Applause Elite AEB4-7S vs Breedlove Pursuit Exotic S Bass Amber CE
Detailed comparison to help you choose the right 4-String Acoustic Basses for your music.
Last updated: June 10, 2026 • Next update: June 17, 2026
Applause Elite AEB4-7S
⭐
4.9/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
The Applause Elite AEB4-7S is a surprisingly capable acoustic bass for the price. It's ideal for gigging musicians or songwriters needing a portable, amplified acoustic bass with a warm, woody tone and a decent amount of stage volume. The built-in tuner is a genuine convenience, too.
$395
Breedlove Pursuit Exotic S Bass Amber CE
⭐
4.9/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
This Breedlove Pursuit is a really thoughtful acoustic bass. The myrtlewood top gives it a unique, mellow voice, while the mahogany back adds warmth and sustain. It's a great option for gigging musicians or studio players needing a versatile, amplified acoustic bass that isn't overly boomy.
$879
Detailed Comparison
| Feature | Applause Elite AEB4-7S | Breedlove Pursuit Exotic S Bass Amber CE |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Applause | Breedlove |
| Model | Elite AEB4-7S | Pursuit Exotic S Bass Amber CE |
| Price | $394 | $878 |
| Expert Rating | ⭐ 4.9/5 | ⭐ 4.9/5 |
| Top Wood | Spruce | Solid Myrtlewood |
| Back & Sides | Lyrachord | African Mahogany with Myrtlewood Layers |
| Neck Material | Nato | African Mahogany |
| Pickups | Applause CE304T Active Preamp | Fishman Presys I |
| Scale Length | 864 mm (34") | 864 mm (34") |
| Frets | 23 | 23 |
| Strings | Nickel-plated steel (likely D'Addario XL or similar) | Daddario EXP PBB170 |
| Weight | Approximately 5.5 kg (12 lbs) | Approximately 5.8 lbs (2.6 kg) |
| Pros | + Spruce top delivers surprisingly articulate and resonant acoustic tone. | + Myrtlewood top delivers a surprisingly articulate and warm acoustic tone. |
| Pros | + Lyrachord back/sides offer a warmer, controlled low-end response. | + Fishman Presys I pickup system offers clean, amplified sound with effective onboard EQ. |
| Pros | + CE304T preamp provides useful EQ shaping and a handy tuner. | + African mahogany back and sides contribute to a balanced, resonant bass response. |
| Pros | + Nato neck offers stability and a comfortable, familiar playing feel. | + Breedlove's copper machine heads provide smooth, reliable tuning stability. |
| Cons | - Lyrachord, while warm, can slightly dampen higher-frequency overtones. | - Myrtlewood can sometimes lack the aggressive projection of more common tonewoods. |
| Cons | - Bridge inlay material feels a bit cheap for the 'Elite' designation. | - The ovangkol fingerboard might feel slightly harder than some players prefer. |
| Cons | - Vintage varnish satin finish might not appeal to players preferring gloss. | - The high-gloss amber finish, while attractive, can be prone to fingerprints. |
| Category | 4-String Acoustic Basses | 4-String Acoustic Basses |
| Article Number | 526511 | 612712 |
| Check Price | Check Price |
Frequently Asked Questions
It's noticeably quieter than a full-size acoustic bass, but the multisoundhole design helps project the sound reasonably well in smaller venues.
Yes, it’s battery powered; expect around 6-8 hours of continuous use from a standard 9V battery, depending on EQ settings.
Ovangkol is a harder wood than rosewood, so it’s generally more durable and resistant to wear, though it can be slightly less 'oily' feeling initially.
Myrtlewood provides a more nuanced and articulate tone than spruce, lacking some of the punch of mahogany, but offering a pleasing warmth and clarity.
Yes, the Presys I is straightforward with simple EQ controls for shaping your amplified tone on stage – easily manageable even under pressure.
The shorter scale offers a slightly easier feel, especially for players with smaller hands, but intonation is generally well-managed given Breedlove’s quality control.
