The new Modern Player series continues that great "my-first-Fender" tradition, with thoroughly modern features and several distinctively unconventional new takes on our most revered instruments - all with outstandingly attainable value.
The Modern Player series holds a few surprises in store, too - including the long-awaited return of an acclaimed Fender bass guitar model not seen since the 1970s (back now in potently hot-rod fashion), an unrelentingly lean-and-mean version of the venerable Jaguar guitar, the resurrection of a fabled and seldom-heard Fender name from the 1960s for a scorching new guitar model, an utterly volcanic new Jazz Bass with dual humbucking pickups, and a powerful new take on the acclaimed modern-era Jaguar Bass - back in the ring with a versatile new pickup combination and streamlined control configuration.

Eight new instruments
There are eight instruments in the series; five guitars and three basses. They are the Modern Player Stratocaster HSS, Modern Player Telecaster Plus HSS, Modern Player Telecaster Thinline Deluxe, Modern Player Jaguar, Modern Player Marauder, Modern Player Telecaster Bass, Modern Player Jazz Bass and Modern Player Jaguar Bass.

Modern Player Marauder
In addition to heralding the return of a fabled and seldom-heard Fender name from the 1960s, the Modern Player Marauder is one of the most distinctive new guitars in the family, uniquely marked by a new body style, Modern Player Jazzmaster neck pickup and volcanic-sounding three-coil Fender Triplebucker bridge pickup.
Other features include a koto body, C-shaped maple neck, rosewood fretboard with 22 jumbo frets, five-way pickup switching with lower horn blade selector switch, four-ply aged white pearloid pickguard, Jazz Bass-style control knobs, vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge, vintage-style tuners and nickel/chrome hardware. The Modern Player Marauder comes in Black and Lake Placid Blue.

Modern Player Stratocaster
The Modern Player Stratocaster HSS offers the tonal versatility of two Modern Player single-coil pickups and a full-throated Modern Player humbucking pickup at the bridge, with the addition of the second tone knob serving as a push-pull coil-split switch for the bridge pickup.

Other features include an alder body, C-shaped maple neck, rosewood fretboard with 9.5-inch radius and 22 jumbo frets, five-way pickup switching, three-ply pickguard, vintage-style synchronized tremolo bridge, vintage-style tuners and nickel/chrome hardware. It's available in Olympic White and Silverburst.

Modern Player Telecasters
The Modern Player Telecaster Plus HSS is that rare bird among Telecasters - a triple-pickup model - further distinguished by a pine body and mini-toggle coil-split switch for the Modern Player humbucking bridge pickup.

Other features include C-shaped maple neck, maple fretboard with 9.5-inch radius and 22 jumbo frets, Modern Player single-coil Telecaster neck pickup and Modern Player Stratocaster middle pickup, five-way pickup switching, three-ply pickguard, knurled "chrome-dome" control knobs, vintage-style Stratocaster string-through-body six-saddle hard-tail bridge, vintage-style tuners and nickel/chrome hardware. It comes in Honey Burst and Charcoal Transparent.

The Modern Player Telecaster Thinline Deluxe casts an already distinctive classic Telecaster model in a whole new light with a full-throated pair of single-coil Modern Player MP-90 pickups.

Other features include a mahogany body, C-shaped maple neck, maple fretboard with 9.5-inch radius and 22 medium jumbo frets, three-way toggle pickup switching, three-ply pickguard (parchment on Sunburst model; black-white-black on other models), four skirted amp knobs (two volume, two tone), vintage-style Stratocaster string-through-body six-saddle hard-tail bridge, vintage-style tuners and nickel/chrome hardware. It's available in Three-color Sunburst, Black Transparent and Vintage White.

Modern Player Jaguar
The Modern Player Jaguar is a lean, mean and stripped-down version of the classic Fender model, with a full-throated pair of single-coil Modern Player MP-90 pickups on a sans-pickguard mahogany body.

Other features include a C-shaped maple neck, rosewood fretboard with 9.5-inch radius and 21 medium jumbo frets, three-way toggle pickup switching, Jazz Bass-style control knobs, vintage-style Adjusto-Matic bridge with anchored tailpiece, vintage-style tuners and nickel/chrome hardware. It's available in Two-color Chocolate Burst, Red Transparent and Black Transparent.

