Acoustic Bass
 

Any hidden gems in the acoustic bass market? What is the best value in inexpensive acoustic basses?

It's not my main instrument but I'm looking to get one to record some stuff and to mess around with. I'm looking at cheap ones, and thinking maybe a kingman bass. I've tried one, liked it, but my expectations are not so high given that I'm not looking for the cream of the crop. I imagine its the same as acoustic guitars where there are certain cheap models/brands that are a great value at entry level prices. Anyone got ideas?

I'm looking for something in the 400$ to 600$ range.

I like my dean.... The low B is hard for any acoustic bass. Gets rattley if played really hard. But the thing is huge and has good tone

I recorded a gospel group that had an acoustic bass player and that Dean bass he used was fantastic. I was going to bring in my own, high end bass for him to use but was completely satisfied with the sound I was getting from the Dean run direct.

I know they are all laminate but you two are not the first to suggest it.. There is one for 200$ on kijiji so I might go that route by convenience alone.

I have a Samick Greg Bennett AB2 that I like a lot.

I use it for the same thing. Messing around and recording bass tracks.

I've played a Kingsman and thought it sounded and played very nice. Very cool. Used to have a Guild B30 that was a fine acoustic bass guitar. If I needed one today, a Kingsman would be my choice.

I play a Michael Kelly fretless that sounds great setup with tapewound strings.

Can dial in a deep, thick sound without the fret rattle.

I have a recent Gold Tone resonator bass:

http://www.goldtone.com/products/det...Beard-Bass-PBB

The stock strings were pretty bad so I immediately restrung it with my usual D'Addario Chromes flatwounds. I got the optional screw in stand so that it can be held like an upright too. Surprisingly loud unplugged and bright even with the flatwounds, but it has mellowed a bit with the age of the strings and when played closer to the bridge...quite controllable when plugged in.

It's a bit of a departure for me as I generally use a Godin fretless five string, but it sure is nice not to have to plug in all the time.

Other acoustic options out there are, 1) used Washburn AB models, not much acoustic volume, but nice plugged in, 2) used Godin Acoustibass, I had a very nice fretless one, 3) Ibanez, new or used.

+1 on Michael Kelly

Very good sound and quality at an affordable price! They definitely fit your price range.

I like my Ibanez AEB10E. It has a nice acoustic tone, as well as superb electronics. Ric

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/JonathanTarr201201.jpg

http://www.hunt101.com/data/500/JonathanTarr201202.jpg

If you can find a little more donero, you could pick up a used Martin B1. My old bass player from 30 years ago has one and when we get together that's what he plays. It's INCREDIBLE - loud, snappy, really nice.

I always tease him that I'm going to stuff a pillow in it before we play;)

Bite the bullet... get the big guy.

http://www.amazon.com/Cremona-SB-1-P.../dp/B0026IC7AK

:)


I have a cheap laminated upright bass and it's so much fun to play. Put some dot markers on the side and just have fun!

I have the Ibanez as well...plays well and sounds pretty god, will have it u-p in the classifieds soon if you are interested

Terrible idea ... in the upright bass world that's called a CCB (cheap chinese bass). Better would be to visit TalkBass.com, the double bass (DB) section and do some research. To make that a truly playable bass it would need a few hundred $$$ in set up, replacement parts for shoddy Chinese crap, new strings ($150 and up!), a pickup added (if used on stage). Don't buy an upright bass from a guitar shop ... find a dealer in upright basses (Upton, Gollihur, etc).

Laminated basses don't have to be cheap and some sound good. You'll pay $2500+ for a decent 50 year old Kay these days. My Czech Republic "Strunal 50/4" is a high quality laminated bass that cost me $1800 fully set up. Built well, sounds great, plays great.

My cheap laminated upright bass was $500 used, plays and sounds good. Be patient on craigslist.

Oh and I have played a Cremona and it's not great but with a great setup can play well and sound OK.