The complete guide for the beginner bass player. How to choose a bass guitar? A complete guide for a beginner bass player Which bass guitar is better

The bass guitar is used in various modern styles of music. It creates a rhythmic foundation in the composition, as well as a feeling of "fullness". It is very important to know certain basics of this tool in order to make the right choice when buying.

In this post, we will talk about how to choose a bass guitar. You will learn about bass guitar construction, electronics, body types, pickups and much more.

Goals and budget

Bass guitars vary widely with variables such as price and quality. So before you start buying something, ask yourself the question: “How much money am I willing to spend on this?”.

For beginner bass players who are unsure of their talent or commitment to learning, there are plenty of good, affordable beginner basses. These instruments are aimed at meeting all the needs of a beginner bass player, although they have certain disadvantages. For example, in order to save on production, the manufacturer may equip the guitar with not very high-quality electronics or, in the manufacture of the body of the instrument, save on wood. Money is the cornerstone on which the quality of the instrument directly depends.

However, if you are a more experienced or dedicated guitarist, then you may want to invest in a guitar that is built with better woods, good electronics, and a more attractive design. More expensive instruments will sound better, be more comfortable to play, and last much longer.

What you choose is up to you.

Bass guitar construction and design

Before buying a bass guitar, it is very important to have a certain idea and understanding of how it is built, what the individual parts of the instrument are called, etc. All this will help you ask the right questions to the seller and make informed decisions.

Vulture

The neck of a bass guitar includes a headstock, a fretboard, and an internal truss rod that connects to the body of the bass guitar.

headstock

The headstock is attached directly to the neck of the guitar. The so-called tuning pegs (spinning, clamping mechanisms) are installed on it, which hold the strings in the proper tension. Also, with the help of pegs, the instrument is tuned. The headstock holds a nut that separates the headstock from the fretboard.

Fretboard

The fretboard is usually made from rosewood, maple, or ebony. The highest quality linings are made based on their smoothness, hardness and rigidity. The higher the wood processing, the higher the level of these variables, respectively, the higher its cost. Metal frets are glued into the overlay, which form the notes we all know.

There are also bass guitars that do not have frets. They allow you to create a smoother "slide" when playing, but at the same time require certain skills from the guitarist.

anchor bolt

It is located inside the neck of the guitar and prevents the neck from twisting due to changes in temperature and humidity. In addition, bass guitar strings are much thicker (compared to electric or acoustic guitar strings), and as a result, they put a lot more stress on the neck of the instrument, which can also lead to neck twist and flex. Anchor helps the wood not to bend under tension, and also allows you to adjust the height of the strings relative to the fingerboard.

Bass neck types

There are three types of bass guitar neck:

• screwed on
• pasted
• Through

Each name represents the method by which the neck is attached to the body.

Screwed neck involves connecting the neck to the body with bolts. This type of connection is budgetary, so it is less expensive to implement. The advantages of this method is the simple replacement of the neck in case of repair. The downside is the lower sustain compared to the set neck and the solid neck.

Glued neck - involves gluing the neck into the body of the guitar with epoxy resin. This mount reproduces the acoustic properties of the wood much better than the bolt mount, which gives the instrument a warmer sound and good sustain.

Through neck is the richest in sound due to the fact that the neck occupies 1/3 of the body. The neck is placed along the entire length of the body, after which it is glued into it. This mount conveys the greatest essence compared to the previous two and is an indicator of the high cost of the tool.

Scale length

Scale length is the distance between the nut and the bridge. The most common scale length is 34″. This size is considered standard for most guitars.

Instrument models such as the Fender Mustang, Hofner Violin Bass and Gibson EBO have a scale length of about 30″. They are great for young players with small hands who have trouble with standard-sized models.

There are also 35″ instruments that have more frets. Typically, this scale length can be found on 5-6 string bass guitars. They have large dimensions, but also have great sound capabilities.

Enclosure types

Bass guitars, the body of which is made from a single piece of wood, are considered the most common. In more expensive instruments, the body is usually made of alder, maple, swamp ash, mahogany, or some other type of wood that perfectly transmits the vibrations generated by the strings. Instruments from a low price category, the body is usually made of sheet or pressed wood, which negatively affects the sound.

