Acoustic Basses, Are They Any Good? - All About The bass

[@michaelkingston3434]

I find acoustic basses are great for coffee shops and folk jams, also great to practice at home with.

[@Tedinator01]

I also love that they weigh almost nothing.

[@jd87fierogt]

This one is. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKTJY6yadsd7rqs

[@jasonhollis3958]

Can barely hear the bass heed be better off playing an electric unplugged lol

[@alexisroy4100]

@@jasonhollis3958 you can buy an electro acoustic bass ahah fender made one

[@jasonhollis3958]

@@alexisroy4100 Defeats the purpose a bit doesn’t it 🤷‍♂️

[@Xactualize]

i like the sound that an acoustic bass makes, as opposed to an electric bass. you still get the metallic sound of the strings, but also an abrasive, earthy, and reverb tone as well. I think it's awesome, and you can play any kind of music with it.

[@AudiofiloChacharero]

Sounds very similar that when you put brand new strings to an acoustic guitar!

[@tawmifm]

You can't play every kind of music with an acoustic bass lmao. You can play like 2

[@BackPorchCountryPodcast]

What's an "abrasive, earthy" tone sound like? Pretentious...

[@experienceanimation217]

Alice in Chains unplugged is the reason I need an acoustic bass

[@ComaAlpha]

Friends don't let friends get friend's haircuts

[@marksimmons7906]

@@ComaAlpha I bought the 2017 edition of that bass THIS MORNING. Warwick Alien Standard (fretless!). I can't wait to try and sound like Mike Inez :)

[@hunterglovinsky8299]

Facts!!

[@Heisenbrick]

I want one after learning about Les Claypool. He uses a resonator Bass in his Duo de Twang project. If I had a Boy I would name him after a man of the cloth, I’d call him Amos Moses............. Here Comes aaaaAAMOSssss...

[@fooooked]

i agree

[@alexcerezo7231]

Love acoustic basses. First one i saw was in the unplugged by nirvana. I own a fender acoustic short scale. Nice for practice at home, very easy to play. The volume is not an issue, the sound fits nice with an acoustic guitar. Very happy to have it in my collection. Great job Nathan and Captain!

[@jh565bb]

That's actually is the reason I bought my crafter BA400, I wanted one after watching nirvana unplugged and wanted the one they used in the London ukulele orchestra. Ive had it for years now, great for open mic nights/ messing around.

[@BullyThaKidd]

duuuuuudddeee the improv jam at 10:36... dang it i wasn't prepared...

[@НаскоКараколев]

Yeah, such a captivating bass line, this dude knows his stuff!

[@thecoedpoethbassist4605]

Pumped up kicks

[@mrbungle7586]

@@thecoedpoethbassist4605 lmao, yep so many make the same comment. Nathan didn't just come up with that lol. Cheers

[@davidcripps3011]

As a 6 string fretless acoustic bass player, I love it because a) it's dynamic range is phenomenal and b) you can just pick it up anytime and start working on new ideas without having to switch any kit on. It's an inspiring instrument. The downside is it's a difficult instrument to use live although there are ways around it. I think, in the end, I'll probably buy an electric bass for most gigs and use the acoustic bass for writing songs.

[@befingered]

For me, the point of an acoustic bass guitar would be the ability to play in some situations without having to plug in. However, I've never played one that was loud enough for that. Some import brands are especially quiet-but even higher end instruments run up against the laws of physics by not having enough vibrating surface and a big enough internal cavity to produce sufficient volume. There's a reason upright basses are that big. I've heard that old Earthwood bases could pull it off, and Ribbecke has made at least one huge acoustic bass guitar that might do it.

[@gilgameshtheindomitable8116]

It's so frustrating that bass guitars large enough to be played purely acoustically aren't produced anymore.

[@ComaAlpha]

In situations like that learn how to use a pick. It'll give you the volume you need.

[@musicismyreligion5213]

"Plugging in" is possible anywhere now..hell even my Yamaha THR10 portable amp is built to handle a bass and its loud as hell even on batteries.

[@befingered]

@@musicismyreligion5213 Yes, you can always plug in, but my comment was about playing acoustically. An unplugged upright bass sounds fine in back of guitars, banjos, fiddles, etc.-but I haven't heard an acoustic bass guitar loud enough to do that. (I haven't heard the Earthwood or Ribbecke.)

[@jingler_bob]

I agree with you dude I love playing it unplugged and plugged tbh

[@Zig242]

Can you do a video on stringless basses

[@rickc2102]

I've got one of those, an Arturia MicroBrute.

[@miles0543]

Tuba?

[@screamindeacon]

The stringless bass was critical to the unique sound on Prince's "When Doves Cry" :-P

[@TheAlmightyYaya]

hmmmm fretless or really stringless?

