Bass Guitar Buyer’s Guide
Are you looking for bass guitar lessons near Boise, Idaho, but don’t have an instrument?
Or perhaps you’re looking to add a new instrument to your music corner, or give a guitar as a gift.
No matter the reason, we think adding more music into your life is always a good thing, and we’re happy to help you find the perfect instrument! Read on for our curated list of bass guitar recommendations.*
The Basics
Bass Guitar Playability
Ease of playability is of utmost importance when buying a bass guitar. To find a bass guitar that is easy to play, look for an adjustable neck with a “truss rod.” All of our recommendations below should have an adjustable neck.
Size is also important when picking a bass guitar and is another component of instrument playability. A “short scale” instrument has a smaller neck which is often more comfortable for players with smaller hands. There are also a variety of different body shapes to suit any musician. Again, ease of playing is supreme as students are far more likely to practice and improve on an instrument that is comfortable and fun.
Bass Guitar Versatility
The second priority is the adaptability of the instrument. If you’re good with carrying an amp and cord to jam sessions, then an electric bass guitar is perfect! If you’d prefer to have the option to jam without amplification, then an acoustic/electric bass guitar is ideal.
Shopping Locally
Your local music shop will have a variety of awesome instruments for you to choose from. If you decide to purchase an instrument online or used, please have it looked over by a luthier to make sure it is in tip-top playing condition.
If you’re in the Boise area, we love Eagle Guitar for instrument shopping and The Better Fret for set-ups, tune-ups, and repairs. Check out the bass guitars below to get an idea of reputable brands and models.
Bass Guitars We Recommend
Acoustic/Electric Bass Guitars
WE RECOMMEND
Electric Bass Guitars
WE RECOMMEND
Accessories
Now that you’ve found your perfect axe, outfit it with all the necessities.
Case
Go for either a hard shell or at least a padded soft case to protect your beloved bass guitar.
WE RECOMMEND
Tuner
Your phone app will work in a pinch, but a dedicated tuner will be more accurate. The clip-on kind will only pick up the vibrations from your instrument, which makes playing in a group even easier!
WE RECOMMEND
Strings
Bass strings are pretty solid so you’ll rarely (if ever) change them. That said, if you’d like an extra set to keep in your case, here’s what we’d recommend
WE RECOMMEND
Acoustic Short Scale
XTB3790GS – XT Bass Phosphor Bronze Light Strings
Acoustic Long Scale
Acoustic Long Scale: EPBB170 Bass Phosphor Bronze Light Strings
Electric Short Scale
ECB81S Bass Flat Wound Light Strings
Electric Long Scale
EPBB170 Bass Phosphor Bronze Light Strings
Amplifier & Instrument Cable
At 15 watts, our amplifier recommendation will enable you to rock out while keeping your neighbors happy.
WE RECOMMEND
Strap
Pick up a strap in a fun color to help your ergonomics, regardless of whether you’re playing sitting or standing.
WE RECOMMEND
Picks
Though we love .60mm or thinner for pretty much all instruments, shoot for a nice chunky pick for the bass. Also, a grippy texture makes it less likely that you’ll drop it immediately into the abyss…
WE RECOMMEND
Still have questions about buying a bass guitar?
Next Read:
Create a safe and comfortable space to leave your instrument out and get into your practice groove!
Ready to play some music?
*Campfire Music Collective is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon offers a small commission on any products purchased through affiliate links at no additional cost to you. Your purchases help support our work in bringing you quality music resources beyond in-person instruction.