13 Best Acoustic Bass Guitars That Actually Sound Good (2024)

best acoustic bass guitars

Acoustic bass guitars are a unique and versatile instrument that can add a rich, low-end tone to any musical ensemble.

However, with so many options on the market, it cannot be easy to know which one is right for you.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best acoustic bass guitars for musicians.

Including models from some of the industry’s most well-known and respected brands, such as Fender, Taylor, and Martin.

If you’re a folk singer hoping to expand your sound, a jazz artist looking for a soft and warm character in their music, or even an aspiring bluegrass musician wishing for powerful bass notes – we sure have something here for you.

So without further ado, let’s dive into it.

Top 13 Best Acoustic Bass Guitars

Takamine GB30CE Acoustic Bass Guitars

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High-quality, reliable craftsmanship with refined sound.

The Takamine GB30CE is a reliable and refined acoustic bass guitar, boasting a classic concert body design, superior tonewoods, and precision die-cast chrome tuners. It also features a TK-40B preamp with a three-band EQ, gain knob, mid-shift, and bass boost, allowing guitarists to create their desired tone. Whether played acoustically or plugged in, this instrument delivers robust lows, balanced mids, and clear trebles.

Takamine GB30CE Acoustic Bass Guitars on a white background

Takamine acoustic guitars boast extraordinary craftsmanship and reliability that sets them apart from the competition.

The Takamine GB30CE exemplifies the brand’s excellence and demonstrates a natural blend of classic design, modern hardware, and superior tonewoods.

At first glance, it appears to be a basic concert body shape with a single cutaway.

However, further, inspection reveals the outstanding build quality that Takamine is renowned for. Its solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides provide excellent tone, while its smooth neck profile allows for smooth playability.

The headstock houses die-cast chrome tuners that offer precision, fine adjustment, and critical retention in addition to Indian rosewood on the other end of the instrument.

The TK-40B preamp works with the transducer pickup to give guitarists great control over their sound.

In addition, a three-band EQ, gain knob, mid-shift, and bass boost are at the player’s disposal as they attempt to sculpt their perfect tonal landscape.

When played acoustically or plugged in, Takamine GB30CE delivers robust lows and balanced mids along with clear trebles.

Plus, thanks to its onboard EQ system, guitarists can quickly adjust their tone without resorting to external pedal effects or preamps.

All these features make Takamine GB30CE stand out as one of today’s most impressive acoustic bass guitars – highly reliable but also highly refined – delivering unparalleled performance for years to come.

  • Pros:
    • Reliable craftsmanship.
    • Modern hardware.
    • Superior tonewoods.
  • Cons:
    • None.

My final verdict is that the Takamine GB30CE is an outstanding acoustic bass guitar that offers great sound quality, reliability, and playability.

With its solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, as well as its onboard EQ system with three-band EQ, gain knob, mid-shift, and bass boost, players can expect to achieve unparalleled performance and tonal control.

Martin BC-16E Acoustic Bass Guitar

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Stunning craftsmanship, superior tone, durable build.

The Martin BC-16E Acoustic Bass Guitar offers superior craftsmanship and sound quality with its solid Sitka spruce top, hardwood neck, and Fishman Matrix V electronics. Its 23 frets, durable build, and tone controls make it ideal for both stage and daily use. Despite its high price, the BC-16E’s superior tone makes it worth every penny.

Martin BC-16E Acoustic Bass Guitar on a white background

The Martin BC-16E Acoustic Bass Guitar is designed to stand out from the crowd.

Crafted with a hardwood neck and an ebony fingerboard complete with 23 frets, this stunning instrument has a tone that’s as rich as it is dynamic.

With its solid Sitka spruce top and natural finish, the BC-16E exudes quality and craftsmanship.

But what truly sets this high-end acoustic bass guitar apart is its Fishman Matrix V electronics — equipped with volume and tone controls — which showcase this instrument’s spectacular range of sound without sacrificing clarity or resonance.

The BC-16E also offers an unparalleled level of durability that promises to last a lifetime without compromising on playability.

So for those looking for an acoustic bass guitar that’s fancy enough for the stage yet rugged enough for daily use, the Martin BC-16E may be your answer.

Though admittedly pricey compared to most other models on the market, it’ll be worth every penny for its best-in-class tone alone!

