Best Guitar Shop » Bass Guitar

Shopping for Bass Guitars and Amplifiers

admin — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 04:36:36 +0000

Introduction:
So you're tired of having to borrow your buddies' bass and amp (and they're probably sick of having you snag it every chance you get), or maybe you have your own, but they just aren't up to scratch. Then again, you might have a decent bass and amp, yet you want to upgrade or simply add to your arsenal. This article will give you pointers on how to go about shopping around for a new axe and amplifier.

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.

FENDER SQUIER Vintage Modified Jazz Bass SOLID MAPLE BODY
	$222.00 End Date: Saturday Feb-4-2012 14:40:29 PST Buy It Now for only: $249.00 Buy It Now \| Bid now

1972 Fender P Bass All Original
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NEW MUSIC MAN STINGRAY BASS CASE
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2007 Gibson USA SG Standard Bass 4 String Gloss Cherry Finsh w OHSC tags

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FENDER SQUIRE CHERRY BLACK 5 STRING BASS GUITAR
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Free Online Metronome To Improve Your Rhythm

admin — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 06:17:30 +0000

Some beginning guitarists have difficulty keeping in time with the rhythm while practicing.
Many suggested that they would find it beneficial towards their guitar playing if a metronome could be used while they were practicing.
The metronome is a great instrument that makes repeated clicking sounds at an adjustable pace and are very useful tools in marking the rhythm of a song!
I did some research and found an online site that has a FREE metronome that our valued customers are able to make use of.

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

ESP B50 Bass Guitar

admin — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 17:53:01 +0000

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 bass is one of the best valued bass guitars on the market.

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.

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
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ESP LTD Surveyor 5 Bass Three Tone Burst
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ESP LTD Phoenix 204 Bass
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ESP LTD TA 600 Bass
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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

Fender Precision Bass vs. Jazz Bass

admin — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 17:47:54 +0000

Fender's Precision and Jazz Basses dominate the world of bass guitars; and that's no accident! Leo Fender and his small crew invented the first electric bass guitar more than 50 years ago. And though there have been many changes to both models over the past 50 years, the new P Bass or J Bass you buy today still carries the tradition of the classic originals.
So how do they differ? What makes a player choose one over the other? The primary differences can be summed up in three areas: the body, the neck and the pickups.
If I said you have a beautiful body...
The Precision Bass looked radical in 1951. Its deep double cutaways and forward-raked design was like nothing the guitar world had seen. And it preceded the Stratocaster (which has a similar body style) by three years. In 1954 the Precision Bass, which had been a "slab" until then, adopted the contoured body of the new Stratocaster. These sculpted recessions at the bottom and top made it more comfortable to hold. The original Precision body was ash; now you can choose from models with ash or alder bodies.
The Fender Jazz Bass, released in 1960, offered players an alternative to the Precision. Its offset-waist body, which was drawn from the Jazzmaster guitar introduced a couple of years earlier, moved the mass of the body forward and out of the way of the player's right arm. As with the P Bass, ash and alder body models of the J Bass are available.
Neck and neck...
Most Precision and Jazz Bass production models have what Fender calls a "modern C shape" neck. Each model's neck is maple, with maple, rosewood, or pao ferro fingerboards available. But there the similarities end. Each neck is distinctively different to appeal to different players' preferences. The Precision neck maintains a fairly consistent thickness and tapers in slightly as it approaches the nut.
Meanwhile, the Jazz starts with its strings in a noticeably narrower spacing at the nut that give it a distinct "tapered" feel for what some players feel is easier fingering. And the fast-action maple Jazz neck debuted with a rosewood fingerboard that made it easier to manage.
With that in mind, though, a wide variety of neck options are open to today's P Bass or J Bass buyers. From Custom Shop models with a full "C" shape to Artist Series Jazz with Precision necks and Precisions with Jazz necks (as with
the Deluxe Series P Bass Special), you can have the body/neck combination that suits you best.
A couple of pickup lines...
Upon its first release the Precision Bass had a single-coil pickup with a chrome-plated cover. Within a few years Fender moved to a split-coil pickup that offered a more defined and solid bass sound.
The Jazz came out of the chute with dual eight-pole humbucking pickups that gave players a wider variety of tonal possibilities, thanks in part to a softer, less spiky signal that was not possible with the P Bass's single-coil pickup. The end result was a bass some players consider to have a cleaner sound, with more tonal variation possible through use of a pan knob that adjusts the balance between the two pickups.
Bass your decision on the facts!
It's difficult to describe guitar concepts like "feel" and "playability" in print. But hopefully this brief article has given you the basic concepts surrounding your choice of an electric bass.

