by 2 people |
The Bass Guitar is the Coolest Instrument in the World
This lens is dedicated to spreading the word about the bass guitar.
The photo on the left is a Black G&L, similar to a bass I owned once. Sadly, I had to sell it and my Peavey TNT amp to pay the rent. Literally.
Sigh.
My first bass was one of the Fender jazz bass copies from ... Sears! It actually turned out to be a decent, solid instrument.
I don't have that bass anymore either, but not by my choice.
You see, at that particular juncture I was storing my bass at a church. I was in college and didn't really have a good place to keep it, and I found myself playing for various events in that particular church frequently. So, it was most convenient to simply leave it there.
Believe it or not, my bass got stolen out of that church!
I don't believe it was a parishioner that took it; the church was located just off of a busy street and would get foot traffic from the public.
Whoever ended up with my bass, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Get Started Learning How to Play the Bass Guitar
Your Quick Step Guide
The best way to learn the bass guitar is simply by doing. If you can beg, borrow, or steal (kidding) a bass, do so right away. Pick up a couple of books or check out some of the websites listed on this lens for help getting started.What I did was play along with songs I liked and players I wanted to emulate.
I started out with a bass guitar from Sears, and it served me well for several years... until it got stolen. I played it unamplified for a while, then bought my Peavey TNT amp.
Never did take lessons, though I did get some pointers from a friend who was quite good.
Once you obtain your "axe", you would be well served to consider the following:
1. Determine your goal. There's an old saying that if you don't know where you're going, any road will get you there. Be clear in your own mind why you are playing the bass and what you want to do with it.
2. Decide on your time frame. If your goal is to play professionally for money, when do you want this to happen?
3. Determine your level of commitment. How much are you willing to invest --in time-- to make your dream a reality.
If you can be honest with yourself and answer these questions truthfully, there will be no stopping you!
Bass Guitars on eBay
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
What Bass Guitar Will You Buy Next?
List your next intended purchase here...
Bass players typically plan their bass guitar purchases for months or even years. What bass do you have your eye on? Maybe it's your first or your twenty-first, doesn't matter.
Bass Guitar Books on Amazon
Bass Guitar for Dummies
Amazon Price: $16.49 (as of 12/09/2009) 
Hal Leonard Bass Method - Complete Edition: Books 1, 2 and 3 Bound Together in One Easy-to-Use Volume!
Amazon Price: $15.61 (as of 12/09/2009)
101 Bass Tips: Stuff All the Pros Know and Use
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 12/09/2009)
Links to help you on your journey
- How to Play Bass Guitar
- My bass guitar blog
- Self Taught Musician
- Site specializing in helping people who like to teach themselves to play musical instruments.
Steinberger Bass
The bass that was revolutionary for its time...
Here is a bass that I wanted badly, but as a teenager I couldn't afford the price tag (which as I recall was about $2,000).It featured a one-piece graphite design, no wood involved. Other than it's small atypical shape, it was also known for it's headless design. The tuners were located at the end of the bridge.
The Steinberger name is now owned by Gibson, and they have their own line of Steinberger guitars and basses.
