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[Bass] Ideas for playing in public without amplification? (lemmy.world)

submitted 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Hi /c/guitars,

I'm a bassist (there's not really a good community for bassists on Lemmy yet), and something I've been wanting to do for a while now is do an acoustic-y jam at a public park with friends.

The problem is, most cities draw the line at amplification. It's a bit annoying because an unamplified drum set can be crazy loud and that's okay, but a slightly amplified bass will get you in trouble.

The way I think of it, I have 3 options

(1) Unamplified acoustic bass. The problem is, these are just not that loud.
(2) Secretly amplified acoustic bass? Hear me out. I was thinking if I got a small battery powered amp, and hid it in a backpack, and only had it slightly on, it might not get noticed. I would only need a slight boost.
(3) Get a really cheap double bass? I've always wanted a double bass, but those things are crazy expensive. There are technically ones for like $1k or under, but everyone says to stay away because they are pieces of crap. Maybe that's what I'm looking for though? I don't think I'd want to bring a nice $6000 upright bass to a public park...

Anyway, just curious what thoughts anyone has, especially anyone who has done this before in a big city.

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[–] [email protected] 7 points 1 month ago

Upright basses are obnoxious to move but are really the only option if you have to play without amplification. As others have said you're better off seeing if you can get away with a little amp but if not an upright may be you're only option.

That being said they're pretty neat. I've only used mine live a handful if times but its fun to play and I think it connects you to your bass playing roots

Don't buy a nice one to start out. Just get some trashy one until you know if you like it or not