Why An Acoustic-Electric Bass Is Good To Have
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- Опубліковано 28 лис 2020
- Why do I think Acoustic bases come in handy??
First of all, Easy Access - you can just pick it up and play. No need to plug it into an amp so you can hear it. I can only imagine what this bass would’ve done for my playing if I had purchased it 10 or 15 years earlier than I did. Especially when acoustical jams became all the rage in the early to mid 1990s.
I usually only thought of Brian Ritchie of the Violent Femmes whenever an acoustic bass came to mind…and actually thought they were kind of cheesy for anyone else to play. But after Krist Novoselic played that Guild B30-E NT during Nirvana’s Unplugged session…and Dave Grohl, when Krist picked up the accordion, acoustic-electric basses became cool all of a sudden! From that point on, I really wanted a Guild B30-E NT but I just didn’t want to pay the price. Instead, I found myself carrying a little Crate B-10 practice amp every time my bandmates wanted to jam acoustically. This was the only way I could be heard over the ever-so-bright frequency given off by 2 or 3 acoustic guitars in a room jangling away.
With that being said, I want to remind you that the acoustic bass frequency is naturally harder to pick up than the sound given off by an acoustic guitar. This is why I typically played my bass so hard when I was younger. “Damn guitarists”…Drummers have an excuse but you guys??…you know I’m just messing around. You’re gonna hear me saying that from time to time in these videos IF you subscribe.
I always wanted one of those pocket multi-effect, beat machines, such as Korg’s Pandora but I never pulled the trigger. I currently have the Vox pocket bass but I rarely use it because it feels like such a production to play through it.
Another thing you can do with an acoustic-electric bass is play a gig with it if you’re in a pinch. I only did this once out of 20 years of playing live and it happened to be in a small venue mainly suited for acoustic environments. The pickup in this bass happens to be a little too loud, which causes a lot of feedback, so I just dialed the pickup volume back to 50% and I was good to go. Other than that, no issues.
Last but not least, playing an acoustic-electric bass makes playing an electric bass so much easier. The action is not uncomfortably high at all but it does require a little more finger strength to fret. I do wish it had a thumb rest but I don’t want to damage the instrument by adding one, so I’ve learned to adjust. I’m not saying that you should run out and buy an acoustic bass right away. You may be one of those lucky people who has the luxury of being being able to play your bass as loud as you want, whenever you want. But for those of you who want convenience, I think an electric-acoustic bass is a really good fit.
Links to products I use on this channel
Sony WX500: amzn.to/2NgJgXx (Amazon)
Fender P Bass: amzn.to/2NisRSq (Amazon)
vox pocket bass: amzn.to/3iIcIl6 (Amazon)
Boss Pedal Tuner: amzn.to/3iyMe5r (Amazon)
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since I buy an electric acoustic bass it was a game changer: you can practice anytime anywhere 10/10
Only reason I wanted to get one ☝️
I love how all the stories I hear of someone’s career of using different guitars end with “and then I got a Fender and it’s the most perfect instrument for me.”
Well...with me, it depends on the day. Until something changes my mind, the best basses I have ever owned and played are Pedulla and Ken Smith. The thing about Fender is they are the darlings of studio recordings. I've worked with many producers who just don't want to record unless you're using a Fender. It took me going through several Fender basses to settle with the one that I have and while it is great live and in the studio it still leaves something to be desired when it comes to ease of play & feel. Sometimes, I pick it up and it feels perfect, but I also have those days when feel the exact opposite. I've never felt this way about the other two aforementioned brands.
Martin makes a fabulous acoustic bass with real sound on the low E string! Looks like a Martin, plays like a Martin, sounds like a million!!!
As a guy who proudly owns a Martin Guitar, I want that Martin Bass!
I got the jr acoustic by Martin. I love the thing. Its what I reach for 90% of the time over my spector LT.
Thank you, this video was helpful. I'm an acoustic guy, and I had been on the fence about buying an acoustic bass, but you've convinced me. Thank you
I love your passion for the bass.
A few months ago I got a Fender Mustang short scale which is my absolute dream bass. I just got a Fender Acoustic bass for Christmas and I LOVE it. Its amazing to practice bass wherever I want.
Congrats, it looks and sounds like an excelent instrument. I never listened before a Crafter, it is good to know about its existence.