  • Pros:
    • High-end sound.
    • Durable and playable.
    • Fishman Matrix V.
  • Cons:
    • Expensive.
    • No accessories.

My final verdict is that the Martin BC-16E Acoustic Bass Guitar is an excellent choice for those looking for an acoustic bass guitar that is of high quality and great sound.

Its Fishman Matrix V electronics, hardwood neck, ebony fingerboard, and solid Sitka spruce top make it an excellent choice for any musician looking for a reliable, durable instrument that promises to last a lifetime.

Its price may be higher than most other models on the market, but it will be worth every penny for its exceptional tone alone.

Gold Tone Mbass­25 Acoustic Bass Guitars

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Unique design, reliable performance, immense tonal range.

The Gold Tone Mbass­25 acoustic bass guitar offers a beautiful and reliable sound thanks to its mahogany body and transducer pickup with preamp. It has a dreadnought shape, die-cast tuners, and a bridge/saddle combo. It provides massive lows, well-defined mids, and beautiful highs when plugged into an amplifier or effects pedals.

Gold Tone Mbass­25 Acoustic Bass Guitars on a white background

The Gold Tone Mbass­25 is a true standout amongst acoustic bass guitars due to its unique design and exceptional quality.

Its dreadnought shape and solid mahogany body create an eye-catching aesthetic complemented by reliable die-cast tuners and a bridge/saddle combo, which provide incredible accuracy, playability, and structural integrity – even despite the short-scale model.

Furthermore, Gold Tone has included a transducer pickup with a preamp for additional adjustments between volume, bass, and trebles – allowing you to achieve an array of different tones that fit your desired sound.

When it comes to the audible performance of this instrument, it’s clear why it stands out from the rest.

It has an immense range of tones throughout all frequencies thanks to its short scale, massive lows, and well-defined mids.

All combined provide an incredibly wholesome sound with smooth transitions resulting in beautiful highs that come through incredibly well when plugged into an amplifier or effects pedals.

In summary, no matter what genre you prefer or your playing style, there’s no doubt the Gold Tone Mbass­25 will be more than capable of delivering the right sound and feel you’re looking for in an acoustic bass guitar.

  • Pros:
    • Unique design.
    • Exceptional quality.
    • Smooth transitions.
  • Cons:
    • None.

My final verdict is that the Gold Tone Mbass­25 is an outstanding acoustic bass guitar, offering an eye-catching design, exceptional quality, and an immense range of tones that can be tailored to any playing style.

Its transducer pickup and preamp provide the perfect platform for achieving the desired sound that any musician is looking for, and its short-scale model achieves beautiful highs and massive lows, resulting in a wholesome and well-defined sound.

Fender CB­60SCE Acoustic Bass Guitars

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Premium sound, solid spruce/mahogany build with Fishman preamp.

The Fender CB-60SCE is a mid-range, high-quality acoustic guitar with a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides. It’s available in a classic lacquer or black finish, and can be outfitted with a Fishman preamp system for amplified performance. Expect excellent construction, good projection, and faithful reproduction of sound when plugged in.

Fender CB­60SCE Acoustic Bass Guitars on a white background

Fender has become a trendsetter in the mid-range acoustic instruments market, with their CB-60SCE being one of the most capable specimens.

For many people looking to pick up their first instrument, brands like Fender offer security in the form of a rock-solid reputation – something that’s apparent as soon as you focus on this bass guitar.

Essentially featuring a concert body shape with a cutaway, the CB-60SCE is built out of solid spruce on top and mahogany for the back and sides, and neck.

Additionally, you will find top, binding, and fretboard binding paired with a simple black pickguard, offered in either classic lacquer or black finishes.

The construction quality is excellent, exuding confidence when handled – aided by the signature Fender die-cast tuning machines at the headstock.

The bridge and saddle are pretty basic but come already set up from the factory.

Not that there’s much need for further tinkering as playing it straight out of its case should sound satisfactory enough – even more so if it happens to be an acoustic-electric model outfitted with a Fishman preamp system.

In terms of sound performance, there is some difference between the two builds available: concert body offers a wider lower end while dreadnought focuses more on mids and trebles.