Modern Player Tele Bass
A classic Fender bass design returns with an unusual new twist delivering utterly seismic sound. The Telecaster Bass is back at last in the smart new form of the Modern Player Telecaster Bass, which boasts not one but two massive humbucking pickups.
Features include an alder body, C-shaped maple neck, maple fretboard with 9.5-inch radius and 20 medium jumbo frets, dual Modern Player Wide Range humbucking Precision Bass pickups, three-ply parchment (Sunburst model) or single-ply black (Butterscotch Blonde model) pickguard, three knurled "chrome-dome" control knobs (neck volume, bridge volume, master tone), vintage-style bridge with four brass saddles, open-gear tuners and nickel/chrome hardware. Its back in Two-color Sunburst and Butterscotch Blonde.

Modern Player Jazz Bass
The Modern Player Jazz Bass is a volcanic new take on the time-honored Jazz Bass thanks to its dual Modern Player humbucking Jazz Bass pickups. Other features include an alder body, C-shaped maple neck, rosewood fretboard with 9.5-inch radius and 20 jumbo frets, three-ply pickguard, vintage-style four-saddle bridge with brass saddles, open-gear tuners and nickel/chrome hardware. It comes in Three-color Sunburst, Olympic White and Black Transparent.

Modern Player Jaguar Bass
Finally, the acclaimed Fender Jaguar Bass is back in the sleek form the Modern Player Jaguar Bass, which presents a lean, mean and stripped-down version of the model with a powerful P/J configuration - a Modern Player Precision Bass middle pickup and Modern Player Jazz Bass bridge pickup - and streamlined control layout.

Features include a koto body, C-shaped maple neck, maple fretboard with 9.5-inch radius and 20 jumbo frets, three-ply parchment pickguard, three Jazz Bass control knobs (middle volume, bridge volume, master tone), vintage-style four-saddle bridge with brass saddles, open-gear tuners and nickel/chrome hardware. The Modern Player Jaguar Bass is available in Black.

To further distinguish it as a special instrument created for the occasion, the 60th Anniversary Precision Bass bears a commemorative chrome neck plate honouring six decades of enduring Fender legacy.

US Auctions Australian Auctions Austrian Auctions Belgian Auctions Canadian Auctions French Auctions German Auctions Irish Auctions Italian Auctions Dutch Auctions Spanish Auctions Swiss Auctions GB Auctions

Best Match Items Ending First Newly-Listed Items First Price + Shipping: Lowest First Price + Shipping: Highest First

Fender Road Worn 50s Precision Bass Fiesta Red
	$999.99 End Date: Saturday Feb-4-2012 15:29:42 PST Buy It Now for only: $999.99 Buy It Now

Lefty 60 thru 64 Fender Precision Pickguard 1964 Mint Green Left Handed USA
	$89.00 End Date: Saturday Feb-4-2012 16:19:36 PST Buy It Now for only: $89.00 Buy It Now

Fender American Deluxe Precision Bass
	$975.95 End Date: Saturday Feb-4-2012 17:12:47 PST Buy It Now for only: $975.95 Buy It Now

Fender American Standard Precision Bass GM Grey
	$1,199.99 End Date: Saturday Feb-4-2012 18:43:33 PST Buy It Now for only: $1,199.99 Buy It Now

1984 Fender Precision Bass Left Handed Lefty Black Vintage
	$1,350.00 End Date: Saturday Feb-4-2012 18:46:32 PST Buy It Now for only: $1,350.00 Buy It Now

SWEET Fender Squier Std Precision Bass P J Config Black Metallic Flake
	$129.99 End Date: Saturday Feb-4-2012 19:26:38 PST Buy It Now for only: $159.99 Buy It Now | Bid now

« Previous12345...1617Next »

The Ibanez BTB470 bass guitar has all the professional features that musicians crave such as neck-thru construction and deep cutaways that give full fretboard access. Select woods and top-shelf electronics also contribute to the big sound and lasting sustain that have been the hallmark of Ibanez basses. The BTB470 has a mahogany body, a 5-piece maple/bubinga neck, Bartolini MK2 pickups, and active 3-band EQ for precise tonal adjustments.

