Acoustic bass question

I have a question for all the bass players out there. My son and I often play guitars an sing together, but I'd like to get an acoustic bass. Not a standup kind, but the kind that the bass player used, for example, on the MTV Unplugged Alice in Chains show (awesome show).

Any suggestions? I don't need a top flight instrument, just something for our home "concerts."

Terry

[targa911S]

There are a lot to choose from. It depends, as always, what you want to spend. None of them are real loud without a small amp. Look at Dean, Fender, Yamaha, Epiphone for nice ones around the $2-$3 hundred range. I have two Michael Kellys, one fretted one fretless. They play and sound great acoustically, and really shine when you plug them in. You can find them for $3-$5.

Thanks, Targa. Very pretty instruments. I'm not too worried about volume--although things get loud when we both play unamped Taylor acoustics, I could probably balance out pretty well with him playing his alone. We also have a PA system for when I want to go electric (he seldom plays electric--kids these days) and I could always run the bass through that.

For his birthday, I'm going to buy him studio time and have him record some of his stuff (all covers--he doesn't write). I have no illusions about him becoming a star--it's just for fun, and it will be cool to have in 20 years.

Terry

[scottmandue]

Do whatever targa says he knows his stuff...

I have a Kramer Ferrington bass that I will be buried with...

Doesn't Taylor make an acoustic bass?

Edit to add: As targa said in this style of acoustic bass volume is extremely low (good for rehearsing by yourself)... however to play with an unplugged acoustic guitar you will need a small practice amp to hear yourself.

[nostatic]

Originally Posted by scottmandue

Edit to add: As targa said in this style of acoustic bass volume is extremely low (good for rehearsing by yourself)... however to play with an unplugged acoustic guitar you will need a small practice amp to hear yourself.

+1 jamming with an acoustic guitar or two could lead to injury on bass due to overplaying trying to keep up volume-wise. Frankly it might be preferable to get a cheap solid body bass and a small amp.

Good advice--thanks all. I have four guitar amps, ranging from a Roland Cube to a Marshall combo (used to have a bigger house!) Since we're not worried so much about pure bass "tone" as adding some rhythm and bass lines, does it matter if it's not a specific bass amp?

Scott--I can't afford another Taylor. Actually, I could afford the Taylor it's the divorce that would wipe me out.

Terry

[VaSteve]

Originally Posted by nostatic

+1 jamming with an acoustic guitar or two could lead to injury on bass due to overplaying trying to keep up volume-wise. Frankly it might be preferable to get a cheap solid body bass and a small amp.

What's the purpose of those basses then other than to practice by yourself?

I like the ones pictured, I have never seen an acoustic bass with a thumb rest like that.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by madcorgi

Good advice--thanks all. I have four guitar amps, ranging from a Roland Cube to a Marshall combo (used to have a bigger house!) Since we're not worried so much about pure bass "tone" as adding some rhythm and bass lines, does it matter if it's not a specific bass amp?

Terry

The Cube should be fine at acoustic guitar levels.

Originally Posted by VaSteve

What's the purpose of those basses then other than to practice by yourself?

For me yes, it is nice to be able to practice without plugging in... plus when plugged in it does have a different electric sound than a solid body.

[targa911S]

Originally Posted by VaSteve

What's the purpose of those basses then other than to practice by yourself?

I like the ones pictured, I have never seen an acoustic bass with a thumb rest like that.

I made the thumb rests myself. They are real fancy 1/4 in. walnut and stuck on with two sided foam tape. so the finish is safe if you remove them. If you like I will make you one. Purpose? The band I play in does "semi acoustic" shows sometimes in smaller venues. Small amps, and ya get to sit down all night.

[VaSteve]

Thanks, I thought about getting one once, never did. It good to know they need a little amping. I'm a better guitarist than bassist, and that's not saying much.

[targa911S]

i'm the opposite. i can play guitar and mandolin.....but.....i suck. I can read guitarist hands though and that is a big help sometimes.

I suck at both guitar and bass. But my son has kicked me out of the band unless I switch to bass.

It's really fun to play with him and watch him progress. It's like DE students--even though he, like lot of them, has more raw talent than I do, time and experience allow me to contribute as a coach.

Thanks all. I'm off to Guitar Center to use my latest coupon!

Terry

[Superman]

Acoustic basses don't keep up with acoustic guitars, volume-wise. Uprights do, but not lap models.

[Nostril Cheese]

Originally Posted by Superman

Acoustic basses don't keep up with acoustic guitars, volume-wise. Uprights do, but not lap models.

This. Micro Cube time.

I have a Micro Cube. Neat little amp.

[targa911S]

guitar center won't have any kellys

Yeah,

I realized that after looking at their site. I'll try what they have (they have a nice sale going on right now) and if I don't like anything, I'll go somewhere else.

I'm not a real bass player like you or nostatic, targa, so high quality is less important. I have lots of guitars, but only two good ones--a Taylor 814CE and a very nice Strat.

I assume you know Mike Lull? He was one of my customers, and set up my guitars. Very nice guy.

[targa911S]

Mike builds a great bass. I think Todd has one. You will find fenders, yamahas, Dean, etc at GC. Look at Takamines as well. They are jumbo bodied and are pretty loud. I had one for a while but the neck was funky and would not keep a set up so I dumped it and went to the MK's. Also look at Tacoma's if they have them. Taylors are out of my price range, kinda like Gibsons these days.

[Rapewta]

As suggested... the Roland Micro Cube Bass RX is the RX for playing along with some acoustic guitar players.
If you really want an acoustic bass, make sure it comes with a pick-up or you can
mount one on it.
I haven't had much success matching the volume level of the acoustic guitar players with just the acoustic bass. What is neat about the Micro Cube is some of it's features.
It is very small but puts out big time for it's size.
Runs on AC or DC. The batteries last a long time.
Built in tuner.
A Rhythm section drum with different patterns.
Analog EQ.
Neat effects.
What I like the most is that it simulates seven different standard bass sounds.
Compression if you select it and a metro-nome.
And.... it is a Roland. High quality.
Good luck with whatever you end up deciding.

[targa911S]

sounds like the old pig nose..