How to Select an Electric Bass Guitar

Bass players understand their role in the band; they are the foundation. And much like the base of any structure, the right equipment can ensure you are able to create the backbone of the song, while your band members add to it. You’ll need an instrument that can handle this role, one with strength and power behind it, and Warwick bass guitars should be at the top of your list. However, even the best-trained musicians can struggle with deciphering the minute differences between the brands and styles. In the end it will come down to your preference, but research will point you in the right direction.

Tonewoods

Certain woods and other materials will determine the quality of sound when you play. In fact, there are those who think wood is the most important feature on a guitar. At the very least, you’ll need to understand the difference between each to narrow down your options. Alder and ash are woods of similar quality, providing an even tone; plus, these woods are highly attractive.

Basses made from agathis are relatively inexpensive and best for the inexperienced, while mahogany produces some of the warmest tones out of all wood used. Those playing a wide range of styles should consider basswood, which is an extremely soft wood that can easily handle vibrations.

Strings

Traditional bass guitars come with four strings and are easier for beginners to pick up and learn how to play. The majority of bass players stick to this format, but some guitars can accommodate extra strings. Country musicians can benefit from one or two extra strings. Additionally, the extra strings can expand your skill-set and allow you to experiment with sound.

Frets

You can either purchase a fretted or fret-less model. The majority of basses come with the frets, which is helpful for beginners. The more experienced will enjoy a smoother transition between notes, but the quality is fully determined by precise finger placement.

A Beginner’s Guide to Buying an Upright Electric Bass

No matter the style of music, the bass sets the tone and rhythm for any band. It creates the intense foundation for a rock group or the right amount of swing for a jazz band. But just as you must practice on a daily basis, you’ll need the proper instrument to set up the right sound. When you go looking to purchase your first upright electric bass, there are a few things to consider other than just your budget.

Strings

One of the most important parts of your bass is the strings you choose to use, with the main focus on your playing style. Will you be using a bow or plucking the strings while playing? The focus for bowing strings is creating responsive and mellow sounds, so you should stay away from metal strings. If you plan to pluck, then you should look for strings that are made to be resilient and have lower tension — especially if you’re into playing rockabilly. While most strings are usually meant to be used for one style, there are brands now that offer hybrid versions that can be used for either plucking or bowing.

Neck

The neck of a bass is most commonly attached with bolts, creating a stable base that won’t shift during use. A through-neck bass has no joint between the body and neck but is more expensive to repair should you break it. The through-neck continues as one with the body, which results in a longer sustain — how long you can continue to hear the sound before it becomes too quiet. A bolt neck will result in a stronger timbre, which is the tone quality, and it will be cheaper to repair.

Bridge

The bridge is where the strings transmit the sound through the body of the bass. Look for one made of heavier materials, such as brass; this creates a solid anchor and better vibration of sound. There are two types of bridges available: fixed and adjustable. Which one you go with will depend entirely on you, though when starting out, it’s better to get a fixed bridge and focus on the other aspects of the bass, like the neck and strings.