Electric Bass Guitars868 Product

Essential information on electric bass guitars

The electric bass guitar – the foundation of modern bands since the 1950s

The electric bass guitar, alongside the electric guitar, is one of the key musical innovations to emerge in the 1950s. The first widely recognised production model was the Fender Precision Bass, introduced in 1951 by Leo Fender. Until then, bands relied on the acoustic double bass – a large instrument that was difficult to transport, demanding to play in tune and increasingly unable to compete in volume with amplified instruments. With its solid body construction and magnetic pickup, the P-Bass made it possible to play comfortably through an amplifier, while the fretted fingerboard made accurate intonation far more accessible, even for players without a classical background.

Within a short time, countless bands from the emerging country, rock ’n’ roll and Motown scenes adopted the electric bass guitar. As the rhythmic and harmonic foundation of the group, it combines groove, support of the harmony and melodic lines in a single role.

Electric bass guitars in a wide range of models

Starting with the Fender Precision Bass, an enormous variety of electric bass guitar designs developed in a relatively short space of time – an evolution that continues to this day. In 1960, Fender launched the Fender Jazz Bass, which quickly became a bestseller thanks to its improved ergonomics and highly versatile tone.

Fender’s main competitor, Gibson, also entered the market, first in 1953 with a compact, violin-shaped electric bass and then in 1958 with the Gibson EB models in SG-style, which remain popular to this day. In 1963, the Gibson Thunderbird appeared, a bass whose striking design has become a true rock icon. In 1976, the Music Man StingRay was introduced as one of the first electric bass guitars with active electronics. More recently, brands such as Ibanez, Yamaha and Spector have set new standards in playing comfort and tonal flexibility with modern designs and sophisticated circuitry. In the 1990s, Fender further expanded its range with signature models such as the Marcus Miller Jazz Bass, based on Miller’s own modified J-Bass.

Construction and features

Electric bass guitars can broadly be divided into solid body and semi-hollow designs. Solid body instruments use a body made from solid wood, which makes them highly resistant to feedback and ideal for loud live situations. Semi-hollow basses, with chambers or cavities in the body, offer a particularly warm, resonant tone that many players appreciate for roots, blues and rock styles.

The way the neck is constructed also varies significantly between manufacturers. Fender traditionally uses bolt-on necks, which provide a quick attack and very direct response. Gibson, by contrast, often favours set-neck designs, which deliver a smoother, more singing sustain. Many high-end instruments from brands such as Ibanez, Spector and ESP feature neck-through construction, where the neck runs through the entire length of the body, supporting long and even sustain along the whole fingerboard.

In addition to the classic 4-string electric bass guitar, many rock and metal bassists opt for 5-string basses with a low B string, while modern jazz and fusion players frequently use 6-string basses with an extended range. Fretless electric basses are a popular choice for those seeking a sound closer to the double bass. There is also a broad selection of left-handed electric bass guitars in various configurations.

Pickups and electronics

Electric bass guitars use a wide variety of pickup types and electronic layouts. The split-coil pickup typical of the Precision Bass delivers a powerful, mid-focused sound that is especially popular in rock, soul and R&B. The single-coil pickup of the Jazz Bass is known for its clear, articulate tone and strong presence in the mix, making it a genuine all-rounder across many genres. Humbuckers provide a fat, noise-free tone with plenty of low end.

Alongside traditional passive pickups, many modern electric bass guitars feature active circuitry and onboard preamps, which offer more clarity, extra headroom and extended sound-shaping options. While classic designs often rely on a simple passive tone control, many current instruments come with 2-band or 3-band active EQs for precise shaping of the key bass frequencies.

Buying electric bass guitars at MUSIC STORE

In the bass department at MUSIC STORE, players will find a wide selection of electric bass guitars for every style and budget. For beginners, affordable bass starter packs provide everything needed to get going. The classic designs created by Leo Fender are available from Squier and Fender, ranging from entry-level instruments to Mexican and US-built models and exclusive Custom Shop basses.

Players looking for a more modern sound and feel often choose Ibanez electric bass guitars or instruments from brands such as Spector and ESP. With an excellent price-performance ratio, Fame Baphomet and Custom basses are also very attractive options, available in both 4-string and 5-string versions.

Popular brands in our electric bass range

Epiphone, Duesenberg, ESP, Fame, Fender, Gibson, Squier, Gretsch, Ibanez, J&D, Rickenbacker, Sandberg, Spector, Vintage, Yamaha

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