Dean EAB Fretless Acoustic-Electric Bass

Comments about Dean EAB Fretless Acoustic-Electric Bass:

As an acoustic bass, and as just a bass in general, this thing is amazing. It came in perfect condition, and for some reason, in CGCF tuning, but the onboard tuner helped me put it into E. The only problem I have is that the first spot (essentially where the fret would be if it were a fretted bass) on the E string buzzes and I can't seem to make it stop. Even changing the tuning does not help. While that is inconvenient, this bass more than makes up for that one flaw. There are really no complaints I have with this. The price is well worth it, and you shouldn't be put off because of the low price. This is the best acoustic I have ever played. Hands down.

Comments about Dean EAB Fretless Acoustic-Electric Bass:

I've owned this about 9 months now and added a Warwick Corvette $$ recently. I saw the review that commented on the buzzing first fret. The truss rod adjustment (Yes There Is One on This Bass! look in the center hole up toward the neck) just needed a slight left tweak and the first fret buzz was gone! I'd lived with it for months and gone in 30 seconds. I am using Roto 77LD's flatwound strings on it....sounds great...a nice thump. I use it as a knock around practice bass and take it down the Cape with me instead of lugging the big heavy Warwick and amp. If you want to use it amp-less and up the acoustic output, use a pick. Has the classic fretless "mwah", and frankly it is more comfortable to play than the W. The tuner works great. The EQ/Pre-amp is quiet and clean. Piezo pickup is what it is...works fine, lasts a long time. Make sure you pull the plug when not playing or you run thru batteries fast. Otherwise I've run mine for about 5 months so far on a fresh duracell 9V. This is what to get if you always wondered if you want to play a fretless. This one makes that choice harder for every bass you buy in the future (if you like fretless...I do!). It's a fairly longscale bass (34 or 35" I think). I highly recommend it to folks that are interested in learning bass or returning to playing bass...safe investment, well made, does the job.

Comments about Dean EAB Fretless Acoustic-Electric Bass:

I was a bit concerned when I purchased this guitar because it cost so much less than the others being offered. I even read some of the other reviews and while most were positive, I recall reading one that mentioned having to adjust the truss rod to get rid of some string buzz. I opened the box, tuned it with the really cool and accurate on-board tuner and instantly started to play. No buzz, no adjustment, no nothing. Just good to go. After playing this guitar now for about a month, I really enjoy playing it. It sounds great both acoustic and amped. Feels good to the touch. The finish is superb. Just a really nice guitar and for $200 you can't beat it. I highly recommend this guitar. Enjoy

Comments about Dean EAB Fretless Acoustic-Electric Bass:

it just isn't that great out of the box when amplified. The E and G strings are very low compared to the A and D strings. But i replaced them with flat wound strings and it made it sound much better. It is definitely worth the price if you're looking for a good acoustic bass but don't want to spend alot for it.

Comments about Dean EAB Fretless Acoustic-Electric Bass:

Plays nice. Disappointed in sound as accoustic. Just doesn't have much volume against a regular accoustic guitar. Haven't used it electric yet. Worth the money easily if you want to start fretless at little money.

Comments about Dean EAB Fretless Acoustic-Electric Bass:

I have never played bass and thought, "I want one." I do a lot of acoustic gigs so I figured an acoustic bass would be very cool. The Dean EAB Fretless sounds really decent acoustic... The pick up in it sucks though. Unplugged, I love it, but plugged in is much less to be desired. So I am planing on replacing the pick up in it and I think it will be ready to go then. Not bad for a couple hundred bucks.

Comments about Dean EAB Fretless Acoustic-Electric Bass:

I finally got my fretless EAB after being back ordered for a while. It was well worth the wait. At least one other reviewer noted that his bass was tuned a full step low when he unpacked it. That is to keep the strings from getting too tight during shipping as things can get get cold on occasion. I used the on-board tuner, and bingo, she was ready to play in moments. Being fretless, I had no fret buzz to worry about. Someone once showed how to do a sliding harmonic some time back (can't do it on a fretted instrument), and I had a bit of fun playing around with that. She sounds downright wicked through my amp though I did have to watch out for feedback. I got the natural satin finish, which was the back-ordered model. If I had selected the black one, I'd have had it inside a week, but it was very well worth the wait. It's great for someone who's starting out. I've been playing 40+ years, and I can tell you that some of the best sounding instruments are not necessarily that most expensive ones. This pretty little fretless is beautiful, rugged, solid, and it has quite voice unplugged or plugged in (with or without effects). I'm a very happy camper. I'd recommend it to anyone, even to Geezer Butler, Les Claypool and John Paul Jones!

Comments about Dean EAB Fretless Acoustic-Electric Bass:

Got it out of the box, tuned it, played it, I'll use it on the gig tomorrow night. That simple.

Comments about Dean EAB Fretless Acoustic-Electric Bass:

I bought this bass just bassed on the reviews. I wanted to check out a fretless acoustic bass guitar and there were none in the stores. The Dean had good reviews plus it's only $200, I took a chance, ordered it online. Wow, this bass is fantastic. I'm so happy with it. What a great deal. Very nice tone and the neck is so smooth. And of course no clanking of the strings while you play. I did put some flat wound strings on it. Has a sound that is very close to a full size acoustic bass. Does need and amp if your playing with more that a few acoustic players. Sounds great through an amp. My first fretless. I have to admit it's taking a bit of effort to play in tune. Thank goodness for thoes lines on the neck. I would have been lost. But now I love it. Fantastic bass at twice or three times the price.

