Bass musical instrument. Evolution of the bass guitar

What is a bass guitar, history of creation, main characteristics. Ways to play the bass and how to tune it correctly. Tips for choosing.

WHAT IS A BASS GUITAR?

A bass guitar (also called an electric bass guitar or simply a bass) is a plucked string musical instrument designed to be played in the bass range.

Bass creates a sense of fullness in the music and the foundation on which everything else is built. In rock and similar styles it helps to create a "groove", or rhythmic pattern. It seems to connect the drums and other instruments in the group, i.e. rhythm and melody. More often used for accompaniment than as a solo instrument.

Unlike other types of guitars, the bass guitar has the following design features, due to the need to obtain a lower sound range:

• big sizes;
• increased distance from the nut to the tailpiece (scale) - 864 mm (34") versus 650 mm for a classical guitar;
• thicker strings;
• reduced number of strings (4-string bass guitars are the most common).

SHORT STORY

In 1951, American inventor and entrepreneur Leo Fender, founder of the Fender company, released the Fender Precision Bass guitar. The instrument received recognition and quickly gained popularity. The ideas embedded in its design have become a de facto standard for bass guitar manufacturers. Later, in 1960, Fender released another improved model of bass guitar - the Fender Jazz Bass, the popularity of which is not inferior to the Precision Bass.

Since the 60s of the 20th century, with the advent of rock music, the bass guitar has become an increasingly common instrument. New varieties are emerging: electro-acoustic and fretless bass guitars are appearing, the number of strings is increasing, guitars are being created with built-in active electronics, double and triple strings and without a headstock. The technique of playing the bass guitar is also developing: tapping and bending are borrowed from the guitar, and specific bass techniques also appear, such as slap and playing with harmonics.

TYPES OF BASS GUITAR

The 4-string bass guitar is the most common instrument among bassists. Can be used in any style, convenient for playing. You need to start learning with just such a tool. Currently, there are many types of cases and colors. Here's an example of such a bass guitar in our video:

The 5-string bass guitar has an additional low B string. Compared to a 4-string bass, this bass has a wider neck and narrower string spacing. It becomes more difficult to play. But the additional string gives quick access to low notes without changing the position of the left hand, which is very convenient. Also, a 5-string guitar is appreciated by musicians who play “heavy” styles of music.

The 6-string bass guitar, in addition to an additional low B, also has a high sixth C string, which allows you to play high parts and even solos. Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting that the distance between the strings is even narrower, so, for example, playing slap requires much more practice and patience.

Fretless basses have a special sound because, due to the lack of frets, the string must be pressed directly against the surface of the pickguard. The string, touching the neck, makes a rattling “muah” sound, reminiscent of the sound of a double bass using the pizzicato technique. The fretless bass is more commonly used in jazz and its variations. Watch the video review on our channel:

Semi-acoustic bass guitars are similar in appearance to acoustic guitars, meaning they have a hollow body, but use the same magnetic pickups as solid-body instruments. Such bass guitars are most often used in jazz, folk and other calm musical styles that gravitate more toward an acoustic sound. The most famous hollow bass, the Beatles' violin-like instrument, is an example of how such basses can be used in rock music.

An electro-acoustic bass guitar is a regular acoustic instrument with a piezo transducer that amplifies the signal. Most often, the piezo pickup is installed under the bridge and equipped with a preamplifier, which allows you to control the timbre of the sound when the instrument is connected. This instrument is suitable for light acoustic music.

The seven-string bass guitar has the tuning B E A D G C F (Si-Si-La-Re-Sol-Do-F), that is, another high string F is added. The instrument is extremely difficult to master.

Eight-, Ten-, and Twelve-String Bass Guitars – Each of the strings on a regular four- or five-string bass guitar gets a pair tuned an octave higher (similar to a twelve-string acoustic guitar), creating a special acoustic effect. On a twelve-string bass guitar, the strings do not even come in pairs, but in triplets. The additional pair or triple is tuned in unison.

Photo from conklinguitars.com

A piccolo bass is a bass guitar tuned an octave higher. This can be achieved by using a shorter scale length or thinner strings. There are piccolo kits that can be installed on a regular bass. The Piccolo Bass is tuned like an electric guitar, but has a different timbre, probably due to a different type of pickups and a larger scale length (if the scale length is standard for a bass guitar). Unlike the electric guitar, the piccolo bass does not lose its fourth tuning.

