How to Buy a Bass Guitar

Posted by Solo music gear on January 22nd, 2019

When looking for the ideal bass guitar, there are a few things that you need to understand. This would make it easy for you to make your choice of the bass guitar.

Things to consider

Wood for the guitar

The tonal quality that will be exuded by the guitar depends a lot on the wood from which the guitar is made. Different parts of the guitar are created using different woods. However, it is also the skill of the guitar maker that adds to the tone of the guitar.

Tonewood selection goes a long way in determining how the guitar will sound. Some of the woods that are considered for making a bass guitar include ash and alder, agathis, mahogany, basswood and maple. Each of these wood types has its qualities and offers specific tonal quality to the guitar.

Number of Strings

The number of strings in a usual guitar is four. It is an obvious fact that with fewer numbers of strings, the neck will be narrower. Those that are learning the guitar will find it easier to handle it and learn to play.

There are certain music styles that are best played on 5 or 6 string bass. Therefore, the number of strings would depend upon your music playing style.

Bass machine heads

The bass machine heads are used to tune the guitar by adjusting the tension of the string. The machine heads are known by names like gears, pegs, cranks, tensioners, knobs, machines and Guitar Parts Canada.

You can look for the best bass machine heads Canada at some of the popular stores. You can find adequate reviews regarding their qualities and features.

Fretboard layouts

The fretboard layouts can be of two different types: fretless and fretted. The standard guitars have the fretted neck. This layout has chromatic scale divided at every half step with steel frets. This setting is ideal for those that are learning to play the instrument as finding the correct notes this way is much easier.

The bass that has fretless neck only has smooth wood and there are no steel frets just like a violin or upright bass. Most bass players are of the opinion that the fretless basses offer a much warmer and smoother sound. However, it is actually the position of your finger that affects the pitch of the note.

Passive or active pickups

When it is the time for choosing the bass guitar pickups, you have two choices: passive and active. Since the electric basses have been around, the passive pickups have been there.

The active Guitar Pickups Canada are newer and they provide a clear, bright and percussive tone. They are also able to produce a much higher output than the passive pickups due to their in-built battery powered amp.

When looking for the ideal bass guitar, look for the things mentioned above. Consider the tonal quality that you would like to have in your guitar and then make your choice.

There are no set rules for picking the bass guitar. It all depends on your personal preference and music playing style.