What bass guitar?
Ok, you have decided that you want to learn to play bass guitar. Now you need a bass. And now you’re stuck… Ah, the endless line of choices… 4, 5 or 6 strings? Fender, Gibson, Yamaha? Oh dear oh dear.
Let me try and clarify things a bit for you. First of all, you might hear people talk about 5 and 6 string basses as being something of a must, but consider this: What is your role as a bass player in the band? Is it to play solos? Do you need extra high or low tones in order to make the sound better? I would say no, no, no, no.
While high notes can be cool on the bass, and ultra low rumbling equally so, apart from the artistry of it, I can’t see much point in it at all. Why is it called bass guitar? It is of course because you play the bottom instrument, which means you are the foundation of the band. Along with the drums you establish the rhythm and drive.
If that is your role (and everyone agrees this is the real role), why would you need a 5 or 6 string bass? For the occasional opportunity to play something flashy so you can show of your skill (which actually no one cares about)?
Throughout the history of modern music 4 strings have always been sufficient on the bass. Why would anyone consider anything more?
That was my moral.
However, when you learn to play bass guitar, I don’t think you should settle for a poor bass. You deserve a middle of the road bass guitar. There are of course tons of brands and types out there, and you really need to go to a good music store and try tem out.
Two types stand out, though: The Jazz bass and the Precision bass. Both trademarked Fender, but copied in buckets by numerous other companies.
The following video is a test of a new Fender Jazz bass.
The P bass is apparently the worlds most used bass guitar, the worlds first ever bass guitar, and incidentally the one I use. I have one original Fender 1965 model, and one Warmoth kit that I assembled myself.
Which one do I recommend you to get? It’s your choice. But I think I would stick with a reputable brand, such as Fender or Yamaha. There are of course many, many others, but make sure you learn to play bass guitar on a decent bass guitar.
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