In-expensive (not cheap) acoustic bass

Bob Mc · May 9th, 2003, 11:48 AM

The only affordable acoustic basses I've ever played seem to have suffered from 'from-catalog-to-the-closet' neglect.
They seem like if they had been tuned, setup and cared for they might be OK. Instead they're on consignment after a GAS Attack wore off (or possibly after MTV's unplugged fell out of favor!)
I'm looking to pick one up (played string bass in high school band, still play guitar). Anyone share experiences with me?
Any to avoid? Setneck versus bolt-on? Resontar? I'd prefer totally acoustic rather then A/E, but all considered.

Tylercaster · May 12th, 2003, 02:45 PM

It has been my experience the best sounding and loudest acoustic bass I have played (to my ear!) is made by Tacoma. All solid wood and a great design. And yes a bolt-on neck. And they just keep getting better with age. You can actually sit around with guys with acoustics and be heard instead of clank, clank, clank.. Now, those Retail for around $1350. Not really a bad price for what you are getting. The only one that I have played that comes close is a $3000 Martin.
Now for the affordable part, Tacoma has an overseas division Olympia. Which is basically the same design, just with economical materials and labor. (a la Fender-Squier)
These aren't quite as loud as the Tacomas but they do A mighty fine job listing around $400 mark brand new if I remember correctly.

Bob Mc · May 12th, 2003, 03:07 PM

Thanks for the tip; found them new for 299.95 (no case) or I can pay MORE on ebay (Buy It Now 359); hmmm, what to do...

4mal · May 12th, 2003, 07:08 PM

I have a Tac CB-10 with Fishman preamp that I just love. Great tone. ABG's aren't all that loud to begin with. Wonderful to practice with but youre buried by a couple of loud flat tops. Moral of that story is you'll probably amplify anyway and so the Olympia, if it anywhere near as good as the Tack'y might be just the ticket! That CB-10 is one of the most played basses in my herd.

Tylercaster · May 13th, 2003, 08:05 PM

Those basses are worth every penny. You can always sell it if you don't like it!

May 9th, 2003, 11:48 AM	#1 (permalink)
Bob Mc Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Mo'town NJ Posts: 1,619	In-expensive (not cheap) acoustic bass The only affordable acoustic basses I've ever played seem to have suffered from 'from-catalog-to-the-closet' neglect. They seem like if they had been tuned, setup and cared for they might be OK. Instead they're on consignment after a GAS Attack wore off (or possibly after MTV's unplugged fell out of favor!) I'm looking to pick one up (played string bass in high school band, still play guitar). Anyone share experiences with me? Any to avoid? Setneck versus bolt-on? Resontar? I'd prefer totally acoustic rather then A/E, but all considered.

May 12th, 2003, 02:45 PM	#2 (permalink)
Tylercaster Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Mississippi Age: 31 Posts: 379	Olympia It has been my experience the best sounding and loudest acoustic bass I have played (to my ear!) is made by Tacoma. All solid wood and a great design. And yes a bolt-on neck. And they just keep getting better with age. You can actually sit around with guys with acoustics and be heard instead of clank, clank, clank.. Now, those Retail for around $1350. Not really a bad price for what you are getting. The only one that I have played that comes close is a $3000 Martin. Now for the affordable part, Tacoma has an overseas division Olympia. Which is basically the same design, just with economical materials and labor. (a la Fender-Squier) These aren't quite as loud as the Tacomas but they do A mighty fine job listing around $400 mark brand new if I remember correctly. __________________ Psalm 33:3 - Play skillfully as you shout out your praises to Him!

May 12th, 2003, 03:07 PM	#3 (permalink)
Bob Mc Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Mo'town NJ Posts: 1,619	Tylercaster Thanks for the tip; found them new for 299.95 (no case) or I can pay MORE on ebay (Buy It Now 359); hmmm, what to do...

May 13th, 2003, 08:05 PM	#5 (permalink)
Tylercaster Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Mississippi Age: 31 Posts: 379	Cool.. Those basses are worth every penny. You can always sell it if you don't like it! __________________ Psalm 33:3 - Play skillfully as you shout out your praises to Him!

May 12th, 2003, 07:08 PM	#4 (permalink)
4mal Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: The Gorge Posts: 2,153	I have a Tac CB-10 with Fishman preamp that I just love. Great tone. ABG's aren't all that loud to begin with. Wonderful to practice with but youre buried by a couple of loud flat tops. Moral of that story is you'll probably amplify anyway and so the Olympia, if it anywhere near as good as the Tack'y might be just the ticket! That CB-10 is one of the most played basses in my herd.