[@DarthCiliatus]

Fish

[@WilliamFawcett]

Not your finest hour? That was awesome! I have been wanting to see something about acoustic basses for a while thank you and Nathan that jam at 10:45 was fantastic, I am trying to tab it out just because I like how it sounds.

[@cylixphoenix179]

Hey quick question have you gotten the tab yet

[@mrbungle7586]

Song is Pumped up Kicks. I've worked this acoustic bass line out, it's not that difficult. Keanu lol, you can look up tabs, I think it's in a different Key, F by memory but you should be able to transpose it, maybe, depending on your experience and ability lol. It's in A obviously here. Oh and the feel is different here to the original and Nathan adds some chords, double stops etc. Cheers

[@maggiepie8810]

As someone who has been finger picking A LOT, I really like the sound of acoustic basses.

[@jh565bb]

Check out crafter, great acoustic basses, I use a ba400 for open mic nights.

[@alejandrodelrio8302]

I just bought a Fender acoustic bass and I´m loving every single day playing it.

[@achannel1818]

I searched for this because I heard someone refer to a bass guitar as an "electric bass guitar". The use of the word "electric" made me realise, "oh crap, do acoustic basses exist?"

[@donh5794]

@Lady Seashell Bikini I just purchased one for the same reason you mentioned. I'm glad I did. It's fun to learn when you can pick it up anytime and practice and plug it into an amp whenever you want bigger sound.

[@borderline5895]

Lady Seashell Bikini that’s why I boought one it’s been my best friend in college especially with COVID. Great for learning and practice

[@jeannebouwman1970]

the electric bass was a mixture of the double bass and electric guitar, and the acoustic bass was developed later as an acoustic alternative

[@stonehaven2289]

Cello, and upright orchestra basses are acoustic basses 🤣

[@jeannebouwman1970]

@@stonehaven2289 well there is also an acoustic bass guitar, it is just that the electric bass came first and was inspired by the upright

[@7hecu77er]

I'm pretty sure folk don't play an acoustic guitar thinking it's a poor man's electric guitar; so acoustic bass should be regarded in the same way. Love the blues jam to finish! You've just tipped me over the edge and I've bought one.

[@rgjmce666]

Damn you andertons, now I want an acoustic bass

[@michaelroche2647]

Trb403

[@antoine1597]

I'm getting one now

[@BudderB0y2222]

@@antoine1597 Was it worth it?

[@antoine1597]

@@BudderB0y2222 well about that.... I'm not in a great state rn so one day I'll get one :) I cut my guitar strings cause I was angryyy

[@BudderB0y2222]

@@antoine1597 All the more reason to play bass

[@jmcsquared18]

3:59 That's mine!! Had to get me an Ibanez. Acoustic basses deserve so much more love, they are a must-have for anyone who adores music.

[@paulgrammas1011]

You’ve convinced me. Those two acoustics sound great together! Thanks for the Comparison. Well worth it!

[@lingyiiyang]

Please do keep making these videos. Finally able to tune into a channel for regular bass reviews. Perhaps next time you could look at stuff like different string types for bass or even doing bass mod videos.

[@jamesgoddin8880]

Cap'n Lee, this is a good and informative video. It couldn't have come at a better time for me because I'm in the market for an acoustic bass to play with a trio (acoustic guitar, cajon and bass) in wine bars and bistros and the like. Acoustic basses are ideal for that scenario, not only do they sound more 'natural', but they also look the part and won't frighten the punters into thinking they're going to be deafened while they eat and drink.

[@superkjell]

The first time I noticed an acoustic bass was The time is now by Moloko. Excellent song and great sound.

[@dangerousbigg]

The 10:48 jam is awesome imo

[@MatthewBeedham]

That truly was quite sick.

[@lukeestep5417]

I was just about to comment the same thing.

[@rsingh1252]

agreed.

[@alexischampsaur4352]

Radiohead - Bullet Proof ... I Wish I Was

[@cylixphoenix179]

Omg yes

[@JigPigOutdoors]

As a bass player I found this video very inspiring and informative! Keep making bass videos!

[@smy0003]

I like Nathan, I've found myself tuning in to these vids just because they're entertaining. Always been curious about acoustic basses, I assumed they wouldn't be loud enough to be any use at all but it sat in the mix with the fiddle really well. It would be a good substitute for a guitar in an acoustic duo for variety.

[@ComaAlpha]

Keep in mind that he's being mic'd on some and plugged in on others. If you're at the beach or camp fire use a pick or else you won't be heard.

