The Bass Guitar
The most important thing about a bass guitar is how it feels in your hands before you even think of plugging it into an amp.
Mechanical Check List:
- Is the weight too heavy or unbalanced? Use a strap and adjust it to the right length so that your arms and hands feel comfortable whether you stand or sit while you play.
- What is the distance (action) between the strings and the fretboard? If it is too high it is very hard to press the notes down. it can be adjusted on the bridge. If the action is too low you get a "fret buzz". Get your instrument adjusted ("setup") by a guitar repair man.
- Does the neck sit tightly on the body? Is is straight?
- Do the tuning pegs turn easily?
Electronic Check List:
- Is the bass equipped with one or two pick ups?
- Is it active (Le. with battery) or passive?
- Passive electronic is probably easier and more reliable than active (electronic) because of the simplicity. Active has the advantage of being more powerful and having more sound variety. Sometimes there are basses where you can switch from active to passive. Active basses use a sma1l9V battery which has to be put in the body normally by removing a back plate.
- If the active bass has a distorted sound it could be that the signal is too high, so you have to turn your master volume back on your bass or the battery could be flat.
Strings
Different strings can be used to create different sounds and feels. Round wound strings are the most popular strings for modem bass playing.
The gauge varies between light, medium and heavy. A standard medium gauge would probably be the best to start with, e.g., G = 45, D = 60, A = 80, E = 105.
The heavier or thicker the gauge the "bigger" the sound will be. The lighter the strings the easier and faster you can play.
Always clean your strings with a cloth after playing as this will keep the sound brighter. To get an optimal sound, and if you can afford it, change your strings, several times a year, especially before an important session or recording.
