Electric Bass755 Product

Essential information on electric bass guitars

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

The electric bass guitar, together with the electric guitar, is one of the most influential musical innovations of 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 – large, difficult to handle, hard to play in tune, and unable to compete in volume with amplified instruments. With its solid body design and magnetic pickup, the P-Bass made amplified bass playing far more practical, while its fretted fingerboard enabled accurate intonation even for less experienced players.

Very quickly, countless bands from the rising country, rock’n’roll and Motown scenes switched to electric bass guitars. As the rhythmic and harmonic backbone of a group, the instrument combines groove, harmonic support and melodic expression in a single musical role.

Electric bass guitars in a wide model variety

Starting from the Fender Precision Bass, a huge variety of electric bass guitar designs emerged in a remarkably short time – a development that continues today. In 1960, Fender released the Fender Jazz Bass, which quickly became a bestseller thanks to its improved ergonomics and highly versatile sound.

Gibson, Fender’s strongest competitor, also entered the market early on: first in 1953 with a compact violin-shaped electric bass, followed by the popular Gibson EB models in SG style from 1958. In 1963, the Gibson Thunderbird appeared, a design that has become an icon of rock music. In 1976, the Music Man StingRay brought one of the first active electronics systems to the electric bass world. Later, modern brands such as Ibanez, Yamaha and Spector introduced advanced circuitry and ergonomic designs that set new performance standards.

Construction and features

Electric bass guitars fall broadly into two categories: solid body and semi-hollow. Solid body instruments use a solid wooden body that is resistant to feedback and ideal for high-volume live performance. Semi-hollow basses feature chambered or partially hollow bodies, producing a warmer, more resonant tone appreciated in roots, blues and many acoustic-leaning styles.

Neck construction varies considerably: Fender typically uses bolt-on designs, producing fast attack and a clear, direct response. Gibson often prefers set-neck constructions, offering a smoother and more sustained tone. High-end brands like Ibanez, Spector and ESP frequently use neck-through designs in which the neck runs through the entire body, enabling exceptionally even sustain.

Alongside the classic 4-string electric bass, many rock and metal bassists prefer 5-string models with a low B string, while jazz and fusion players often use 6-string instruments for extended range. Fretless basses are ideal for players seeking a sound closer to the double bass. A wide selection of left-handed electric bass guitars is also available.

Pickups and electronics

Electric bass guitars offer a broad spectrum of pickups and electronics. The split-coil design found in the Precision Bass delivers a punchy, mid-focused tone, perfect for rock, soul and R&B. The single-coil pickup of the Jazz Bass provides a bright, articulate sound that cuts through a mix effectively. Humbuckers offer a fat, noise-free signal with a strong low-end response.

Many modern electric bass guitars feature active pickups or onboard preamps, offering more clarity, additional headroom and extended tone-shaping flexibility. While classic basses rely on a simple passive tone control, many contemporary instruments have 2-band or 3-band active EQs for precise shaping of crucial frequency ranges.

Buying electric bass guitars at MUSIC STORE

At MUSIC STORE, bass players will find a comprehensive range of electric bass guitars for every musical context and budget. For beginners, bass starter packs provide all essential equipment. The classic designs of Leo Fender are available from Squier and Fender – from beginner-friendly models to Mexican & US-built basses and exclusive Custom Shop pieces.

Modern players often choose Ibanez electric bass guitars or instruments from Spector and ESP for their contemporary tone and ergonomic designs. With an excellent price-to-performance ratio, Fame Baphomet and Custom basses are also compelling options, available in both 4-string and 5-string configurations.

Popular brands in our electric bass selection

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

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