[@adrianadrian255]

The Violent Femmes used a lot of acoustic bass guitar, 'Hallowed Ground' is probably their best known album. Brian Richie was best known for playing Ernie Ball acoustic basses - which are big and sound great - but I did once see him play something else (smaller)

[@marcosgallardo2317]

Maraichi traditionally use guitarones. Literally, "big guitar."

[@orionseesall76]

Thanks for this video! Last year, I was a leader on a youth trip and a couple of the guys brought along their 6-strings and invited me to their dorm room to jam. It was great fun, but I ended up using one of their guitars, which left one of them out. This year, we plan on being more prepared. Even though I started out playing the 6-string, that's the only guitar they play. Since I typically only play the bass when I am on deck at church, I thought this year, I would bring along an acoustic bass. The problem is, it is hard to come across these in a lot of shops around here and I would really rather play a guitar before I buy it. So, with that being said, I am glad you put together this quick rundown video. I had my eye on a Cordoba Mini II Bass MH-E, but then came across an Ibanez PCBE12MH online and was curious. That's how I found your video. So, thanks for saving me the trouble of having to track one down and see for myself. I have a better feel for what that one is like. And now I may look into that Fender as well. Sadly, I can't afford to spend the money on that sweet sounding Sigma for something I am only going to play once in awhile. I love your channel, watch it often, and love the format you have. However, I would love to hear more on the bass. Occasionally, mind you. No need to change things up to drastically. I particularly would love to hear some more "Bass-centric" pedal reviews. Keep up the fine job you all are doing across the pond there.

[@peinmilan]

I have the Ibanez, I use it for practice in fron of TV or anywhere if I don't have an amp available. Easy to pick up and work on some riffs, etc... Nice to have one for sure!

[@maxcalnan6355]

Ibanez sounded the best. I was expecting to like it the least. I feel uneasy about this conclusion based on what they're saying, but looks like i'll start pricing the Ibanez out. What am I missing?

[@whiskerbiscuit6674]

Most are piezo so they'll all sound the same no matter what price point

[@paulportegies7569]

@@whiskerbiscuit6674 what does piezo mean?

[@cjspillmann5576]

@@paulportegies7569 piezo is the style of pickup

[@paulportegies7569]

@@cjspillmann5576 thank you Cassidy

[@whiskerbiscuit6674]

@@paulportegies7569 Piezo is a pickup that is usually under the bridge of a guitar and it picks up the vibrations of the strings not the electro magnetic waves. Some piezos can be taped to the body of the guitar, some if it's a classical guitar can actually just be slid under the strings where they wrap under the tail piece. Because they are picking up vibration they tend to have a sharper quackier tone because vibration is sharper than an electro magnetic wave and doesn't resonat as low. Air typically adds the lower end frequencies. Because of this they tend not to feed back as much as a pickup in an acoustic

[@kirbyjakescarborough4515]

I play in a Pirate band and use my Ibanez acoustic bass for that show for 6 years... It’s cheap and I’ve beaten it to death with only a tuner and peg change... Sells the look moreso but still a joy to play with a light touch of reverb... That’s being said, I Love my Ernie Ball and Fender Jazz too. Enough love to go around! Cheers Guys!

[@luigicalzone1558]

@captain: Nathan East played also an upright bass on the unplugged session.

[@dobbsguitar]

Am thinking of building an acoustic bass, so your video is quite informative for me. Mine, of course, will be all solid woods. There is a growing interest in acoustic bass guitars which is beyond the 'sitting on the couch' style you mention. Thanks for sharing.

[@dobbsguitar]

@Gert van Kruiningen Still thinking about the acoustic bass. Have been crazy busy lately. Have 3 guitars on the order book right now and repairs have been off the chart.

[@dobbsguitar]

My plan is to build a fretted bass unless a client wants fretless.

[@samdavies1752]

Can you do a video on fretless bass?

[@eduardosolis8969]

I Support!!!

[@lukey2113]

Yes!

[@ekodevil7593]

Sam Davies fretless acoustic? (I got to play a fretless acoustic, it is WIERD)

[@uncopino]

PraessiTV fretless acoustic was my second bass. Kinda use it as a gym for my fingers but one day I'm going to play it like it wants to be played

[@pepotdgreyt1794]

Sam Davies lvhlu0

[@jensbomholt4529]

I love my Bass Ukulele, its unplugged sound, its feel and its handy size. Plugged in into my little bass amp, it fills the living room.

[@KenjiKitahara]

2:45 re: Clapton unplugged. "I think it was Nathan East on those or whoever..." well, you bet it was. And he absolutely did use an acoustic bass (guitar and double) on that gig.

[@luigicalzone1558]

Thank you! People forget that it was a real unplugged session. Most other mtv unplugged session should called mtv plugged.

