Acoustic bass
Contents
Présentation
The acoustic bass is the bass guitar what folk is the electric guitar, the intimate companion at all times, the instrument that will take and shake against itself.
Unfortunately, guitars comparaisons folk, few manufacturers in producing, and when they make the choice is rather limited. Add to this the fact that few stores have exhibitions, and you all ingredients into a relatively shunned the bass.
The acoustic bass, unlike the electric bass, has a sounding board, which consists of 3 parts:
For an acoustic instrument, the quality of the wood will be paramount, the better wood, better sound the instrument.
The wood most commonly used are:
The most important part in sound quality is the soundboard. There are two types of tables:
The massive table provides a sound quality far superior to tables plated, and this should lead you to think well when you purchase, because the table mass will obviously more expensive, but it is an instrument that can keep you long. For in addition to the higher sound quality, the instrument will improve with time ... a bit like good wine.
However, it is not obliged to € 1,000 or more to correct an acoustic instrument and be happy. Moreover, whatever one may say, the sound is in the fingers. The hit made all the difference. Jonas Hellborg, the great master of the acoustic bass played for a while on a Crafter BA400 to 400 € on which he changed the original preamp to install a Shadow.
Here is a personal selection of the best models available on the market, for all budgets.
Ibanez AEB10
Olympia OB3CE
Takamine EG512C
Crafter GAB24
Cort NTLB
Tacoma CB10
Warwick Alien
If you decided to do it, here's one last tip:
It is very popular to say that the low acoustic instruments are secondary, they are uncomfortable to play. WRONG!
Piece for acoustic bass on my composition entitled "desert" in listening
First, let me address a point of confusion should be clarified: many bass players think that buying a acoustic bass, they will be able to accompany their buddies at small horse sound, or you risk of be disappointed.
Few acoustic bass arrive to compete with an acoustic guitar. Never mind if someone starts to sing, and a 2nd guitarist to join the party.
No, the acoustic bass is not made to play "sound" with friends ... unless of course that you do not hear does not dislike you!
To hear you, and you hear better, you can connect your bass amp on. I say that the acoustic bass, or at least almost all you find on the market are in fact electro-acoustic bass, so you can plug into the amp without any problems.
For amplification, a traditional bass amp will do, even if there are amplifiers designed for acoustic instruments. These amplifiers are generally high quality and offer a sound that respects the neutral sound of the instrument. In addition, all are equipped with reverb, very used for acoustic instruments, which simulates a room effect.
Here is an excellent model in MARKBASS, specially designed for acoustic bass with reverb and chorus integrated.
Markbass AC101
However, if you use a traditional bass amp, there are in reverb box. The model Picoverb Alesis is an excellent choice for an affordable price.
Acoustic bass are most often mounted home with bronze strings. You can recognize them through their golden color. Of course, you can mount games strings standards, nickel, while the bronze strings do not agree. There was no rope better than another, there is just a touch and sound different.
The best advice I can give you for the strings is to try and get your own opinion.