There are also hollow-body basses (such as acoustic guitars) that have the same pickups as solid-body ones. This type of guitar is preferably used by jazz, folk guitarists, as well as in music that requires an acoustic-like sound. For example, the bass player of the legendary The Beatles used Hofner Beatle Bass, which also has a hollow body. The advantage of these guitars is their lightness. The downside is that they are very limited in volume and can cause a response.

Another type of hollow bass guitars are electro-acoustic. It is actually a hollow body acoustic instrument equipped with a piezo pickup. This type has pronounced acoustic properties, in comparison with all the others.

There are also semi-acoustic cabinets, which have a one-piece cabinet, in which two cavities of a certain size are cut out during the preparation stage. This adds a certain stability to the guitar sound and increases the sustain.

Bridge or tailpiece of a bass guitar

The bridge is located on the bottom of the body of the bass guitar. Strings are threaded through it and fastened into special grooves, which are called "saddles". When a guitarist strikes with the strings, the vibrations generated by the strings are transmitted through the bridge to the body, where the pickup can pick them up, amplify them, modify them, and then output them through the speaker on the amp. The best quality bridges are made of brass and plated with chrome or nickel-plated silver.

Most bass guitar tailpieces fall into one of three types:

• Through the bridge
• through the hull
• Bridge and tailpiece combination

In the first type, "Through the Bridge", the strings are threaded through the back of the bridge and placed in the saddle.

The second type is "Through the body", the strings are threaded through the back of the body, where they are also fixed into the saddles.

The third type is the "Bridge and Tailpiece Combination", where the strings are threaded through a separate tailpiece that is not connected to the saddles.

Pickups: Singles or Humbuckers?

Pickups are electromagnetic devices that pick up the sounds created by the vibrations of the strings and the body of the guitar, and then convert these sounds into an electrical signal. Most bass guitars have two sets of pickups, which gives them a wider sound range. Pickups that are close to the neck of the guitar have a smooth, low-frequency sound, while pickups that are close to the bridge have a sharp, mid-high range.

The most common types of pickups are:

• Singles
• humbuckers

There are also others, but they are variations of these types.

Singles were the first and simplest type of pickup. Each pickup has just one coil and one magnet to produce a bright, focused sound. Their only downside is the noise they pick up and convert along with your bass sound. However, that's what humbuckers were designed for.

Humbuckers were designed to get rid of the annoying noise and dirt generated by single coils. The idea of ​​a humbucker is to have two coils wound in series and polarity magnets that are opposite each other. It is this design that helps to almost completely get rid of unnecessary interference and noise. Hence its name (humbucker from English noise suppressor). Humbuckers have a fatter sound than single coils and have little to no noise when connected to an amplifier.

The split-coil is one of the popular single coils found on the Fender Precision Bass. This type of pickup is a single-coil pickup that functions like a humbucker. This is achieved by the fact that the pickup is divided into two halves, each of which has a different polarity. Thus, they produce a sound that is very reminiscent of the sound of a single-coil without interference and noise.

Electronics: Passive and Active

The terms "Active" and "Passive" refer to the preamp circuitry of a bass guitar. The preamp boosts the output from the pickups and provides control over the sound shaping.

Passive preamps operate without an additional power supply and have several control levers:

• Volume
• Pickup selector (if more than one)

The advantage of passive bass is the fact that it does not depend on a battery that can die right in the middle of a concert. Another advantage is ease of use. Passive electronics generate a more traditional sound, while active electronics produce a more modern sound.

Active electronics require additional power, which is usually provided by a built-in battery. The advantage of active electronics is that it outputs a stronger signal and has more control over tone shaping. Powered bass guitars are often equipped with a built-in equalizer, which is divided into three frequency groups: low, medium and high. They may also have a dedicated switch that instantly changes the EQ profile. On some basses, you can find a pickup coil switch that disables one of the humbucker coils, thus making it sound like a single coil.

How many strings?

Four string bass guitars

Most bass guitars have four strings and in my opinion beginner bass players should start with a four string instrument. These basses are well suited to most musical styles and, compared to five and six-string instruments, have a smaller neck, making them a great option for beginners.