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.

FENDER SQUIER Vintage Modified Jazz Bass SOLID MAPLE BODY
	$222.00 End Date: Saturday Feb-4-2012 14:40:29 PST Buy It Now for only: $249.00 Buy It Now \| Bid now

1972 Fender P Bass All Original
	$2,000.00 End Date: Saturday Feb-4-2012 14:40:47 PST Buy It Now for only: $3,000.00 Buy It Now \| Bid now

FENDER SQUIRE CHERRY BLACK 5 STRING BASS GUITAR
	$489.95 End Date: Saturday Feb-4-2012 14:49:48 PST Buy It Now for only: $489.95 Buy It Now

FENDER SQUIRE P BASS 4 STRING 20TH ANNIVERSARY
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Standard Jazz Bass Black 3 Ply Parchment Pickguard NEW
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Squier Fender Affinity Series Precision P Bass Black Maple Neck Starter HS Case

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Best Beginner Bass Guitars

admin — Tue, 19 May 2009 14:19:30 +0000

Top 5 Beginner Bass Guitars
By Dan Cross, About.com

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.

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Buying a Guitar Online

admin — Tue, 19 May 2009 13:54:43 +0000

If you've noticed the increasing popularity and value of vintage guitars, you might want to consider buying online. The online marketplace offers a wealth of amazing guitars, often at fantastic prices. Here are a few of the benefits of buying a vintage guitar online, as well as some tips to help you get a good one.

Benefits of Buying Vintage Guitars Online
1. Convenience - If you want to get an excellent price on a vintage guitar offline, you may have to spend a lot of time looking. Antique shops, garage sales, private classified ads and guitar shows all might have the guitar you've been dreaming of. However, you have to go there to find out. With online shopping, you'll be able to see in a moment if the guitar for sale is the one you want, and listings are easy to find.

2. Price - Online sellers don't have as much overhead, so they can often offer some great deals. In addition to this, you also have the chance of finding someone who doesn't know what a treasure they have. Ebay sellers may offer great vintage guitars at a much lower price than you'd find them offline. Just be sure to factor in all handling charges and shipping costs when you figure out your vintage guitar budget.

3. Market Size - The Internet exposes you to more guitar listings than you'd ever see without it. That allows sellers and buyers to find one another, and lets you discover your perfect vintage guitar. No local market can rival the selection you can find online, even in large cities.

Of course, in many cases, online purchases are sight unseen, until the guitar arrives. Does that mean you should avoid online buying? Not at all - it just means that there are a few steps to take and things to ask about before you make your purchase.

Try to find out what kind of condition the guitar is in. Whether you're buying it as an investment, or because you'd like to play a great old guitar, good condition is important. Remember that refinishing or repairs, except in special cases, can damage the value and playability of the guitar.

If you're not sure about the condition of a guitar you see online, ask the seller for photos and details about the instrument. Pay close attention to the straightness of the neck, bridge angle, and the amount of wear on the guitar. Some wear will be normal on all older guitars, but it's the type that matters. Avoid a guitar with cracks, warping, or large scratches.

Look for sellers who are accountable in some way. eBay is an excellent place to buy, since you can report sellers who don't represent themselves properly. Both eBay and Paypal have buyer protection plans to protect you should you receive a guitar that was not accurately described. However, it's also a good idea to make sure you feel right about the deal. If it seems too good to be true, it might well be!

A little bit of caution is all you need to start reaping the benefits of buying a vintage guitar online, instead of using classifieds and antique stores. Pay close attention to what you're buying and get as much information as possible. You've got a great chance of getting a better deal via the Internet, and you'll see a lot more guitars, plus you'll be able to buy them from the comfort of your own home. It doesn't get much better than that!

A good place to begin your search for that guitar of your dreams or investment is Bob’s Vintage Guitars. You will find a large selection of vintage guitars at the best prices available anywhere. In addition there is quite a lot of information about vintage guitars, both for the musician and the collector.