In many ways, selecting a bass guitar is similar to selecting a regular guitar. The first thing you must decide is whether you want an electric or acoustic bass. An electric bass guitar requires the use of an amplifier to properly hear the sound, whereas an acoustic bass guitar has a hollow body that amplifies the sound without the use of an electric amplifier. To narrow down your search, consider your playing ability and budget after you’ve decided which sound suits you.
Beginners will benefit from a less expensive bass guitar that is tailored to their specific skills. This usually translates to a neck that is shorter, narrower, and thinner, making playing much easier. Advanced players should consider a neck that is wider and longer, allowing them to play more notes along the fret board. More advanced players should pay attention to the distance between the nut at the headstock and the bridge; this will expand the range of playable scales, as well as the distance between frets, which are metal wires on the neck that create different intonations when the string is pressed against them.
A neck-through body and a bolt-on neck are the two basic body styles for bass guitars. The bolt-on neck is, as the name implies, a neck that bolts onto the guitar’s main body. The neck-through body is made up of one solid piece from the neck to the body, which is then expanded or otherwise formed with additional wood pieces secured to the neck. The choice between the two is largely a personal one. In this case, the best bass guitar will depend on your playing style: a neck-through design is warm and consistent, whereas a bolt-on neck bass guitar is punchier but less consistent in tone.
The tuning machines are the devices that hold the strings in place on the headstock, or top of the guitar. It is critical to select high-quality tuning machines, as low-quality machines are far less likely to keep the guitar in tune while playing. Ask a professional at your local music store for advice on the design and brand of tuning machine that will produce the best sound.