Acoustic Bass or Acoustic-Electric Bass?

Question

I'm gonna get a bass guitar and I'm not sure which is better to get. My mom isn't much help since she doesn't know either. So, which one should I get? Acoustic Bass or Acoustic-Electric Bass?

Answer 1

There is no such thing as an acoustic bass guitar with no electric component at all, they are all acoustic/electric - at least, not in any standard production, you probably could find some boutique luthier somewhere who makes a custom one, but that's not for beginners. Bass sound waves have a huge long wavelength and you need a large body to generate it at any volume - that's why upright basses are so huge, along with tubas, baritone saxes, etc. You HAVE to use amplification to get any volume out of a bass guitar even if it has an acoustic body.



Considering that, acoustic/electric bass guitars are kind of cool but they're generally novelty instruments, and the ones at lower price points are not very good. Unless you're really in love with one, I would say start out on a standard solidbody electric bass.

Answer 2

Getting either as a firts bass is unusual - most people start with an ordinary electric bass and small amp.



So far as acoustic basses are concerned, a built-in pickup only has any point if you are going to be performing in a band with other players.

Answer 3

you should get an electric bass. You can get headphone bass amps are small practice amps to learn with.

Unless you are planning to do all acoustic sets like "Unplugged" or folk music, an electric bass is the best choice.

The Squier P-Bass is a tried and true design. and is not too expensive.