10 Best Acoustic Electric Bass in 2023

The market for acoustic bass guitars has exploded in recent years, and with good reason. These instruments offer a mellow sound that is distinct from the classic electric bass. They're also a great option for those who want to play an instrument that's easy to take with them on vacation or other short trips. But with various choices, how can you know which is the best acoustic guitar bass for you?

In this guide we'll break down our top picks for acoustic electric basses and give you some insight into what makes each one special. We'll also cover some of the factors you should consider when making your choice.

• Best Overall: Fender FA-450CE Acoustic Bass Guitar

• Best Budget: Cordoba Mini II Bass MH-E Acoustic-Electric Bass Guitar

• Best U-bass: Kala U-Bass Spalted Maple Acoustic-Electric Bass Guitar

• Best 5-String: Ibanez SR Standard 5-String Electric Bass Guitar

• Best Jumbo: Takamine G Series GB30CE-BLK Jumbo Acoustic Electric Bass Guitar

1. Best Overall:

Specification

• Brand: Fender

• Size: Full

• Color: Sunburst

• Finish Type: Lacquered

• Top Material Type: Maple, Mahogany

• Back Material Type: Mahogany

• String Material Type: Bronze

• Item Weight: 10 Pounds

Product's Summary

The FA-450CE acoustic bass is the perfect instrument for a bassist who wants to switch between an acoustic and electric bass at any point in a performance. An all-laminate body with a flame maple top, chrome hardware and Fishman electronics deliver great tone and easy playability. 

With its modern 2x2 headstock and Viking bridge, this full size acoustic electric gives you all the performance you could want from your bass guitar.

Pros

• The action is great and can be adjusted by a shim +/-.

• Thin neck for small hands and long fingers.

• Lightweight.

• Load and clear even with factory strings (better to replace later).

Cons

• The bass end is pretty non-existent.

2. Best Budget: Cordoba Mini II Bass MH-E Acoustic-Electric Bass Guitar

Specification

• Brand: Cordoba

• Size: Mini II Bass

• Color Mahogany: Electric

• Top Material Type: Mahogany

• Back Material Type: Mahogany

• String Material Type: Nylon

• Item Weight: 2.4 Pounds

Product's Summary

The Cordoba Mini II Bass MH-E Acoustic-Electric Bass Guitar is built for the practicing musician looking for a small acoustic electric bass guitar at an affordable price. The Mini II features a pair of high-quality nylon strings that produce an acoustic tone with excellent projection, volume, and bass response. 

Because of its extended neck length, this bass guitar also tunes perfectly to Standard E. Use it in acoustic mode, and you'll be surprised by its warm sound; plug it in with its MB103 pickup, and you'll hear a robust voice that has been described as melodic and balanced. 

Its unique body shape produces an excellent combination of warmth and responsiveness when played acoustically or plugged in. This Mini II comes equipped with a Cordura gig bag, so you can take it anywhere you go!

Pros

• Easy to set up and play.

• Compact and reasonably quiet.

• Perfect short-scale bass.

• Beautiful and different looking.

Cons

• Acoustically good, electronically not so much.

3. Best U-bass: Kala U-Bass Spalted Maple Acoustic-Electric Bass Guitar

Specification

• Brand: Kala Brand Music Co.

• Size: Ubass

• Color: Natural

• Finish Type: Satin

• Top/Back Material Type: Maple

• String Material Type: Aquila Thunderblack®

• Item Weight: 3 Pounds

Product's Summary

The Kala U-Bass Spalted Maple Acoustic-Electric Bass Guitar puts the classic electric bass sound in a smaller package! This full-scale acoustic-electric ukulele bass features a semi-hollow spalted maple top, rosewood fingerboard, mahogany neck, and sides. 

The U-bass electronics are natural with volume, and tone controls only but can be connected to an external output jack (not included). A great option for beginners or advanced players looking for a compact instrument with that unique electric base sound.

Pros

• A great-sounding challenge.

• Immense and infinitely adjustable sound.

• Extremely portable and easy to store.

• Don't hurt the fingers as easily, thanks to the fatter strings.

Cons

• Tricky to adapt.

• Wrong pattern.

4. Best 5-String: Ibanez SR Standard 5-String Electric Bass Guitar

Specification

• Brand: Ibanez

• Color: Brown Mahogany

• Item Dimensions LxWxH: 4.8 x 20.4 x 1.85 inches

• Instrument: Guitar

• Item Weight: 4 Kilograms

• Operation Mode: Electric

• Number of Strings: 5

Product's Summary

The Ibanez SR Standard 5-String Electric Bass Guitar is a powerful and versatile instrument that looks great wherever it performs. Designed for maximum playability, this bass features a rosewood fretboard and Accu-cast B500 bridge with adjustable saddles for variable string spacing. Multiple tone control options and active electronics are included to ensure full-range sound capabilities and precise tonal control.

Pros

• Suitable for right-hand usage.

• Cooling design.

• Precision tonal control.

• Can tune this bass down a full step.

Cons

• Pricey.

1. Are there any differences between an acoustic and electric bass?

An acoustic bass has a hollow body that's amplified by a pickup. It's louder and more powerful, but it can't be played without an amp. An electric bass has pickups built into its body so it can be plugged directly into an amp or other device, but it doesn't have as much volume or projection as an acoustic bass.

2. What are the benefits of an acoustic electric bass?

The best part about having an acoustic electric bass is that it gives you more options when playing music. You're not just limited to playing live shows—you can also use your instrument during recording sessions or while practicing alone at home. Plus, they're effortless to travel with!

3. How do I know if an acoustic electric bass is right for me?

First, you'll want to consider what kind of music you will play with your new instrument. If you want to play rock or pop, then an acoustic-electric bass might be a good choice for you—they can produce thunderous sounds with little effort on the player's part. On the other hand, if you love jazz or classical music, an acoustic-electric bass may not be right for you. These instruments produce softer tones better suited for slower tempos and less complex melodies.

To conclude, this article has given you all the information you need to choose the best acoustic electric bass for your needs. We encourage you to do your own research and make sure that any purchase meets your expectations and needs.

We have reviewed the 10 best acoustic electric bass for you in 2023. We wish you all the best in your music career!

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