[@MountainHomeJerrel]

Thank you for your information, expertise, passion, and positive attitude. I want to understand how other musicians feel about acoustic bass to help me decide if I should get one, and it is very annoying hearing countless people just complain about "awww it's not loud enough", and not explain any real positives or unique qualities of the instrument.

[@earthtones1138]

I loved the idea of an acoustic Bass. I got a dean because it was the biggest loudest one on the Shelf next to Fender and Ibanez. I had to try flatwound strings because of all the string talking and squawking projecting almost as loud as the notes. I sacrificed some volume but this spring noise is gone. I'm looking to experiment with different bridge and nut materials next.

[@MaduroMan]

The lav microphones really help with getting Nathan and Capt heard. Especially when Lee starts to trail off into a mumble half way thru a sentence. NOW we can hear what he's saying. Great vid and thanks for the upgrade.

[@JasonZack1]

What kind of lav mics are they?

[@samlee2562]

I think the captain comes from an old-school traditional generation where embracing new sounds is sometimes difficult for him, you can use an acoustic bass in almost any genre of music from hip-hop to psychedelic ska! they do feedback on stage more easily though.

[@Unrejuntedeideas]

Nathan King! Mark King's brother... I see both in Buenos Aires at Teatro coliseo. Level 42 is funktastic!

[@andertons]

Thats him...

[@hrodbert696]

I've had some different ABGs over the years - a Michael Kelly Dragonfly, a Washburn AB10, and now a Godin A4. They are a lot of fun. Some of the things they point out in the video are correct - they don't generally get loud enough to be heard if you're competing with a steel-string acoustic guitar, the body just isn't big enough. My wife and I found that it you dig in hard with a heavy pick and the guitarist plays fingerstyle or with a felt pick you can just about even it out. But normally it needs amplification if you're playing with others. What they're good for is 1) to have something you can just grab and play on around the house, camping or at the beach, when you don't want to have to deal with plugging into something, 2) for aesthetics if you're playing in an acoustic act, and 3) tone. They don't sound like solid-bodies, and especially if you get a fretless ABG (My MK and Godin was/is fretless) they're as close as you can get to upright tones without actually getting an upright. I mostly play my Godin in church for that reason, but not on bar gigs.

[@adamupshaw5554]

Thank you for finally doing an acoustic bass video! They're extremely underrated, imo. I have a Fender BG29 acoustic bass that I bought about 15 years ago. It's so much more convenient for playing around the house than having to plug into an amp, and I can't really think of anything I can do on my electric that I can't do on my acoustic. It's also a 30" scale length, so it's extremely easy to play. The only downside is that the E is a bit floppy to begin with and gets pretty muddy if I drop it to D. I never played it at a concert, though. I was in a college jazz band when I bought it, and it had too much feedback on the amps and PAs we usually used... Sounds great acoustic or plugged into the right system, though. Speaking of scale length, the neck on that Ibanez looks awfully short. Is it a 30" scale length, too?

[@BradColemanisHere]

Great video! You're answering questions I've had for years, so keep up this type of thing please. Nathan is awesome, too. More of him please. I have a bit more respect for these acoustic basses too. Seems like if someone can play them right, they have a great fit in jam sessions and acoustic sets.

[@lasse3412]

I have a acoustic 5 string bass and I Love it. Great sound . Practise everyday after I got it and also use it on livegig. Good to have both acoustic and electric bass 👍

[@musicnphotos1]

Thanks for showing acoustic basses; it gives me something to think about that didn't occur to me as something I might like to have. One suggestion for the future, although a Neumann KM184 is a great microphone that can work on an acoustic guitar, it would be better to use a large diaphragm microphone on bass to better capture the low end. I would think it would be a more realistic representation of what you hear in the room when playing it.

[@snickelman]

I think there's an underlying problem with all of these acoustic bass reviews: Everyone seems to think that you should play them like an electric bass, and play SOLOS on them. I doubt this was the original intent behind the instrument.

[@olliteirikko]

Word! I've been searching for so long even one video where someone don't have egocentric tendency to show how well he can do slap bass solos and all the stuff. I don't really care about the people. I just want to hear how the bass sounds in it's territory. Literally no one does that. Just play some easy bass lines over bill withers without hesitation. Don't just play 16notes even if you can. Keep it down. I wanna hear some music.

[@ReganDreher]

Jonas Hellborg is my main reason for the acoustic bass genre. You guys did a super great job of covering these price points. Can you go with higher price point acoustic basses in the near future?? PLEASE?? Thanks Guys!!

[@SamRommer]

Great to see some bass love. I'd love to see a string comparison as flatwounds/tapewound are popular options for different tonal options for acoustic basses.