A stick is a bass guitar specially adapted for the two-handed tapping technique. There are, as it were, two sets of strings installed on it: the lowest in the middle and thinner ones in descending order from the middle to the edges. They play it by striking the strings with a finger in the neck area, and not with a pluck, with both hands at the same time. This allows you to play two melodic lines simultaneously, combining them rhythmically. Its performance and sound are similar to those for piano.

Some modern manufacturers produce special product lines for children. The scale length of a children's bass guitar can be less than 30".

BASS GUITAR CHARACTERISTICS. WHAT TO PAY ATTENTION TO?

Pickups

As is the case with regular electric guitars, the most important device in a bass guitar is the pickup, which converts the vibrations of the strings into electric current and then into a specific frequency sound.

There are no magnets in the design of piezo sensors; they sense vibrations of the instrument strings directly, usually at the point of contact with the tailpiece (bridge). These pickups are usually used in combination with conventional electromagnetic pickups, sound significantly brighter and are most often found on acoustic or fretless bass guitars as they do not have problems with noise, interference and acoustic feedback. However, without an appropriate amplifier, the signal from such sensors sounds extremely sluggish.

Electronics

There are active and passive instrument preamp circuits.

Passive systems operate without a power source and have fewer control knobs (usually a volume knob, a tone knob, and a blend knob if multiple pickups are installed). The advantages of passive instruments are their independence from batteries, which can die mid-performance, as well as ease of control and the more traditional lo-fi sound that some performers prefer. These tools are usually cheaper.

Active bass requires a power source, which is usually a battery. The advantages of active systems include a more powerful output signal and more advanced equalizer control, which can separately adjust the high, mid and low frequencies of the output signal.

Methods for attaching the neck to the soundboard

The most common type is a screwed neck, attached to the body with a special bolt. This method is called Bolt-On. About 25% of instruments are made in the one-piece version, when the neck and soundboard are one solid device. The method is called Neck-Through.

Thru-neck models have a softer sound and longer sustain, while bolt-on basses have a tighter sound. The strength of the neck fastening is extremely important, so on some models the neck is fastened with 6 bolts (instead of the usual 3 or 4), for example, on Schecter bass guitars.

Scale is the working area of ​​the guitar strings, that is, the distance from the top to the bottom saddle. For bass guitars, there is an optimized range from 30 to 36". The first bass guitar had a 34" scale length, which is the most common to this day. The weight and sound of the instrument partly depends on this distance.

Accessories

“Hardware” usually refers to parts of the instrument such as tuners, tailpiece (bridge) and control knobs. All of them are fairly easy to replace, so if you can only afford an inexpensive tool, all is not lost - changing the fittings to a better one is quite easy, and does not require any special technical knowledge. Our store offers a wide selection.

The bridge is a critical part of the instrument; such sound characteristics as sustain and general “responsiveness” when playing significantly depend on it. Bass guitar strings can be attached to the bridge in different ways: either “from above” or by passing the strings through its body. Thru-body bridges have longer sustain and a cleaner sound. However, this makes the procedure for changing strings more complex and time-consuming. The second important function of the bridge is the ability to precisely adjust the position of each string in height and length. Thus, in combination with adjusting the truss rod tension (i.e. neck deflection), the bridge serves to keep the bass in tip-top condition.

Pegs are designed to adjust the tension of the strings of a bass guitar. Cheap pegs can simply “creep” during playing, due to which the tuning of the instrument will constantly drop.

Number of frets

The number of frets on a bass guitar usually ranges from 20 to 24. The more frets there are, the higher notes you can play on the instrument. But let us remember that the bass is primarily an accompanying instrument, and most parts are played on it no higher than the 12th fret.

Instruments made from denser woods generally sound cleaner, brighter, and clearer than those made from less dense woods. The latter, in turn, allow you to feel the vibration of overtones throughout the sound of the note. Less dense wood produces a richer sound than high density wood. Light woods tend to sound brighter than dark woods.

• Maple is the main raw material for the manufacture of necks, tops and bodies. It has a bright sound with a sharp attack.

• Mahogany guitars have the most pronounced midrange, giving the instrument a thick, meaty sound. Great for rock music. Mahogany is used to make guitar bodies and necks.

