Acoustic mini bass: Taylor/Guild/Ibanez/Cordoba????

[amillar]

Hi,

I've been vaguely thinking about getting a mini acoustic bass (NOT a U-Bass, got one already!!) since trying the Taylor GS Mini a few years ago, but I'm now playing in sessions where one would actually be useful. I really liked the Taylor, but for the amount I'd play it it's not worth paying that much, but any of the other using those D'Addario strings would be viable:

• Cordoba EB-E
• Cordoba MH-E
• Guild Jumbo Junior
• Ibanez PNB14E
• Anything I've missed?

Times being what they are, I'd have to buy whichever I go for without trying it first

 

Any thoughts? Any links to comparisons, I've found one or two but not very much, a five way comparison would be brilliant? My current thinking based on the few reviews I've seen is the Cordoba EB-E. Definitely looking for something that's playable unplugged, even if I'm the only one who can hear myself  (I played my much loved Ovation in various folk bands for many years, so I'm very used to that.) 

 

P.S. A couple of years ago I modded a solid bodied electric guitar to take these strings, with a piezo saddle of course, great fun! I know not everyone gets on with them, but they seem to suit me.

 

Cheers,

 

Andy

[AndyTravis]

I really enjoyed the guild and I’d definitely say it’s on a par with the more expensive Taylor

[Russ]

Orangewood made a mini acoustic bass called the Oliver Jr that was very good - loud, easy to play, decent pickup, and it was cheap in comparison to some of the others ($350 US).

 

I think they've stopped making them now, but it might be worth looking for a used one out there or contacting Orangewood to see if they might still have some in stock somewhere. 

 

 

[Jean-Luc Pickguard]

As you have a u-bass what are you hoping for a mini (but bigger than a u-bass) acoustic bass to achieve?

 

I have a Kala u-bass and was getting a little frustrated at the Pahoehoe strings not staying in tune well, and I'd had similar results with silicone and thundergut strings when I owned a pair of Ashborys. I bought a set of Kala flatwounds by Galli strings https://kalabrand.com/products/ka-bass-4fw from Mike Upton at the LBGS a few years ago and had the nut adjusted by Martin at the Gallery and since then the u-bass now does exactly what I'd hope for an acoustic bass to do whilst staying in tune. In fact it did it so well I ended up selling my rather lovely tanglewood rosewood reserve acoustic bass.

 

 The Kala/galli flats have a nylon core with chrome/steel wrap. I really like their feel and the warm & thumpy tone which is more focussed than other u-bass strings.

[amillar]

Good question Jean-Luc! On my acoustic U-bass I'm using the Pyramid wire wound strings, and I do like them. Just looking for a little more "oomph" from the body  

 

Hi Russ, thanks for the heads-up, doesn't look like the Orangewoods have made it over to this side of the pond but another one to look at if one does appear...