What are basses and how to choose them?

The term bass guitar is familiar to many, but not everyone knows what the tuning of a musical instrument is, and how it differs from an electric guitar. It is imperative to characterize the sound emitted and indicate the number of strings. An equally important topic is which bass guitar to choose for novice musicians, and which parameters should be given maximum attention.

It's worth starting with the fact that bass guitar is not one musical instrument, but two. Under this name, acoustic and electric guitars are combined, designed to obtain low frequencies. Bass guitars belong to the string-plucked category of instruments. An electrical device is mainly played with your fingers. Only in some cases is a mediator used, and each musician determines this need individually.

Acoustic bass guitars are much less common than their counterparts, and therefore, if there are no reservations, they usually mean the electrified version. It works in much the same way as a regular electric guitar. In terms of the basic design, the similarity is also evident. However, the structure also has special features. In particular:

• increase the body;

• increase the bar;

• build up the scale.

Most often, bass guitars contain 4 strings. But you can also find specimens with a large number of them. A prerequisite for operation is connection to an amplifying device. This is sometimes required even for acoustic models. The neck of a bass instrument is made from a variety of materials.

This part of the design is usually divided into:

• pasted in;

• through;

• screw-on types (their choice may differ for each manufacturer).

The length of the neck can vary quite widely. The manufacturing standard is generally 34 inches; with such dimensions, the sound is optimal. The five-string versions are usually 35 "or 36", but there are also 30 "or 32" models. Bass guitars weigh dramatically differently:

• lungs - no more than 3.5 kg;

• medium - 3.5-4.5 kg (but usually no more than 4 kg);

• the most powerful - up to 5 kg (and these are already very large products).

The need to maintain bass lines in concerts has always existed. For a long time, representatives of the violin family such as the contrabass and octobass were used for this purpose. But already at the beginning of the twentieth century, it was discovered that they were far from sufficient. They were heavy and cumbersome, inconvenient tools. The creation of other sources of bass began more actively thanks to the spread of jazz.

The first bass guitar appeared only in 1951. This device immediately attracted attention because its creator was the famous Leo Fender. The design was taken as a basis Fender telecaster... For a very long time, bass and Fender have been almost synonymous. But nevertheless, samples of other firms gradually entered the market.

Everywhere the designers went the same way: they took a basic electric guitar and amplified its sound on the bass. This method made it possible to achieve a very attractive effect. A new round of popularity of bass guitars came in the 1960s, when they were badly needed by rockers.... At this moment, an intensive invention of new designs began. At the same time, there was a development of general and specific bass techniques, and nowadays no one can be surprised by such art.

Most people's knowledge of bass is limited. It is difficult to see it among street musicians, and even amateur performers playing on the so-called apartment buildings do not always use such devices. However, the capabilities of this instrument and its suitability even for amateur music are underestimated. Differences from the usual and from the electric guitar are manifested even purely visually. In most cases, the bass has only 4 strings.

The noticeable difference does not end there. The next important nuance is neck length. Let it be 10-15 cm most of all, but this already requires different stretching of the fingers, and it is not so easy to switch from one instrument to another. Specific features, however, are not limited to this. A bass guitar, unlike an acoustic guitar, must be connected to an amplifier.

However, they are rare and relatively expensive. Such products are placed in a special category known as electro-bass. The difference is even greater when compared to conventional acoustic models. The classic familiar "acoustics" will be clearly audible against the background of a whole company of singing or speaking, but the bass guitar is not capable of that. Even if we talk about the best examples.

Normal bass performance is impossible without amplifiers. And not all amplifiers are suitable, but only special for a specific range. Only they allow you to adjust both the volume and unique effects. It is also worth emphasizing that the bass guitar borrowed a particularly low key from its contrabass ancestor. It is precisely because of this that she is able to give the overall sound of the instruments of the group maximum depth.

Of course, the name itself suggests that the frequency range of sounds emitted by this instrument belongs to the bass domain. Its role is to create acoustic richness and to be able to set off all other sound levels.The role of low frequency in rock music and similar directions is the development of a rhythmic pattern, or groove, as professionals say. Percussion and other instruments are linked acoustically and logically. Importantly, the bass sounds mostly like an accompaniment, and only occasionally does it turn out to be a part or dominant of the solo part.

