Acoustic Bass

[notme]

Any of you guys play acoustic bass?
I'm a guitar player who uses the top two strings of my acoustic guitar to make bass lines for recording. I've been thinking of possibly getting an acoustic bass mainly for recording (plug in directly). What are your thoughts on this? Any suggestions of what models to look at?




By the way I have many favorite bass players, but was blown away a couple of years back at the playing and sound of "Great Big Sea's" player. The acoustic bass sounded just amazing!

[Kenmac]

I've tried acoustic bass in various music stores but at home I have a Cort electric bass that I use from time to time. I don't know where in Ontario you are but Encore Music Exchange in Scarborough has a couple of acoustic basses available at decent prices. Check here: http://www.encoremusicexchange.biz/basses.html There's one at the top of the page and another at the bottom.

[notme]

Thanks kenmac!
I'm about a 25 minute drive from there, not too far.
Are you familar with that top model...is it a decent brand?

[Kenmac]

Well if I were to go by brand names, the Tacoma at the bottom of the page seems more familiar to me than the Vester at the top as I personally haven't heard of them but, on the other hand, the Tacoma is pricier. If you have time during the week or on the weekend head over to Encore and try them out. The last time I was there they were still in the store and according to the website it looks like they're still available.

[Mooh]

Used to play a bit of double bass fiddle, had an early Washburn acoustic bass guitar, had an early Godin Acoustibass, but none were substantial enough for me. Never could afford what I wanted...custom, Taylor, Guild, or Martin acoustic bass guitar...so kept with electric bass instead.

Most acoustic bass guitars are too weak in volume and tone for my liking and most require amplification in any environment except the most intimate.

However, for home, lesson, recording, and small jams, an acoustic is great.

Peace, Mooh.

[Milothicus]

i've played a few. most sound decent plugged in. the difference is when you're playing acoustic with acoustic guitars. to be able to keep up you need a huge body. the Tacoma thunderchief is the established standard and considered the loudest, and fingerstyle is still usually too quiet. probably need a pick to keep up.

there's also a similar bass called 'olympia'. much cheaper than the tacoma, but similar style. i haven't actually played one myself.

i've also been considering a dobro bass. that would likely have some volume...

[radapaw]

If your strictly looking for something to plug in with some acoustic tone, you might want to consider a thinline style bass... turner, renaissance, godin and those goofy fender p-basses with acoustic bridges come to mind. If your looking for some unplugged goodness with breaking the bank, the tacoma and olympia have gotten pretty great reviews.