Thank you for posting this video!! I've always wanted an acoustic bass. I rented one years back for a backyard gig and I loved it. I have the opportunity to get one but everyone is telling me that it's not necessary bla bla bla. That and most of the videos online essentially try to discourage you from using or buying one. Thank you for explaining to people the positive sides to owning an acoustic bass.
Great video - glad I found it!
That was an outstanding discussion!
Thank you!
Inspirational!
I was also looking into an acoustic bass, but i also wanted to try a fretless (never tried one after 2 decades as a bassplayer)
1 week ago i got hold of a Squier Jazz bass to like 200$ 1 week ago. I had he first rehearsal with my band today with the fretless. It sounded nice for the genre we play.
I just couldn't help to relate so much when you talked about acoustic rehearsals, and is too low compared to the others, so after watching your video i'm in no doubt. The next bass will be a fretless acoustic bass!
Just bought a fender cb60se and I’m so excited to get it and go play in the park!
Bought a Dean Acoustic-Electric as my 1st bass almost a year ago and man is it handy to just pick up off the hanger and start jamming right away
I just got an Ortega Private Suite acoustic bass and it's beautiful looking and sounding even unplugged. I could easily play it unplugged in a small club
VERY helpful video!
I've got the Ibanez acoustic, not my go to but it is nice to have just to tinker around with especially at night. Sounds different again to my electrics and is just good fun sometimes.
I have the red Korg box. It's pretty in depth. I don't use it with a bass, I mostly use it for delay effects with my guitar. Rock on!!
Brilliant video and performance👍
Just ordered my first acoustic bass. A fretless (with no fret markers) so I can jam on some old jazz standards in my spare time, and possibly incorporate it into some recordings. At very least, it will be fun to have a bass I can just pick up and play at a moment's notice.
A friend of mine had the same feedback issue you mentioned. He installed a sound hole cover and the problem was solved.
BTW.... I definitely liked & subscribed.
Thank you!! I've always thought an acoustic/electric fretless bass would be fun to play. Please let me know how you like it. I'll try the sound hole cover to see if that works in the future.
Great information. Thanks!
You're welcome!
This is why i asked for an acoustic electric bass for christmas
I love my Breedlove Eco Bass works at home and gigs no issues great sound
Im rollin with the Alvarez bass AB60CE. Beauty
I have the custom shop Guild B50CE from 2012… It’s a keeper
Hey brother, Ibanez absolutely does NOT disappoint. Knowledge bomb for you Prog Rock Jock. Practicing slap on an acoustic bass or just any bass that is a little harder to play, actually makes it so much easier on a bass with lower action. I learned this from Marcelo Feldman here on UA-cam. His channel is awesome
I agree, Cam F. Everything is easier after playing the upright or the acoustic-electric, especially when the electric instrument has a proper setup. Dude, I totally know of Marco Feldman!! I discovered his channel over a decade ago and thought he backed off making videos. Thanks for reminding me of him!...I see that he's no longer wearing the black hat in all of his videos. Recently, I began revisiting my old slap-bass technique (thumb down/horizontal/ie. Larry Graham & Louis Johnson) and merging it with the other popular technique (thumb up/vertical ie. Mark King & Les Claypool), which has been a bit of a challenge. I'm feeling like I need to stick to the old way that I used to do it and work on the clarity. Speaking of awesome bass channels, I'm not sure if you've heard of Adam Nitti, but he also has a great channel. I actually used to follow him around Atlanta when I was in my late teens and went on to study with his teacher, Russ Rodgers. I could swear Nitti's a vampire because he looks the same but he's a trustworthy one 😉. I had a different approach to music back then. I wanted to be the best bassist around but then I became more interested in song writing.
Love acoustic basses! I have several. Ibanez makes affordable AEBs. AEB5,AEB10 and AEB20. Priced right and they play great!
I love Ibanez! However, I will probably grab a fretless Michael Kelly when I have some extra bread to spare.
I completely agree! Definitely need to have a. Acoustic bass! I had one almost 20 yrs and was a complete idiot and let it go 😢 I’ve been eye balling the Warwick Alien, their just so cool looking! Yea no thumb test can be a pain but at least your thumb grips the body well enough to get by
For anyone looking for a budget starter instrument in Europe, I can recommend the Gear4Music acoustic electric basses. You can buy them cheap new or very cheap second hand.
