Product: Taylor Guitars AB-3 Bass
Price Paid: US $1900
Submitted
02/12/2001
at
09:10am
by
Josh
Email: shuamort<at>yahoo dot com
Features
:
8
4-String acoustic/electric bass. 24 frets with cutaway neck. Back and sides are big leaf maple (very beautiful), the top is sitka spruce. Ebony fretboard with un-exciting inlay. Fishman pick-up preamp (ABGP-2)Grover tuners. The weight and size of the instrument makes it clunky. You'll need to work out your left arm before you buy one as it's uncomfortable after a while holding the guitar up as it's poorly balanced. Comes with a padded case. Taylor doesn't make a hardshell and needs to. (Plunking down this much money for an oddly shaped instrument and not having the option for a h/s case is pretty insane!!)(I'm knocking the features down for the case and the balance)
Sound
:
10
Can you ask for a better sound? Nope. I love the sound of an upright bass and this is the closest I could find in a bass guitar. I did tons of research on acoustic basses and this was hands down the best. It even put the Martin to shame which surprised me. Tacoma makes a similar guitar to this one at about a third the price.(However, it's the difference between a Chevy and a Cadillac. The Taylor has so much more style). I wouldn't try and play funk or slap on this bass, but it's great for folk, folk-rock, country, blues, jazz and world music.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
10
The finish on the guitar is amazing, the back, unfortunately is the most beautiful part of the instument. That's not to take away from the rest. I found my AB-3 set-up to my specs when I bought it, however individual use will vary. I haven't found any flaws, no fretbuzz, no connection problems to the amp. It's got a great thump-thump-thump.
Reliability/Durability
:
9
It seems quite solid. My only worry is the lack of the hardshell, which has always got me wondering what if....
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
Overall Rating
:
10
I've been playing acoustic guitar for about 8 years now and bought an electric bass about 3.5 years ago. I also play mandolin, dulcimer,accordion, keys, harmonica etc.. I got this as a present and would definitely buy one again. It's got the prefect sound and has a great, unique look to it. Of all of the acoustic electric bass guitars I've tried, this one ranks on top. Thanks Taylor!
