This post is largely from a 2019 comment I made on talkbass.com, the forum and social media website for bass builders and bass guitarists.

Acoustic bass guitars are very cool and fun. They possess a unique woody tone distinct from that of a solid body electric bass. It’s handy to keep it on the couch next to the pooch for instant bass noise when inspiration strikes.

That being said, the ABG’s acoustic-only volume is generally too low to jam in groups. Playing with other than one quiet guitar would be frustrating.

So when jamming plug in and amp up with a small portable like the Hognose or, my choice, the small Roland Bass Cube. Many choices in drum tracks, effects and different vintage amps modeled. Livens up practice and keeps it interesting.

And if you are elderly or have joint or muscle issues the stretch needed to play an ABG can be significantly more than with the flat, contoured solid body bass, depending on bass scale, body width and depth.

Not a worry if you’re young and fit. Otherwise try before buying.
They are also bulky to case up and store and some are neck-divers despite the light weight. Again, play before buying if you can.

But the sweet sound is why we play and acoustic basses are another different tone choice in our arsenal.

I’ve owned a beautiful $200 Fender BG-29, a Luna Tat uke contrabass, and a giant $120 Dean ABG [and now a Hadean F-hole ukulele bass] all made unique and pleasing sounds different from my solid electric basses.

I passed [most of] my ABGs on for ergonomic reasons but I miss the tone and the convenience and might buy another one. Then do lots of Physical Therapy for the arthritis.

[PS – I bought this Hadean F-hole uke bass for that woody percussive tone with little sustain, vaguely similar to a stand-up double bass if you close one eye and ear.]

Unless noted, all text and images by todgermanica.com.