Five and six-string bass guitars

Five-string basses have an extra string that is tuned to B (B), giving the instrument a wider range. The fretboard of a five-string bass is much wider than a four-string, and therefore it will be more difficult to learn on it. Five-string bass guitars are popular in such genres as: hard rock, metal, fusion and jazz.

Six-string instruments have a wider range than the previous two, due to the fact that two additional strings are added to their arsenal, which are usually tuned in B (C) and C (C). Six-string basses require an even wider neck, which can be inconvenient for many guitarists. Despite the difficulties, they are ideal for musicians who play a lot of solos and who need a wide range for creativity.

Fretless bass guitars

Standard bass guitars are equipped with metal frets that are glued into the fretboard and divide it into parts. Fretboards help you easily navigate the guitar neck and see the notes.

Fretless basses have a smooth fingerboard that closely resembles a double bass or violin. Hitting the right notes with the right intonation is not an easy task and not for beginners. Bass players who play these instruments rely on muscle memory and a well-trained ear. They choose this instrument for its smooth and distinct glissando effect, which is commonly heard in double bassists and violinists.

Wood

The wood that is used in the manufacture of the body and neck of the bass guitar greatly affects its sound and resonance. Beginners do not need to pay attention to this fact, as they simply will not notice the difference between expensive varieties or, say, sheet wood. Nevertheless, if you expect a certain sound from an instrument, then this fact should not be forgotten.

Alder

Alder is usually used in the manufacture of the case. It creates a very balanced, clear and solid sound.

Agatis

A very popular tree, due to its relative cheapness. Agatis is used in the manufacture of bodies for bass guitars. It has a very balanced sound, with slight accents in the lower range, resulting in a very rich sound.

Ash

There are several types of ash wood that are used to make bass guitar bodies. All of them have minor differences, but generally speaking, ash has a bright, solid tone, which is very similar in its properties to alder. Swamp Ash is the most popular, due to its excellent texture.

Linden

Often used on inexpensive instruments, as basswood is a "soft" wood. It doesn't produce enough resonance like the other types. Some bassists think that it creates a "flat" sound, while others think that the short sustain is ideal for fast and complex musical passages.

The Red tree

Mahogany is a very popular wood because it produces a soft, warm sound that accentuates the low to mid range as well as long sustain. Mahogany is very dense and therefore heavy.

Maple

Maple, like mahogany, creates a good sound, but at the same time, it produces a bright and clear sound. Many musicians consider it ideal for the studio.
Expensive models of bass guitars can be made from such exotic breeds as: African rosewood, wenge, koa or cocobolo.

Which bass guitar is right for me?

Here are some tips (not rules) to help you make your choice:

• Buy the best bass guitar you can afford. A good bass will make it easier for you to learn how to play and will serve you well for a long time.
• Don't be fooled by the beauty of the fretless bass, it's not easy to learn, especially if you've never played a stringed instrument. Choose those basses that are equipped with frets and good markings.
• Give preference to a bass guitar with a shorter scale length (if you are a young guitarist or if you have small hands).
• To simplify your life, choose an instrument that has four strings.
• Choose an instrument with simple volume and tone controls so you can focus on the strings and not be distracted by levers, buttons and knobs.
• Choose a bass whose color and shape suits all your desires. It may not sound great, but the look might motivate you to play more.

The bass guitar gained popularity and began to replace the double bass starting in the 60s. Its main function in the score is the performance of the rhythmic-harmonic basis of the arrangement. Today, the bass guitar is used in a variety of genres, both as part of ensembles and as a solo instrument. There are different models of bass guitars on the market, and in order to understand how to choose a bass guitar, the buyer needs to have an understanding of various types of instruments, including acoustic and electric, fretted and fretless, understand pickups and types of electronics, as well as know the properties of instruments with different scale and characteristic design features.

There are four main types:

• Acoustic adapted;
• Semi-acoustic;

The most common today is electric solid-body bass guitar, it is about this type of instrument that will be discussed.

How many strings do you need

The first bass guitar had only four strings, like a double bass. No one simply thought of any other option, and the range provided by four strings tuned to a fourth was considered quite sufficient. Over time, the musical fashion changed, and the number of strings first reached five, and then six, seven, and even eight, significantly expanding the sound range and performance possibilities. Which bass guitar to choose is dictated solely by the style of music being played and the preference of the musician himself.