Ibanez BTB470 Electric Bass Guitar Features:
• Solid mahogany body
• Scale: 35"
• Neck-thru joint
• 5-piece maple/bubinga neck
• Rosewood fretboard
• U-neck contour
• 24 medium frets
• 1.73" (41mm) nut width
• R305mm fretboard
• Monorail II bridge
• Bartolini MK-2 bridge and neck pickups and controls
• Die-cast tuners
• Cosmo black hardware
• Iron pewter finish
• Abalone dot inlay
• Mono-rail II bridge

US Auctions Australian Auctions Austrian Auctions Belgian Auctions Canadian Auctions French Auctions German Auctions Irish Auctions Italian Auctions Dutch Auctions Spanish Auctions Swiss Auctions GB Auctions

Best Match Items Ending First Newly-Listed Items First Price + Shipping: Lowest First Price + Shipping: Highest First

IBANEZ BTB4705 PIECE NECKBARTOLINI PICKUPSINCLUDES FREE GIG BAG
	$399.00 End Date: Friday Feb-10-2012 13:43:37 PST Buy It Now for only: $399.00 Buy It Now

New Ibanez BTB470 Bartolini Pickups BTB Bass Guitar
	$399.00 End Date: Friday Feb-10-2012 15:03:35 PST Buy It Now for only: $399.00 Buy It Now

All bass guitars generally work in the same way, although the materials from which they are made and their shape can have a sizable impact on what type of sound they produce and what genre of music they are best suited to playing.

The effect of wood on the bass sound
The majority of basses are solidbody, meaning there is no space inside the body of the guitar to allow sounds to reverberate naturally as with acoustic instruments. The cheapest solidbodys are typically made from softer woods such as ply or plastic, with hard woods like maple, rosewood and mahogany used on more expensive models.

As far as solidbodys are concerned, mahogany produces a dense and woody sound and fits in well with the country and blues style of music. Rosewood on the other hand is generally considered to create a more metallic sound that is rich and complex in both the high and low registers. Meanwhile, maple has a flatter tone that can work particularly well when playing at a loud volume.

Hollowbody bass guitars are used, but are mostly for those who enjoy jazz and folk music, as they create a quieter, more acoustic sound better suited to this type of playing.

Famous bass guitars
One of the most popular manufacturers of bass guitars, as with electric guitars, is Fender, which pioneered the Precision Bass. This instrument is heavily associated with rock music and has been used over the years by the likes of Black Sabbath's Geezer Butler, Metallica's Cliff Burton and The Who's John Entwhistle.

After more than 50 years of production, there are a wide variety of Precision Basses available, although the most commonly found will either be made of alder or ash, with four strings and a fretted fingerboard.

Affordable alternatives
Having four strings and frets is generally considered to be the best option for those looking to start playing the bass as it makes them less complicated for beginners to learn. However, Fender basses can sell for upwards of £400 and there are much cheaper models on the market that offer a similar style, such as the Electric G-4 Bass Guitar, which costs £79.95.

Like a typical Fender, this model has frets and four strings, as well as the familiar split coil humbucking pickup. This enables the guitar to produce a crisp clear tone with good low end depth, punch and sustain. It is also available as part of the Electric G-4 Bass Guitar & Amp Pack for £109.05, which includes a practice 15-watt bass amplifier, a guitar lead, spare strings, a pick and a strap - everything needed to start playing right away.

Playing the bass guitar
There are three main ways of playing a bass guitar - using a pick, plucking with fingers or 'slapping'. Picks are generally used in order to play more quickly, although some musicians simply prefer them to plucking. Slapping is a more advanced technique popularised by the likes of Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers and found commonly in funk music.

Beyond these three, it is possible to use two-handed tapping techniques similar to those used in electric guitar playing. This style is generally used by virtuoso bass players - such as Billy Sheehan - who forego the traditional role of the bass guitar as simply a rhythm section instrument.

As well as trying out different playing techniques, beginners can advance their sound by upgrading to a better bass guitar, amp or using effects pedals, such as a Boss GT10B Bass Guitar Effects Processor.