[@phantomtoast5747]

I’ve got the Ibanez as seen in the video, it’s a great acoustic bass for the money

[@jupiterjames-reynolds2260]

Arkei95 how expensive is it is. I want a cheap acoustic bass that sounds good.

[@GamesOffNermal]

can you tell me something more about your bass? how is the tone? is it loud or good for traveling?

[@phantomtoast5747]

Jupiter James-Reynolds £185 it was for me

[@phantomtoast5747]

GamesOffNermal MetalBassist unplugged it’s quite bright and isn't hugely loud but there’s enough volume to play with another guitar. Sounds much darker and very deep plugged in, I would recommend playing plugged in with an acoustic bass

[@bomccarty4826]

I have a Fender CB-60SCE. 32" scale, Fishman pickups with tuner, spruce top mahogany sides and back. Sounds great either plugged in or unplugged. If you were playing in an acoustic jam I would probably play with a pick just to hang with the guitar pickers. Oh, and it's currently about $299 U.S.

[@keithg1313]

The acoustic bass: my first thought is The Violent Femmes. It's really low and less defined - but it sounds really cool.

[@JaySway17]

I usually play Ska &Punk music but my love of folk music and the unplugged Alice In Chains record got me to get a fender Kingsman acoustic bass. I love it.

[@frmcf]

Nathan, thanks so much for pulling him up on 'surmise'! It was beginning to bug me.

[@thecchrist777cc6]

2 years ago I started playing the guitar, but something about it didn’t appeal to me so I bought a 4 string bronco, and had insane amounts of fun. I eventually was shopping around for either another electric bass or an acoustic bass, and the moment I saw this video I knew I had to buy an acoustic bass. I bought a Dean AXS($300) for $180 brand new since I had store credit at GC. I still come back to this video from time to time only because this gave me that little spark to go for it. 🤘🏻

[@niklase5121]

I own the Sigma Acoustic Bass and its a great instrument. There are serveral things you have to consider: - Piezo Pickups have their sound - I like the acoustic sound much more (High FEEDBACK although filters and STRING NOISE -Acoustic basses are just loud enough (played with a pick) to play with one acoustic guitar (pianos are much louder) -great for songwriting and playing at home (its cool that no amp is required - cable stuff...) -Its very HARD TO PLAY acoustic basses - thicker neck and you need much more pressure if you are used to e-bass then your hand will hurt after 3 songs- generally you can´t play very long -> a whole gig would just be very hard (thats probably why many bassists don´t play whole gigs on these instruments)

[@niklase5121]

I recommend nylon tapewound strings for a warm and not so metallic sound with less string noise

[@juanluislima]

I have that Ibanez model. I enjoy it! It has come in handy, especially when I can't use my ATK Bass.

[@steviegaga]

Hey guys. I just found your site as I recently picked up a Guild B-140E acoustic bass. So I was looking for just the type of input you fellows gave… that acoustic basses are a bit of a niche thing, and damn handy to have around when an acoustic jam breaks out. A few words about the Guild-.great projection almost capable of holding it’s own, very nice simple Fishman preamp in sound hole w/just 1 vol & 1 tone control. Fake Gotoh-style tuning machines are horrible and soon to be upgraded. This is the heir apparent to the old B-60 but now standards have slipped. But I’m happy as I’ve always wanted a Guild. I have 2Fenders (1P, 1 fretless J), an Epiphone Jack Casady Signature and an Englehart-Link Swingmaster upright and have been playing nearly 55 years. I’d strongly recommend any serious aspiring bassist to save up a few bucks and get one in addition to your electric. They come in handy for impromptu acoustic jamming. I’m getting wordy, but also wanted to compliment both of your musicianship. Great chops and you two fit together nicely. Thanks

[@Thomas_Geist]

I played a lot of R&R with a Rick2001 and Stingray5. I was asked to play with a Bluegrass band and they just didn't fit in so I got a 5-string Ibanez (step up from the one shown.). I didn't even realize but it was a 32" scale which was great. I also have a Michel Kelly Dragonfly5 34" scale. Great to practice because try as you might you'll never get the action as good so when you go back to a good electric it feels great. Why I have two is anyone's guess so I'm selling the Dragonfly. For practice or to play with Bluegrass or folk and you don't play a standup, this is the way to go. Recommendation: if you're planning to play with an acoustic group even at small venues make sure you have an acounstic-ELECTRIC version because otherwise you won't be heard. Never mind the purist thing, you've using an acoustic bass because you can't play a standup and the aesthetics of a J-bass just looks dumb on stage with acoustics guitars, banjos and mandarins. "What's the rocker bass player doing here?" I have a tiny 500 watt tube head through an SWR 4-10 cab for R&R, but for bluegrass my tiny Phil Jones practice amp with only 2 4" speakers but it's 75 watts does just fine. (And make sure you get a rubber plug thing for the hole to suppress the feedback because it will get out of hand before you get near 12 o'clock on the volume knob.)

