From: plopper@husc8.harvard.edu (George Plopper)
Newsgroups: alt.guitar.bass
Subject: Re:  Acoustic vs. Electric Basses....
Date: 16 Aug 92 03:05:56 GMT
Organization: Harvard University Science Center

In article <1992Aug15.175041.58181@cc.usu.edu> slk6p@cc.usu.edu writes:
>
>From the postings it seems there may be some  confusion regarding the
>distinctions between acoustic "Guitars" vs stand up basses.  Maybe it's just my
>own confusion.... bet hey.. . anyway.
>
>	I started on a cheep electric with a simple practice amp (Peavey TKO
>80,  still running strong).  I would recommend beginning on an electric.  For
>the sake of ease, tone abilities,  finger fatigue and all.  But do not write
>off an acoustic bass GUITAR as an option.   I spent about the same amount on a
>Sigma Guitars acoustic and hard shell case and I did on my Fender Jazz Combo w/
>case.  
>	While I love the Fender, and always will.  (It is EASIER to play) I
>have found a special place in my heart - and under my fingers - for my
>acoustic.  It is an acoustic/electric with an EQ and vol built into the guitar.  
>It has a nice tone acoustically, and a wonderfully warm deep, or remarkably
>bright and sharp tone (depending on EQ settings etc.)
>	It is a bit larger overall, but that is part of the fun of it.  It is
>definitely beautiful to look at.  It can really sing back at the amp if you
>stand close, makes for some tremendous sustain!  I would never want to abandon
>my electric,  but there are certain moments that really call for my acoutsic.
>It certainly keeps me practicing, as I can easily pull it out, and fiddle
>around watching tv or playing with music.  
>It seemed that we had different basses under discussion before.  I don't use a
>bow on this bass.  and the case (a very nice one) was ~$100 not $350.  I'd love
>to try a standup bass sometime.  My dad played one in the airforce band.  I
>just can't imagine it!

OK, I think it's time we heard from the original poster, whose identity I
failed to note. You are right- it was traditional acoustic bass "fiddle" vs.
solidbody electric bass guitar. Just what was the original question about?
My "electric advocacy" concerns the kinds of music I'm interested in playing,
and that means jazz, folk, blues, and world beat (with rock thrown in if
required). If I remember rightly, the "acoustic advocate" played a fair
amount of classical and show/stage pit gigs. Big discrepancy there, one worth
noting. So, I suppose a central question is: what kind of music do you want
to play? Seems that has a big impact on the kind of instrument you want to use.
My own experience with acoustic bass GUITARS is that they sound like electric
basses (i.e., solidbody) when amplified, and like quiet acoustic guitars
(note: QUIET) when played w/o amplification. I have not yet been won over to 
the idea that a bass can resonate from a body nearly the same size as a regular
guitar without sounding thin and weak. Clearly, others do not share this
conviction. So, my advice to the original poster: Now you've got THREE 
(actually, four, if you include the electric upright!) instruments to 
choose from- have some fun, and by all means, throw your two
cents into this forum when you finally do decide which instrument is right
for you. Perhaps I am a fanatic, but this strikes me as a rather important
issue for us bassists- one worth hashing out.

>PS-  Amps:  I have an old home-made Peavey cabinet w/ 2x15's.  I got one
>replaced from Peavey ( a black widow nowadays) and they were very nice to work
>with.  I run it with a Crate head (200W).  It does the trick, and has held up
>fine for several years of my use.  
>
Personally, I hate Peavey's sound: I had a Mark III for years and never
knew the joys of warm sound until I got my SWR. I had a polytone minibrute
for years, too, and loved it- just too small for the kinds of gigs I was 
getting. I guess I may sound like a snob: SWRs, electric uprights, etc.
are not cheap, by any means, and I guess not everyone wants to spend that
kind of cash on this type of equipment. Thus, my opinions are qualified
somewhat by the fact that I dove in big time and spent a lot of money
on my equipment... not necessary, certainly, to enjoy playing bass. I got
along fine for 10 years with "lousy" stuff....


-- 
George Plopper 
Email: plopper@husc8.harvard.edu
"I wish somebody'd tell me what diddy-wah-diddy means."