But regardless of which you choose, expect definition, clarity, projection, and mahogany to deliver a nice edge, especially within lower frequencies.

And plugged into an amp or PA system, the Fishman package really comes into play, offering faithful reproduction with good tone controls.

  • Pros:
    • Excellent construction.
    • Widened low end.
    • Fishman preamp.
  • Cons:
    • Basic bridge.
    • Differing sound builds.
    • No customization.

My final verdict is that the Fender CB-60SCE is an excellent mid-range acoustic instrument that stands out for its high quality construction, reliable reputation, and superb sound performance.

Whether you opt for the concert body or dreadnought model, you can expect great definition, clarity, projection, and mahogany warmth that is further enhanced when plugged into an amp or PA system.

Dean EAB Acoustic Bass Guitars

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High-quality craftsmanship, big sound, affordable price.

Dean’s EAB bass guitar is a quality, affordable instrument, with a jumbo body shape made from mahogany and spruce. It features an internal passive preamp, adjustable volume and treble control, and sounds sharp, clear, and massive. Its craftsmanship, hardware, and preamp faithfully capture its acoustic sound, making it one of the best acoustic bass guitars available today.

Dean EAB Acoustic Bass Guitars on a white background

Dean has cemented itself as one of the most well-known brands for its reliable yet affordable instruments.

Their EAB bass guitar is among the most impressive pieces currently on the market, offering an exceptional level of performance for an accessible price.

Upon first glance, this guitar looks polished and sturdy with a jumbo body shape made from mahogany and spruce.

White binding wraps around the top and fretboard in addition to a slim waistline – all indicative of this instrument’s quality craftsmanship.

Tuning machines, bridge, and saddle are spot-on and makeup part of the guitar’s dependable hardware.

Dean’s EAB is available in black or natural finish, complete with an internal passive preamp that allows you to adjust volume and treble control.

The jumbo shape adds an extra depth to any performance while ensuring each note – low, mid, or high – comes out sounding sharp, clear, convincing, and massive.

Additionally, the preamp faithfully captures its acoustic sound without losing any of its authentic characters along the way.

Overall, Dean’s EAB offers a fantastic deal that makes it one of the best acoustic bass guitars available today.

  • Pros:
    • Reliable & affordable.
    • Polished & sturdy.
    • Exceptional performance.
  • Cons:
    • None.

My final verdict is that Dean’s EAB acoustic bass guitar is an excellent choice for its accessible price, high-quality craftsmanship, and fantastic sound.

With its jumbo body shape and preamp, it is an ideal instrument for any performance.

Guild Jumbo Junior Acoustic Bass Guitar

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Affordable mid-range acoustic bass with stunning looks.

The Guild Jumbo Junior is an ergonomic mid-range acoustic bass with a solid build and AP-1 active piezo electronics. It features a Sitka spruce top, maple neck, ebony fingerboard, and 19 frets for an effortless playing experience and exceptional tone. Affordable for its features, it is perfect for both beginners and seasoned players needing a secondary acoustic bass.

Guild Jumbo Junior Acoustic Bass Guitar on a white background

If you’re looking for a mid-range acoustic bass with stunning looks, the Guild Jumbo Junior should be your go-to!

This guitar is ergonomically designed to provide an effortless playing experience and an excellent tone.

Its solid build comprises a Sitka spruce top, maple neck, ebony fingerboard, and 19 frets.

It also features Guild AP-1 active piezo electronics – all of which combine to create an unparalleled sound quality.

Unfortunately, there are no controls over the electronics, but it’s still an affordable option considering its features.

Whether you’re just starting or a seasoned player needing a secondary acoustic bass, you can’t go wrong with the Guild Jumbo Junior!

  • Pros:
    • Ergonomic design.
    • Solid build.
    • Excellent sound.
  • Cons:
    • No controls.
    • Mid-range price.

My final verdict is that the Guild Jumbo Junior is an excellent mid-range acoustic bass that offers a great playing experience, tone, and build quality.

Its combination of Sitka spruce, maple neck, ebony fingerboard, and Guild AP-1 active piezo electronics make it a great choice for both new players and those looking for a secondary acoustic bass.

Although there are no controls over the electronics, this is understandable given its affordability.

Best Choice EAB Acoustic Bass Guitars

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Affordable, quality materials, great sound with preamp features.

