“Add Some Boom To Your Band: All You Need To Know About Bass Guitars.”
When it comes to putting together a cohesive band, the importance of a strong bass line can’t be overstated. Bass Guitars are a great way to add the low-end rumble and thump needed to provide the foundation of any rock, funk, reggae, or metal tune.
Bass guitars come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so it’s important to know what type of sound is best for the music a band is trying to create. Picking the right instrument can also be one of the most enjoyable parts of the buying process. Whether you’re an experienced bassist or taking your first crack at a four-string, these tips will help you find the perfect fit.
Before heading out to the store, consider the musical genre you’ll be playing. Traditional metal bands commonly use electric bass guitars with humbuckers, single coils, and active electronics. Jazz musicians gravitate toward vintage-style, semi-hollow-body bass guitars. And if funk, R&B, and blues are more your thing, there’s nothing like a classic P- or J-style Precision Bass.
Speaking of Precision basses — Fender is one of the oldest and most respected brands in electric guitars and bass guitars. Nothing says rock-and-roll like the Twang of a Fender P-Bass. Plus, with such a huge variety of models, it’s easy to find the right axe at a price that won’t break the bank.
While familiar names like Fender and Gibson might be first to come to mind, there are plenty of other fantastic bass guitar manufacturers out there. Names like Ibanez, Gretsch and Spector all offer instruments packed with tone and quality, and may just be a better fit for your sound and budget.
Where the instrument sounds in the room is just as important as what it sounds like plugged in. Many players test each bass guitar with an amp to listen for differences in tone. However, some bassists may prefer to buy an unplugged and unamplified model to hear natural sounds. These folk can use combination amps with bass and treble controls, compression, and effects to find the right sound.
Don’t forget to use your ears when evaluating a bass guitar — they’re the best tool to determine the instrument’s value. Take note of any feedback and how the strings resonate when plucked. One should also pay attention to the frets, and make sure the strings are spaced properly.
Last, but certainly not least, one should take into consideration the overall ergonomics of the instrument. If a bass guitar is uncomfortable and difficult to play, it won’t matter how great it sounds. Evaluate the neck width and overall weight, to make sure the instrument will be comfortable and natural for hours of playing.
Whether you’re a long-time bassist or just starting, following these tips will help you find the perfect instrument for your sound – and your budget. Bonne recherche!