• Linden gives the instrument a slightly dull sound. A basswood guitar will have smooth sustain, the highs and lows will be softened, and the mids will be pronounced. To perform all sorts of variations of rock, thrash and metal, a basswood guitar is suitable. This wood is used only for making frames.

• Alder is a popular and fairly common species that is used in the production of electric and bass guitars. Alder instruments sound good, resonate well and have a balanced timbre.

• Rosewood is used mainly for fingerboards, and much less often for soundboards. There is Indian, Brazilian and African rosewood. Warm sound, muffled highs, good resonance.

• Poplar is the most common species used in the production of inexpensive guitars. It is cheap and suitable for universal tools. Clear sound with dominant mid frequencies.

• Ash is a traditional wood for guitars. Instruments made from this wood sound clear and clear. In this case, different parts of the trunk of this tree will sound differently. For this reason, it is impossible to find two ash guitars that sound the same.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO PLAY THE BASS GUITAR AND HOW IS IT PLAYED?

The bass guitar is played only with an amplifier or a special bass combo. Video reviews and articles on bass enhancement are presented on our YouTube channel:

There are three main methods of sound production: finger plucking, picking and slap. These methods differ in timbre coloring, as well as in their prevalence in a particular style or genre of music.

Finger plucking is the most versatile way to play the bass, suitable for almost any style of music. It is characterized by a relatively soft timbre with a predominance of low frequencies, a soft attack and a long sustain.

Playing with a pick is also a very common method of sound production, most applicable when performing rock music and its derivatives. Compared to plucking with your fingers, the sound when extracted with a pick is obtained with a sharper attack, and the timbre coloring is more pronounced in the mid and high frequencies. of any shape and thickness are widely presented in POP-MUSIC stores.

Slap is a specific bass guitar method of sound production, built on a combination of strokes and plucking with the fingers of the right hand, while the strings hit the frets of the neck, producing a loud, ringing sound.

HOW TO ADJUST THE BASS?

A 4-string bass guitar is tuned in fourths from E, a counter-octave one octave lower than the tuning of the top 4 strings of an electric guitar. 1st string – G, 2nd string – D, 3rd string – A, 4th string – E.

A 5-string bass has an additional low string (G D A E B), and a 6-string bass has an additional high string (C G D A E B).

The easiest way to tune a bass guitar is to use a tuner. It works very simply: the screen will show you what note each individual string is currently tuned to. You can find a large number of such devices in our store:

RESULTS. HOW TO CHOOSE A BASS GUITAR?

Prices for bass guitars, even in the budget segment, can vary greatly (we don’t take into account top brands, the prices for these instruments are too high). More expensive instruments are made from higher quality wood than more budget models. The quality of assembly, fittings, and pickups also varies. But in any price category, you can choose exactly the bass that will suit your goals.

• If you are a beginner bass player and are not yet sure what kind of sound you need, then we advise you to consider instruments with 4 strings. The most universal pickup type is J (single) or H (humbucker). Wood, fittings and the number of frets are not so important in this case.

• For rock musicians, basses with 4 and 5 strings are suitable. Pickup type – H (humbucker) or P (split). Body material – linden or mahogany (mahogany). Active electronics will not be out of place in this style of music. They do a great job with rock songs.

• Jazz, swing and rock 'n' roll are most often played on 4, 5 and 6 string models. The number of frets is 24, because bassists in these styles are not averse to playing solo. Pickup type – J (single) or H (humbucker). The type of electronics is most often passive, since jazzmen love traditional sounds. Body material – maple, alder or ash.

• For light and calm music, such as folk, you can use semi-acoustic or electro-acoustic basses.

For any musician, it is important not only to be able to play his instrument, but also to know some of its physical features, which will help to correctly tune the sound when playing solo or in an ensemble and better understand the specifics of the instrument. One of these features is frequency range tool . And since this site is dedicated to the bass guitar, we will talk about bass guitar frequency range.

Fundamental frequency of note

The human ear perceives sounds in the frequency range from 20Hz to 20kHz. It is logical that the bass will occupy low frequencies in this range. Its range will be between the fundamental frequencies of the lowest and highest notes on the fretboard. The fundamental frequency is the loudest 1st harmonic, which we perceive as a note. For example, the A of the first octave usually has a fundamental frequency of 440 Hz. Thus, the upper and lower limits of the fundamental frequencies will differ slightly for different types of basses and depend on the number of strings, the number of frets on the neck and the tuning.