Best Choice EAB offers an affordable acoustic bass guitar with an attractive glossy black finish and quality laminated tonewoods. The hardware features die-cast machines, a synthetic bridge and saddle, and a 4-band preamp with master volume control. When plugged in, you’ll get a warm, balanced sound with rich lows and sparkling treble clarity. This is an ideal choice for beginners or those on a budget!

Best Choice EAB Acoustic Bass Guitars on a white background

The available options can often be sparse when finding the ideal budget acoustic bass guitar.

Fortunately, Best Choice EAB offers an affordable answer, providing an elegant and effective solution.

While there may be more high-end models on the market, there is still plenty of value to gain from this brand.

In terms of tonewoods used in construction, many manufacturers in this price range tend to opt for lower-quality materials; this being said, however, Best Choice EAB does have a few surprises up its sleeve.

The exterior may appear glossy black, but upon closer inspection, you will find nato wood on the back and sides and spruce on the top – all laminated wood that is parred for the course when it comes to this price point.

Quality control issues are always something to watch out for with these brands.

Although inconsistencies can arise from time to time, Best Choice offers customers a very generous return policy.

As far as hardware goes, we find familiar features throughout die-cast machines on the headstock, which are pretty adequate when compared to other models in its segment.

Synthetic bridge and saddle at either end; no problems when it comes to crucial retention, plus a four-band preamp including master volume control – offering a smooth sound that can be easily transferred over to an amp if desired.

Although some performance variations might occur due to quality control issues out of the box, setup should help resolve any issues and enhance general sound output considerably.

Speaking of sound output: lows are richly articulated while higher-pitched notes maintain even balance – warm overall with a sparkle of treble clarity.

Once plugged in, you’ll receive plenty of volumes and an excellent render of acoustic tones, thanks to the preamp features previously described.

Best Choice EAB is worth your time and money if you’re looking for a good starter model or something more on the budget side!

  • Pros:
    • Good starter model.
    • Budget friendly.
    • Quality hardware.
  • Cons:
    • Low-quality materials.
    • Performance inconsistencies.

My final verdict is that Best Choice EAB is a great value for a budget acoustic bass guitar.

Although there may be some quality control issues, the generous return policy and adequate hardware and sound output make it a worthwhile choice for a starter model or those looking for something more budget friendly.

Fender Kingman V2 Acoustic Bass Guitars

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High-end tone, effortless playability, great value.

The Fender Kingman V2 acoustic bass offers a solid spruce top with laminated mahogany sides and back, a Jazz Bass-style headstock, and a Fishman pickup system with 3-band EQ controls. It provides a more natural tone than electric models, with increased depth, broad-range performance, full projection, and more pronounced treble and mids. Perfect for Pop, Rock, and Indie genres.

Fender Kingman V2 Acoustic Bass Guitars on a white background

The Kingman V2 is Fender’s latest contribution to the world of acoustic basses, bringing together the Californian manufacturer’s legendary pedigree, modern construction, and some truly impressive tones – all at a price tag that won’t break the bank.

This auditorium-shaped beauty boasts a solid spruce top with laminated mahogany sides and back, so it looks as good as it sounds.

Its Jazz Bass-style headstock and 30.3″ mahogany neck also feature a comfortably-contoured C-shape for smooth playability.

The walnut fingerboard has 20 frets adorned with block inlays, plus a beautiful golden pickguard matched by aged white binding around the edges for a classic look.

A Fishman pickup system with 3-band EQ controls, tuner, and adjustable such as volume, notch, brilliance, and phase lets you amplify this acoustic bass to your desired sound level.

Despite the increased depth compared to solid-body electric basses, it’s an effortless adjustment in playing style.

Depending on your needs, when played unplugged or plugged in, expect broad-range performance with full projection and a more natural tone than most traditional electric instruments could offer.

The treble and mids are more pronounced here than on electric models, delivering a big deep bassy punch when required.

As such, this model is best suited for Pop, Rock, and Indie genres at lower volume jams though it can still handle more challenging situations if need be!

  • Pros:
    • Versatile tones.
    • Comfortable playability.
    • Classic look.
  • Cons:
    • Not suitable for high volume.