Before you rush to the music store, do some research first. Websites like Musicians Friend and American Musical Supply not only show what's available to buy, but many have product reviews from people who have purchased them. Use discretion when looking at reviews. Even though each review represents one person's opinion, they are formed by their experience (good or bad) with either the product, shipping, or the company itself. For example, if there's a bass who has had constant bad reviews on its tone, then chances are you probably won't like it either.

However, if nothing really catches your eye, do some window-shopping at a local music store. If it's new you want, try online stores like the Best Guitar Shop. Then there are places like Bob’s Vintage Guitars that have some new but mostly used (or vintage, however you want to put it) gear just waiting to be sold. Don't be afraid to ask the salesperson for assistance, tell them you want to try out a particular bass or amp. They should be happy to oblige you. You can even bring your own axe or amp to try out, although you may be asked to check it with the staff or else you might get accused of stealing your own gear. Actually, this is the optimal decision, since basses sound different through different amps, and vice versa. You need to know how YOUR stuff sounds through THEIR stuff.

A Little More About Bass Browsing:
There is also the option of having a custom bass designed for you from a skilled luthier (a guitar maker). The cool thing is that you'll have a unique bass that's set up just for you and exactly the way you want it. The downside is that it usually costs you thousands of dollars to get it done. Custom guitars are usually for pro musicians who know exactly what they want. Besides, if you're just starting out, this might not be the best option, especially if you're not sure what you want or what is practical for you.
So when looking for your new bass, you must be discriminating. It's like shopping for a car, you want to test drive it first and see what you like and don't like about it. A good tip is to play it unplugged, placing your ear directly on the side of the body as you play it. If it sounds full and resonant, chances are it will sound great plugged in. If there is hissing or buzzing, be cautious. It could be a simple problem with the action (or how high/low the strings are in relation to the neck and body) and can be fixed with adjustments to the bridge and tension rod (a bar of metal inside the neck that adjusts the bow of the neck). Most instruments from a music shop will be setup correctly and ready to go as soon as it leaves the store, but then there are some that aren't or are unable to setup properly. Most low-end basses will have at least one thing wrong about them, so tread cautiously when shopping around. You must take into consideration your budget as well as your style, comfort, and practicality. For example, if you plan on playing your bass for long periods of time, then a heavy bass will give you much discomfort whether you play it standing or sitting down. And if your dream bass costs as much as a dream vacation to the Bahamas, reconsider the many cheaper options out there. Who knows, there might be a hidden gem of a bass waiting just for you.

A Little about Amps:
Most electric basses can't produce much sound unplugged unless you put your ear to the body and pluck a string. A bass amplifier does exactly what it says, amplifies the sound of a vibrating string over a pickup. Although there are many brands and types of amps, they all should have four parts to them:

Preamplifier - where you plug your cable into the unit. The preamp readies the signal coming from your guitar's pickups and vibrating stings by boosting its voltage (amplitude).

Signal processor - dials, knobs or silders most preamps should have to further modify the signal. It can be as simple as a volume, bass (low), and treble (high) controls, or as complicated as a 12-band EQ (equalizer) with all the bells and whistles thrown in.

Power amp - further increases the voltage level of your signal to where it can power speakers. Because low notes need more voltage to drive them, a bass amp must have tons of output power to cut through. For example, if you jam with a guitar player and you both have 50 watt amps, the guitar amp is always going to overpower you because high notes don't need as much power to let them ring.

Speakers - also called drivers, the speakers turn the powered electrical signal into physical energy. The signal passes through a voice coil that is connected to a resilient cone of either paper or aluminum. As the cone moves in and out, sound waves are produced. There are many combinations of speaker arrangements, the common ones being a single 12-inch speaker (1x12), single 15-inch (1x15), two 10-inch (2x10), and four 10-inch speakers (4x10).

Mostly all guitarists started out playing on a combo amp, with all four sections combined into one convenient unit. For the beginner, in terms of price and portability, it's a good place to start. Picking out wattage is up to you. If you plan on playing only in your room or to show off to a few buddies, never intending on playing with a band, then a combo amp from 10 to 50 watts should be perfect. If you do want to play in a band, then consider a combo amp from 60 to 300 watts. 60 watts is a good practice amp in a small room, however won't be able to cut it on a stage. 300 watts or higher should be able to compete with even the loudest of drums and guitar stacks.

