be arriving tomorrow.

[cjj]

I guess I should say that my main use would be just for messing around, practice, playing along with stuff when I don't want to (or can't) drag out the amps and such. So, acoustic volume isn't a huge concern.

Oh, and I'd like it full size/scale (33.25 inch would be perfect )...

[myrtbass]

Good Day,Guys. I figured I might as well wade in on this topic as I bought an acoustic/electric bass a couple of years back. It's an Epiphone El Capitan. It's totally made of maple so it has a fairly bright sound.Although not loud acoustically ,it has a very nice on-board preamp with tuner.Shadow of Germany makes this preamp and you can make this bass sound like any bass out there. Very impressive for less than $400. Only one problem, they are no longer in production as of 2013 but I imagine there are some available in stores.Another thing, I changed the noisy(fingernoise) stock strings and put D'Addario half rounds on it . Big difference. I've owned mine about 3 years and no problems whatsoever. Anyway, I highly recommend this bass to anyone looking for a decent low priced acoustic. Roger.

[jdogric12]

I have a Carlo Robelli that's been surprisingly excellent and consistent for 10 years now. It was the top of the line (for a store brand) at the time. I'm not sure they offer the exact same model now. Then it was either $279 or $379, can't remember which.

[sloop_john_b]

How much do you wanna spend CJ? The GC down the block has a few Ibanez, Fender, Washburn, and what looks like a Breedlove (for around $900), I can give them a whirl for you if you like (probably heading there anyway today).

[cjj]

How much do you wanna spend CJ? The GC down the block has a few Ibanez, Fender, Washburn, and what looks like a Breedlove (for around $900), I can give them a whirl for you if you like (probably heading there anyway today).

Cool! Thanks for offering!


Since it's just for messin' around, I'm hoping I can get away with something not terribly expensive, maybe keep it under $500-$600. But I'm really hesitant to go too cheap since I've usually found that I end up hating a cheap instrument and have to get something better.

I suppose if it's got a decent tone and the neck's not too huge (it'd be nice if it was Rick-like, but that may be asking WAY too much), it would do the job. Getting your opinion might at least narrow it down and throw out the really horrid ones.

I'm heading up to Missoula next week and may have time to hit a few stores there. Nothing like a GC there (nearest one's in Boise, 400 miles away), but there are 3 or 4 mom & pop shops there...

[sloop_john_b]

I think you can find something very nice in that price range. The $200-ish ones all seem to suffer from these strange dead spots on the fretboard. It could be the result of cheap strings from the factory, but could certainly be uneven fretwork too. Just something to watch for on these.

[rickenbrother]

The Kala U-Basses are pretty cool. Excellent tone for such a small design. Even the B strings of the 5 string models sound great.
I sometimes think about getting a fretless one.

[sloop_john_b]

The Kala U-Basses are pretty cool. Excellent tone for such a small design. Even the B strings of the 5 string models sound great.

I only got to play one for about a minute, but it left an impression for sure! Mine should be waiting at home for me tonight. I can't wait!

CJ - didn't get to go today, sorry man! Hopefully tomorrow.

[rickenbrother]

The Kala U-Basses are pretty cool. Excellent tone for such a small design. Even the B strings of the 5 string models sound great.

I only got to play one for about a minute, but it left an impression for sure! Mine should be waiting at home for me tonight. I can't wait!

Thanks JB, throw more wood on the fire. I'm looking up where to find one right now!

[sloop_john_b]

LOL! Full review to come later, but people sure do seem to like them.

[cjj]

The Kala U-Basses are pretty cool. Excellent tone for such a small design. Even the B strings of the 5 string models sound great.
I sometimes think about getting a fretless one.

I'm just not sure I really want to go to such a short scale, I've never liked normal short scale basses, but who knows, maybe. I'd REALLY have to try one of those before I'd consider it.

I've been reading a lot of stuff about the Dean EABC Cutaway. People seem to like 'em, maybe because they've got a bigger body than most. Price is cheap too, which makes me wonder if it's really any good. If you get a chance to play one of those, John, I'd love to hear what you think...