If you’re looking to buy a new bass then you’ve come to the right place! We review bass guitars from a number of brands including Fender, Music Man and Yamaha. If there’s a model of bass you’d like to see reviewed then let us know – we’re always looking for new products to write about.
There’s no better way of buying new bass guitars by trying them out and seeing which one suits your style the best. That doesn’t mean you should ignore online reviews though, and some of the best deals can be found online. Whether you’re looking for a five string or just a standard four string we’ve got you covered.
If this is your first bass guitar purchase then take a look at our beginners guide to choosing below.
Beginners Guide To Choosing A Bass Guitar
To buy a bass guitar involves many of the same decisions as its six string cousin, but there are a few differences.
Step #1 – Budget
If this is your first bass then you probably don’t want to spend a huge amount of money. You should keep in mind that higher end instruments tend to be better setup and easier to play. They also invariably have a better sound. It’s important to strike the right balance between keeping the cost down and avoiding a bass that’s uncomfortable and not enjoyable to play.
Step #2 – Active Or Passive Pick Ups
Some bass guitar models have active pickups, which means they include extra electronics to increase your tonal range. Passive pickups don’t have extra circuitry and hence don’t tend to have the same punchy sound. Active or passive pickups is mainly a choice that depends on your own personal taste. The only downside to active pickups is that they require batteries which can run out at inconvenient times!
Step #3 – The Neck
There are several choices when it comes to the neck. Firstly, the neck scale makes a difference to how easy the guitar is to use. Young people may want to opt for a short scale neck, which is 30 inches long, as the guitar will be more comfortable. The standard scale neck is 24 inches long.
Another decision is whether the guitar has a through neck or a bolt on. Through neck bass guitars tend to be more expensive, so beginners will probably go for a bolt on.
