Dean EABC 5-String Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Bass

I read several reviews on this bass before I bought it. Most that I read were negative, and those were posted 5 years ago or more. I have to say it was the positive reviews that won me over, and I didn't read a lot of those. So, going forward I would like to leave a positive review of this Dean EABC 5 Cutaway Acoustic/Electric Bass. I use this guitar for jam sessions at home, as well as on the Praise and Worship team at church. I have been playing bass on the worship team for a little over 5 years, and started with a Fender Squire Bronco short scale four string. I wanted a five string, and started researching which one to buy. I settled on this Dean. I read reviews about how it was able to keep up acoustically, but the pickup for plugging into an amp left a lot to be desired. I can state from my own personal experience with this guitar that acoustically, it may be able to keep up, but I get volume out the wazoo when it is plugged in. I ordered this guitar in April of this year (2020), and I don't know if Dean Guitars have taken previous reviews into consideration and made improvements, I cannot speak for them. I can only relay what I have personally experienced. Acoustically, this guitar is great for jamming with other acoustic performers. It is loud enough to be heard, but not a nuisance. But when I plug this guitar into my Fender Rumble 100 Bass Amp, I get more volume than I need from the pickup. I barely have to have the amp turned up, and barely have to move the volume knob on the guitar, and there is volume enough to play a packed venue of 1,000 or more people. This thing is LOUD plugged in. That said, it is loud enough that the pickup WILL cause feedback through the amp IF you are not careful. This is easily remedied by either moving further away from the amp, or simply turning down the volume to a reasonable level.

I really need more time with this bass for a fair review. First impressions were spoiled by a warped neck. Guitar Center did replace it with another one that I'm currently warming up to. I need an acoustic bass for practice at home and for the occasional acoustic set. I have taken a lot of flack about a five string acoustic bass, but a five string covers whatever a four can and then some. The sound is louder and brighter than my other acoustic. As long as I don't push it, it plays well. When plugged in, stay clear of the amplifiers. I haven't had a chance to play this on-stage yet. I hope it sounds as good plugged into the PA system as it does when I have control of the tone.

I was very excited to find a 5 string acoustic-electric bass at a low price. However, you get what you pay for. The sound is ok at best; it comes off very flat and quiet. The wood feels cheap and laminated, the 5th string adds extra tension to the neck and makes it seem like it could snap at any minute. I was very disappointed and returned it before even plugging it in. In mu opinion, definitely not worth the cost... not even the 4 string version of the same bass.

I read the reviews and talked to a good friend who has owned Dean acoustic basses before buying this bass, so I knew what to expect. YOU SHOULD EXPECT TO REPLACE THE TUNERS, GET IT SET UP, AND HAVE THE PICKUP EITHER ADJUSTED OR REPLACED. If you buy this bass knowing that you won't be disappointed. If you expect a gig ready bass right out of the box you will be sorely disappointed. One of the tuners was broken right out of the box and the action was crazy high off the fretboard, but I expected that based on my research. Ordered new Grotoh tuners ($50), got it set up and the pic up adjusted ($120) and now it's amazing. For the price (and the hassle of getting it dialed in) it's really unbelievable. It's almost comically huge, but comfortable to play and sounds a bit like a stand up bass. Looks good, sounds amazing, easy to play.

Nice looking bass. You'll need a mic or a new pick up if you are planning to play this electrically. The pick ups are pretty much worthless. other than that, fun bass especially for a 5 string.

Great sounding acoustic bass. I was looking for a 5-string acoustic. Found this one. Good for the money. Very large body and scale. Recieved it with electric strings. Recommend a setup as well as acoustic strings when you first recieve it. Fun to play, and if you get it with seperate Dean case, good little package.