In this issue, I would like to introduce Soundhouse's original brand “PLAYTECH” basses!
If you are thinking of starting a bass but don't know which bass to choose, or you already have a bass but would like to try other types, this is a must-see!
Soundhouse offers a wide variety of basses, and the prices are affordable, so you can easily start playing the bass.
Let's buy a PLAYTECH bass and become a cool bassist!
Let us first introduce the types of bases!
There are two main types of electric basses: “passive basses” that do not use batteries and “active basses” that use batteries.
In addition, there are two types of passive basses which Soundhouse sells. The “JB model” and the “PB model,” and I will first explain the difference between the two in detail!
JB model
The JB model can be used to create a wide range of sounds regardless of genre. The “pickups,” the parts that pick up the sound, are single coil ones. The two pickups can controll each of the volume and tone.
Also, the neck is thin and easy to grip. So it's highly recommended for beginners and those with small hands.
I have a JB model bass and I like it very much because it can be used for any genre of music!
The JB420 has a maple neck and rosewood fingerboard. The maple neck is hard and has a moderate weight, resulting in a bright sound with a strong attack. The rosewood fingerboard is also characterized by a softer sound with less attack than the maple fingerboard. It works well with powerful sounds.
Also, there is a lineup of 15 different colors, and there is also one for lefties, so you can choose the bass that you like the best.
This green color is the cutest color I have ever seen!
The first bass I bought was also this color!
PLAYTECH / JB480 White [Carbonized Maple Neck]
The JB480 has a carbonized maple neck and fingerboard. Carbonized maple is heated at high temperatures to remove extra moisture and oil from the wood. That makes it sturdier and harder and makes the neck less prone to warping. It is characterized by a tighter sound, making it ideal for pop music or when you want to emphasize rhythm. You can choose from 13 different colors.
This white color is also cute!
PB model
The PB model is characterized by its powerful bass and presence. It uses a split-type pickup. Because the pickup has one volume and one tone for each, it is simple to create sound. I don’t have a PB type bass, but I often play rock music, so I have always longed for a PB type bass which can play rock-oriented sound!
PLAYTECH / PB450 Grey Electric Bass
As same as the JB420, the PB450 uses maple for the neck and rosewood for the fingerboard, giving it a deeper bass tone than the JB420, which makes it more suited to rock music. Also, like the JB420, there are 15 different colors, and there is even a lineup for lefties, so you can choose the bass that you like best.
Personally, I like the rosewood fingerboard better because of its darker color and cooler sound!
PLAYTECH / PB480 Sunburst [Carbonized Maple Neck]
Like as the JB480, the PB480 has a carbonized maple neck and fingerboard. The heat treatment gives it a luxurious color. It is suitable not only for rock music, but also for pop music because of its good sound transmission. Also, same as the JB480, it has 13 different colors available.
I personally think the sunburst body is the coolest when it comes to carbonized maple!
Next, I’ll explain about active basses!
What’s active basses?
To explain simply, an active bass is "a bass that uses batteries to reduce noise in the electricity that passes through the bass's circuitry and shielding". Many models are equipped with an equalizer that can freely adjust bass/treble, which allows for a wide variety of sound creation. The appeal of this bass is that the equalizer can be quickly adjusted with the knob at hand, without having to operate the amp side, even while playing. Furthermore, since the sound is more articulate than that of a passive bass, it is less likely to be buried in the surrounding sound, even in solos or in a metal band.
The AB420 is equipped with both PB and JB type pickups, allowing for a wide variety of sound creation. The neck is made of maple and the fingerboard is made of black rich light. The Black Rich Light fretboard is extremely durable, and its appearance and texture are similar to rosewood, giving it a high-class feel. Compared to rosewood, it is highly stable, which has a more equal density and is less susceptible to the effects of moisture and humidity. Also it is available to choose from three different colors.
The blue burst color is the most popular in this series and is also my favorite!
The AB520 is PLAYTECH's only 5-string active model equipped with two humbucker pickups. Humbucker pickups produce less noise and more punch than single coil ones.
The 5-string bass can produce a lower sound than a 4-string bass, so it is recommended for those who want to produce a more heavy bass tone or play intense music such as metal and hardcore! The neck is thicker and heavier, but it is cool to hold and will surely look great live!
How was it?
Which bass did you like? There are a wide variety of colors as well as types of basses, so please try to find the color you like! Also, although it may be difficult to tell the difference between the fretboard and neck wood, it is a good chance to compare the sound by playing them to find the sound you like best!
Also, all of the products introduced here are now available as beginner sets! The sets includes a small bass amp, soft case, strap, stand, and clip tuner, so if you are thinking of starting a bass, check them out!