The Right Fit
There are so many types and styles of electric basses that it may seem as if picking one is like choosing your favorite flavor of ice cream at an ice cream parlor. Thankfully, the task of choosing a bass is a lot more practical and rational than that. Often, the best choice comes down to picking the right tool for the job. In short, your instrument should reflect the type of music you are playing.
Think about what kind of music you want to play, and then research what instruments artists in that genre tend to use. If it's a famous bass player, you can often find this information online or in magazines. You'll find that there is a connection between brand names, models, and musical styles.
For example, if your intention is to perform traditional country music in a band setting, a more traditional electric bass, whose style is reminiscent of basses produced in the 1950s and 1960s, might be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you are looking to play R & B, you might opt for a modern bass, one that gives you extra slap and punch so that you can sound funky.
Other issues that you should consider have to do with the exact features and details of each electric bass. These include specifications for wood, electronics, size and scale, neck and body contours, general tone, and, again, cost. A more recent development concerning the electric bass is the addition of supplemental strings. Five- and six-string models are now commonplace. These additional strings increase the range of the instrument, but unless you have a specific need or desire to utilize these extended low and high ranges, it won't be necessary to purchase a five- or six-string bass.
Don't forget to check out manufacturers' Web sites. There you will find lots of technical information about basses. For example, Gibson's Web site (
As for the color, that is one of the most personal and subjective choices a purchaser can make. Different colors and finishes are constantly being employed. Due to the vastly expanding terrain of finishing techniques, it is more important than ever to check with your dealer and manufacturer regarding proper care. Choose a finish that suits your personal tastes and the genre that you intend to perform. Above all else, before purchasing an instrument, don't be afraid to ask the seller detailed questions. Also, if you're purchasing a bass through a retailer, be sure to ask the sales clerk about the terms and conditions of the sale including return policies and warranties.
