How to choose a Bass Guitar
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So you've decided you'd like to learn how to play the bass guitar, but how do you go about choosing the right model of instrument?
Well, before you buy consider some of the points listed here – many of which also apply to choosing a 6 string guitar.
- Budget – how much do you want to pay for your instrument? The same rule of thumb applies as per all instruments – the more
money you have to spend, the higher the quality of the and subsequently the easier it is to play.
- Neck scale – certain manufacturers provide different lengths of bass neck to suit different playing styles and for ease of
performance. Bass necks are available in short scale (30 inches) medium scale (32 inches) and long scale – also known as
"standard scale" at 34 inches. It would therefore make sense for a young teenager to choose the short scale neck as this
will provide a greater degree of comfort while learning and will better suit the shorter finger span.
- Bolt-on or Through neck – as well as having a choice of neck lengths on the bass it's also possible to choose between a
bolt-on neck and a "straight through" neck. The difference is simply that the bolt on neck is bolted on to the bass body –
as the name suggests - and a "through" neck means that the bass has been made out of a single piece of wood which has also
incorporated the bass neck. Some musicians consider that the through neck gives a better degree of resonance and sustain by
virtue of the fact that the bass was manufactured from a single piece of wood. However in truth, this choice will probably
come down to the budget you have available as most of the though-neck models tend to be at the more expensive end of the range.
- Active or Passive pick-ups – some models of bass provide active electronic circuitry which helps to give you a greater
tonal range so that you can mix different frequencies to arrive at your own unique sound. This technology also tends to boost
the output signal from the bass to give you that punchy lower end. However, the down side may be that the active pick ups are
powered by a small 9 volt battery contained within the body of the bass. If the battery fails in the middle of a gig this will
significantly affect your sound and volume levels, so it's probably a good idea to carry a few spares.
As always the Nevada Music sales crew will be delighted to assist you with your choice of Bass Guitar and provide you with
information to help you decide exactly what's best for you.