Acoustic bass guitar- frets or fretless

[saxobass]

Rheumatoid Arthritis in my wrists had stopped me playing my double bass and I would like to try the acoustic bass guitar as a (hopefully) `fill-in`alternative. I would like to know the differences between fretted and fretless varieties in terms of sound, playing feel and ease, and volume. Also, I was thinking of paying around £300 having been told this should get me something reasonably decent. I would like some recommendations, please, as getting info. seems difficult. So far I`ve looked at Crafter (BA 400 EQ), Dean, Tanglewood (Sundance TW55 A/bass FRB) Fender (Kingdom?) and Ashbury. Help needed please.

[Linus27]

Washburn AB10 is the only one I would have. Fretless also.

[thisnameistaken]

While we're on the subject, can you just stick steel flats on an acoustic bass guitar? I wouldn't really want that bright bronzey guitar sound, but I don't know if regular bass strings work on an acoustic bass.

[Linus27]

[quote name='thisnameistaken' post='601449' date='Sep 17 2009, 05:01 PM']While we're on the subject, can you just stick steel flats on an acoustic bass guitar? I wouldn't really want that bright bronzey guitar sound, but I don't know if regular bass strings work on an acoustic bass.[/quote]

As far as I know, normal electric bass strings are fine.

[EssentialTension]

[quote name='thisnameistaken' post='601449' date='Sep 17 2009, 05:01 PM']While we're on the subject, can you just stick steel flats on an acoustic bass guitar? I wouldn't really want that bright bronzey guitar sound, but I don't know if regular bass strings work on an acoustic bass.[/quote]
I have Thomastik Jazz Flats on my acoustic. No problem but they are nickel not steel.

Edited September 17, 2009 by EssentialTension

[mrcrow]

[quote name='Linus27' post='601312' date='Sep 17 2009, 02:06 PM']Washburn AB10 is the only one I would have. Fretless also.[/quote]

would you use flats on this..in steel

[Linus27]

[quote name='mrcrow' post='601685' date='Sep 17 2009, 08:30 PM']would you use flats on this..in steel[/quote]

I don't see why not.

[noelk27]

Take a look at the Takamine EG series. Streets better than any you've mentioned. You should be able to pick up a used example for under £300. Some outlets retails base models around £330 new.

[EssentialTension]

[quote name='mrcrow' post='601685' date='Sep 17 2009, 08:30 PM']would you use flats on this..in steel[/quote]

[quote name='Linus27' post='601755' date='Sep 17 2009, 09:50 PM']I don't see why not.[/quote]
I don't see why not either - although I always use nickel

[saxobass]

Thanks everybody.