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6 acoustic basses under £500
Garrison AG/AB build and features
Garrison AG/AB sounds, pros and cons
Dean Performer Dao build and features
Dean Performer Dao sounds, pros and cons
Vintage VCB 430 build and features
Vintage VCB 430 sounds, pros and cons
Takamine EG512C build and features
Takamine EG512C sounds, pros and cons
Tanglewood TW15 Baby Bass CE build and features
Tanglewood TW15 Baby Bass CE sounds, pros and cons
Ovation Celebrity CC074 build and features
Ovation Celebrity CC074 sounds, pros and consClosing thoughts
£349; Electro-acoustic hollowbody bass; Select spruce top, mahogany back and sides; 864mm (34-inches) scale; Pro Elo-Acou ATE-4 - four-band EQ, volume; made in China
Thanks to the overall size of the Garrison, the natural acoustic voice of this bass is full and warm and that sound can be reproduced pretty accurately when using the onboard electronics.
The ATE-4 unit provides an expansive four-band equaliser as well as a volume control and has easy power pack access.
Pros: Classy presentation; great natural voice; powerful electronics.
Cons: Comes with only one strap button.
4 Stars
Despite the lacking strap-button, at this price the Garrison offers excellent value for money. The sound is huge and powerful so this is very gig friendly. But, of course, with that power comes the feedback Achilles heel that, as with all the models in this round-up, needs to be kept well in check.