Comments about Dean EAB Fretless Acoustic-Electric Bass:

I'm relatively new to the bass guitar (have played violin for over 12 years) and decided to pick this Dean up to accompany my Schecter bass. The tone is gorgeous and the fretless neck is a warm welcome to my fingers, which are still trying to build up strength. Other than trying to adjust to the massive size, this bass was incredibly easy to pick up and play. I have been able to record it acoustically with little to no sound problems on my cheap laptop microphone and iPhone. I definitely recommend this Dean to anyone who is curious about owning a fretless acoustic.

Comments about Dean EAB Fretless Acoustic-Electric Bass:

I wanted a warmer sound with more thump than an electric bass, and this fit the bill perfectly, after I put flatwound strings on it. Excellent instrument for the price, very playable, no adjustment needed. As a fretless newbie I like the fret markings. A gleaming black slab of bare fretboard would look great, but I'm no Jaco. Only complaint is I had to install a strap button on the top - it only comes with the one on the bottom. Also, if you really want to play it with roundwounds, they WILL wear the fretboard (I saw this even with a little playing using the stock strings) and the piezo pickup really emphasizes the finger noise.

Comments about Dean EAB Fretless Acoustic-Electric Bass:

I bought this Dean EAB because it was inexpensive and I thought it would be a relatively low risk experiment if I did not like playing a fretless bass. Well, low and behold, I love this Bass. The wide fret board makes it easy to play. I'm a one armed bassist, I play all hammer on and tapping technique...this bass sounds so cool in my hand!. I gig regularly with this bass at a local Naples Pub and teamed up with an acoustic Harp Guitarist we sound great covering early rock and blues. I just can not say how pleased I am with the construction, feel, sounds and durability of this instrument. been playing it for 9 months now...like it better than my music man bass!...

Comments about Dean EAB Fretless Acoustic-Electric Bass:

I have many years playing electric bass. But now I was looking for an acoustic bass. I'm old and I know that I need something more personal. Well, this bass has great sound. It's very sharp on high notes. The design is a little bit uncomfortable because is too big. The black finished is remarkable and the tunner works great. I can say that is a great buying.... I know that I will play it for a looong time...

Comments about Dean EAB Fretless Acoustic-Electric Bass:

Having become spoiled and lazy playing exclusively fretted basses, I decide I wanted an in expensive Bass to re-enter this demanding form of playing. I tried all fashion of brands at my local Guitar Center and decided I like the tone of a Dean over other, maybe better known, brand-name products in this price range. So I ordered one since the show-room model was now more used than new, if you understand me. My first Bass came in with issues to the bridge; it was pulled down at a serious angle toward the neck and, somewhat humorously, sounded as if my fretless bass had a fret-buzz. Since I had it delivered to Guitar Center rather than my home, I had them look at it and determined it could not be fixed (See Warrant Review). No hassle return and replace. The second one appears to be in good order. I have wondered about the Electric Bass string that came on both, rather than the Phosphor Bronze that come standard on their higher priced models. Yes it?s and electric/acoustic but so are the higher priced, and with the Pickup under the bridge, it just seems odd. I?ll edit this once I change them out and will let you all know if it?s worth the immediate swap. Over all, the ?good? bass is just that; for the price, it sounds good enough to play ?around the camp fire with friends? and will be an interesting experiment on stage with the Classic Blues songs (Don?t want to cart around a full Double Upright, and electric/electric sounds out of place). This is a decent bass for the foray into fretless and for playing without waking friend-n-foe.

Comments about Dean EAB Fretless Acoustic-Electric Bass:

After reviewing the high-marks this bass received I am disappointed to say the least. Several of the fret in-lays are coming off/loose and the E buzzes obnoxiously. Several spots on the neck are dead zones, not sure if the loose fret markers are causing it. Bought on guitarcenter.com and I always hate doing that in lieu of actually playing before I purchase. Hoping to return for something else.

Comments about Dean EAB Fretless Acoustic-Electric Bass:

I was very excited to receive this acoustic bass. Over the years I've played a variety of fretted basses. At one point I actually owned a standup bass and enjoyed the challenge of learning where to place your fingers to find the notes in key and tune. The same is true of any fretless bass. It took me a little time to learn finger placement. Although the fret lines on the bass are helpful, the tendency is to place your fingers between the fret lines (especially if you've only played fretted basses). Here, I quickly learned that you must place your fingers closer, if not, on the fret line to produce the proper in-tune note. I was surprised and pleased with the tone and volume of the instrument. Its' large body produces a pleasant resonance, on the lower and upper scale. Doing some bass solos, especially on the upper scale was exciting. Whether using a pick or plucking with your fingers or thumb gives you a nice variety of sounds. Although I haven't played it through an amplifier yet, I imagine the sound enhancement would be beautiful. My only concerns are: amplified, some acoustic guitars and basses produce feedback as the body resonates; also, there are no fret markings on the side of the neck as a visual reference for where your fingers should be. For me, I carefully and neatly marked the neck with a light colored "Sharpee" dot for the third, fifth, seventh, nineth, and octave placements. I guess, after time and familiarity with the instrument, I won't need them,...but for now they help tremendously. Love this acoustic bass.

Comments about Dean EAB Fretless Acoustic-Electric Bass:

I use the bass at home and unplugged, very relaxing.

Comments about Dean EAB Fretless Acoustic-Electric Bass:

Great bass for the price. Sounds good and plays well.

Comments about Dean EAB Fretless Acoustic-Electric Bass:

Rich tone, smooth playability, beautifully crafted at the right price.
The inlaid frets make for an awesome look .

Comments about Dean EAB Fretless Acoustic-Electric Bass:

I'm using it as a gateway Upright Bass.