My final verdict is that the Fender Kingman V2 is an excellent acoustic bass that offers great looks, playability, and tone at an affordable price.

Its solid spruce top, mahogany neck, and Fishman pickup system make it ideal for Pop, Rock, and Indie genres, while its broad-range performance and full projection make it suitable for more challenging situations.

Taylor GS Mini­-e Acoustic Bass Guitars

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Premium tonewoods, wide sound range, Taylor quality.

The Taylor GS Mini-e acoustic bass guitar features a modified concert body shape with solid Sitka spruce top and layered sapele back and sides. Its ES-B pickup/preamp system provides basic controls and a built-in chromatic tuner for convenience. When strummed, this small-scale acoustic bass delivers massive lows and wide mids, plus great sound and natural acoustics. Taylor’s trusted bracing technique and high-quality tonewoods make it one of the best acoustic bass guitars available.

Taylor GS Mini­-e Acoustic Bass Guitars on a white background

Taylor GS Mini-e is an acoustic bass guitar that stands out amongst the rest due to its modified concert body shape and broader lower bout.

The tonewoods used in its construction are of the highest quality; solid Sitka spruce on the top, layered sapele for the back and sides, and detailed binding with a varnish finish.

The hardware consists of standard die-cast chrome tuners, a West African ebony bridge, a Micarta saddle, and a Nubone nut.

This instrument also includes Taylor’s ES-B pickup/preamp combination, which features basic controls and a built-in chromatic tuner for convenience.

When strummed, this small-scale acoustic bass delivers massive lows alongside wide mids – thanks partly to its lower bout – while offering an overall balanced performance when plugged in.

In addition, its natural acoustics sound great despite its lack of sound box real estate, and Taylor’s bracing technique helps contribute to this result.

Taylor GS Mini-e is a perfect example of why Taylor is one of the most trusted names in the acoustic guitar industry.

It’s no surprise that it has become one of the best acoustic bass guitars you can find today.

  • Pros:
    • High quality tonewoods.
    • Standard hardware.
    • Rich, balanced sound.
  • Cons:
    • None.

My final verdict is that the Taylor GS Mini-e is an exceptional acoustic bass guitar, providing the highest quality tonewoods, reliable hardware, and incredible sound.

Taylor’s bracing technique and ES-B pickup/preamp combination add to the overall excellence of this instrument, making it one of the best acoustic bass guitars on the market today.

Ibanez AEB10E Acoustic Bass Guitars

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Aesthetic beauty, reliable components, great tone.

The Ibanez AEB10E acoustic bass guitar provides a stylish look and great sound, featuring a mahogany back and sides, solid spruce top, Fishman preamp and Sonicore pickup, and onboard tuner. This instrument offers a balanced low-end warmth, clear mids, and punchy trebles for a true plugged-in tone.

Ibanez AEB10E Acoustic Bass Guitars on a white background

Ibanez AEB10E is an acoustic bass guitar that epitomizes style and performance.

Its elegant design, comprised of a mahogany back and sides, solid spruce top, dark stain burst finish, pearl inlays, abalone rosette, and pearl binding, will make any player stand out during performances.

Furthermore, the iconic Ibanez quality is evident throughout its build; it is made with only the finest materials in one of its secondary factories.

In addition to its aesthetic beauty, this guitar includes a set of reliable lockers and a rosewood bridge.

As for electronics, Fishman provides an SST preamp and Sonicore pickup combo that offers plenty of control over sound production with its bass, treble and volume controls, and an onboard tuner.

Musically, the Ibanez AEB10E has an excellent tone profile that features balanced low-end warmth complemented by clear mids and punchy trebles.

When plugged in, this bass guitar captures the actual sound of the instrument with an authentic plugged-in tone. Couple all these features together and get an acoustic bass guitar that looks striking and performs exceptionally!

  • Pros:
    • Elegant design.
    • Ibanez quality.
    • Reliable lockers.
  • Cons:
    • None.

My final verdict is that the Ibanez AEB10E is an outstanding acoustic bass guitar that has an elegant design and excellent sound quality.

The combination of its mahogany back and sides, solid spruce top, dark stain burst finish, pearl inlays, abalone rosette, and pearl binding make for a visually stunning instrument.

