Acoustic Bass — Lutherie Encyclopedia

Acoustic BassType: instrumentA large-bodied acoustic stringed instrument tuned like an electric bass, designed for unplugged ensemble playing.## History The acoustic bass guitar is a relatively modern instrument, emerging in the early 1970s as manufacturers sought to create a bass that could hold its own in acoustic jam sessions and unplugged performances. Ernie Ball introduced one of the first modern acoustic bass guitars in 1972. The concept gained broader acceptance in the 1980s and 1990s as "unplugged" performances became fashionable. However, acoustic bass guitars have always faced the fundamental physics challenge that producing adequate bass frequencies acoustically requires a much larger soundboard than a guitar-sized body can provide, leading most players to use them with amplification despite their acoustic nature. ## Construction Acoustic bass guitars feature oversized bodies to maximize bass frequency projection, typically with a body depth of 4 to 5 inches and a lower bout of 15 to 16 inches or more. Tops are usually spruce, braced with modified X-bracing or ladder bracing heavy enough to handle the low-frequency vibrations. Back and sides are commonly mahogany, rosewood, or maple. The scale length is typically 32 to 34 inches, matching electric bass standards. Most acoustic basses include under-saddle piezo pickups for amplification, acknowledging their limited purely acoustic volume. Some designs incorporate ports or auxiliary soundholes facing the player to improve perceived volume during practice. ## Tonal Characteristics The acoustic bass produces a warm, woody tone with more natural overtones an…