Choosing the Best Beginner Bass Guitar – The Perfect Body Part 1

Just like the human body, the bass guitar body comes in many shapes and sizes. Some built for comfort, others for speed. So before you rush off to the music store to buy your first bass guitar, learn a little more about the body and what to consider when choosing a beginner bass guitar.

There are two types of bass guitar bodies available: hollow-bodied or semi-acoustic and solid-bodied. The cavity in a semi-acoustic bass guitar body is known as a sound box and serves to amplify the sound of the vibrating strings just like an acoustic guitar, allowing it to be used without any amplification. Solid-bodied instruments, on the other hand, make very little sound and require the use of an amplifier in order to be heard. If you plan to learn bass guitar with a view to joining or starting a rock band, a solid-bodied bass guitar is the better choice as you will never be heard over the drummer without an amplifier. Consider a hollow-bodied instrument if you will only be playing at home for your own amusement or perhaps if you intend to be part of a band that plays acoustic (unplugged) style music.

The type of wood used to make a bass guitar body is important and will have a huge influence on the instrument’s tone. Hard woods such as hard maple, rosewood, wenge and bubinga tend to produce a brighter tone with more sustain (how long a note will ring out for before it becomes inaudible). Softer woods such as alder, swamp ash, soft maple, and poplar produce a warmer tone with less sustain. Very cheap bass guitar bodies may be made of plywood and it is generally agreed that they produce an inferior sound. A solid wood body will always sound better and If cost is an issue, alder bodies don’t cost much more than plywood.

Hardwood bodies are heavier and this should be taken into account, especially if you intend to perform live. If you are prone to back problems, standing all evening with a heavy instrument hanging from your shoulder will not be a pleasant experience. Just a few extra ounces can make quite a difference.

Speaking of comfort, look at the part of the body that touches the underside of your rib cage area. A good body should be contoured in this area making it much more comfortable. continue reading…