Five string bass

Seven string bass

However, a bass guitar for beginners should be a four-string, if only because it is easier to learn to play and to put the correct finger technique on it. And in fact, the vast majority of bassists mainly play just such instruments.

Four-string bass

Scale length

The length of the sounding part of the string - from the nut, which in English is called nut (nut) to the stand (in English bridge, bridge) has a huge impact on its vibration, overtones, dynamics and, as a result, on the sound of the bass guitar as a whole . When choosing the length of the scale, the buyer should have a good idea of ​​what intervals on the fretboard he can take. For wide intervals on a single string, a short guitar is fine, but a long scale instrument has a deeper and richer sound. The scale ranges from 30 to 35 inches, and the choice of bass guitar is often a compromise between the desired sound and the anatomy of the musician's hands, especially a beginner who will find it difficult to hit wide intervals on a long neck.

fretted or fretless

The neck of a bass guitar, as a rule, has metal frets - frets, which ensure that the length of the string is divided in such a way that each sound exactly corresponds to its note. A bass guitar for beginners should definitely have a neck with frets until they acquire sufficient auditory and tactile skills. In addition, there are much more instruments with frets on sale than without frets.

fretboard bass guitar

Fretless bass is used by professional musicians. On its fingerboard it is no longer obvious where which note is, so playing this instrument requires a lot of experience and a good ear. Such a bass guitar is most often used in jazz. By the way, fretless bass is not suitable for all playing techniques. Slapping and tapping on the fretless can only be played by experienced masters, and the use of chords is almost impossible at all.

fretless bass guitar

Bass Models

With all the variety of models, they are based on only a few popular prototypes. Many bass guitar brands use a reference model - the Fender Jazz Bass with two switched pickups. She remains a model for designers to this day. Prices of mass-produced instruments do not exceed a few hundred dollars, but if someone needs expensive bass guitars, there are exclusive models, such as Alembic Classico Deluxe for 30 thousand dollars - and this is far from the limit.

Where to buy a bass guitar - in a store, on the Internet or in the secondary market - this is already an individual choice.

When purchasing both a new and used instrument, the main concern is to make sure that it has no damage that could affect the sound or stability of the tuning.

Minor cosmetic defects can not be taken into account - even great artists play guitars "with a biography", and even more so, you should not "make up" scratches on your own after purchase - paint also affects the sound of a bass guitar.

So, what to look for:

• Neck and anchor condition. It is impossible to set the truss rod to perfectly compensate for the tension of the strings, but the neck of the bass guitar should not have more than 1-2 millimeters of deflection in one direction or another. At the same time, the deflection, if any, must certainly be the same for the entire width of the neck - then it can be easily eliminated by adjusting the anchor. If the neck has the shape of a “propeller”, even slightly manifested, it is not worth buying.
• The condition of the frets or fingerboards on a fretless neck. Usually, when playing in common

The bass guitar is an instrument for playing in the low frequency range. Most prefer to play with their fingers, but there are also performers who choose a mediator. Bass guitars mostly use four strings, but there are also instruments with more of them. Five-string instruments serve to expand the frequency range, used by professional musicians. There is also a small number of copies with six strings. The main rule is that you should like the guitar. A good instrument is the main part of the musician's image, here the shape, dimensions of the soundboard, its color also matter.

When playing while standing, a sense of balance is of great importance. The position of the guitar should be free, the neck should not outweigh. The electronics of the instrument are divided into passive and active. By far the active circuit is the most relevant, but only for use in a crowded stadium. And at the beginning of training, for a better feeling of sound, it is better to use the passive option.

We have compiled a list of the best bass guitars based on expert reviews and reviews from real buyers. Our recommendations will help you make the best choice for your requirements and desires. There are many competitors on the global equipment market, but we have selected the best manufacturers and recommend paying special attention to them:

Budget / Inexpensive

1. Schecter
2. Squier
3. Epiphone

1. Ibanez
2. YAMAHA

* Prices are valid at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice.