They're a solid instrument with a nice feel but they do need their action lowering to get the best out of them. Apart from that they're a really nice sounding and looking thing and, once set up, play lovely.
They are available in 4 and 5 string, I have the 4 string model and as it's a Dreadnought body style, you can buy a fitted padded gigbag from G4M/Thomann (it's too big for standard acoustic bass cases).
15 fret to the body, I like these medium scale basses, very comfortable to play 👍
I mostly bought my little Guild Jumbo Junior as a couch bass. But it has such a warm, vocal quality plugged in, that it gets gigged out a lot. I even picked up a battery-powered Bose S1 Pro to tuck under my chair in “unplugged” situations. Preserves the acoustic feeling, while getting me heard with a bunch of people banging away…
Guild = quality and having that Bose S1 under the chair is an excellent backup plan! Sorry for the delayed response.
As for slapping on an acoustic bass I have a Spectre Timber Jr which I absolutely love. I have found it slaps better close to the bridge instead of by the beginning of the fret board like my music man electric bass.
I've had an Ibanez 5 string ABG since the 90s. It always comes in handy. Mostly for learning songs. The electronics died a few years ago. It's a fickle mistress. The G and G strings aren't as loud as the EAD strings. It's still handy too keep around.
I bought a Alvarez RB30C acoustic fretless bass guitar and I am so happy
Sounds like the sweet spot! I definitely need to pickup up an acoustic-electric-fretless someday.
My Ibanez EHB is pretty loud unplugged, so I use it late at night :)
Everyone seems to crap on acoustic bass. I just picked up a Martin jr and absolutely love the thing.
I have crafter GAE8 acoustic guitar made in Corea ☺️Beutiful, big sound and resonance! Nice bass!
Thank you!! I must confess that I love my Crafter GAE15 acoustic guitar more than my Crafter bass but I wouldn't have bought that Crafter acoustic guitar if I didn't love my crafter bass first.
My playing really took off when I picked up a Fender Kingsman. I did most of my woodsheding on it.
I agree with you and I just purchased my first Acoustic Electric Bass today. I have been looking at the least expensive models, finally I looked up the food chain a little and saw a nice Guild Fretless Acoustic Bass the Guild B-240EF. While not a top top end bass it's a Guild and it's a quality bass and I could afford the payments. I have an upright Bass and a 6 string, 5 string, 4 string, 4 string mikro and a Hofner Beatle Bass and a nice fretless bass. Many Bass amps and cabs. I love to play in bed at night when my wife wakes me up with her sleep apnea (snoring). I play and sure enough she quiets down a lot and then I can go back to sleep. So far the Hollowbody Hofner Beatle Bass is the loudest unplugged, however I love my full size fretless bass too for in the night playing. Now I can have a lot of volume w/o any amp by playing my Guild Fretless bass (once I get it). I play every day and every night so this shall be a welcome addition to my playing.
Years ago when I was younger I had a Fretless Jazz P-Bass with Botolini p/u's and an incredible Ampeg SVT Classic (300 tube watts) and an assortment of bass speaker cab's from my Crate 810, Ampeg 410. Ampeg 210 and an Ampeg SVT 15-E cab. It was making me lose my hearing and also I had an injury where I could not hold a bass for about 2 years so I ended up selling that rig along with the P-Bass. How I regret that because now I can play again. I'm 72 now and I have some nice Ampeg gear as well as the basses that I already mentioned. I just know that I'm going to love my new Acoustic Electric Bass! -Peter
You have quite an array of instruments and gear!
Thanks for the insight. I recently picked up a Fender bass after watching your video. I really enjoy the sound. What amp would you recommend for it? I am new to playing bass. Thanks again.
You're welcome and welcome to the bass player community!! I don't think you can go wrong with Acoustic Combo B50C, Ampeg RB108 or even Fender Rumble 25. I've played through them all and they pack a great punch for little money. All the best with your bass journey!
I've got one! And it's still my baby! It's Tanglewood, but I don't know the type. It's good for relaxing session, in a bed, sleepy and enjoying my cold ac ha! But really, you guys should own accoustic electric bass once in your life! Nice video btw!