Then there are bass stacks. Most still have the preamp, power amp, and signal processing in one unit (usually called a "head" or "brain"), yet the speakers are contained in their own enclosures (called "cabinets") and can be switched around or added to. Stack systems start from around $500 to $1000 to put together. Please be sensible - don't get a system that won't even fit in your vehicle or onstage or even in your own house.

Of course there are rack systems, where all four components can be switched around and customized, but they usually start at $1000 without even considering the price of the speakers. Rack systems are best left for seasoned pros and semi-pros who know exactly what kind of sound they want to dial in, not for the beginner trying to make up their minds on what they want. Not to say a beginner shouldn't buy a stack or rack system, but when you're starting out, it's best to keep things simple.

What to consider when buying a new amp? Almost some of the same things to consider when buying a new bass. Things like cost, comfort, and practicality. Cost an issue? Most music stores do have layaway plans if you can't afford your gear all at once. Just make sure to keep up with the payment - the moment you miss even one, you risk losing all the money you've already put into it. Since most bass amps are heavy, you must consider all possibilities. For instance, if you just bought a brand new 8x10 cabinet to marry to your brutal 450-watt head but it weighs more than you do and is hard to move around, you can either try to trade it for a smaller one or just go to your local hardware store and buy some casters for it.

There is also the debate between tube amps and solid state amps. Tube amps have a tube(s) to drive them - like dim light bulbs that give off a warmer sound than solid state amps, which rely solely on circuit boards that try to emulate the tube sound. Then there are so-called "hybrid" amps that use tubes and circuits harmoniously. Again, it's all in the preferrence of the musician.

Summing up:
When you've picked out your dream rig, you'll be satisfied knowing you made an informed decision and not bought something on impulse. If you're still debating on what gear you should buy, consult with your local music shops and ask them their opinions on certain models. A good place to ask is also a music repair shop. Ask what brands usually come in to get repaired so you know which brands are reliable and which brands are likely to meltdown. Finding your own unique sound is a musician's Holy Grail, some of them are still looking for the right combination. But when you've found it, or come a step closer to it, it will be utopian bliss. So save up some extra cash, do a little research, test drive some gear, and soon you'll be living the dream.

US Auctions Australian Auctions Austrian Auctions Belgian Auctions Canadian Auctions French Auctions German Auctions Irish Auctions Italian Auctions Dutch Auctions Spanish Auctions Swiss Auctions GB Auctions

Best Match Items Ending First Newly-Listed Items First Price + Shipping: Lowest First Price + Shipping: Highest First

NEW WARWICK STREAMER GERMAN MADE SWAMP ASH ELECTRIC BASS GUITAR WITH CASE
	$2,399.99 End Date: Saturday Feb-4-2012 15:13:13 PST Buy It Now for only: $2,399.99 Buy It Now

SPECTOR BASS w case
	$700.00 End Date: Saturday Feb-4-2012 15:13:35 PST Buy It Now for only: $700.00 Buy It Now

Peavey USA Bass Guitar Model T 20
	$449.00 End Date: Saturday Feb-4-2012 15:17:42 PST Buy It Now for only: $449.00 Buy It Now

HOFNER ICONS WITH UPGRADES AS CLOSE AS IT GETS WITHOUT GERMAN PRICING
	$305.00 (2 Bids) End Date: Saturday Feb-4-2012 15:18:44 PST Bid now

2006 Ernie Ball Musicman Stingray Bass 4 string
	$800.00 End Date: Saturday Feb-4-2012 15:19:52 PST Bid now

GUITAR BASS MIJ VINTAGE ELECTRA X630W PHOENIX MATSUMOKU JAPAN W LEO QUAN BAD ASS
	$299.00 End Date: Saturday Feb-4-2012 15:20:02 PST Buy It Now for only: $299.00 Buy It Now

Check it out at http://www.metronomeonline.com

ESP B50 Bass
This funky looking bass features a basswood body (a relatively soft wood), with maple neck, and rosewood fingerboard. For a couple hundred dollars, this dependable bass should be considered a bargain. If you like this look of this ESP bass, then you should consider this one for a beginner instrument.