Bass guitars: Fretboard: Bolted

Neck: bolted / Body Material: Agatis/ Pattern: H-H

Main advantages

• The instrument harmoniously combines a verified professional sound, modern electronics and good ergonomics.
• The elegant body of the guitar is made of high quality mahogany with a pleasant color in the tone of white mother-of-pearl.
• The bass guitar is equipped with a modern tone block and a multi-stage equalizer with comfortable knurled knobs for adjustment.
• The five-ply, 24-fret neck is made from a combination of American maple and rosewood. Fretboard made of rosewood with white dot finish
• The advanced cast bridge is designed with a 19mm string spacing. Setting the strings is so easy that it is accessible to a novice amateur.

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Bass Guitars: Pattern: S-S

Neck: bolted / Body material: alder/ Pattern: S-S

Main advantages

• The instrument is distinguished by high sound power and excellent feedback, one of the best options to push the boundaries of musical standards.
• The body of the guitar has a pronounced stylish shape, and is also characterized by a double cutout that opens up convenient access to the upper registers.
• The monolithic body of the bass guitar is made of alder, the wood of which gives the best sound in terms of balance with a characteristic deep bottom. The neck is maple with a beautiful sonockel fingerboard.
• The bolt-on neck to the deck allows you to fully use all the ways of guitar playing - from slap to pick
• The guitar is built with two modern J and P type pickups, providing a wide range of sound reproduction.

Show all products in category "Scheme: S-S"

Bass Guitars: Body Material: Mahogany

Neck: bolted / Body material: mahogany/ Pattern: H-H

Main advantages

• The body of the guitar is made of selected mahogany species with a unique ergonomic design with 3D elements.
• Powerful and dynamic sound is provided by branded pickups, which are perfectly synchronized with an active flexible preamplifier. Ceramic magnets and large cores create a rich yet crisp sound
• The conveniently shaped neck is made from a laminated mahogany/maple combination. The main advantages of the element can be called comfort in performance and beautiful tone.
• The Performance EQ electronic switch is the ultimate in guitar design. The active node circuit guarantees a momentary change in sound, and a special equalizer makes it possible to adjust the bass tone
• The die-cast tailpiece productively duplicates the vibration on the deck when playing, providing the most dense sound. Optimally matched spacing between the strings helps to maximize finger playing technique

Show all items in the category "Body Material: Mahogany"

Very often, used (used) bass guitars are just as good as new ones when it comes to sound, build quality, etc., but they don't come with a store-bought warranty. Therefore, a broken truss rod, cracked neck and body, broken frets, and bad electronics can be a problem if they weren't discovered in time when making a deal. In this article, which has been circulating the Russian Internet for a fair number of years, I quote Jeff Renaud's advice, which he published on the site active bass, with my modest additions. I hope these tips have not lost their relevance and will be useful for many more generations of bass players!

While I don't consider myself an expert, here are 10 things I always check before buying a bass (whether used or new).

1. Appearance

Appearance should be generally decent. If, for example, there is no pickguard, you may still want to buy this tool. But if you don't have enough tuners, knobs, a bridge or some part of it, a pickup or a jack for a cord, then you won't be able to appreciate the full potential of the bass. Keep this in mind if you're still going to buy it. The paintwork must be original or professionally restored. Keep in mind that non-originality or the absence of any parts of the bass, as well as non-original painting, can significantly reduce the price of the instrument.

2. Build Quality

Check where the neck is attached to the deck (if the neck is bolted). The fit should be tight, without gaps. If there is a gap of at least 0.5mm, do not buy this tool. Either it was made poorly, or it is the result of poor-quality repairs, or the stamp is “not native”. You need to acquire bass, not problems. If the neck is through, pay attention to the quality of gluing and the absence of micro-cracks, etc.

3. Neck deflection

Neck deflection is an important factor for any bass guitar, especially used ones. Many high-quality, suitable instruments go unnoticed due to improper neck deflection. If you're unhappy with the sag or the feel of the neck, ask your dealer to customize it for you. If, after tuning, the neck has not become better, then, most likely, nothing will fix it. Refuse this purchase. Also, if the neck is glued together from several parts, check that the wood grains are directed in opposite directions relative to each other. This will prevent the neck from warping with changes in humidity, it will not lead. If the neck is not wooden, but made of composite material (as for example on bass guitars Zon, Modulus, Status), then you are lucky, and you can skip this step.

