Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Any recommendations on a decent acoustic bass?

Tacoma Thunderchief. Best acoustic bass ever!

I’ve owned a Guild B50 fretless for over 25 years now – purchased new in 1980. That thing is one BIG bass with a lot of bottom. Last year I picked-up a Rob Allen MB2. Love both of them – fun basses to play.

If asked JH in the past if he ever consider making the Jazzbo into a bass. He said something like he’ll consider it one rainy day – don’t quote me…

Michael Kelly basses are quite nice. They have a big sound and are fun to play. I own a Hohner EAB65 that is surprisingly nice. The acoustic sound is big. There is a 7band EQ mounted on the top edge. The amp'ed sound is a bit harsh (as are most transducers) if you don't tweek your tone controls. The transducer really amplifies fret and finger noise otherwise.

Hey Ted, I just bought a Michael Kelly dragonfly 5-string. Haven't really played with it plugged in much, but acoustically it's quite nice. The low B is, as you might expect, is not much to talk about unamplified. As it came, the action is a bit low and I guess I might need to tweak the truss to change it, no other option. But it is a beautiful thing to look at if you like that sort of thing, with the vine and dragonfly inlay. Everyone ooo's and aah's over it.

"... The low B is, as you might expect, is not much to talk about unamplified"

For me, the B string on an ABG is there only to serve as a convenient thumb rest.

Here's my Guild

Thanks guys!
Love that Guild Andy.

I never felt Acoustic Bass Guitars could keep up with more than 2 acoustic guitars without some help. Unless you're close up the guitars just overpower the lows. Uprights are more suited to unamplified sound. ABGs do, however, record great when mic'd.

I've been very happy with my Washburn and I've heard good things about the Martin.

If you're close to a decent sized metro area, I'd just go out and try a bunch
Here's my Washburn & Applause.

The only thing I don't like about the Washburn fives is the fact that they're neck heavy. Otherwise it's a nice bass.

"I never felt Acoustic Bass Guitars could keep up with more than 2 acoustic guitars without some help"

That's why I got this:

Indeed Jeff. No problem w/acoustic feedback I suspect.

I also think some people look silly with big fat acoustic basses balanced on their bellies (including me).

quilted MG...

or flamed

I was thinking about an Ampeg Black Widow.I played one a long time ago and liked it until it was plugged into an amp.