[@SC2Villares]

I have a acoustic bass, actually it was my first bass, and it was the best thing that i done, cuz i have to learn how i can EQ myself without any electrical element, so i recommend an acoustic bass for the beginners, for the confortability of just pick and play as well, it helps to not give up.

[@ChrisDeJuanMusic]

I tried out the Ibanez one today at a music shop... it's pretty amazing they can build these things and sell them for £200 and still make a profit! Sounded a bit 'middlely' to me, but not too bad, had a few buzzes here and there, and maybe was a bit tough to play...I suppose the premium instruments are smoother to play... but for £200 you can't go wrong! It's exactly that, an instrument to have lying around at home, maybe record ideas quickly without having to set up an amp, have acoustic jams with mates etc... probably not a gigging or studio-recording instrument. What put me off buying it was that it doesn't come with a truss rod... so no real way of adjusting the neck to get rid of the buzzes... probably the better quality mid and high range acoustic basses come with truss rods!? Thanks for the review and nice playing! :)

[@steveedwards93]

Just found myself watching this video, having just got my first acoustic bass. Don't beat yourselves up guys, I loved it! Btw, mine is the same Ibanez and, for what acoustic basses are, it's perfect - don't spend more until you've tried this one!

[@archietorbett5934]

Krist used an acoustic on the nirvana unplugged

[@dragostego]

Archie Torbett it was an acousto electric

[@matcoddy6097]

I always loved the tone of his bass in that concert, especially during "man who sold the world", but I suspect that it has more to do with his amp. Krist always had an awesome tone on his electric bass as well, for example lounge act, & lithium

[@julianburkert7939]

Mike Inez used one in Alice in Chains unplugged as well, sounded absolutely huge.

[@armchairzen]

FYI: My Epiphone El Segundo A/E bass is strung with Fender flat wound electric bass strings. They work pretty well acoustically. Like all flats, they're not quite as bright as rounds, but on acoustic bass the steel strings make much less noise. If you choose to use the piezo, they are night and day from bronze wounds, which were far too bright and produced a lot of fretboard noise.

[@powerdegre]

Lovely video. Just picked up playing the bass and looking at an acoustic bass to take with me to practice when I'm on the road, you really gave me confidence that it would be money well spent, sounds fab.

[@BasHeijnens]

this is a great video, but it misses an very important point. many people (like me) want an acoustic bass because of the sound it makes when its NOT plugged in. That is the question i want answered. How loud is it when its NOT plugged in.

[@aaronmoore9055]

Nathan East actually did use an acoustic bass for that performance. He does an interview showing the bass that he used for that performance, and now it hangs on his wall at home.

[@ShadamAran]

They have earned their reputation of not being loud enough, but man that tone is so cool

[@armchairzen]

I have an Epiphone El Segundo acoustic/electric bass. I use it mic'd (not cabled) for recordings, and it can produce a sound reminiscent of an acoustic double bass (upright). We also use it for unplugged acoustic jams around the kitchen table. I think it would be a cool instrument on a gig. It's something a little different, and has a unique look. No, it's not the same as electric bass, but it can make all the same notes!

[@SpoonVet]

Love the video, I use a Tanglewood acoustic bass for practicing at home, great and easy to pick up, throw in the car for hotel practice on the work nights away from home - essential for home use. Have jammed with acoustic guitars plugged into a small bass amp.

[@justinhart539]

First all about the bass video. I thought it was great. I watched just for the acoustic bass. Love the info on things to look for in my search for an acoustic bass.

[@ranger7605]

i own a fender acoustic bass it comes with a tuner n bass treble n volume control you can also amp it up i love it

[@carlmontney7916]

IMO the Ibanez sounded the best of the three. Just seemed to have a bit more punch and edge to the sound. I might have to play one in person. I thought the Sigma would sound the best due to the solid Spruce top and it did have more bottom but the Ibby beat it out.

[@nickstunes9819]

I bought one to practice on. Can go on the porch sit on the truck or whatever. Loud enough for me to hear while practicing.

[@josephdrach2276]

You guys need to hear Steve Swallow. He's a brilliant jazz bass player who uses Acoustic Electric bass guitars most of the time. Also, listen to Jack Cassidy and Jorma Kaukenen doing an embryonic journey, Jack on AEB, and Jorma on Acoustic-electric guitar. Your view may change. Also, listen to the Takamine TB10 Acoustic base(fretless). The sound is astonishing.