4. Frets

The quality of the fret setting is also very important for the sound of the bass and the overall feel of the bass. Check each fret for wear, oxidation, and also make sure the frets have been set to a good standard (as far as your experience can tell). Ask the seller if the frets were changed on this instrument and if so, who did it - Uncle Kolya on his knee or a guitar master in the workshop. Often times, poor quality fret replacement work can turn an instrument into junk. If you come across such a tool - do not buy it. Also, I recommend staying away from fretted bass guitars that have been converted to fretless. The fretboard on these basses is usually damaged and the bass has chronic neck problems. In any case, this item is a serious reason for bargaining.

5. Anchor

The anchor rod must be intact and intact. Ask the seller where and when the bass was last tuned, this will show if the instrument is good. If the strings are at a height of a couple of centimeters, and the seller proudly claims that the instrument was tuned a week ago - do not be fooled by this. Most likely a serious problem with the neck.

Ask for the bass to be tuned just to be sure. Tapping on the neck helps to identify a broken anchor. If a strange sound comes out of the neck, it means that it is not adjusted, or there is probably a problem with the truss rod. Again, don't mess with a tool that has anchor problems.

6. Fittings

Bridge saddles should be tight-fitting and not oxidized. The same goes for regulators, tuners, pickups. If some elements are oxidized, check them, and if everything is in order, take them. With old (and at the same time amazing) basses, this happens, it's not a big deal. If the tool is new, then most likely it was not properly stored or operated in high humidity conditions. Refrain from such a purchase.

7. Pickups

8. String height

The height of the strings and the condition of the fingerboard should be perfect. The height of the strings, of course, will not suit your habits as soon as you pick up the bass, so ask to have it adjusted. If you can't set it up the way you like it, don't buy the instrument. The overlay should be smooth, without cracks (the most unpleasant are those that are as thick as a hair, check carefully for their absence) and other damage. Please make sure the fretboard is in perfect condition before purchasing. However, do not mistake the natural texture of the wood for damage.

9. Upgrade

In a spherical vacuum, an upgraded bass shouldn't cost more than a stock bass. We don't care if the previous owner replaced the bridge, pickups and nut on his stock Jazz Bass. Usually people don't want to pay for someone else's upgrades, and the seller may want to return original components to the bass before selling. Just keep in mind that later these changes, if they were made "handicraft", can become a source of big problems. As in the previous paragraphs, specify who made the replacement and what changed to what.

10. Double check

Before buying, double-check everything: neck, fretboard, string height, pickups, appearance, intonation, control, and so on. If the bass is active, ask the dealer to replace the battery to make sure all electronics are working properly.

Try not to get hung up on the brand of the instrument, try as many different basses as you like, such as different pickup configurations (single, hunbacker, split-coil), number of strings, etc. Many replicas are just as good as the original instruments, and sometimes even better. There are legends about old Ibanez basses that made superb replicas. Rickenbacker, Fender and Gibson.

Here is a list of not-so-famous basses that I recommend as a bargain (they're pretty rare, so don't dismiss other options just because they're not on this list):

• Squier 80s (Bullet, Jazz, Precision, Proton)
• Guild pre-Fender times (the 70s are especially good)
• Godin(namely BG and SD)
• obscure Gibson basses (Grabber, Artist, Ripper)
• Harmony(old Harmony quite good and inexpensive, if you can only find them in decent condition)
• Ibanez 70-80s (the same copies of Rickenbacker, Fender, Artist, Eagle)
• Lado(If you're lucky enough to find...)
• reissue AmpegBA(I have one, it's great)
• copies Vintage P-bass(better with laminated case)
• old Arias(ProII)
• Peavey(T-40, Fury)
• Ovation(Magnum II)

All of these basses are great and can be very cheap.

