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#195185 02/20/13 07:04 AM
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I've been an electric bass player for 50 years.I want to get an upright as I get to play a lot with other acoustic players. My question is about size. I see 4/4, 3/4 & 1/2.Being new to this would I be better off with a 1/2 size or would be just to small for an adult. I guess the norm for rock-a-billy & country is 3/4.There is a big difference in the prices between the 2. I can get a decent 1/2 size for under $400. 3/4 will be at least double.


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Hi John.

Personally, I think half size might be just too small. Hold out for a 3/4 if you can.

If you're not used to upright basses, you'll be surprised at how quiet they are for such a big sound-box. A good big one is always going to be better than a good small one, as they say.

ROG.

ROG #195187 02/20/13 07:28 AM
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My bass player still brings a hefty amp to small gigs. He doesn't turn it up much but he does think he needs it for balance with an acoustic piano, unless the acoustics are really superb.


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Those various sizes have to do with the age and size of the player, John.

You're an adult, therefore you should select a full size instrument.



--Mac

Mac #195189 02/20/13 11:49 AM
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So being that It'll take me quite some time to learn an upright, if ever, and if I need an amp anyway I might just as well stick with my electric bass. If I want a little more of that sound I think a fretless electric would be a happy medium.


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How about an accoustic bass guitar http://www.musiciansfriend.com/acoustic-bass


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Rob Helms #195191 02/20/13 02:04 PM
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I have the natural stain version of the acoustic electric Dean bass: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/dean...CFYqf4AodtREA8A


This sounds very good acoustically and it sounds very close to an acoustic bass when amplified. That is it sounds nothing like my solid body electric bass. But I do not have an acoustic amp so with the right amp and amp settings it may sound exactly like it does when played acoustically. I picked this up used for $50 USD and it’s worth every penny.

Note that they also have a fretless version: http://www.guitarcenter.com/Dean-EAB-Fre...kpid=515949.002

Good luck and I hope this helps.


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If you're using a pc on your gig you could try MIDI-Guitar and the Sampletank with Band in a Box acoustic bass, it sounds great. MIDI Guitar is still in Beta but is pretty impressive, and the pitch bend lends itself to the acoustic bass very well.
You can check it out under http://www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=359095.


Chris
MarioD #195193 02/20/13 03:19 PM
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Quote:

I have the natural stain version of the acoustic electric Dean bass: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/dean...CFYqf4AodtREA8A


This sounds very good acoustically and it sounds very close to an acoustic bass when amplified. That is it sounds nothing like my solid body electric bass. But I do not have an acoustic amp so with the right amp and amp settings it may sound exactly like it does when played acoustically. I picked this up used for $50 USD and it’s worth every penny.

Note that they also have a fretless version: http://www.guitarcenter.com/Dean-EAB-Fre...kpid=515949.002

Good luck and I hope this helps.








Mario -

How loud is that Dean acoustic bass? Will it keep up with a dreadnought unplugged? We're going to do some busking this Spring/Summer in St. Augustine.



Regards,


Bob

90 dB #195194 02/20/13 03:36 PM
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John,

Personally, I would be a bit wary of the 3/4 although I really love a good waltz the cats you are playing with might want to play something else now and then . . . just saying.

Later,

90 dB #195195 02/20/13 04:29 PM
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Bob, all I can say is that when I jam with a friend who plays a dreadnought it is loud enough. I have not used it in anything other than this duo in my little studio so I have little experience in this area. Here it sounds great and this is not an acoustically conditioned room.

I would go to a music store and check it out to see if it is loud enough for you.


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MarioD #195196 02/20/13 04:41 PM
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Thanks Mario.

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