I'm familiar with Tanglewood.I've never played one but I really like their designs. Thanks for weighing in!
Wow that’s an amazing bass the fender one and the color is beast
Thank you!
What a great video!! So what do you think of small A/E basses like the Cordoba? I’m a beginner (super-noob) and I got one. Like you said it’s very portable and it’s quiet enough to avoid irritating my roommates. And it’s a lot of fun, sounds good plugged in
I've never played a Cordoba but they look cool! I'll check one out for sure.
You're right, and the truth is the electric acoustic bass is far more superior in convenience.
1. Pick it up to practice.
2. It can go on outing ( picknics camping )etc.
3. It pairs great with a Classical Guitar & bongos or congas for table side senenades . And get you many tips when helping on a wedding proposal and such..And a serious player needs it for a covers band to use along with a regular bass a stand up bass , a bass keyboard that has violin on it as a second keyboard & to pratice parts backstage. It really is needed to make a serious bass player complete.
A. Electric bass
B. Upright bass
C. Keyboard/violin bass
D. Acoustic sound / travel & practice bass
I have the Dean 5-string acoustic/electric and I love it - only issue is it needs a preamp when you plug it in (or an amp with a good range to turn it up loud)
Sounds like a great instrument! I've always liked Dean. They're a young company when it comes to instruments but a good one.
hey man , thank you ! With ur video U give lot of ideas , I think ur same way 2 . I got an Ovation acustic bass
You're welcome! I thank you for your words!
Nice
Thanks
You're welcome!
I've got a Washburn AB10. Personally I like the tone and the variety. It's got some nice sweet spots you can push hard through an amp, and then move to another part of the neck to dial it down. For playing purely acoustically remember without a giant body a bass isn't going to be either loud or resonate well in low tones. Also the bass is going to pick up a lot of rattle from the strings... or maybe that's just my crap technique. Anyway I like it, and it's not just for folk music. I play punk on this bass and it's got plenty of meat when played hard.
I totally understand. The frequency of bass can be a low and lonely place when trying to be heard through a band of vocals, guitars and percussion. I think it's cool that you play punk on that bass. Btw, I like Washburn basses and guitars. I think they're terribly underrated.
I agree brother! I would like to share I got a lot better performance in tone and feel out of my acoustic electric bass with DR "Rare" strings. I would recommend anyone to try them on their acoustic electric bass.
Acoustic basses are pretty affordable. I used to want a Martin or a Taylor but you don't really need to spend a lot to get a good one. Right now, my main bass is an acoustic even though I have a couple of electrics that I can play. I play in an acoustic ensemble for worship and the acoustic tones compliment the group better than an electric. It's slightly harder to play if you want to get a good tone. It's got tapewound strings which is very warm and upright like. I am using a EHX memory boy and dunlop chorus pedals to make my sound bigger and more like an upright.
I just found a Takamine acoustic electric bass at a pawn shop. I may give it a shot.
Hear. Hear. Well Stated. In my opinion an Acoustic Electric Bass could serve multiple roles across the musical spectrum. I have a friend that has a fretless Acoustic Electric Bass Guitar that he uses for everything including impromptu Bluegrass jams. Jazz gigs. Studio sessions etc. I do not know the brand (or Luthier) but acoustically it has very good volume and projection. Electrically is doesn't feed back. I wish I could give you more info. I seem to recall he paid a ton for it though.
Thank you! I agree with you. They do have a distinct tone that gives them merit. The fretless acoustic might end up being my next bass.
Struck a chord with me 😉
Gave up the electric bass after a couple of years, because of that same thing: no sound without plugging in. Just kills the moment. So, a fretless acoustic/electric bass seems like a great idea - thanks! Subbed.
Just found I can get a "Warwick RockBass Alien Deluxe 5 String Fretless Bass Guitar" (electro-acoustic) from Haworth's in NSW for under 1600 AUD. Worth thinking about... But I'd want to hear it first.
@@yuyiya Thank you!! I'm definitely partial to fretless bass. I would suggest looking at a Michael Kelly bass to see if it would suit you. I'm not sponsored by them in any way. I just had the opportunity to check out a few of their basses recently and was mostly impressed with the Dragonfly. I posted a video about the experience. However, if money isn't an object, Warrick would certainly be the way to go.