US Auctions Australian Auctions Austrian Auctions Belgian Auctions Canadian Auctions French Auctions German Auctions Irish Auctions Italian Auctions Dutch Auctions Spanish Auctions Swiss Auctions GB Auctions

Best Match Items Ending First Newly-Listed Items First Price + Shipping: Lowest First Price + Shipping: Highest First

ESP LTD F 414FM Bass Guitar Black Cherry
	$375.00 End Date: Saturday Feb-4-2012 16:09:57 PST Buy It Now for only: $450.00 Buy It Now | Bid now

ESP LTD Viper 104 Bass Black
	$279.00 End Date: Saturday Feb-4-2012 20:40:26 PST Buy It Now for only: $279.00 Buy It Now

ESP LTD Surveyor 5 Bass Three Tone Burst
	$419.99 End Date: Saturday Feb-4-2012 20:40:31 PST Buy It Now for only: $419.99 Buy It Now

ESP LTD Phoenix 204 Bass
	$399.00 End Date: Saturday Feb-4-2012 21:25:20 PST Buy It Now for only: $399.00 Buy It Now

ESP LTD TA 600 Bass
	$899.00 End Date: Saturday Feb-4-2012 21:25:22 PST Buy It Now for only: $899.00 Buy It Now

ESP LTD TE 202 Three Tone Burst
	$349.00 End Date: Saturday Feb-4-2012 21:25:23 PST Buy It Now for only: $349.00 Buy It Now

« Previous12345...1617Next »

Body Style:
Electric bass guitars are most commonly solid-body electrics, although there are a few sem-hollowbody available for a rounder and more acoustic sound.
Neck:
Choosing what type of neck your bass should have is dependent on the size of your hand. Necks come in a number of shapes: round, oval, flat back, "vee" and asymmetrical (thinner either on bass or treble side). Naturally, if you are interested in a 5 or 6-string bass, the neck is going to be wider.
Scale Length:
Scale length is the vibrating length of the string, which is determined by the distance between "nut" and the bridge "saddle." Fret placement (See Intonation) is a ratio based on scale length so longer scales have more distance between frets. Scale length influences both the tonal quality of the notes produced and the tension of the string at a particular pitch. The tonal effects of scale length are crucial to the final tone of the instrument. For a more defined sound on the low B string of a five string bass, a longer neck is advisable. A shorter scale is acceptable for 4-string bass, is good for smaller hands, and will make the G string sing out. Common bass scale lengths are Short Scale: 30 inches; Medium Scale: 32 inches; Long Scale (Standard): 34 inches; 5 string long scale: 35"; Extra-long Scale: 36 inches.
Tuning machines:
The type of tuning machine your guitar has is very important. This is what allows you to fine tune and hold pitch. Enclosed machine heads resist rust and airborne corrosives, and therefore don't require as much maintenance or replacement as open tuning machines. Get the best tuning machines available for the instrument.
Intonation:
Intonation determines whether the notes play in tune as you move up the neck. If the distance between the frets (usually above the 12th fret) is off, the bass will be incapable of playing in tune and therefore useless as a recording or performance instrument.
Bolt-on, Neck-Through:
Neck-through basses are stronger, have better sustain and note resolution. Bolt-on necks have a punchier sound but are more likely to have dead spots.
Fingerboard:
A coated fingerboard helps produce a whining, trebly "fretless sound" and longer sustain which wears much longer with round-wound strings. Uncoated fingerboards have a warmer, more natural sound.
Number of Frets:
A bass can have 21, 22, or 24 frets. Most bass playing takes place in the lower positions so this is a matter of personal taste.
Pickups:
Pickups are important to the sound of a bass, ranked right up there with strings as a way of defining your sound. They probably have more effect on your final sound than whatever combinations of woods are chosen for that perfect tone. To complicate the issue, a pickup can give quite different results on different basses. Changing strings will affect a pickup's response as well. A number of active and passive pickups are available for bass. When choosing a bass with active pickups, remember that battery life and replacement will become an issue.
Wood:
Choice of woods naturally affects the tone and weight of a guitar, but so do a number of other factors. A lightweight wood is advantageous for performing standing up, since bass guitars can be rather large. Common woods for bass are swamp ash, a lighter weight soft wood which produces a punchy tone and low mids. Alder is another lightweight wood that produces a more crisp tone. The important question for you is whether you like the sound of the instrument.
Finish:
With electric instruments, the type of finish does not affect sound as much as it does on acoustics, but you needn't worry about it in either case. Guitar makers take this into account when they build the instrument.