But this is a very simplified model that does not take into account the harmonics of the notes and body of the bass guitar and in reality everything is a little more complicated. Let's try to figure it out.

4 string bass guitars

The fundamental note frequencies of a 4-string bass guitar range from approximately 40Hz to 400Hz. More specifically, the open E string vibrates at 41Hz, and the Eb note (at the 20th fret of the G string) vibrates at 311Hz. Modern bass guitars usually have 24 frets, so the G note on the last fret in such instruments sounds at a frequency of 392 Hz.

5 and 6 string bass guitars

Bass guitars with five and six strings have a wider fundamental range. The low B string extends it down to 31Hz, and if there is a high C string, then the upper threshold expands to 523Hz - the C note at the 24th fret.

Overtone range

Despite the fact that we have determined the specific values ​​of the frequency boundaries of notes played on a bass guitar, you need to understand that the string and the entire instrument as a whole do not sound only within these limits. The reason is the physical properties of sound and vibrating bodies. At the same time as the fundamental frequency, all the overtones or harmonics of the string also sound; the body of the instrument also begins to vibrate, creating its own set of harmonics, without which the sound would be “sterile.” Overtones sound quieter than the main tone, but together they make a significant contribution to the frequency range of any musical instrument, determine its timbre and give the sound its color.

Conclusion: the bass guitar is an instrument with a very wide frequency range. Although the range of fundamental frequencies for the notes (note range) we typically play on an instrument is only approximately 500Hz, very important components of sound are found throughout the range - 80Hz, 250Hz, 500Hz, 1kHz, 4kHz and above. All of them influence the formation of the correct sound of the instrument, its brightness, readability in the mix, etc.

If possible, try removing or adding to these frequencies and notice how they affect the sound. If you cut high frequencies hard, for example, the sound will become less readable and the bass will easily get lost in the mix.

Answer from Boss.ua[newbie]
Different styles of music require different ranges of sound, so musicians tune their guitars differently. The “reference” tuning is the E tuning E A D G (E-la-D-sol). Tunings are written from the lowest sounding (fourth) string to the highest (first).
Other tunings:
D# G# C# F# (D-sharp-G-sharp-C-sharp-F-sharp) - all strings are lowered by a semitone.
D G C F (D-G-DO-F) - all strings go down a tone.
C# F# B E (do-fa-si-mi) - all strings are lowered one and a half steps.
C F A# D# (do-fa-la-sharp-d-sharp) - all strings are lowered by two tones.
There are also so-called Dropped tunings:
D A D G (re-la-re-sol) - the fourth string is lowered by one tone, the rest are tuned according to the standard.
C G C F (do-sol-do-fa) - all strings are lowered by one tone, and the fourth by two.
In punk music the tuning is not lowered, but rather raised, but not always.
F A# D# G# (F-A-sharp-D-sharp-G-sharp) - all strings rise by a semitone.
F# B E A (F-sharp-B-E-A) - all strings rise one tone.
Five-string bass guitar tuning
H E A D G (si-mi-la-re-sol) - standard tuning. The fifth string is tuned to B.
E A D G C (E-la-D-sol-do) - an alternative tuning for a five-string bass guitar with the addition of a higher C string from a six-string set rather than a lower one. Expands the possibilities for soloing in the upper register, without sacrificing the lower range and the inconvenience caused by the need to mute a large number of strings.
A# D# G# C# F# (A-sharp-D-sharp-G-sharp-C-sharp-F-sharp) - all strings are lowered by a semitone.
A D G C F (la-re-sol-do-fa) - all strings go down a tone. The most popular bands playing in this formation are Korn and Pantera
Tuning a six-string bass guitar
B E A D G C (si-mi-la-re-sol-do) - standard tuning. Note that the added first string is tuned to C rather than B like the second string on acoustic and electric guitars.
Other modifications of bass guitars
seven-string bass guitar B E A D G C F (si-mi-la-re-sol-do-fa) - first appeared in 1987.
eight-, ten- and twelve-string bass guitars - each of the strings of a regular four or five-string bass guitar receives a pair tuned an octave higher (similar to a twelve-string acoustic guitar), which creates a special acoustic effect. On a twelve-string bass guitar, the strings do not even come in pairs, but in threes. The additional pair is most likely tuned in unison. In addition, variants were released separately, combining 4 bass and 6 guitar strings on one neck and 11- and 12-string bass guitars, covering the range of the piano.
A piccolo bass is typically a six-string bass guitar tuned an octave higher. This can be achieved by using a shorter scale length or by using thinner strings. There are piccolo kits that can be installed on a regular bass. Unlike the electric guitar, the piccolo bass does not lose that meaty sound inherent in the bass guitar, as well as the fourth tuning. One of the most striking examples of such a bass guitar can be heard on John Patitucci’s album “One More Angel”.
In addition, there is another type of bass guitar, specially adapted for the “two-handed tapping” technique, called a stick. There are, as it were, two sets of strings installed on it, the lowest in the middle and thinner ones in descending order from the middle to the edges. They play it by striking the strings with a finger in the neck area, and not with a pluck, with both hands at the same time. This allows you to play two melodic lines simultaneously, combining them rhythmically. The performance and sound are similar to parts for piano. One of the most prominent performers on this instrument is Tony Levin (King Crimson)