Its reliable lockers, rosewood bridge, and Fishman SST preamp and Sonicore pickup offer plenty of control over sound production, and the onboard tuner makes it easy to stay in tune.

The tone profile of the Ibanez AEB10E is balanced and provides warm lows, clear mids, and punchy trebles.

When plugged in, it captures the actual sound of the instrument with a very authentic tone.

Dean Exotica Quilt Ash Acoustic Bass Guitars

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Eye-catching, versatile acoustic bass with easy-tweaking EQ.

The Dean Exotica Quilt Ash Bass is an attractive acoustic bass guitar with a quilt ash body, mahogany neck, and rosewood fingerboard. It comes with a DMT G05 Preamp system, under-saddle piezo pickup, built-in tuner, and sealed die-cast tuning machines for great sound. It also features four-band EQ for easy tweaking of tones.

Dean Exotica Quilt Ash Acoustic Bass Guitars on a white background

Acoustic basses may not be at the top of every bassist’s wish list, but they have their place.

Whether in a softer, more acoustic live setting or just for practice purposes so you can hear your playing better, the Dean Exotica Quilt Ash Bass is an attractive model with plenty of features that make it a definite competitor in the acoustic bass guitar market.

The body of the Exotica is made from quilt ash and shaped in a dreadnought style, giving it an eye-catching glossy finish.

Available in natural wood and a deep trans-blue color, this instrument looks fantastic no matter which option you choose.

Due to the D shape profile, the mahogany neck is set in construction and feels comfortable to play with. On its rosewood fingerboard are 21 frets that help round out its sound.

As for hardware, this model comes with the highly versatile Dean DMT G05 Preamp system along with an under-saddle piezo pickup.

It also has a built-in chromatic tuner that can adjust reference pitch up to 440 Hz and even a low battery indicator, so you know when you’re running low on power during gigs.

Additionally, Dean-designed sealed die-cast tuning machines offer chrome plated finish and smooth turning capabilities.

At the same time, an available case isn’t included in the purchase price.

Finally, when it comes to sound quality, the Exotica produces decent tone unplugged – although it may lack depth and projection compared to other models – while plugged in.

However, its four bands EQ (low, middle 1, middle 2 & high) allow for easy tweaking of great tones to achieve your desired sound – something many more expensive models don’t afford users!

  • Pros:
    • Attractive design.
    • DMT G05 Preamp.
    • Chromatic tuner.
  • Cons:
    • Limited projection.
    • No depth of sound.

My final verdict is that the Dean Exotica Quilt Ash Bass is an attractive, highly versatile and great sounding instrument that is well worth the purchase price.

Its eye-catching finish, comfortable neck profile, four-band EQ and under-saddle pickup make it a great option for both live and practice purposes.

Takamine GB72CE Jumbo Acoustic Bass Guitar

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Vast sound and comfort, TK-40B preamp system.

The Takamine GB72CE Jumbo Acoustic Bass provides big sound with low-end response and excellent projection, perfect for stage and studio use. Featuring a mahogany neck, ebony fingerboard, and 21 frets, it is equipped with the TK-40B preamp system. Its classic sunburst finish adds to its attractive profile, although its large body size may not be suitable for those looking for a more portable model.

Takamine GB72CE Jumbo Acoustic Bass Guitar on a white background

The Takamine GB72CE Jumbo Acoustic Bass is the perfect choice for those seeking a guitar with impressive projection and low-end response.

Sporting a larger body than the usual acoustic bass, this instrument ensures you can take full advantage of its bright sound and excellent projection for use in both stage and studio scenarios.

The instrument also features a mahogany neck for superb playability, an ebony fingerboard for superior comfort, and 21 frets for easy access to upper registers.

Additionally, it is equipped with Takamine’s TK-40B preamp system so you can make the most out of your performance capabilities.

Furthermore, its classic sunburst finish adds aesthetic charm to its already attractive profile.

However, remember that the large body size might appeal to only some people looking for a more portable model.

Nevertheless, when it comes to versatility and performance, the Takamine GB72CE Jumbo Acoustic Bass will undoubtedly satisfy your needs.

  • Pros:
    • Impressive projection.
    • Low-end response.
    • Mahogany neck.
  • Cons:
    • Large body.
    • Not portable.

