Does the round, deep-diving sound of a bass guitar speak to your core? Then you're in exactly the right place. Here, you'll find more than 900 different electric basses to browse through. So whether you're about to enter the world of bass for the first time, or you moved in and bought a house decades ago, you'll be able to find exactly the bass you want and need.
Cheaper Beginner-Grade Basses
Don't be intimidated by the sheer range of electric bass guitars on offer. You'll be able to pick out the right body shape, the right scale-length, paint-job, and sound, whether it's a collector's item or an affordable beginner's bass.
A Short History of Three Classic Basses
It was both the double bass and the first ever electric guitar that inspired the first ever electric bass guitar. The aim was to design an instrument that could be amplified and was much easier to lug from gig to gig than a hefty double bass. This concept resulted in the undeniable classic: the Precision Bass, which Leo Fender (who's seen as the inventor of the electric bass guitar) first introduced in 1951, and soon followed it up in 1960 with the Jazz Bass, and both instruments have been in production ever since. In 1976, Music Man stepped up with their iconic Stingray bass. Since it offered an alternative to the Precision and Jazz, the Stingray was immediately popular, and soon became an indivisible part of music history. If you'd prefer to stray from the beaten track by going for something with a more modern sound; an offset body; a hollow violin-style body; or a Rickenbacker-style bass, you'll also find them all right here.
A Bass & Amp or a Bass Guitar Starter Pack?
Since an electric bass doesn't produce much volume on its own, it needs to be plugged into a bass guitar amplifier with a jack cable. Picking out your amp is an important step because it has a big influence on your bass sound. If you're a complete beginner, then it can be a good idea to go for a complete bass guitar starter pack. Besides a bass guitar, these neat packs usually include a compact yet versatile little amplifier and a jack cable, as well as other extras. They're also pretty affordable. Later on, as you get to grips with your first riffs and lines, you can upgrade you bass and amp and really pick out some gear to help shape your signature sound.
Fresh Strings & Tuning Up
The strings also help shape the sound and playing feel of you bass. As such, it's usually recommended to swap the factory-installed strings that came with your bass for a fresh pack of bass guitar strings. Since keeping in perfect tune is just as important, whether jamming on your own or with a band, a tuner is another essential tool for any bassist.
Custom or Second-Hand Basses for a Great Price
If you want something more exclusive, like a big-name Custom Shop model, then you'll find them in the higher price bracket. We also have some second hand basses available which often include some custom or vintage models for a good price.
Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Bass Guitars
Is it hard to play the bass?
The bass guitar has just four strings, and usually, bassists only play one note at a time, so it can be easier to pick up the bass than a guitar. But that doesn't mean it doesn't take practice. Also, bass strings are pretty thick compared to most stringed instruments, so it can take a little while for your fingers to get used to them, but other than that, there's really nothing to hold you back.
Is the bass guitar the same as an electric guitar?
In a word: no. The electric bass might look a lot like the electric guitar, but it has a much lower tuning and usually only has four strings, rather than six. Most bassists tend to play single notes rather than chords and they form part of the rhythm section of a band, which backs up and emphasises the rest of the instruments, while the electric guitar usually sits on top.
What kind of bass should I get?
It's always best to go for a bass that gives you the sound, feel, and look that you want. There are some classic models you could go for, like the Precision Bass which is used to play everything from funk and soul, to pop and indie, or the Jazz bass which is designed for jazz, but can just as easily play punk. The Stingray bass is a little more modern and balanced in terms of sound, and is considered a funk staple, among other genres.
What's the best beginner's bass?
If you're a complete beginner on a budget, then rather than trying to read everything you can about every bass ever made, have a look at the model your favourite bassist plays. You don't have to get exactly the same model, since there are usually more affordable versions that look the same and have a similar sound, so they'll definitely give you what you want.
How many strings does the bass guitar have?
A standard electric bass guitar and acoustic bass has four strings tuned in E, A, D, and G - the same notes as the four lowest-tuned notes of a guitar, just an octave lower.
Why should I try a 5-string bass?
The five-string bass has an extra low-B string, which expands the note range of the bass so it can plunge even lower than a standard four-string. Some five-string models have an extra high-C string instead. If you have either five-string model and want to convert it, you can do this by replacing the nut.
How does the electric bass work?
When you plug an electric bass guitar into an amplifier using a jack lead, the magnetic pickups mounted beneath the strings of the bass respond to the string vibration and send this as an electrical signal to the amplifier, which then converts the signal into sound.
What does the electric bass guitar sound like?
The sound of an electric bass guitar is low-pitched, and depending on the model of bass and the amplifier you're plugged into, can sound like anything from warm and round, to pointed and punching.
