FEATURES of 5 Iconic Bass Guitars, which are a basic part of the History of the Instrument.
There is a very close relationship between the electric guitar and the electric bass. In principle, all the basics that we know about the electric guitar in terms of types of wood, construction and electronics are also essentially reflected in the electric bass.
The standard tuning of both instruments is also shared. Since the tuning of a four-string bass (E – A – D – G) is exactly the same as that of a guitar, without taking into account the two highest strings of the guitar. So any guitarist has the knowledge to make a bass sound. Another question would be having the necessary condition to be a good bass player.
It is not surprising that many guitarists have a bass in their arsenal of instruments to enjoy its sound or to create their own accompaniments.
In fact, many bassists began their careers playing the guitar, or simply play both instruments with skill, as in the case of the great guitarist Buckethead.
There is a myth that most bass players are frustrated guitarists. But in reality, being a good bass player requires more than just putting down the guitar and picking up the bass.
It also takes a lot of talent and effort to develop its different techniques. In addition to having the ability to create good rhythms, and accompaniments or play a good solo with this instrument.
Iconic Bass Guitars: First Models
It is widely believed that Leo Fender was the inventor of this instrument. But in fact the first incarnation of the electric bass was produced by the American manufacturer Paul Tutmarc in the early 1930s. Although at that time the new instrument was not very successful.
While Leo was not the first to imagine such an instrument, he was the first to do it well. Or rather, to do it very well. The Californian genius developed, together with his collaborators, several of the most Iconic Bass Guitars in history. Besides established the standard 34-inch scale length measurement for the instrument.
Iconic Fender Bass Guitars
Fender Precision Bass
For this reason, the invention is most commonly credited to Leo Fender, with the development of none other than the Fender Precision Bass. The first commercially viable electric bass in history. A best-seller since its launch in 1951, up to the present day.
Quickly replacing the double bass due to its smaller size, and its high volume and forcefulness, thanks to the simple amplification of the instrument. Although the double bass continued to be part of some popular musical genres such as Rockabilly.
The Fender Precision Bass is also known simply as the “P-Bass”. The term P-bass is used today as a standard to refer to any instrument built to its basic construction and electronics design.
The Precision Bass offers a deep, round and aggressive sound, making it an instrument especially appreciated by musicians of hard-hitting genres, such as Steve Harris of Iron Maiden, Glenn Hughes of Deep Purple and Black Sabbath, or Dee Dee Ramone. Although this bass has been used by countless musicians such as Roger Waters (Pink Floyd), or Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy.
An electric bass that has been part of countless Pop, Rock, Soul and Funk hits. And is possibly the most used bass in history.
The Precision Bass features a thicker C-shaped neck profile compared to other electric basses. This feature clearly influences the resonance of the instrument, and provides the characteristic sound of this magnificent electric bass.
Fender Jazz Bass
In 1960, Fender would launch its second electric bass design: The legendary Fender Jazz Bass. Another bass that is part of the legend of the instrument. Used by a large number of bassists such as Marcus Miller, Flea, or Jaco Pastorius.
The Jazz Bass is probably one of the most versatile basses. As it has two electromagnetic pickups, placed in different places on the body of the instrument, to offer a very wide range of sounds both separately, and using both pickups together.
A Iconic Bass Guitars that is easier to play thanks to its thinner neck for easier speed. His sound a brighter, more defined sound than the Precision.
Rickenbacker 4003
The Rickenbacker 4001 is another of the most Iconic Bass Guitars. Was released as an improved version of the 4000 series between 1961 and 1981. It was later replaced by the Rickenbacker 4003, and the latter is the model that is currently manufactured.
Used by bassists such as Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead, Les Claypool, or Robert Trujillo of the band Metallica.
This bass is Neck Thru, as the neck runs through the entire body of the instrument.
The circuit of this bass allows the possibility of sending the signal from its pickups separately, to different amplifiers.
The sound of this bass is very particular, forceful, and with a lot of “sustain”, which has allowed it to compete with Fender Precision or Jazz Bass.
Höfner 500/1
The Höfner 500/1 is a hollow-body electric bass, launched by the German brand in the 1950s. Popularized in the 1960s by The Beatle Paul McCartney (although Paul also used the Rickenbacker 4001S).
For this reason, the Höfner is also known as the “Beatle Bass” or “Violin Bass”. Today, this bass is manufactured in different versions, and we can also opt for the Epiphone Viola Bass.
The Höfner is a very handy bass thanks to its small size, its medium 30-inch scale, and its hollow body that significantly lightens the weight of the instrument. As a result, it is a very comfortable bass to play, as well as having a very natural tone similar to that of a classic double bass, thanks to its hollow body.
Music Man Stingray Bass
After Leo Fender sold his company and worked for some time as an employee of CBS, in 1971 Fender founded the company Music Man with other collaborators. And if you think that after designing two legendary basses like the Jazz and the Precision his talent had run dry, you are wrong.
Since in 1976 he launched another of the most Iconic Bass Guitars, which has gone down in history as a modern version of his classic Precision Bass: the Music Man Stingray Bass.
But with a distinctive and innovative sound, more aggressive, sharp and powerful. This made it a very suitable instrument for the new musical trends, being a success since its launch.
In addition, the Stingray Bass would be the first mass-produced bass that incorporated an active preamp for equalizing the instrument.
Among the many bassists who have used the Stingray are Cliff Williams of AC/DC. In addition to John Deacon of Queen, and Flea of Red Hot Chili Peppers. Although Flea and many of the bassists mentioned above have probably used almost all of the basses mentioned above.
Currently the MusicMan brand belongs to Ernie Ball and its products are quite expensive. But in the Sterling by MusicMan brand we can find models at a very affordable price.
Alongside the Precision and Jazz Bass, the Stingray Bass is part of Leo Fender’s extensive line of legendary creations.