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Guides - Choosing a beginner bass guitar

 

 

The bass guitar is a 4 string instrument (although it does come in 5 String and 6 string options) that utilises thicker strings and a longer scale neck than a normal guitar to deliver the low bass frequencies. The vast majority of bass players play 4 string basses so we recommend starting here and at a later date maybe experiment with 5 and 6 string options (not a rule, just a guide!). So, what is the best beginner bass guitar? Well there isn't just one option, you'll want to choose a model based on colour, style, size and sound - so let our roundup of great value entry level models help you make an informed descision.

Our first model to look at is the Squier Affinity P Bass (also known as a Precision Bass). The P Bass was designed by the legend that is Mr Leo Fender and is the industry standard bass. Thanks to its design and split coil pickup it delivers a thick warm tone and fits perfectly across a wide variety of genres, not only in sound but in looks too.

Leo Fender's other hugely popular bass design is the Jazz Bass. The Squier Affinity Jazz Bass features a slightly thinner neck than a P Bass and thanks to it's 2 single coil pickups it has great tonal options. It's body features an offset waist and balances perfectly when on a strap making it very comfortable to play.

If you require a slightly smaller instrument then the short scale Epiphone EB0 Bass makes playing a bass slightly easier thanks to its shorter neck length. It's features the unique body shape of the Gibson SG Bass with it's classic double cutaway styling and produces a thick, plummy, warm tone due to its powerful humbucker located at the neck position. A normal scale version of the bass is also available - the Epiphone EB3 Bass.

The Ibanez GSR180 is another superb value for money bass, again featuring 2 single coil pickups for great versatility and tonal options, it's contoured body makes it extremely comfortable to play. Whilst we are on the Ibanez brand we have to recommend the Ibanez SR300 Bass (available left handed option too). The SR300 has been a hugely popular seller for us, thanks to it's super fast slim neck and it's ultra versatile onboard active 3 band eq.

All of the above bass guitars will require a dedicated bass amplifier - here is the range of bass practice amps with the Ashdown After 8, Marshall MB15 and Ampeg BA108 being popular choices. Finally of course, a cable will be needed to connect the bass to the amp and a tuner in the form of the Korg GA1 would be advisable.

 

 

 

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