Quite a lot depends on the specific type of bass guitar.... The four-string version is recommended for any musical style. It is simple and convenient. It is not for nothing that such a tool is advised to be used in the initial training. The five-string models with a low B note are much more difficult for musicians, but their advantages when playing heavy music are undeniable.

6-string construction allows you to produce an additional high note of C. If necessary, it will be possible to play single high parties. However, the downside of this advantage is that the distance between the strings is even smaller than usual. All frets on a bass instrument are clearly distributed, and each is responsible for a strictly defined sector of the sound; The fretless bass is mainly used in jazz compositions.

Semi-Acoustic Bass Guitar Looks Like Regular Acoustic Products... Its hollow body houses magnetic pickups of the same type as a traditional monolithic instrument. This solution is most in demand when playing jazz and folk melodies, but it can be recommended for other calm styles as well. In the right hands, such an instrument will help out rockers.

Electro-acoustic bass guitars mainly equipped with preamplifiers. Their role is to adjust the tone of the connected instrument. This solution will come in handy for lovers of light music.

The seven-string format has an additional high note f. It is extremely difficult to use, and this is the choice of true professionals.

Piccolos are tuned one octave higher. Constructors solve a similar problem by shortening the scale or putting thinner strings. Some piccolo kits can be set to simple bass. Tuning is carried out in the same way as on an electric guitar, but the timbre is noticeably different, which is due to the specifics of the pickups. Finally, the stick is the name of the versions that sound almost the same as the piano.

The performance and application of the pickup is very important. Most often, bass guitars are equipped with devices of the format P-type. They are capable of delivering a truly warm sound. This signal is best suited for rock concerts. J-type it has a more perfect and varied sound, suitable for a wide variety of music; various combinations of them, preferable for "heavy" genres, have been developed.

The importance of the preamplifiers cannot be ignored either. Their passive type does not need power supply, but not all musicians and listeners like the sound they make. Active bass allows for improved EQ control across different frequencies.

These musical instruments were originally designed to be equipped with 4 strings. To get a deep and rich sound, they are made thicker than usual. Since quality bass requires a powerful resonating effect, it is imperative to increase the size and weight of the cabinet. At the same time, the shapes of the four-string guitar remain largely unchanged. The scale is sometimes 86.4 cm long.

There is also a left-handed version of the instrument. She can not boast of anything special, except for the very reorientation to left-handers.

The mini guitar is mainly used by children and people with small hands.More experienced musicians distinguish an acoustic instrument primarily by the number of strings. The 5-string models actually have 5 notes, but after the E note, everything goes the same way as on the regular versions.

Their main properties:

• you need to jump your fingers on the bar less;

• increased functionality;

• more variety of music;

• higher price of the tool itself and kits for it.

In some cases, the bass contains 6 strings. (It makes sense to consider even more complex options only for professionals). The six-string version contains an additional subtle C note. Its scale is described as C G D A E B. This tool does not stand out in anything special.

They are distinguished primarily by the performance of the pickups. The single-coil type allows you to form a real rough and deep bass. This sound is more popular with fans of solo music. The "hard" alternative can hardly be played on such an instrument. He will not impress Metalists either.

Split is a slightly more detailed single. It works somewhat more efficiently with distortion. A humbucker is a double-coil type pickup that is very popular among bassists. It perfectly suppresses noise, provides rich sound. It is worth noting that an experienced musician will be able to play moderately well on any product, regardless of the type of pickup.

In this class, there are also beautiful blue, pink and red bass guitars of various brands. However, the caveat is that their practical capabilities are usually reduced. Experts consider it a good compromise Cort Action-Bass-V-Plus-BK... It is praised for its excellent value for money. Importantly, such a version is constantly present in online stores, and all interested musicians can buy it.

Ashtone AB-11 will be even cheaper. This is an affordable four-string instrument. Its neck contains 20 frets. The rosewood body matches well with the maple neck. Supplied with nylon strings; the disadvantage is only low durability, but the model is suitable for training.

Yamaha TRBX174 produced in an advanced Japanese facility. Its alder soundboard guarantees a solid sound. With a pair of universal type pickups, you can confidently play almost any genre of music. Connoisseurs note the high build quality. There are no problems with materials either, but the instrument is not well suited for left-handed musicians.

