by tim3finger » Fri Feb 17, 2006 4:20 pm
[updated:LAST EDITED ON Feb-17-06 AT 11:25 AM (EST)]1four5 is right. I have owned several acoustic basses( Takamine 512, Regal rdo5, Ibanez aeb10, Jasmine esc50). None of them worked well(quiet) for anything more than playing with one acoustic guitar, and that guitar better be played softly. The Regal will work if you use a pick, but it really didn't sound all that good. The Takamine was kick butt when plugged in. The Ibanez was the best bang for the buck. The Jasmine was the most fun( read "Tim3fingers bass").
As much as I and thousands of other bass players want an acoustic bass to work, they just don't. So, your choice is an upright or amplify your acoustic bass. If you choose to amplify, get flatwoumd strings( helps with finger noise, fret buzz and that horrible piezo sound ). Actually, nylon tapewounds sound the best, but they are expensive and will wear out fast on your frets(maybe 3-4 months)if you play a lot/everyday. There are few 3/4 uprights on the market in the 1000.00 range that seem to be good deals. There are, and I am sure you know, issues with an upright(size,cost,portability,etc.), but they can all be overcome if you want that sound. Just as camaros aren't ferraris', acoustic basses aren't upright basses.
Just my 2 cents worth.
Tim
"along the road, take time to smell the flowers"