But they can also be fitted to acoustic bass guitars, for an experience and tone that is known to resemble upright bass. Tapewound, otherwise known as black nylon strings, are designed for electric bass players who strive for a warm, round, vintage tone. Phosphor bronze (also the default material for 6-string acoustic guitar strings) is relatively warm and rich in tone, whereas 80/20 strings are bright and crisp, with a sizzle. Dedicated acoustic bass strings are mostly available in two materials. But unlike other types of acoustic stringed instrument, you can choose to play strings for electric basses. The default choice for acoustic bass strings is, of course, to play strings designed for acoustic basses. Analyzing string options is a surprisingly complex affair! Choosing Acoustic Bass Strings String Material But the acoustic bass acts different ways in different contexts. String choice has a huge impact on tone and on playing experience. All this considered, you’d do well to choose your strings wisely. Acoustic basses are a serious commitment- their scales are long and their strings are very high-tension. And most include some kind of pickup, doubling their use as a unique alternative to the bass guitar. The acoustic bass is very useful for acoustic jams or traveling- it’s a fraction of the size of a double bass. But as niches go, they are unique and proud. There are typically only a handful for sale in any given guitar shop. Other than Violent Femmes cover bands, I can’t think of any contexts that default to acoustic bass. The acoustic bass is still a niche instrument. Thus, the ABG (acoustic bass guitar) was born. It wasn’t until the electric guitar was invented, that it was then modified to create the electric bass guitar.Įrnie Ball was inspired to combine the ideas behind electric bass guitars, and the hefty guitarrons of Mexican mariachi, to develop the original Earthwoood acoustic bass guitar in 1972. Historically, bassists played double basses (also known as upright basses) in jazz, swing, and early rock and roll bands. Much like the whale, which evolved as a mammal similar to a dog or wolf, before bizarrely returning to the water and adapting anew. The evolution of the acoustic bass guitar follows a curious winding path. But Ernie Ball introduced the first one in 1972. So you’d be forgiven for assuming acoustic bass guitars were an old idea. Both guitars and acoustic instruments have a history stretching back hundreds of years. The acoustic bass guitar is a deceptively strange instrument. To be perfectly honest, he still might be the only one. Simultaneously, the bizarre yet irresistible trio gave punk rock a new start, and gave acoustic bass guitarists their new idol.
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Loud guitars and driving drums were nothing new, and you might be forgiven to think punk rock had come and gone.Īnd then the Violent Femmes’ flawless debut album started like this. Hell, they had already moved on to working with Phil Spector and making a movie. In 1982, The Ramones had already Bopped to the Blitzkreig and fully expressed their desire to be sedated.