[@alphajames33]

I swear, i've been looking at accoustic bases, all day. Lol. That's what i call timing. Nirvana and A.I.C. vibes, from this video. Keep it up, guys.

[@Blech319]

Really think the body needs to be a dreadnought to deliver the low end. Plus there's a lot of string noise that obscures the sound. Maybe really needs a piezo output.

[@thebionicbassplayer]

Nathan's demo was awesome, love the cover of Stanley Clarke's Lopsy Lu. This makes me want to consider getting an acoustic.

[@MelancholyMegan]

Okay I've owned 3 acoustic basses over the years and here is my two cents about it. It really depends on your what you intend to play and the style of music. I actually LOVE acoustic basses and think they are simply great live and in the studio. I like playing them with a pick and actually, they really complement an acoustic guitar, provided you use a mic/ amp it up. You might say, "they're quiet unplugged and if you plug them in you might as well go for an electric". No. Plugged in, many acoustics like some Ibanez and Fenders have a unique boxy tone to them which personally suits what I like to play and great for some genres. The problem I find with videos about "should I get an acoustic bass" are that they assume ALL bassists play the same way, and want to use an acoustic the same way as an electric. You wouldn't expect a metal shredder to expect the same out of a Elvis Fender Kingman acoustic would you? Same applies to acoustic basses. I stand by them, great instruments

[@trollfiddler]

Some gentle blues or jazz would have worked. Surmise is a sort of educated guess.

[@napomania]

first time i've seen an acoustic bass was in 1991 with a REM acoustic gig of Losing my Religion..

[@michaelreid5307]

For me the best example of an acoustic bass live is the Corrs Unplugged session. Well worth a listen.

[@buttoneer63]

Fab vid 🤘.... As for reasons why, I think you missed a trick though. I'm not a bass player, but want one for home recording. What attracts me to the idea of an electro acoustic bass is being able to simply pick it up, learn and invent riffs without having to mess around with cables and amps, but have the flexibility to be able to plug in and record. You've swayed me! Cheers. I'm gonna spend some money tomozzle 🙄✌️❤️

[@watcher4627]

I have been playing Contrabass since 1962. I switched over to the electric (Fender Jazz) in the mid 60s to jump on the "Loud Electric"/Rock and Roll band wagon. I still played Contra for Jazz and Symphony work (Arco). I started playing Big Band music with the Contra around 2000 (Love IT!). The Contra did what it was suppose to do but the issues were numerous (pick-ups for the volume/feed-back/transport/EQ for the sound etc.) so I went to the Jazz. I was, however not satisfied with the tones that I was getting as, after all it was electric. I bought a Fender Kingman to try to get clear up the issues that I was having with the Contra. I then had the issue of the Kingman sounding like...well a bass guitar. I was missing the warm tone of the contra (rather "tinny"), but I could get around on the neck much easier than with the Contra plus most of the issues were neutralized. I had a set of used Contrabass strings (Pirastro Evah Pirazzi) and rigged them up on the Kingman (it was tricky, but I did it), the result was what I was looking for. The fat/flat wound Contrabass strings gave the Kingman a warm "Punch" sound between the electric and the Contrabass sound. With a bit of EQ and by how I played the instrument (3/4 of getting sound out of any instrument!) I found that I could get an amazing range of tones out of the instrument from Jako to almost Contrabass tones (can't play it with a bow...Duh!), but the warmth of the hollow body (Contrabass) was BACK! It is the best of both worlds and I love it! It gives the rhythm section an added dimension and warmth closer to a Contrabass without the negatives (see above). I am surprised that the guitar/string manufactures have not considered this approach. It has made my playing and enjoyment almost complete (it is still not a Contrabass)! In passing, I have been watching your vids for years and wish to thank you for MANY hours (usually with a bottle of good Red Wine!) of information and enjoyment, KEEP IT UP and I will keep watching!

[@aaronoriain229]

Played a Taylor GS mini-e Acoustic bass a few days ago and it’s completely turned my sights onto getting one

[@OpinionatedMonk]

Since buying an acoustic bass myself (usually play a 6 string, regular, cheap-*ss nylon-strung guitar), I appreciate how much more difficult they are to actually play. I mean just watching the intro, the bass guy is clearly working like 4 times harder than the guitarist. Props to you. Also really enjoyed the opening jam.

[@jacobroquemore1698]

Much more honest take than some other bloke on YT who had an extremely one sided take of it.

[@JendaHrbac]

I've had a humbucker added to the neck position in my acoustic bass and it's a great sounding and playing instrument.

[@jasonrongi1]

Jenda Hrbek how did you set up the wiring?

