Acoustic Bass

[MakaInOz]

The younger of my two bass players is doing some busking in a duo. She's interested in an acoustic bass to go with her mate's acoustic guitar. I've got an opportunity to get a Monterey MB-08EN at a reasonable price, but I've got no experience with acoustic basses.

Anybody know about this one?

[multisounds]

Hi Mak,

Glad to help! There are several acoustic bases with alot of brands that I cannot recall, however, I myself was playing some at a music shop the other day and I'm really starting to like their "neck action" and lighter feel about them. I've no doubt they can rock up as well. What I suggest is you look carefully at the craftmanship of the whole body structure and make sure there are no dints or scrathes first.

Secondly, have a close listen to the sound they produce as some are "fatter" than others dues to hollow wood body. I would recommend a lighter sound to medium for busking.

Thirdly, the price! They can range from $300-$800 and the difference in sound is unique although you won't hear it straight away. I'd go for something in the $400-$700 range for longevity and variability to achieve soundscape of different genres to play at a given notice for night club gigs as well. But if economic downturn is affecting you go for the lower price tag

Lastly, treat them with utmost care as they can be very fragile and won't take too many bumps continuosly. The brand I'd look at is "crafter" as I think it's most underated.

cheers
multi

[leftieray]

The Monterey are usually of good quality. A fellow bass player has one and prefer it to his electric most of the time. One thing I would suggest I'd get it set up by a top guitar guy. To get the action and internation correct. My Daughter has a Ashton acoustic bass and until it was set up properly it kept going out of tune.
Leftieray

[oleman]

When not playing my standup, I play a fretless, acoustic/electric. It is almost impossible to hear unplugged.
I really think size matters. A big box should produce more sound and probably sound better.