Reed Mathis is an accomplished bass guitar player that has toured around the world collaborating with Electric Beethoven, Golden Gate Wingmen, and regularly collaborating with members of The Grateful Dead. Reed was kind enough to talk bass and share his thoughts about the best bass guitar.
The list of bass guitars includes 5 string bass, 4 string bass, electric bass, acoustic bass, even a bass ukulele. This is a list that we think any bass player would be able to agree with and it’s just 5 bass guitars. Obviously, there are a bunch of other amazing bass guitars that could make a best bass guitars list, but we told Reed he could only pick 5 bass guitars.
Top 5 Bass Guitars by Bassist, Reed Mathis
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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Rickenbaker 4003
This bass guitar stands out with its distinctive look and unique tone, offering a blend of classic rock heritage and modern innovation.
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.
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Kala U-Bass
Don’t be fooled by its small size—the sound this instrument produces is massive, making it a perfect travel companion with a tone that rivals much larger basses.
This compact bass guitar has an enormous sound, especially while amplified
Fits into a backpack
Reasons not to buy
The “D” string can buzz a little when the strings get old
Our Verdict
These bizarre instruments look almost comically small & toy-like, but good LORD they sound enormous when amplified. I first heard Bakithi Kumalo using one with Paul Simon, and I literally did not believe my eyes/ears. Later I sought one out, and sure enough, this tiny little chihuahua of a bass does indeed make that enormous upright-like sound. Astonishing. It weighs like -10 ounces, fits in a backpack, sounds great unplugged, and when amplified has subs that have to be experienced to be believed. Amazing.
The Hofner Violin Bass Guitar comes in a range with different features at different costs, but they all have that thing.
Obviously, we all immediately think Paul McCartney. And for good reason – the bass playing on the Beatles tracks is remarkable in the way the tone meshes with the other instruments and supports the overall sonics, no matter what kind of song it is. The sound is hard to describe – “woody” “hollow” “thumpy” “dark” – these come close, but it is truly a sound like no other.
For me, though, my love of this instrument really started when I first heard Chris Wood using it with Medeski Martin and Wood on the Combustication album & tour. He still uses it with the Wood Brothers, and it is the perfect compliment to his incredible upright playing.
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Chris Ryan
Chris Ryan is a musician and educator from Philadelphia, PA, an avid archivist of folk and country music, a disciple of Aphex Twin and a fervent supporter of Atlanta trap music. Chris can usually be found tracking keyboards, vocals and lap steel for the upcoming debut of his band The Cobwebs, or in FL Studio working on the next generation of trap sounds. He is conversant with, and writes about, hundreds of genres of music from all over the world.
