Bass guitarists are in high demand these days. Nearly every kind of music features some good base lines, including rock, country, jazz, and even classical music. If you are seriously interested in playing bass guitar, or buying one for a friend, this information will help you to choose a good instrument.
First, understand that all bass guitars are different. No single manufacturer shapes the body or design of a bass guitar the same way. One manufacturer's bass guitar will look very different from another.
All electric bass guitars, however, will have solid bodies. These are designed to hold magnetic pickups. The pickups are responsible for detecting string vibrations and transmitting them as an electronic impulse. The impulse is transmitted via a cable to an amplifier.
Some bass guitars house single-coil pickups, which offer a bright and clear sound. These, however, are vulnerable to interference. In comparison, the sound produced by Humbucker pickups is less bright, but these pickups are much less susceptible to interference.
The neck of a bass guitar is responsible for housing the fingerboard. These contain metal frets that help the player find fingerings for different notes. Different combinations of strings produce different chords. Usually, players pluck or slap the strings to produce notes rather than strumming them. The strings are anchored to the head with tuning pegs. Players used these to adjust string tension and change the tone of a string.
Characteristics of a high quality bass guitar
Even beginning players should invest their money in a good bass guitar. The tone is much better, and the instruments are much less vulnerable to damage. Quality bass guitars also maintain value much better than cheaper instruments do, so the re-sale value will be much higher.
Many different manufacturers make high-quality bass guitars, so shop around and ask the advice of other players, or ask the experts at a guitar store to demonstrate the benefits of each. Gibson bass guitars are well made, and Warwick bass guitars or Fender bass guitars are also excellent choices. Each player should compare price and sound, and determine what he or she likes best.
Other independent bass guitar manufacturers also sell instruments. Some are quality instruments, and some are not. Many are independent business people intent on mass producing and selling a basic instrument; their tone quality reflects the intent of the seller. Some, independents, however, are craftsmen who have spent years perfecting the art of handcrafting a quality guitar, and the results are incredible. The best way to know for sure is to do some research and ask around before buying.
Building a Bass Guitar
Most manufacturers use maple, mahogany, ash, or alder wood for the body. The wood is coated with either a plastic laminate or a laminate manufactured from exotic wood. The neck is usually bolted in place, and the fingerboard is made from maple, ebony, or rosewood.
Some necks have frets, while others do not. Those that do not have frets sound like an acoustic bass, but are often hard to tune or play. Be sure to buy an instrument that has a good bridge. This will allow better control of buzz and tone, and will allow more optimal adjustment of individual strings.
If buying the guitar from someone else, make sure the guitar is in good condition. How old is it? How long was it used? Check the neck for warping, splits, or repairs. Ensure the neck is attached firmly, and that the tuning posts turn easily. Strings aren't a big concern; they can be easily replaced. The nut that maintains the position of the strings, however, must be strong and properly maintained.
Important Accessories
After selecting the right bass guitar, a few extra accessories are essential. First, locate a good guitar case with extra compartments for picks and strings. Hard shell cases are harder to transport, but offer good protection. Soft-shell cases are much more portable, but don't offer much protection.
Pick up plenty of extra guitar strings. Base guitars use between four and twelve strings. Since strings break easily, buy a good supply and keep them handy whenever playing. When strings have to be replaced, the guitar has to be re-tuned. Save tuning time by buying an electric tuner.
Bass guitars are too large to hold while playing, so unless a player intends to sit throughout a gig or performance, a guitar strap is essential. These allow the weight of the guitar to rest on the player's shoulders, leaving the arms free for playing. Additionally, if the guitar will be plugged into an amplifier, cables are necessary.
Consider a guitar stand for positioning the instrument between sets at a gig, at home or in the studio. This will help prevent accidents caused by tripping over a strap or sitting down in the wrong chair.
Some players learn best by videos or instructional books. Others learn better by taking private lessons. Choose the learning method that's right for you. This is your bass guitar, and hopefully you will enjoy playing it for many years to come. Take the time to learn the right way. Your band - and your audience will be glad you did!