Dave Vader Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 I have just seen a fretless acoustic/electric resonator bass (like a national, shiny and metal) it is an Ozark that has been converted because of a factory fault with the frets. I actually have a bit of cash at the moment and could buy it, anyone got any experience with resonator basses? I quite fancy it for acoustic rehearsals with my current gig, and might even use it live if it works well with the band. Was going to buy an EUB and a resonator guitar, but this should satisfy two cravings in one, ish... I am too paranoid that someone else will buy it to post the link, does that mean I am definitely going to buy it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zero9 Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 Make sure it's got a pickup. Acoustically they sound fairly 'honky'. Not massively loud and may just about keep up with an acoustic guitar if you dig in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Vader Posted September 5, 2012 Author Share Posted September 5, 2012 it has, and if it will only just keep up with an acoustic, it is pish all use to anyone except as an ornament. Thanks, that's what I needed to know. I was hoping for resonator volume. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zero9 Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 I think the 'resonator' cone isn't efficient at generating the low frequency bass sounds, as most resonator basses will use the guitar cone anyway. Hence a double bass is the size it is. Small body and small cone = low bass volume in my experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat Burrito Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 I had one (fretted) that looked great but sounded rotten. I re-strung it with flats and suddenly it came into its own. I only sold it to pay for my divorce so I'd be thinking of snapping it up if I were you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Vader Posted September 5, 2012 Author Share Posted September 5, 2012 I was going to put flats on it as well.... conflicted again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zero9 Posted September 5, 2012 Share Posted September 5, 2012 I have flats on mine, which makes it less loud compared to rounds I was using before. Acoustic output may vary between different makes, but small body equals small bass volume. If you're looking to use it unamplified in an acoustic setting it will struggle based on my experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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