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Date: Tue, 28 Oct 2003 16:59:30 -0500 (EST)
Subject: Acoustic bass?

Thanks for your time..

We are a gigging trio that specializes in early American country blues
up to Elmore James. Our bassist has developed and interesting style
that at least comes close to satisfying a stand up but we also do Charle
Patton and very rural country blues.. I've even offered to buy him a
stand up bass but he wont budge .. the problem is the early American
root music and his solid body electric bass is starting to stick out
like it don't belong. He is a very good player and I would like to know
what you carry in a bass that you would recomend as the next best thing
if there is such a thing .. We are a gigging band, not loud, no drums
and we do take it very seriously in paying proper repect to the blues
biggies even doing some (white blues) -->Frank Hutchison. Any
suggestions are more then appreciated. My bass player (like many) is a
paradox, his 2 favorites are Big Crawford and Willie Dixon, and as you
know they both were pioneers with the big ole basses. Thanks big Time..
I realize the only answer might be to hypnotize him into believing he
wants a standup... Thanks, I heard your people are the real deal and I
will look forward to your suggestion. "paul"


Greetings Paul,

Glad to assist if I can...

There are many options available to meet halfway on a traditional blues plane...

Suggestion 1: He might want to try an Acoustic/Electric bass guitar...one that has a graphic eq allowing the ability to achieve any type of sound within an electric or acoustic setting...one of the better acoustic/electric set-ups such as the Fishman Blender System...this system has a mini mic along with a transducer allowing all types of possible sounds.

Suggestion 2: Check out the video samplers on our website that demonstrate the many different types of basses... http://www.folkofthewood.com/page319.htm

Suggestion 3: One bass that I believe would be really cool in a blues setting would be the Regal Dobro Bass: http://www.folkofthewood.com/page678.htm

I don't know if any of the above will help...I also believe that the ultimate bass sound is the doghouse (Stand-Up)...that is if you're really looking for that "thump". Mickey

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