An alternative to the pedal board with several bass guitar effects pedals held on with Velcro is one of the multi-effects units on the market. As the name suggests, these are several, often dozens, of different effects units combined in a single box. Only one power supply needed, programmable patches so you can have a different sound for every song if you like. So are multi-effects units the way of the future? Read more »

There was a time when bass guitars came with only 4 strings and choosing a new beginner bass guitar was relatively simple. Now 5 and 6 string instruments are commonplace and the choice is not as easy. Here are several points to consider before buying your first bass guitar. Read more »

The body is home for several components including the pickups, bridge, scratch plate or pick guard, controls and strap buttons. Read more »

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. Read more »

One of the most popular bass guitar effects used today is distortion. It comes in many flavors from a subtle, sweet-sounding overdrive to a raunchy, full-blown distortion. The type of distortion for you will depend upon your playing style and the type of music you play. For example, a hard-edged, full-on distorted sound would not be well suited to blues. Read more »

Choosing bass guitar strings can be a daunting experience. There are many different types available and although the perfect strings for you are out there somewhere, finding them is not always easy. Bass guitar strings are quite expensive, so you do not want to be wasting your hard-earned money on the wrong choices. Read more »

Sooner or later you are going to need a bass guitar strap, so here are a few hints and tips about choosing and using one. Bass guitars tend to be heavier than regular guitars and you want it to be comfortable. Go for a strap that is at least 2-3 inches wide. This will spread the load over a greater area of your shoulder and will be much more comfortable than a skinny one. Read more »

If you have a solid-bodied bass guitar you are going to need an amplifier. As usual, there are a few choices to be made such as tube or solid state, combo or separate components, power output, speaker size. To help you make your decision, this article describes which options you should consider before purchasing your bass guitar amplifier. Read more »

The bass guitar neck is a vital part of the instrument and should be chosen with care. Get it right and playing your new bass will be an enjoyable experience. Get it wrong and you may find yourself fighting with the instrument and it will hinder your progress. A little neck knowledge will help you make a better decision when choosing a beginner bass guitar. Read more »