My final verdict is that the Takamine GB72CE Jumbo Acoustic Bass is an excellent choice for those seeking a guitar with impressive projection and low-end response.

Its larger body size and classic sunburst finish make it a great instrument for both stage and studio performances, while its mahogany neck, ebony fingerboard, 21 frets, and TK-40B preamp system make it a highly versatile and capable tool.

Although its size might not be suitable for those looking for portability, its performance and versatility make it a great choice for any musician.

Cordoba Mini II EB-E Acoustic Bass Guitar

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Small-scale acoustic bass with superior sound quality.

The Cordoba Mini II EB-E is a great acoustic bass guitar for beginners with smaller hands, featuring a solid Spruce top, composite fingerboard, 19 frets, and MB103 electronics for recording or live performances. Its size makes it a perfect option for learners, but more experienced players may find it too small for their needs.

Cordoba Mini II EB-E Acoustic Bass Guitar on a white background

For those looking to learn the intricacies of playing bass guitar, the Cordoba Mini II EB-E Acoustic Bass Guitar is an ideal choice for those with smaller hands who may find other acoustic bass guitars too unwieldy.

Crafted with the same quality you’ve expected from Cordoba, this model combines solid Spruce top and neck components with an impressive composite fingerboard and 19 frets.

The MB103 electronics also make it an excellent option for recording or live performances, making it a worthy investment that will grow alongside you as your skills develop.

Despite its superior craftsmanship and technology, this bass’s size makes it likely to be outgrown by more experienced players eventually.

Compact yet well-made, the Cordoba Mini II EB-E offers beginners a superb way to hone their craft without sacrificing sound quality or performance.

  • Pros:
    • Compact size.
    • Excellent craftsmanship.
    • MB103 electronics.
  • Cons:
    • Not ideal for large hands.

My final verdict is that the Cordoba Mini II EB-E Acoustic Bass Guitar is the perfect instrument for beginners looking to learn the basics of bass guitar playing, as it is compact and well-made, and includes features for recording or performing live.

However, more experienced players may eventually outgrow this instrument.

What should you look for when buying an acoustic bass guitar? 

When buying an acoustic bass guitar, there are a few key factors to consider.

From the type of wood to the size and shape, these factors can impact the overall sound quality and feel of your instrument.

Also, the type of strings and pickups will definitely affect the sound you get from your bass guitar at any point in your playing.

Let’s take a closer look at each of these:

– Wood type

Even though this has been a big debate in the guitar community for the longest time, different types of wood will give your acoustic bass guitar a unique sound.

Maple, mahogany, and spruce are some of the more popular choices for acoustic bass guitars. These tend to sound more balanced and produce a much warmer tone.

Other wood types, such as poplar, rosewood, and walnut, are also commonly used in acoustic bass guitars.

But what is right for you will depend on the type of sound and style you are looking to achieve or what tone the music you are playing requires.

– Size and shape of the instrument

The size and shape of the acoustic bass guitar will also affect its sound.

For example, bigger instruments will have a larger body and will produce more resonance, while smaller ones tend to be less resonant but can still offer a lot of volume.

benefits-acoustic-bass-guitars

On the other hand, the shape of the instrument tends to also affect the tone a bit as well.

Jumbo shapes, for example, are great for a fuller sound, while smaller body shapes produce a more crisp and defined tone.

– Strings and pickups

Even though the strings are replaceable, the type of strings used on your acoustic bass guitar will be another factor in determining its sound.

Steel-stringed basses tend to produce a brighter and more cutting tone, while nylon strings provide a softer, mellower sound.

Also, not all acoustic bass guitars come with pickups, but if you are looking for one that does, it’s important to consider the type and model of pickup you are getting.

Magnetic pickups capture the sound more accurately, while piezo pickups provide a more natural tone and are great for live performances.

– Your current budget

This is, I think, the deciding factor for a lot of people.

It is important to consider your budget when buying an acoustic bass guitar and look for models that fit your price range.

There are a lot of different models out there, so it is worth researching and looking around to find the right one for you.

Unfourtanely, the more money you put in, the better quality instrument you will get since it will have better components and a higher quality build.

However, this does not necessarily mean that the sound will be superior, as plenty of budget-friendly models can still produce great tones.

