Active Band Man Chats - Choosing a Bass for a Guitarist

What’s the topic for today?

I need your help choosing a bass.

Wait, do you have a gig as a bassist?

Nope.

You don’t!?

Nope! Ha!

And you’re proud of that!?

Hoo!

Stop acting like that!

Hee!

What’s with the theatrics? Stop trying to make this conversation longer!

Oops, sorry! I was wondering—what do you look for when choosing an instrument outside your expertise? I’m curious!

Ah, I see.

I thought maybe you could give me some advice!

Advice for someone choosing an instrument outside their specialty, huh? Well, I think I can help... at least when it comes to basses.

Perfect. Let’s start by browsing the bass section on Sound House’s website to find some ‘recommended properties’.

‘Properties’? It’s not real estate! But sure, let’s start by setting some criteria. What are you looking for?

First and foremost, I want something visually unique—something with a ‘bizarre’ appearance.

So, looks come first.

Absolutely! It’s gotta stand out and scream, “I’m different!”

Fair enough. What else?

I’d like it to be versatile enough to handle a variety of gigs.

Oh, that’s actually quite a sensible criterion! It’s not unique, but for versatility, I’d recommend a Jazz Bass.

Nah, I don’t play jazz.

No, no—Jazz Bass is a model. It’s one of the most versatile and widely used basses in pop, rock, and beyond. You’ve been in bands for years; surely you’ve heard of it.

Okay, you caught me.

Of course.

The Jazz Bass, huh... I feel like the Precision Bass fits my personality better.

Hmm... that might be true. One pickup, simple, no need to overthink.

Who are you calling simple-minded?!

I didn’t say that.

Say what? Simple-minded?

I never said that!

Hmm… I’ve looked at a lot, but Jazz Basses just lack excitement.

Figures. But... do you really need excitement?

I do! Because, well, It’s me!

Fair enough.

Oh, this one’s kind of interesting!
Squier / Paranormal Jazz Bass '54 Black

Hmm, affordable price too. Maybe a good choice for beginners?

But I need something with a bit more... excitement.

Again with the excitement?

Of course! Because—

Yes, yes. Let’s not drag this out just to fill word count.

Right then, let’s check out the “Other Basses” category!

Sure, let’s just explore and see what’s out there.

Ooh, so many interesting ones popping up!

Glad to hear it!

Oh, this one’s cool!
Duesenberg / DBT-BK Triton Bass Black

Duesenberg! Definitely unique, as expected.

Danelectro is cute too.
Danelectro / 59DC Short Scale Bass Copper

Mm… this one’s nice too, but I wonder how versatile it is for different uses.

But it’s so cute... The Short Horn is great, but the Long Horn is awesome too!
Danelectro / LongHorn Bass Black

Are you even listening to me?

Non!

Of course not. You’re so shameless it’s almost refreshing.

I’m listening, I’m listening. How about this one?
Gretsch / G5442BDC Electromatic Hollow Body Short Scale Bass

Ooh, it’s red! Totally suits you!

Right?

But a hollow body might be a bit too limiting in terms of versatility...

Fine, then! How about checking out short-scale basses? They might be easier for a guitarist to play!

The Danelectro we looked at earlier was a short scale too, wasn’t it?

Adorable! This is the one!
Fender / JMJ Road Worn Mustang Bass Rosewood Faded Daphne Blue

It’s cute, but... personally, I wouldn’t recommend a short-scale bass as a first bass.

So it’s long scale after all? I don’t tend to pick short-scale guitars either...

Well, as long as you really like it, that’s what matters.

Let’s narrow it down by elimination, then. No extended-range basses.

That makes sense. You probably wouldn’t use them much. To be fair, I haven’t mastered them yet either...

Next, no maple fretboards.

?

Because no one around me uses one!

Well... I see. That’s your reason?

Also, about the position markers—block inlays just don’t do it for me. Even though I like them on guitars.

Interesting. So in the end, it’s mostly about the looks for you, isn’t it?

Alright, back to the main topic. I’ve always had a bit of admiration for Music Man!
Music Man / StingRay Special HH Cruz Teal

Now, that’s a solid choice.

It has this rugged image, so I picked a cute color to balance it out!

So... that’s all? After all this jumping around, can you choose one from these?

Hmm, it’s tough. I’ll decide after I get an offer to play bass in a band!

You’re not deciding now!? But honestly, this process of identifying what’s important to you is really valuable. In your case, Kizuhiko, it was mostly about looks.

True, true.

Whether you pick based on looks like Kizuhiko, or focus on sound and features, or even choose the same model as your favorite artist, it’s all fine. What’s important is that you choose a bass you truly love—something you’ll enjoy playing for a long time.

Exactly! Instruments are lifelong companions.

Personally, I’d recommend starting with a more basic model. Unique ones are great too, but...

Right, because everything is?

For love!