US Auctions Australian Auctions Austrian Auctions Belgian Auctions Canadian Auctions French Auctions German Auctions Irish Auctions Italian Auctions Dutch Auctions Spanish Auctions Swiss Auctions GB Auctions

Best Match Items Ending First Newly-Listed Items First Price + Shipping: Lowest First Price + Shipping: Highest First

Fender Road Worn 50s Precision Bass Fiesta Red
	$999.99 End Date: Saturday Feb-4-2012 15:29:42 PST Buy It Now for only: $999.99 Buy It Now

Fender Jazz Bass Body Fully Loaded MIM NR
	$72.00 (12 Bids) End Date: Saturday Feb-4-2012 15:31:02 PST Bid now

FENDER JAZZ BASS CUSTOM COLOR OLD MADE IN MEXICONEW STRINGS W LOCKING STRAP
	$350.00 End Date: Saturday Feb-4-2012 15:36:08 PST Bid now

Lefty 60 thru 64 Fender Precision Pickguard 1964 Mint Green Left Handed USA
	$89.00 End Date: Saturday Feb-4-2012 16:19:36 PST Buy It Now for only: $89.00 Buy It Now

Fender Squier Vintage Jazz Base Guitar
	$155.00 (21 Bids) End Date: Saturday Feb-4-2012 16:42:10 PST Bid now

Fender Squier Affinity 5 string Jazz bass in great condition NO RESERVE
	$175.00 End Date: Saturday Feb-4-2012 16:53:26 PST Buy It Now for only: $225.00 Buy It Now | Bid now

« Previous12345...1617Next »

Electric vs. Acoustic
“Which is better to learn on… an electric guitar, or an acoustic guitar?” The answer to that question, despite what many would lead you to believe, is a little more complicated than “electric is best”, or “acoustic is best”. To find an answer for this question yourself, let’s begin by learning a little bit about both electric and acoustic guitars, and what makes them different.

Acoustic Guitar
This is the instrument most people think of when they think “guitar”. An acoustic guitar is hollow, and almost always has a “sound hole” - a round hole in the face of the guitar. Acoustic guitars almost always have six strings. When you strike the strings of an acoustic guitar, the instrument produces a rather loud sound. A “classical guitar” looks quite similar to an “acoustic guitar”, and is indeed still an acoustic instrument, but it has several distinct differences. Standard acoustic guitars have six strings made of steel, whereas classical guitars have six strings, three of which are nylon. This produces a sound quite different from an acoustic guitar. The neck of the guitar is also much broader on most classical guitars. I’ll go out on a limb and say that unless you are interested in focusing on classical music, this style of guitar probably shouldn’t be your primary choice for a first instrument.
Electric Guitar
Electric guitars have a few more bells and whistles than acoustics. Most electric guitars are not hollow, thus when you strike the strings, the sound produced is very quiet. In order to project the sound of an electric guitar, a guitar amplifier is needed. Generally, people find electric guitars to be a little more confusing than acoustic guitars - there are more knobs and buttons to deal with, and there are also a few more things that can go wrong. Electric guitars are generally much easier to play than acoustic guitars. The strings are lighter, and easier to press down. The sore fingers that many novices experience when learning on an acoustic guitar generally isn’t nearly as much of an issue when learning on electric guitar. Electric guitars have a different role in music than acoustic guitars.