Reasons for getting an acoustic bass guitar

An acoustic bass guitar is an excellent choice for musicians who are looking to add a unique and powerful sound to their music.

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular reasons why people decide to get an acoustic bass guitar:

– To experiment with your sound

An acoustic bass is a relatively new instrument that can experiment with new styles and techniques.

For some people, this can be a great way to expand their musical repertoire and add a unique element to their sound.

You can also take advantage of the acoustic bass guitar’s various settings and controls to create a true sound.

It’s not about replacing the traditional electric bass guitar, but it’s about adding something new to your sound and implementing both instruments whenever necessary.

– For practicing and recording

The acoustic bass guitar is perfect for musicians who must practice in a small space or record audio at home.

Due to its lightweight design and smaller frame, an acoustic bass guitar can easily be transported without taking up too much space.

It also doesn’t require amps or electricity for practicing, making it the perfect instrument for recording on a laptop or other device with minimal setup time.

On the other hand, it’s really not that loud, so if you have family around you, it won’t bother them or interrupt your practice.

– To save money on equipment

Some of you might be wondering why you should invest in an acoustic bass guitar instead of the traditional electric model.

Well, if you’re a beginner or on a budget, investing in an acoustic bass could be a great option because they are generally less expensive than electric models.

This is because they don’t require additional equipment like amps, cables, and pedals which can add up in terms of cost.

Still not sure about buying an acoustic bass? Watch this video to have more elements and make the right decision:

Should I buy an acoustic bass?

How is an acoustic bass guitar different from an electric bass guitar? 

An acoustic bass guitar is a stringed instrument that uses natural resonance to produce sound without needing electrical amplification.

It resembles a standard acoustic guitar in appearance but has a longer scale length and thicker strings to produce deeper, low-end tones.

On the other hand, an electric bass guitar uses pickups and amplifiers to make sound, allowing for greater control and versatility in a broader range of musical genres and playing styles.

Here’s an example of what you can achieve with an acoustic bass. Don’t miss out on this beautiful solo:

ACOUSTIC BASS SOLO

What is the difference between a fretted and a fretless acoustic bass guitar? 

A fretted acoustic bass guitar has metal frets on its fingerboard, similar to a standard guitar, which allows for precise note-playing and easy intonation. 

On the other hand, a fretless acoustic bass guitar has no metal frets on its fingerboard, providing a smoother and more expressive sound quality.

Fretless bass guitars are often favored by jazz musicians for their smooth intonation and added subtlety in the playing that they bring.

However, since there are no frets to guide the player’s hand position, it requires a great deal of practice and experience to play a fretless bass guitar accurately.

I prefer a fretted bass guitar for its relative ease of playing, but fretless bass guitars can provide great versatility and expression when played correctly.

Also, when buying a bass guitar, you’ll come across fretted models more than fretless ones, so if you’re starting out, a fretted bass guitar is usually the best choice.

Is an acoustic bass guitar only suitable for studio use?

I would say an acoustic bass guitar is versatile enough that it can be used in both live and studio settings.

For example, it can add texture and depth to any section that needs an acoustic presence or fill in the low end in an acoustic setting.

Some acoustic bass guitars have pickups installed which allow them to be plugged into an amplifier and used for more traditional live applications.

The type of performance and venue, as well as the equipment and amplification needed, will play a role in determining its suitability for live use. 

For example, in larger venues, it may be necessary to use an external amplifier or PA system to boost the instrument’s sound for the audience.

Also, in a studio setting, the sound of an acoustic bass guitar can be manipulated more easily with effects and other production techniques.

Can people with small hands play bass guitars?

Yes, people with small hands can definitely play bass guitars.

The most important factor in playing any instrument, including the bass guitar, is proper technique.

Even people with smaller hands can produce great sounds on a bass guitar with correct playing techniques.

In fact, some bass guitar models are specifically designed for players with smaller hands.

These models typically have a shorter scale length and a narrower neck, making them easier to play for those with smaller hands.

Additionally, adjusting the action (the distance between the strings and the fretboard) can also make a bass guitar easier to play.

If the action is too high, it can be difficult for players with smaller hands to press down on the strings, so adjusting the action to a lower height can help.

Playing in different positions on the neck can also help reduce strain on your hands, and using a lighter gauge of strings will also make it easier to press them down.