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 about this tool in order to make the right choice when purchasing.

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

Goals and budget

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

For beginning bass players who are unsure of their talent or dedication to learning, there are many good, affordable beginner bass guitars. These instruments are aimed at satisfying all the needs of a beginning bass player, although they have certain disadvantages. For example, in order to save on production, a manufacturer may equip a guitar with low-quality electronics or save on wood when making the body of the instrument. 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 has higher quality wood, 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 some idea and understanding of how it is constructed, 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 the headstock, pickguard, and internal truss rod that connects to the body of the bass guitar.

Headstock

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

Fretboard

The fingerboard is usually made of 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, and accordingly, the higher its cost. Metal frets are glued into the fretboard, which form the notes we all know.

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

anchor bolt

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

Bass Guitar 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.

Screw-on neck involves connecting the neck to the body using bolts. This type of connection is budget-friendly, so it is less expensive to implement. The advantage of this method is the simple replacement of the neck in case of repair. The downside is lower sustain compared to a glued and solid neck.

Glued neck - involves gluing the neck into the body of the guitar using epoxy resin. This mount conveys the acoustic properties of wood much better than a bolted 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 instrument.

Scale length

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

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

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

Housing 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 is excellent at transmitting the vibrations generated by the strings. For instruments in the low price category, the body is usually made of sheet or pressed wood, which negatively affects the sound.

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

Another type of hollow bass guitar is the acoustic-electric guitar. In fact, it is an acoustic instrument with a hollow body that is equipped with a piezo transducer. This type has pronounced acoustic properties compared to all others.

There are also semi-acoustic enclosures, which have a solid body, in which two cavities of certain sizes are cut out at the preparation stage. This adds a certain stability to the guitar's sound and increases sustain.

Bass guitar bridge or tailpiece

The bridge is located on the bottom of the bass guitar body. Strings are threaded through it and secured into special grooves called “saddles.” When a guitarist plays sound with strings, the vibrations generated by the strings are transmitted through the bridge to the body, where they can be picked up by a pickup, amplified, modified, and then output through the speaker on the amp. The highest quality breeches are made from brass and plated with chrome or nickel-plated silver.

Most bass guitar tailpieces fall into one of three types:

• Through the bridge
• Through the body
• Bridge and tailpiece combination

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

The second type is “Through the body”, the strings are threaded through the back of the body, where they are also secured to 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: Single coils or humbuckers?

Pickups are electromagnetic devices that pick up the sounds created by the vibrations of the strings and body of the guitar, then convert those sounds into an electrical signal. Most bass guitars have two sets of pickups, which provide a larger sonic range. Pickups that are located near the neck of the guitar have a smooth, low-frequency sound, while pickups that are located near the bridge have a sharp, mid-high range sound.

The most common types of pickups are:

• Singles
• Humbuckers

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

Single-coil pickups were the first and simplest type of pickup. Each pickup has just one coil and one magnet, which creates a bright, focused sound. The only downside to them is the noise they pick up and transform along with the sound of your bass guitar. However, this is exactly what humbuckers were invented for.

Humbuckers were created to get rid of the annoying noise and dirt created by single coils. The idea of ​​humbuckers is that they have two coils wound in series and polarity magnets that are placed 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 compared to single-coils and produce virtually no noise when connected to an amplifier.