Choosing a Guitar - Which one is right for me?
Probably the most important consideration, when choosing what type of guitar to learn on, is what type of music will be played on the instrument. If you’re a fan of rock music, and want to learn to play rock guitar, starting on electric guitar is a logical choice. If, however, you’re a fan of acoustic music, and want to learn to strum your favorite songs, an acoustic guitar is probably best for you. The importance of the above philosophy can’t be stressed enough. If you get stuck with the wrong type of guitar, you’re going to have much less motivation to pick it up and play it regularly.
Note to parents: this same principle applies when picking out a guitar for your child. Try to realistically assess what they’d like best, as opposed to what you’d like them to play. Their progress will be noticeably better when playing a guitar they like. Ease of Learning Depending on your personality type, this might either play a major factor in deciding which guitar to start on, or might be irrelevant. Some people find if they don’t see results quickly, they get discouraged, and lose interest in playing guitar altogether. If you think you (or the person you’re buying for) are one of those people, an electric guitar is probably the instrument to start on. Electric guitars have smaller bodies, smaller necks, and it’s much easier to press down the strings. Essentially, you can start playing the *basics* of guitar much more quickly and easily on an electric guitar, than you can on an acoustic. Having said that, there are a few knobs and buttons on an electric guitar that can complicate using it somewhat. Budget Considerations Understandably, paying a whole lot for a first guitar isn’t very desirable, especially if you’re not even sure if playing guitar is something you (or whomever you’re buying for) will stick with. For this reason, acoustic guitars are more often the choice for a first instrument, since they tend to be slightly less expensive. Electric guitars require the purchase of an amplifier, and a guitar cable, so they can end up costing a little more. If you want to learn on an electric guitar, but budget is a serious issue, many guitar stores offer starter electric guitar/amp packages at very reasonable prices. Making the Decision Now I’ve given you some things to consider, it’s time for you to decide which type of guitar is best suited for you, or for whomever you’re buying for. Let’s summarize - if the person in question frustrates easily, or listens to and wants to play “hard rock” music, definitely think electric guitar. If, however, the person in question wants to learn songs to sing along to, and can handle a slightly steeper learning curve, then an acoustic guitar might be in order.

Once you’ve made a decision, take a look at the posts on "Best Acoustic Guitars," and Top 5 Beginner Electric Guitars" for tips on specific guitars to buy.

Buying a bass guitar for a novice can be tricky... there are a ton of cheap beginner basses out there, but many of them feature cheap hardware, and shoddy workmanship. The trick is to find a bass guitar that is both easy to learn on, yet also easy on the pocketbook. The following basses, all of which hover in the couple hundred dollar range, are some of the best valued bass guitars on the market.

1. ESP B50
This funky looking bass features a basswood body (a relatively soft wood), with maple neck, and rosewood fingerboard. For a couple hundred dollars, this dependable bass should be considered a bargain. If you like this look of this ESP bass, then you should consider this one for a beginner instrument.

2. Yamaha RBX374
Yamaha have earned a reputation for being a company able to produce quality instruments with low price tags. The RBX374, with it's fully alder body, maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, and P-style pickup, is no exception. Although not the cheapest bass on this list, this model offers quite good value for the price.

3. Squier Standard Jazz
This is Fender's low priced version of the classic Fender Jazz bass. The pickups and electronics are inferior, and there are lots of other reasons why this Squier model isn't of the same caliber as the original, yet for the price tag, this instrument will still provide that Fender Jazz sound, without busting your budget.

4. Epiphone Accu Bass
This is a classic looking P bass, made by Epiphone, featuring a maple/alder body, and a split humbucking pickup. The Accu Bass is a very solid, durable instrument, so if you think you might be putting your bass through a lot physically, this might be the one for you.

5. Ibanez GSR200
This low-cost Ibanez bass guitar has an individual look and feel. The body is made from Athagis wood, the neck from maple, and the fingerboard from rosewood. The GSR200 features a rather thin neck, which many people might find easier to learn on. As is usually the case with low cost instruments, the electronics aren't top notch, but for the money, the GSR200 is a good bet.

US Auctions Australian Auctions Austrian Auctions Belgian Auctions Canadian Auctions French Auctions German Auctions Irish Auctions Italian Auctions Dutch Auctions Spanish Auctions Swiss Auctions GB Auctions

Best Match Items Ending First Newly-Listed Items First Price + Shipping: Lowest First Price + Shipping: Highest First