[@JendaHrbac]

It's connected to the preamp via a 3-way switch, hidden in the soundhole, that goes piezo - 50:50 blend - humbucker. Most of the time it's in the humbucker position, the piezo is a little too thin and the blend works best in studio where you can dial your tone through an amp without having to consider feedback. But the sound the humbucker gives me is killer, very wide and rich.

[@chazz-j1994]

Musicman basses!

[@chazz-j1994]

stan -.- "Musicman" *bass for the next all about the bass video.

[@jerrodrushford2503]

+stan broniszewski he didn't mean acoustic. Just a bass

[@pitmezzari2873]

stan broniszewski which is kinda funny since Ernie Ball invented the acoustic bass guitar

[@elimerquita2267]

got here because me band are thinking of doing busking unplugged. so there you go, will use it for busking. amazing bass playing btw and it makes me wanna really own one. so you've done your job chaps!

[@drakenbraat1962]

I played this video a few times and I really learned a few things. I searched for a nice acoustic bass for years but I could not really find an acoustic bass I liked. After watching a lot of video's of acoustic basses I picked a Sigma, not the one that's in this video but one without a cutaway, I changed the original bronze strings for a set of tapewound strings and it sound much nicer now. Thanks so much for this great video. :)

[@mrbungle7586]

Which did you get? I've had a Sigma mahogany BMC 15E for 4 years. It's awesome unplugged or plugged in. I've got electric as well but for practice or holidays, camping etc I use the Sigma. Cheers

[@drakenbraat1962]

@@mrbungle7586 I have the BME, the one without the cutaway and it has a solid sitka spruce top. It's an incredible bass, especially for the prize (400 EURO). ;)

[@mrbungle7586]

@@drakenbraat1962 Nice, I know the one now. Funny, some musician friends were like, You got a Sigma, why not a Fender etc? I said, I tried those for similar money and they were no where near as good. Sounds like you also made a smart choice and enjoying it. Cheers

[@drakenbraat1962]

Mr Bungle to be honest, I made my choice between an Ibanez and this one and I had a little more confidence in the Sigma and I guess I made the right decision. Thanks for your nice comment my friend. :)

[@drakenbraat1962]

I also knew that Rinus Gerritsen of the Golden Earring played one at the “Naked truth” cd. :)

[@aking9077]

i swear i've been searching for an acoustic bass and they are almost impossible to find. thank you :D

[@thecoedpoethbassist4605]

No one gunna mention that they low key played unplugged version of Pumped up Kicks at 10:37

[@mrbungle7586]

Yeah, stands out but no one knows it. Lots of that bit at 10.35 is great impromptu comments lol. Cheers

[@eddybhere]

My impression of acoustic basses is that they are an instrument that has to be micced, or played through the pre amp(which almost all of them come with). Just acoustically they are only good for a backyard jam/practice as Lee says, but when amplified they have an amazing tone that is noticeably different to an electric which compliments acoustic guitars well. Just don't expect to get one and go busking with your guitar and singer mates. With no amplification you aren't gonna make a noticeable amount of noise over other instruments and vocals.

[@evanweston948]

I would love to hear an acoustic bass without the "electric" option and want to know your preference for that over the acoustic/electric

[@ZeugmaP]

Acoustic basses look good for some Primus riffs ! :D I think the combination of slapping and strumming fits perfectly this instrument.

[@florenttenryu5011]

Love this sound, i'm looking for one to play acoustic blues. Thank you Nathan, great playing ❤

[@stephenbrown3928]

Actually Nathan East had a Yamaha acoustic bass on the Clapton unplugged & an upright electric bass.

[@johnnysilveira]

Nathan East actually used a 4 string Guild acoustic bass for the unplugged.

[@arthurogle7581]

I debated between a Dean EAB and a Martin. For price difference I chose Dean Playmate. Only bump in the road was fret wires on the Dean. Solution? File down fret wires. Dremel Tool? Or file? Used a file. No mo fret wire problems. Now only have string rattles. Always something.

[@meepmeepimajeep]

yes! Keep it up with the Basses! And I personaly would LOVE more acoustic bass reviews!

[@gaucho1937]

Thanks for sharing - however the three models presemted do sound more like tuned down guitars rather than basses. The growl comes wirh more m

[@stephengent9974]

All that laminate means is it is layer wood. It can be made of different woods or be the same. A Gibson ES335 is laminated all maple. Although the top makes most of the sound, the other woods are important. A rose wood body sounds different to a mahogany body. The bracing pattern is also important. Shifting the X brace totally changes the tone, as does the size and placement of the sound hole

[@behic69]

did anybody notice all the captains tuning knobs are lined up

[@brycecourtneymusic]

Sorcery