Split-coil is one of the popular single-coil variations 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 create a sound that closely resembles the sound of a single coil without interference or noise.

Electronics: Passive and Active

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

Passive preamplifiers operate without an additional power source and have several control levers:

• Volume
• Pickup switch (if there is more than one)

The advantage of passive bass is the fact that it does not depend on a battery, which can die right in the middle of a concert. Another advantage is ease of use. Passive electronics produce 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 advantages of active electronics are that they output a more powerful signal and have greater control over tone shaping. Active bass guitars are often equipped with a built-in equalizer, which is divided into three frequency groups: low, mid and high. They may also have a special switch that instantly changes the EQ profile. On some basses you can find a coil pickup switch that disables one of the humbucker coils, thereby making it sound like a single coil.

How many strings?

Four string bass guitar

Most bass guitars have four strings and in my opinion, beginning bass players should start with a four string instrument. These bass guitars are quite suitable for most musical styles and, compared to five- and six-string instruments, have a smaller neck, which makes them an excellent option for beginners.

Five and six string bass guitars

An additional string is added to five-string bass guitars, which is tuned to B (B), thereby giving the instrument a wider range. The neck of a five-string bass is much wider than a four-string bass, and therefore will be more difficult to learn on. Five-string bass guitars are popular in genres such 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 to B (B) and C (C). Six-string basses require an even wider neck, which can be uncomfortable for many guitarists. Although challenging, they are ideal for musicians who play a lot of solo parts and need a wide range for creativity.

Fretless bass guitars

Standard bass guitars are equipped with metal frets that are glued into the fingerboard and divide it into sections. The scales help you easily navigate the guitar neck and see the notes.

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

Wood

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

Alder

Alder is commonly used to make cabinets. It creates a very balanced, clear and cohesive sound.

Agathis

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

Ash

There are several types of ash that are used to make bass guitar bodies. They all have minor differences, but generally speaking, ash has a bright, solid tone that is very reminiscent of alder in its properties. Swamp Ash is the most popular due to its superior grain.

Linden

Often used on inexpensive instruments since basswood is a “soft” wood. It does not produce enough resonance like other types. Some bass players think that it creates a "flat" sound, while others think that the short sustain is ideal for fast and complex musical passages.

Red tree

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

Maple

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

Which bass guitar is right for me?

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

• Buy the best bass guitar you can afford. A good bass will make it easier for you to learn to play and it will serve you 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 bass guitars that are equipped with frets and good markings.
• Give your preference to a bass guitar with a shorter scale length (if you are a young guitarist or if you have small hands).
• To make your life easier, choose an instrument that has four strings.
• Choose an instrument with simple controls for volume and tone, so you can focus on the strings rather than being distracted by levers, buttons, and knobs.
• Choose a bass whose color and shape suits all your desires. It may not sound great, but the appearance may motivate you to play more.

Well, we finally got to the bass guitar. The last review was devoted to the electric guitar, where we examined in detail all its components. In this article we will get acquainted and study the structure of the bass guitar, which is in many ways similar to its six-string sister, but still has a number of fundamental differences.

Bass is the head of everything!

From the history of the development of stringed musical instruments it is known that the bass guitar is a modern descendant of the double bass and became very popular in the middle of the last century, when rock music was just beginning to emerge. From then until today, its design and construction have changed dramatically. But throughout this period, all the most basic elements of the bass guitar remained unchanged and underwent a rather severe test.

In its design, and in general visually, the bass guitar is very similar to, but despite this similarity, these two instruments have different purposes in music. The bass guitar in any composition with its “lows” sets the rhythm together with percussion, in other words, this duet is also called a rhythm section, but the electric guitar is an accompanying and solo instrument. That's why they are so different. Also unlike a regular guitar, a bass guitar sounds and is tuned one octave lower.

The bass looks massive and powerful in appearance, the neck is noticeably longer, the strings are thicker, and the body is heavier. All these design features are aimed at obtaining a lower range of reproduced frequencies. You will have to get used to such a guitar over time, because playing standing for a long time becomes difficult, especially for beginners, and your fingers quickly get tired from unaccustomed to thick strings. So be prepared for this if you decide to devote yourself to this instrument.

