Comments on: How to Select an Electric Bass

on 12/18/2006 When selecting a bass guitar, always play them through the same amplifer; practice 1/2 hour daily; ask bass players that you admire alot of questions; spend money on bass guitar lessons from a giging bass teacher - not a guitar teacher who teaches bass on the side ( there's a difference); learn to SING; decide if you want to play bass or a girlfriend (they'll put up with it for awhile); never sell your bass unless you're upgrading (you'll regret it); get a reputation that you'll be there on time for practice or a gig - that they can count on you; know the songs in different keys, don't cop an attitude; bring a back up bass in case your bass goes out on you in the middle of a song; dance around on stage and smile; learn different types of music, have a dependable ride like a van or station wagon that doesn't announce you have a bass in there; subscribe to Bass Player magazine; go to YouTube.com and listen to different players for free = Good Luck!

on 2/10/2006 Wood selection can actually make a huge difference in sound quality. Be sure to ask about the woods used in the manufacturing of a bass; what is the body made of? What is the neck made of? Heavy woods (such as ovangkol, bubinga, and even maple) will produce fuller, fatter tone (particularly on the low ranges). While this will incur the penalty of being heavier, a player can offset this by using a more comfortable strap and making sure that the body of the bass is balanced with the neck.

on 11/22/2005 Make sure you don't buy a bass just because a friend told you to. Spend your time trying out different basses and choose the one that you are most comfortable with.

on 11/22/2005 If you are just starting out or looking for another axe for your arsenal, Fender never fails. P-basses are common and good for beginners. The high action makes your fingers stronger, and the low end is killer. I'm biased towards J-basses because I play a Fretless jazz bass, and they are just a lot faster. There's also P&J, which I consider the best of both worlds if you can't pick between the two. Remember, whatever sounds best to you is what matters.

on 11/22/2005 Play the bass standing up with a strap to see if it balances well. A neck-heavy bass often slides down, and is harder to play than one that stays in a natural position.

on 11/22/2005 If you already have an amp, try out the bass on an amp somewhat like yours. That way, you'll know what it sounds like when you get home. Same goes for buying amps - use your own bass or one like it.

on 11/22/2005 Buying a used bass is a good way to buy nice gear without the hefty prices of the brand new instruments. A few of my basses were bought used. Just because somebody else didn't like it doesn't mean that you won't!

on 11/22/2005 Take someone more experienced than you - if you're a complete beginner - like a bassist friend or your teacher. Also, how a bass sounds UNAMPLIFIED is very important. If it sounds dead with no sustain, it probably won't sound good through an amp.