Solid advise. Sucks to have your neighbor banging on your concrete wall every time. Ugh! So am saving up for one. Thanks!
I had a professional install a thumb rest made out of ebony on mine
My main instrument is shakuhachi, and Brian Ritchie happens to be a shakuhachi master (shihan) in addition to his bass playing.
I played a Godin (a Quebec based guitar company) fretless acoustic bass many years ago. Even unplugged it sounded amazing. I didn't buy it because it was a little out of my price range, but I still think about that instrument a lot. Haters gonna hate, but acoustic basses are so cool and nothing will convince me otherwise.
Thanks. I had one 3-4 years ago, and now I get back to this idea, so in two days will arrive my Harley Benton B-35NT! Thats a lot of fun and ususual options if you have solid tecnice. Some my old video: ua-cam.com/video/dBoVj5_mZG8/v-deo.html And yes, its twise quiet as acoustic guitars.
When plugged in, would you say the tone is better with the electric acoustic bass? Warmer than a purely electric bass perhaps?
Yes, the sound is warmer. Even warmer than just about any semi-hollow bass I've ever played...until playing the Epiphone Jack Casady Bass. I love the sound of an acoustic electric bass plugged in. However, the pickup in my particular bass is a bit challenging. It gives off a lot of feedback, which really irritates people running sound in clubs. I managed to EQ it quite well for one gig only, many years ago, but decided to retire it to my living room after that. I still play this bass every single day, typically with my morning coffee.
I play on a J bass. Your P bass is gorgeous. Do you use a capo?
I love the neck on the J Bass! Thank you! No, I don't use a capo!
There’s only one reason you need to have a particular instrument: you like to play it.
Excellent point!
Hey do you still have the blue Pedulla? If so I would love to buy it
I appreciate the offer but I'm not looking to sell it right now. The electronics are still messed up, thanks to my bright idea to switch the pickups to EMG.
I've never found an electric acoustic bass to be loud enough when playing with a couple of acoustic guitars. I once played an unplugged session with three acoustic guitars and two sax players, me on fretless acoustic bass. Man, that was hard work, I really had to attack those strings to make myself heard. Any playing subtleties went out the window. So, I figure if you have to amplify an acoustic bass to be heard, what is the point? On a related note, I did once have a "violin"-style bass guitar (hollow-bodied electric) which was nice to accompany acoustic guitars because of its tone which was very natural and acoustic-like. Obviously it had to be plugged in.
Part of why I leave the action high on my AEB is so I can attack the strings for more volume but I get your point. It's a lot of work for nothing if you're playing with 2 or more acoustic guitar players. More than anything, I think it's a decent tool to practice with when you can't plug into an amp.
@@progrockjockIt's hard to find an acoustic bass that can keep up, I lucked out and found a '94 epiphone el capitan which cuts through great when strung with roundwounds and played with a pick, but the tradeoff is that it's physically huge
@@jasondorsey7110 You lucked out for sure! I'd love to have an el capitan! Speaking of physically huge instruments, I've always wanted one of those massive basses you see the mariachis playing in Mexico.
@@progrockjock That's what the el capitan reminds me of, the case is enormous like it could hide machine guns lol
😂 El Mariachi!!
Convinced me;
How do you handle feedback issues with acoustic bass plugged into amp especially on stage?
I turn down the master volume on the bass pickup. I used it on stage on once and decided to keep it at home after the experience.
Because Violent Femmes?
What’s the measurement on the action on your acoustic bass?
That's a great question I cannot answer! I will say this - It's not the highest action I've played nor is it by any means the lowest.
is there any difference between a acoustic bass and a acoustic electric bass? I’m new and just wondering
Yes, there is a difference. Generally, people will sometimes refer to an “upright bass” as an “acoustic bass”. However, in my definition, an acoustic bass looks like an acoustic guitar but if that bass or guitar has a pickup or electronics, it qualifies as an “acoustic-electric bass”.
Where can I buy an acoustic bass guitar
Online: Amazon, Sweetwater, Zzounds, Sam Ash, Guitar Center - At most stores that sell musical instruments.
a bass player in the Americana band i was in played double bass and he didn’t have car and had to take it everywhere on the bus hahhhha
You really should try the new acoustic electric Kala U bass or even the Cordoba mini acoustic electric bass!
