Choosing the Right Bass Guitar

By: James Duclos

To some people, choosing the right bass may be a very complicated process. For others, it might be as easy as randomly picking up a bass because it looks good and discovering that it plays like a dream.

Cost

When you are trying to decide which bass guitar to purchase, the biggest factor may be the price. Obviously, like most objects on the market… more quality = more money. Bass guitars can range from a 25 dollar junk bass you buy off of the internet to a few thousand dollar custom-made dream axe. Just try to remember that even though your first bass may be a little expensive, the quality of the guitar that you choose may make or break your practice habits – playability really does matter. Try getting to know one of the salespeople at your local music store; come in every few days to play a different bass so that you don’t make an impulse purchase. No matter what steps you take to help with your decision, keep in mind that close behind cost comes playability.

Playability

Essentially, playability describes the level of comfort that you feel when you are playing your guitar. Playability is based on how easy it is for you to pluck and fret the strings as well as how easily you can move your fingers along the fretboard.

Another aspect that contributes to the playability of a bass guitar is the pickup setup. If you are planning on playing with your fingers, then you will most likely need a place to rest your thumb while using your string pluckers (i.e. fingers). Some basses have a piece of plastic built in to rest your thumb on. Many bass players simply rest their thumb on the pickup or lower string (if they are not using it).

Plucking the strings will not be as easy as you may think the first few weeks, but when you first start out, it should not feel like you have to put all of your right hand strength into getting the strings to move. Some guitars have a higher string tension than others, which in turn makes the strings harder to handle. The ease with which you pluck the strings is important when you consider the string action.

When tuning, the strings may become very tight as they pull on the headstock; this in return curves the neck slightly, like a bow and arrow. Because of this bow and arrow motion, the strings may be close or not–so–close to the fretboard, commonly referred to as the action of your guitar. Upright double basses have a higher action compared to electric basses. The lower the action, the easier it will be for you to play your guitar. If your action is too–close to the fretboard, you will hear fret buzz, which sounds … like a buzz.

With price and playability in mind, you should be set to get your first (or second) bass guitar. Most importantly, look for a bass that is easy and fun to play. The easier it is to play, the less you will think of practicing as a chore.

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