Both the 4-string acoustic bass and electric bass serve the same purpose in a band. They are there to cover the slow rhythmic patterns that complement the drummer and pace of a song. While both instruments do have similarities, the differences are significant because they will determine which of the two you wish to play more often. So, let’s get into the details of these two instruments.
What is the 4-String Acoustic Bass?
Just as the name suggests, a 4-string acoustic bass guitar is an acoustic instrument that looks and sounds like a traditional 6-string guitar. It has four strings tuned to EADG. It is born with multiple ways to play – with both hands or with a plectrum (pick), depending on your preference. It’s also easier to hold due to its smaller size and thinner neck profile. It is made out of wood and can be used with or without amplification.
What Is an Electric Bass Guitar?
An electric bass guitar is a four-stringed instrument with an amplifier and pickup to make it easier to hear. They’re used in many different styles of music, including rock and pop. Since they have pickups, they’re louder than acoustic bass guitars. They can be made from other materials but must be plugged into an amplifier to produce enough sound to be heard above a band.
What Are the Similarities of the Two Guitars?
Each has its own specialized sound, so it’s essential to know which one is right for your needs and style before deciding what type of instrument you want to buy when shopping for guitars.
1 – Number of Strings
Both the electric bass guitar and 4-string acoustic bass have four strings. On a wood bass guitar, you can expect a different scale length. Even though it has the same number of strings as electric bass, it probably will not have as long of a neck or as many frets. Both instruments rely on strings’ vibration to produce sound, but the electric bass needs an amplifier, whereas the 4-string acoustic bass does not.
2 – Maintenance Requirements
Both these two instruments are sensitive to wetness, bump, and temperature. You need to maintain these instruments so they play well every time. That means keeping them in relatively mild room temperatures away from humidity and cleaning materials that can damage the materials. If you’re traveling by plane or rail with your acoustic or electric bass in tow, ensure it is stored safely inside a hard case or gig bag before boarding.
The Differences Between the Two Basses
While they may look alike, the two instruments have quite a few differences that can be utilized for different genres and styles of music. These differences will likely determine which type of bass you will prefer to play.
1 – Amplifier
You do not need an amplifier for a 4-string acoustic bass because it doesn’t need any other sound effect – it already has the acoustic sound. The acoustic bass can be played independently without the need for assistance.
2 – Tone
The 4-string acoustic bass has a mellow tone quality that attracts a lot of players in jazz, vintage R&B, and country settings. This clear tone quality is tough to replicate with an electric bass that has a sharper thumping sound and can be distorted if necessary through an amplifier. This is typically used in rock, punk, and other mainstream music.
3 – Volume
The electric bass is going to be louder because it is amplified. The only time the 4-string acoustic bass will be loud is if it is amplified using a pickup. Most of the time, the acoustic bass is played without electricity, and that makes it much harder to hear over a band.
4 – Functionality
The electric guitar is a more versatile instrument. The type of playing styles you can use is much broader, including everything from picking to slap-bass. That is why it is used in so many modern genres of music. It also is easier to hear because of amplification, allowing for more bass dominance on stage.
4-string acoustic guitars tend to be more reserved and used in relaxed country music or jazz. You can still play with some techniques like picking and fingering, but with a quieter sound.
5 – Cost
The electric bass guitar is more expensive than its acoustic counterpart. This is because the electric bass guitar has more parts to it and uses better materials, which makes it more expensive. It also needs a preamp that can be bought separately or built into the instrument. The 4-string acoustic bass guitar is much cheaper than its electric counterpart but can be expensive if you get a high-quality wood material.
Which Guitar to Choose?
The decision comes down to what style of music you wish to play and how well you know the instrument. The cost is not an important factor because you can find introductory models for both bass guitars at a reasonable price.
If you’re a beginner, the electric bass is the way to go, for it is much easier to learn, and it’s also more versatile. You can use it in almost any genre of music, and since you don’t have to worry about acoustic sound or volume, your options are more open. You will need to invest in an amp, though, so keep that in mind when pricing out a new model.
Advanced players should give the 4-string acoustic bass a try. You can create some incredibly warm and inviting tones with the acoustic bass that are impossible with the electric. This opens up new genres of music and allows you to showcase some dexterity along the neck of the instrument.
Where to Get Quality Electric Bass Guitar Strings and Acoustic Bass Guitar Strings?
When you are looking into picking up a new bass guitar, be sure to grab your strings from Alice. This manufacturer offers a set of iron alloy winding and multi-layer nano coating bass strings that are perfect for use with your new electric bass and acoustic bass. Here we recommend these two bass strings:
The Alice A646 pack comes in light or medium gauges and looks fantastic and bright against the body of your electric bass. These electric bass guitar strings feature an anti-rusting coating, so it has better endurance, a brighter look, and a clear responding tone.
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Alice Acoustic Bass String A616
This acoustic bass strings pack is designed for beginners who want to achieve a warm and elegant timbre. These strings are coated with an anti-rust alloy so that they can be your music companion for a long time.
Conclusion
Alice is a well-known and reliable supplier of electric and acoustic guitar strings. Alice has been operating since the early 1990s and is trusted by guitar players worldwide because of its quality assurance testing and dedication to exceptional product design. With a production plant larger than 30,000 square meters and more than 1,000 advanced machines operated by experienced technicians, you cannot go wrong with guitar strings made by Alice!
