1. Fender Jazz Bass
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| Fender Jazz |
The Fender Jazz is almost the undisputed winner, it has the same incredible quality of the Precision but it has a more versatile sound. With its more trebly tone the Jazz (or J bass) stands out from the mix, making it the choice for Jazz players and those who want to play more melodically.
2. Fender Precision Bass
The P bass was the first bass to come from fender guitars, two pickups close to neck position gives a smooth tone that brings joy to the ears of any bassist into blues, rock or Motown. The bass has a warmer and deeper sound than the J and it is slightly less versatile.
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| Fender P |
3. Gibson Thunderbird
The Thunderbird is Rock ‘n’ Roll. The axe of choice for many rock players such as Nikki Sixx, John Entwistle, Gene Simmons and Josh Reedy. With its humbuckers and heavy tone this bass is a true monster (a heavy one too). The standard model has a cool sunburst finish and of course the iconic eagle on the pickguard.
4. Musicman Stingray
The Stingray is an awesome bass with a modern sound that suits all sorts of styles from pop to funk and all the way to metal. It is a great bass for slapping and this makes it the ideal choice for players such as Louis Johnson and Flea. The bass usually features a teardrop pickguard and a single large humbucker.
5. Rickenbacker 4001/4003
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| Rickenbacker 4003 |
The Rick is another one of those iconic rock basses. It would have been higher on the list except that I find it to be a bit uncomfortable to play. It usually costs a fair bit to buy but is still one of those basses you dream of buying. Notable players include Paul McCartney, Geddy Lee, Lemmy, Geezer Butler and Cliff Burton. If you haven’t heard of any of those players then you’re on the wrong site!
6. Ritter Bass
The Ritter, as seen in one of my previous blog posts, is a really really incredibly good looking bass guitar. Expect high prices and crazy designs (not a bad thing!).
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| Warwick Corvette |
7. Fender Jaguar
I’m probably a bit biased because I own one but this is a cool bass. You can read about it in my first blog post. Awesome Japanese electronics make this bass more versatile than Johnny Depp. Notable players include me, JMJ and that guy from The All-American Rejects.
8. Warwick Corvette
This is what the Warwick website says about the Corvette “If the entire line of Warwick basses is like a family at a party, then the Corvette is the latest in-law who ate all the food, drank all the booze and is now in the coat closet with not one, but two of the wait staff!”. Not sure if that’s true but the bass does look, sound and feel pretty snazzy.
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| Hofner Beatle Bass |
9. Hofner Beatle Bass
You’ve seen this bass, you’ve heard this bass and you probably know that
Paul McCartney plays this bass. If you didn’t, well now you do.
10. Gibson SG Bass
Also known as the EB-3 this bass isn’t as popular as its birdlike cousin, which might be because it’s not quite as heavy and tough. Anyway Jack Bruce from Cream plays it, isn’t that enough?
