My StudyBass
Bass Guitar Buying Guide
Make an educated decision about purchasing a bass guitar. In this bass guitar buying guide, we will first make sure you want a bass. If so, then we'll look at what type of bass you might want. Lastly, we'll cover the features of a bass part-by-part, what makes them important (or not) and other bass guitar options.
With all of this new knowledge, you will know what they are talking about when you read a bass guitar’s description online or when you talk to Chuck, the guitar dude, at your local music store.
Bass Guitar Buying Guide Intro
Learn what to look for when buying a bass guitar. Thorough descriptions of all bass guitar parts and what to consider.
The Difference Between Guitar and Bass
Understand the difference between bass and guitar. Which one do you want to choose?
Is Bass Easier to Play Than Guitar?
People are always arguing about whether bass is easy to play or not. Here are my thoughts...
Types of Basses
Understand all the different types of basses there are to choose from in the bass guitar buying guide.
Choosing between 4-, 5-, or 6-String Bass
Deciding how many strings you want on a bass. Should you get 4 5 or 6 strings? Why?
What Scale Bass Do I Want?
What is the difference between different bass scale lengths?
Left-Handed Bass Guitars
Should you get a left-handed bass guitar? Learn why or why not...
Fretless Bass
What is the difference between fretted bass and fretless bass? Do I want a fretless bass?
Modeling Bass
Understand what a modeling bass guitar is.
Precision Bass and Jazz Bass
Learn what these terms mean in the bass guitar buying guide.
Bass Guitar Tone Woods
Tone woods used in bass guitar construction.
Decorative Bass Guitar Woods
Understanding woods used in the construction of bass guitars.
Synthetic Bass Guitar Materials
Read about synthetic materials made in bass guitar construction...
Bass Guitar Necks Part 1
Descriptions of bass guitar neck parts.
Bass Guitar Necks Part 2
Explanations of bass guitar neck parts - truss rod, nut, etc.
The Bass Guitar Fretboard/Fingerboard
Descriptions of the various parts of the bass guitar fretboard.
The Bass Guitar Body
Learn about the parts of the bass guitar body in the bass buyer's guide.
Bass Guitar Hardware Part 1
In this first article on bass hardware we will discuss the bass bridge and what makes it one of the most critical parts of the bass.
Bass Guitar Hardware Part 2
Learn about the hardware on a bass guitar in the bass buying guide.
Bass Guitar Electronics
The bass guitar's electronics are what convert the sound of the strings into an audio signal.
Active and Passive Bass Pickups
Understand the difference between active and passive bass guitar pickups.
Types of Bass Guitar Pickups
Learn about the various types of bass pickups and their differences.
Bass Pickup Placement
Learn how pickup location affects the tone of a bass guitar.
Bass Guitar Knobs and Switches
Learn what the various knobs on a bass guitar control.
Bass Guitar Strings
Don't worry about the strings that come with your bass...
Bass Guitar Cases
Do you need a hardshell case? Is a gig bag better?