These short scale 3/4 size ukulele size basses are super portable and popular now because you can just pick them up and play in any room in your house and the short scale necks make them incredibly easy to play!
They sound great on their own but incredible through a decent amp.
I almost bought a ukulele a few years ago. They're really fun to play, so I imagine the bass would be even cooler. Thanks for letting me know!
Another opinion: great for practice at home, playing around in a apartment. It doesn’t keep up with acoustic guitars in a group setting, too low sonically. And once you plug it in it’s just a crappy electric bass. Had many too, just another take on it 😎👍
I had an acoustic bass once. I sold it because I felt it was too quiet to be heard without an amp. I figured there was no point if I had to plug it in all the time.
Thanks for your comment! Just curious, which brand or model of acoustic bass did you formerly own?
This was along time ago, maybe acoustic basses have gotten better since then. The brand was called “Samick” and I think they were made in South Korea. It was a really nice bass but it was just too quiet.
I totally understand where you're coming from. I always worried about this before buying the one I own. I'm familiar with Samick. The interesting thing is Crafter is also made in South Korea. Same with Michael Kelly basses which I have also mentioned. Since posting this video, I still play my acoustic almost every day but I definitely prefer plugging one of my electric basses into an amp. Ultimately, this is more important, so you make a very strong point.
i have a sigma and i love it
Glarry Has an acoustic bass for less than $100.00...
They also have the GIB 6 string bass for $139.00 with free shipping...
I will get that one - things have gotten boring with 4 and 5 string bass...
You have the scariest voice in the world you should start a scary story narrator channel
You should hear my Death Metal roar.
For my money, the best acoustic bass is one of the cheaper Fender models!! Just something about them. Huge bang for the buck!
Low End Lobster is out in the "blinkeys" now...he hasn't done any videos in awhile...
I was wondering about him the other day. I hope all is well with him. I love his channel!
@@progrockjock All is not well with Low End Lobster...
After taking a third {{{JAB}}}, things just went olf the rails with him...
If you are still in Atlanta, good luck...
Between Tyler Perry studios and the politicians there, life has to be like a bad dream there...
Damn, that's really bad news about Lobster. I hope he gets back to it soon. I really miss his content and his humor. Be glad you don't live in Atlanta. I could dedicate an entire UA-cam channel covering how much of a bad dream this place truly is but I'm the fool who made the decision to stay here.
3:03 $175 wtf is it cursed lol
I just is a headphone amp. 25 bucks.
I don’t know why they’re so uncommon compared to acoustic guitars
Me neither. Some old bandmates of mine felt it was cooler for me to play the big upright instead of getting an acoustic-electric. They were so uncommon back in the 1990s and I hear from the older guys that they were even more scarce in 1970s and 80s.
I have a massive soft spot for acoustic/unplugged stuff in general and I always thought acoustic bass guitars got to much flak. Some of the hate just seems to come from electric elitists.
I couldn't agree with you more!
As a pianist, who felt it necessary to learn the parts I was covering on their original instrument, I can confirm that my A/E bass sees much more playtime than my jazz bass.
si no puedes hacer slap, chicotealo
Do your microphone is so overloaded.
I know, it's annoying and I'm working on a solution to the problem. Thanks for your feedback.
@@progrockjock hold on you're still working on fixing the problem? It's 3 years ago 😳
Shame on me for thinking I could politely respond to a fellow Mark Kozelek or Modest Mouse fan.
@@progrockjock awww you watched my videos ♥️ thanks bro!
You're welcome. Music connects us. The Red House Painters got me through some tough times back in the day. I still agonize over missing them when they came back around to tour for Old Ramon. I actually caught Modest Mouse live several times though, spanning back to the Lonesome Crowded West/Moon and Antarctica days. A lot of people don't realize RHP formed here in Atlanta, GA.
Peace.
Too big. Sold it.
problem with this video is, you very clearly have the mic turned WAYYYY up just to capture the bass, which is clearly far quieter than your speaking voice, as evident from the fact that your voice is clipping the mic constantly, and the bass never does. might as well just be playing unplugged on an electric at that point. best 175$ you ever spent? look into g-style basses, youll spend about that much on a 5-6 string fretted or fretless with an active EQ system (pickups and EQ both seem to be belcat, but fuck it.).