Until The Beatles came along and George Harrison made the electric guitar the most popular instrument in the world, the Piano used to be the best selling instrument. With the rise of the guitar came a massive expansion of guitar brands and guitar styles. There’s a guitar for every level of musician, whether you’re a professional or you’re a beginner, where something like the guitar in our Ibanez IJV50 review would work well for.
Not only did the electric guitar take off but the electric bass guitar overtook the tradition upright bass (double bass) as the mode of delivering the low end. From Paul McCartney and his signature Hofner Bass guitar to Thundercat and his signature Ibanez, the bass guitar is getting its fair share of the spotlight.
The Top-Rated Guitars
Fender P Bass
A legendary instrument with a deep, powerful tone, the P Bass delivers iconic sound and craftsmanship that has defined bass playing for generations.
One of the most signature sounding bass guitars in all of popular music
The tone is deep and powerful and can move music and people
Reasons not to buy
It’s a big and heavy bass. Not ideal for travel and can be too big for kids
Our Verdict
These absolutely deserve their reputation as the King of Basses. My first bass was a 70’s Precision that I got from my Uncle John – a beautiful instrument. But, probably because I was eleven years old, I was a bit overwhelmed by the sheer size of the neck. Now of course, I wish I’d held on to it.
You simply cannot go wrong with a Fender P-Bass. Old ones are sought after, but the American Standard series is just as good in my experience. And you can take satisfaction from knowing that James Jamerson smiles down from heaven every time you thump around.
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Fender Jaco Pastorius Jazz Bass Guitar
With its impeccable craftsmanship, vintage sound, and a sleek design, it’s the ideal choice for any serious bass player seeking professional quality.
If you are looking for the signature fretless jazz bass sound, that Jaco Pastorius made popular, this is it.
Smooth fingerboard for easy playing.
Reasons not to buy
Not everyone like the reverse tuners.
Our Verdict
Jaco Pastorius was a visionary and a master of music, reimagining the role of the bass guitar in music. While bringing a showmanship and star quality to the world of jazz fusion, Pastorius, put the spotlight on the jazz bass while created an unmistakable, signature sound and look with his sunburst fretless jazz bass.
Signature sound that can take your creativity to new heights
Beautifully built bass guitar, with solid construction
Reasons not to buy
The unique tone can stand out in a bad way if you try to use it in music that is not appropriate for it’s tone
Our Verdict
These basses are, in a word, SPECIFIC. The look specific, and they sound even more specific.
My love affair with the Rick started the moment I heard Cliff Burton howling at the moon in “Anesthesia.” Later, those classic Yes albums had an undeniably unique bass sound to me. And then when I discovered that McCartney used a Rick on “Revolver” & “Sgt. Pepper” & “Magical Mystery Tour” I was even more amazed. And guess what kind of bass Rick James played.
I love the way they sound & look, and I love the weird skinny neck that seems to lend itself to a different approach & fresh ideas. Downside: unlike a Fender which seems to be able to fit into any sonic ensemble, the Rick sticks out & can’t really be disguised. So, if you’re ok with being freaky 100% of the time, the Rick is a really fun & exotic way to go.
Adam Chase is an American born multi-instrumentalist and band leader from Baltimore, MD. Adam has toured around the world with various projects as a drummer, percussionist, band leader and music director. As a touring musician, Adam has performed with some of the biggest musicians in the business, opening for Crosby Stills And Nash, Aerosmith, Santana, Kiss, Rusted Root, Dickey Betts, Victor Wooten, Oteil Burbridge, OAR, and many others.
