Acoustic Basses – Natural Bass Sound | MUSIC STORE professional

Buy acoustic basses – for unplugged sessions, stage and studio

An acoustic bass combines the familiar feel of bass playing with the warm, natural sound of an acoustic resonance body. This makes an acoustic bass especially suitable for unplugged sessions, songwriting, living-room jams, acoustic ensembles and quiet rehearsals without a large setup.

Many acoustic basses also feature a pickup with preamp and can be connected to an amplifier, mixing console or audio interface when required. This keeps the bass flexible: pleasant and direct for acoustic playing, yet more assertive when things get louder on stage, in the rehearsal room or in the studio.

Acoustic bass: sound, construction and difference to electric bass

An acoustic bass is a bass with a larger resonance body, longer scale length and deep frequency range. Unlike an electric bass, the body already produces an audible basic sound without amplification, which can be warm, rounded, percussive or particularly woody depending on the construction.

Because low frequencies need to move a lot of air acoustically, an acoustic bass is usually quieter than an acoustic guitar when played unplugged. For playing with several instruments, models with an integrated pickup and preamp are therefore especially practical.

Acoustic basses for songwriting, unplugged sessions and quiet practice

An acoustic bass is especially worthwhile for bassists who want a natural bass sound without a lot of equipment. It is suitable for quiet practice at home, unplugged sessions, songwriting, acoustic bands and smaller gigs at reduced volume.

It is also an uncomplicated choice for guitarists who want to try out bass lines or add depth to acoustic arrangements. Thanks to the resonance body, a basic sound is immediately audible while playing, without having to set up an amplifier, cabinet or effects board straight away.

For songwriting

Ideal for quickly trying out bass lines and accompanying songs without additional equipment.

For unplugged sessions

Works well with acoustic guitars, vocals, cajon and small ensembles with a natural sound.

For quiet practice

Practical at home when a bass should be directly playable and audible without an amplifier.

Acoustic basses by version

Acoustic basses differ mainly in string count, tonal range and playing orientation. A 4-string is the familiar choice for many styles of music, while a 5-string with a low B string offers an extended range. Specially designed left-handed acoustic basses are available for left-handed players.

For classic bass lines

4-string acoustic basses are straightforward, versatile and ideal for classic bass lines, singer-songwriters and acoustic band settings.

View 4-string acoustic basses

For extended range

5-string acoustic basses offer additional depth, more flexibility and are suitable for modern bass lines with an extended tonal range.

View 5-string acoustic basses

For left-handed players

Left-handed acoustic basses are designed for left-handed fretting, plucking and operation, providing a natural playing position.

View left-handed acoustic basses

Buying an acoustic bass: important criteria

When buying an acoustic bass, the first question is how the instrument will be used. For relaxed practice, songwriting and unplugged sessions, comfortable playability is especially important. If the acoustic bass is to be used on stage, in the rehearsal room, in the studio or together with several instruments, a model with pickup and preamp is usually the more practical choice.

Body shape, scale length, body size, material and strings influence both feel and sound. Compact Concert or Grand Concert models often feel easier to handle, while a Jumbo Bass usually offers more body volume. Suitable acoustic bass strings can also change response, string tension and tonal character.

For transport and storage, suitable accessories are also worthwhile: a sturdy case for acoustic basses offers particularly high protection, while a padded gig bag for acoustic basses is usually lighter and more practical for rehearsal rooms, lessons or shorter trips.

The balance between acoustic sound and amplified signal is also important. A good acoustic bass should be inspiring when played unplugged, but should also reproduce cleanly via amplifier, mixing console or audio interface when needed. For suitable amplification, bass amplifiers are a good choice, depending on the model, for rehearsal rooms, stage or recording.

Frequently asked questions about acoustic basses

What is the difference between an acoustic bass and an electric bass?

An acoustic bass has a resonance body and produces an audible sound even without an amplifier. An electric bass, on the other hand, relies more heavily on pickups and amplification and sounds much quieter when unplugged.

Is an acoustic bass loud enough without an amplifier?

For practising alone or small unplugged situations, an acoustic bass can be sufficient. When playing with guitars, percussion or vocals, a model with a pickup is often useful so that the bass remains easier to hear.

Can an acoustic bass be connected to an amplifier?

Many acoustic basses have an integrated pickup with preamp and can be connected to an amplifier, mixing console or audio interface via an output jack. This is especially practical for stage, rehearsal room, recording and playing with several instruments.

Which is better: 4-string or 5-string acoustic bass?

A 4-string is the classic and straightforward choice for many styles of music. A 5-string offers more tonal range with the low B string, but usually has a slightly wider neck and requires more control.

Which body shape suits my playing?

More compact body shapes such as Concert or Grand Concert often feel easier to handle, while a Jumbo Bass usually offers more body volume. Playing comfort, tonal preference and desired volume are the decisive factors.

Are there acoustic basses for left-handed players?

Yes, there are dedicated acoustic basses for left-handed players. Ideally, these are not only strung differently, but also designed for left-handed playing in terms of nut, bridge, electronics and body orientation.

▲ Back to table of contents

Acoustic Bass Guitars33 Product