Music man sterling - a bright representative of a well-known brand. The body is made of ash, which is lighter than the usual alder and has a special sound. Experienced bassists note the presence of complex harmonics. The designers have carefully selected the materials and execution of the details with the expectation of reproducing a variety of melodies. It is worth noting the stability of the tuning and the possibility of an optional addition with a piezo sensor.

It is generally accepted that the world's most expensive bass guitar is Jazz bassreleased in 1962. It belonged to Jaco Pastorius. For a long time, the fate of this specimen was unknown, until an accidental discovery in 2008.

The top expensive serial models include Fender Squier SQ AFF J Bass V LRL BLK... The manufacturer offers four-string and five-string versions of the instrument at once.

The modification is supported by:

• a combination of black and white paints;

• excellent sound;

• the ability to receive very complex melodies;

• inlay with white dots;

• fully chrome-plated fittings;

• reliability of the electronics even after prolonged use.

Among the models of the highest class, it should be noted:

• Peerless Smoked Bass Custom;

• Epiphone Goth Thunderbird IV;

• Fender American Performer Precision Bass.

Tuners are definitely mentioned among the most necessary parts for a bass guitar. The very sound of the instrument largely depends on them. Tuners are divided into universal, left and right types. You may also need:

• compressors;

• top sills;

• string lubricants;

• humidifiers;

• network cable;

• special speaker;

• accessories for the pick-up;

• mute;

• bridge holders;

• fret plates;

• mediators and money boxes for them;

• coasters;

• timbre blocks;

• machines for winding strings.

When choosing a bass guitar, you need to pay attention to body material... Maple wood allows you to achieve a high brightness of sound. If mahogany is used, then the instrument sounds dense and "fleshy". This solution is optimal for rock musicians. Linden guitars are slightly dull, their high frequencies and bass sound soft, but the middle level is very active.

Alder is also popular; in the reviews they note a decent level of resonance and balance of timbre. The cheapest tools are usually made from poplar.... For a beginner, knowledge of bass material is not enough, however. They should opt for models specially designed for this segment of guitarists. It makes no sense to choose an instrument without frets for initial training.

All the same, it is designed for trained performers. The screwed-on neck means ease of repair. However, it exhibits lower sustain than other types. Gluing allows you to make the sound a little warmer. Thru-neck necks have the richest sound, as they cover about a third of the body.

For adult performers, choose an instrument with a 34-inch scale. But the 30-inch options are suitable for young people and those with a small hand. Solid wood hull is preferred over glued one. The hollow bass guitar is recommended for jazz and folk lovers. But you need to understand that it severely limits the achieved loudness.

Models with 2 cartridges are preferred over those with only one cartridge. Passive bass is easier to use and won't let you down when playing due to running out of battery power. True, you will have to forget about flexible adjustment and instant response to changing situations. There are also such recommendations:

• carefully study reviews;

• choose the most expensive tool that can be bought;

• focus on basses for a start with simplified volume and tone control;

• take into account the geometry and colors of the product, which should correspond to personal taste, or at least not overly disgust.

Like any other musical instrument, bass is best learned with tablatures... They switch to it right after they master the simplest chords and their basic combinations. It is very important to immediately learn how to correctly adjust the pitch of the sounds emitted and their timbre.... The adjustment requirements of a particular model are determined by its design, and it is best to inquire about the official datasheet. It is necessary to tune the guitar taking into account not only your tastes, but also the style of the songs performed.

Four-string pieces are tuned from thicker to thinner, not the other way around. Strong tensions and sagging should be avoided. It is very important to check everything in advance. The hearing test is performed using tuning forks or other musical instruments. The most effective control method is to use a harmonic or tuner.

A special belt will help with this.... The guitar is positioned as it is more convenient for a particular performer. A clear, bright sound will help you extract the pick. You can only pick it up by experience: no recommendations and descriptions will help here.

Having gained experience, you can further master the techniques of tapping and slap. Both options will take a lot of time. Then you should try the game with your left hand.A number of techniques have also been developed for it, which will need to be worked out consistently. In any case, care must be taken to clamp the strings correctly.

Additional tips:

• it is more pleasant and more effective to master the bass guitar using the example of your favorite or simply acceptable songs;

• working out technique, as always, is more important than gaining the speed of the game;

• training with a teacher is better than self-study;

• from the very beginning, both hands must be involved in the process;

• train from 60 minutes a day.