Here are some other less important tips:

• Always try to bargain, even for a small amount of money. You will be surprised what an incredibly profitable purchase can be made in this way.
• "O! Yes, I have been looking for this bass for a hundred years! - this is not worth saying. After that, it will be more difficult to bargain with the seller.
• Pretend you don't understand anything about bass guitars. There is a chance that the seller will make the mistake of saying something like “well, the electronics here are not original, but it doesn’t matter”, and you will have a good bargain.
• Try to test the bass on equipment in the same price range as what you have or less.
• Maintain respect but be firm.

It is in your best interest to ask the right question to the seller when buying a used bass guitar. Keep this in mind, and may your experience in the world of used bass guitars be successful!

The bass guitar is a link between percussion (drums) and harmonic (keyboards, guitar) instruments, being at the same time both a rhythmic and melodic instrument. Becoming a good bassist, despite popular belief, is not easy. You need to be able to navigate in different styles, be able to use different sound production techniques (fingers, pick, slap, tapping), be able to work with sound. A good bass player will always have a job, as they, like good drummers, are very hard to find.

Leading guitar brands have their own flagship bass models, many of which have essentially become the standard (which Chinese manufacturers actively use, copying these guitars to the smallest detail). Bass guitars are 4.5 and 6-string, semi-acoustic, electro-acoustic, fretless, with an increased and shortened scale, with active and passive electronics, with different types of pickups.

So you need to decide what kind of music you are going to play and start choosing an instrument!

Some of the most popular basses are 2 models of Fender basses: Fender Precision (Steve Harris from Iron Maiden) and Fender Jazz bass (Markus Miller, Jaco Pastorius). They differ in the types of pickups: split-coil for the Fender Precision and 2 single-coils for the Fender Jazz bass. Another iconic Musicman Stingray bass with humbucking pickups (Phoenix from Linkin Park and Robert Trujillo from Metallica). Most other (Japanese, Korean and Chinese) bass guitars are variations on these guitars with different combinations of pickups, but nevertheless, among them you can find a good instrument for little money.

Bass guitars with active electronics are gaining popularity these days. They have a built-in preamp, a more powerful output, more bass tuning options. The only negative is that in these tools you need to change the battery regularly. Very successful bass guitars with active electronics are manufactured by Yamaha. In the line of bass guitars of this company there are both relatively inexpensive instruments and very expensive personalized ones, costing from $ 4000 (Yamaha TRBJP2 - Jaco Pastorius personalized guitar).

Choosing the number of strings on a bass guitar also makes sense based on the style. 4-string basses are suitable for most styles and are comfortable for slapping. 5-strings are more often used in pop music, alternative, i.e. in styles where a lower B string may be required. 6-string bass guitars are used in complex music - fusion, jazz, where the bass guitar is often a solo instrument.

When choosing a bass guitar, you should pay attention to the fastening of the neck to the body. There are 3 types of them:

• On bolts. Allows you to easily adjust the neck, the deflection of the anchor, and in which case quickly replace the neck. The sound is bright with good sustain. Most bass guitars are made with this type of neck attachment.
• Pasted. The neck is glued into the guitar using a rectangular spike. This mount has its pros and cons. Among the advantages is increased sustain compared to bolt-on mounting. But adjusting such a neck is more difficult and if it breaks, it can no longer be replaced.
• Through the hull. In this case, the neck passes through the entire body, and the upper and lower parts of the soundboard are glued to it on the sides. The sound is deep low with good sustain.

Fretless bass guitars are used in jazz music, ballads, etc. their sound is a bit like that of a double bass. But playing them requires a lot of precision and good hearing.

Semi-acoustic bass guitars (similar to semi-acoustic guitars) are essentially an ordinary bass guitar but with a large hollow body, the sound of such bass guitars can be heard in retro music of the 50s and 60s, in jazz.

Electro-acoustic bass guitars (close to conventional acoustic guitars) the sound in these guitars is picked up by piezoelectric pickups. Used in acoustic music.

And finally, a few tips for beginners:

• For the first bass guitar, it is best to purchase a standard instrument with a minimum number of controls, this will allow you to concentrate on playing and you will not get confused in the settings.
• Buy a bass guitar with a standard scale, 4 or 5 strings maximum (if required by the style of music you intend to play).
• Get the best tool you can afford. Learn more efficiently on a good instrument, and you won’t have to change it later for a longer time.