Today there are quite a few different varieties of bass guitars, but all of them, despite their external differences, have common features. You may have ever seen a 5, 6 or even 8-string bass, but fundamentally such “monsters” are no different from their 4-string counterparts. Using the Fender Jazz Bass as an example, we will now look at the general structure of a bass guitar, which consists of:

1. Frame
2. Pickguard
3. Pickups
4. Tone block
5. Strings
6. Bridge
7. Cable connector
8. Buttons (straplocks)
9. Neck attachment
10. Anchor nut
11. Overlay
12. Frets (frets)
13. Points (marks)
14. Upper sill
15. Vulture head
16. Pegs
17. Retainer

These are all the components of a bass guitar, which are almost similar to an electric guitar. Let's talk about them in more detail.

Bass guitar body

On modern bass guitars, the body is most often solid, but you can also find models with a hollow body. What is the difference between them?

Solid body. On expensive models, the soundboard is made from a single piece of wood, such as maple, ash, and other types of wood that resonate well and transmit the vibration of the strings. Inexpensive models have a body made of softwood, spruce or pressed wood. There are even quite original cases made of very durable plastic.

Hollow bodies. In appearance, they are somewhat reminiscent of acoustic guitars, but at the same time they have magnetic pickups on their “board”. Such instruments have found their use in jazz and blues music, as well as in folk and other styles of acoustic performance. Probably the most famous “hollow” bass guitar that looks like a violin is the Hofner bass played by Paul McCartney (Beatles). This guitar is proof that the hollow bass can still be used in rock music. The main advantage of such instruments is still their lightness, but there is also one significant drawback - the appearance of feedback (microphone effect) when the sound volume is high. So, let's move on to our bass guitar.

A special protective panel called a pickguard is installed on top of the case. Its main purpose is to protect all internal electronics, as well as the deck from scratches when using a pick while playing. It contains J-style pickups with a soft, bright and clear sound, as well as a tone block that is responsible for the volume level separately for each pickup and has a common tone control. All electronics here are passive.

For reliable fixation and adjustment of the strings, a special stand made of pressed steel (sometimes made of brass with chrome or nickel plating) called a bridge is installed, on which saddles (guides) are located that allow you to adjust the position of the strings both up and down (height above the fingerboard) and back and forth (scale adjustment). To connect the instrument cable, there is a socket for a mono “jack” (TRS ¼” Jack) on the protective panel, and metal buttons are installed on the body to fasten the belt.

Bass guitar neck

In order to withstand the enormous load created by the strings stretched in working position, the neck is most often made of mahogany or hard maple and made from one single piece. Sometimes, for increased strength, it can be made from several pieces of different types of wood. The neck of the bass guitar is attached to the body using bolts, which ensure a stable and tight connection, and it is also adjustable with an anchor nut. The word “adjustable” means adjusting the deflection of the bar with an anchor located inside it. Sometimes there are two such anchors.

The fingerboard is made primarily of rosewood, ebony or maple. These materials are excellent for their purposes, but sometimes they may differ in quality. But good quality is determined by a dense, smooth and hard lining that is less susceptible to wear. On the fingerboard there are metal sills that divide the neck along its entire length. The pictured Fender Jazz Bass has 20 of them, but on different bass guitars this number can reach up to 24. The nuts are most often made from an alloy of silver and nickel, but other materials can also be used. Markers (dots) help musicians quickly find their way around the fretboard; they mark only certain frets - III, V, VII, IX, etc.

At the very beginning of the working surface of the fingerboard there is a nut - not a large part, but a very important one, which holds the strings at the proper height and the correct distance relative to each other. Previously, such thresholds were made of bone, now they are mainly made of plastic. And finally, another very important detail is the headstock, on which mechanical pegs with a gear ratio of 20:1 are located that hold and regulate string tension, but there may be a different value depending on the installed mechanics. The clamp is designed to compensate for the angle of the strings, so as not to wind many turns on the peg shaft, but this element is not present on all bass guitars. Instruments with a beveled headstock do not have a locking mechanism.

As you can see, a bass guitar is in many ways similar to an electric guitar, but it is still much more massive due to the features described above. We hope that you have become well acquainted with its structure and learned a lot for yourself. Please write in the comments what bass guitar means to you. why did you choose this particular creative tool? To reinforce the material, be sure to watch the video in which the author talks about how to choose a bass guitar.