What is an electric bass?
Low began as an instrument electrical muscical four strings, a mix between the guitar and bass, as explained by its original name: bass guitar (in English "bass guitar"). Is a relatively 'young', considering that its creation goes back to mid-twentieth century.
To date the instrument has experienced several changes in its evolution, are seen with greater number of strings (up from 4 may be 5, 6 and occasionally 7), and greater number of divisions or dishes (up to 24 generally, there are more) although there is a variety that does not possess, and are called "Fretless" (literally, "without frets).
The electric bass is built similarly to an electric guitar. It has a solid base (bridge), which are fixed one end of the strings. Below are the strings electromagnetic pills (capsules or microphones), which capture the vibration of the strings, translated into an electrical signal and sent through the line (cable) to the amplifier or speakers. Depending on model, has a rotary knobs (potentiometers) that are used to adjust the overall volume or each capsule, the bass, media and / or acute (also called English tone tone-), and to control effects that you can apply.
The first bass guitar was built in 1951 by Mr. Leo Fender, which he called "precision bass
as they could run more than a bass precison of those times.
or the fretless bass Fretless
is the fretless bass or, as it is known universally as the fretless. For English speakers
exclusive fretless word means exactly that: no frets (fret = contrast, less = absence or lack of something).
A fretless bass is a bass that, like its grandfather bass, fret not, that is, no intonation metal separations between semitones, which technically means it has no bars to set the low end of the string vibration or "node" and allows the "long "of the vibrating string is accurately measured from the bridge to the finger pressing the string. The latter enables the instrument, like classical string instruments like the violin or the aforementioned bass, is not limited to any particular system of tuning. The fretless thus permits the use of so-called microtones and scales that are out of the limitation of the 12 tones traditional bass. Therefore, the fretless bass is the one that gives greater freedom in terms of scales and tones. If a traditional bass we have no choice but to move from G to G # or Gb, a fretless bass can be found throughout the tonal spectrum that exists between the semitones. The expressive possibilities are limitless, making it a favorite of bassists in jazz musicians (as the same Jaco Pastorius, who somehow gave the initial foot in the manufacture of fretless bass) and bears related to the rhythm and blues and funk, among other styles, although there are also significant users in the world of rock and progressive metal, again, thanks to the absolute freedom of the instrument makes use in experimental environments.
has, of course, some disadvantages inherent in its construction. First, since no metal acting as a node, the sustain of the notes is less than a fretted bass with the same characteristics, and the volume they produce is also lower. Sure, it's an entirely solved in modern fretless bass, as the technology of capsules and active electronics has come to fill some lack in terms of power acoustic sound. Another "disadvantage" is that any timber is suitable for a fretless fingerboard, still needed a little more hard wood, ebony typically, to prevent or delay damage to the strings occur on the fretboard. Currently, flatwound strings are used for this purpose to protect the pitch and would enhance a more "dull" and a better slip of the hand.
Finally, we say that the experience and training in both the left (typically pressing the strings on the fingerboard, for lefties, right) and the ear is essential to enjoy and use either a fretless bass. The author of this post had a low of these features when musical life was still very young and frustrated from their lack of perspective and training, felt that the benefits of freedom of the fretless bass tone was the opposite, impediments to performance. Foolishly did not keep such an instrument. Now, over the years, weeps bitterly at night, dreaming about the delicious possibilities of the fretless bass, which ultimately are possibilities to create. The fretless is certainly low for all occasions and for all the bears either. But when it reaches a certain expertise and develop a taste, is a much needed color in the palette.
Netherlands Netherlands assets and liabilities.
How do we know which is which and what are the differences? Is one better than another?
The electronic part of the lower is the determines whether the bass is passive or do anything activo.Primero crucial clarification: It is said that if a low battery takes to feed the preamp. is active ... ¡¡¡!!!! Sometimes you do not and is only a low hybrid as your preamp is active, but their capsules are passive, so when we refer to an active low is when the preamp and capsules need energy (batteries) to function.
Electronics Passive
is the first to be created and installed an electric bass, works as follows: When we play a certain string and produce a frequency, it alters the magnetic field of the capsule, carrying la señal por los potenciómetros para poder regularla y luego sale por el jack que llevara la señal al amplificador, ya que esta señal sale de forma directa, sin amplificar, así que para quepodamos escuchar la señal, primero debemos pasarla por un previo y después a los altavoces. Por lo tanto, estos bajos no necesitan batería para funcionar, es mucho más práctico pero a su vez tiene algunas limitaciones, por ejemplo el control de tono no es tan versátil como el de un bajo activo; generalmente el bajo pasivo se ajusta de una manera y así se deja. Tampoco se recomienda conectar el bajo pasivo directamente a la mesa de mezclas.Un ejemplo de electrónica pasiva seria la de un Fender mexicano o americano no deluxe. Electronic
active:
This emerges in the early 70's. Starting these low, as we said, have a battery in the preamp. But the capsules also take batteries also enhanced. Usually the circuit is activated when you plug the cable into the jack, so it can happen that, for example, to maintain the low connected for long periods without use, you may find the battery, since you used it or not, the circuit was running. (We note that when the battery is low energy signal is weak, distorted, or simply does not exist). The active electronics are very popular because it is very versatile, we can have a wide palette of sounds that can be controlled from our low, and are fit enough to occupy them live and also recording studio, you can send the signal directly to the mixer, since the signal amplified out instrumento.Un own serious example of active electronics of a Status Buzzard.
hybrid electronic :
is not generally known or named, but is more common than we think, in fact, few really have low assets, electronics hybrid is the one composed with a preamp. capsules active and passive, but beware that it can also be Otherwise, the controls are passive and have capsules activas.Un serious example of electronic hybridization of any Ibanez or ESP media.Espero end they have clear differences in this part of the bass, and really understand which is which . Greetings! and welcome your comments.
Classic vs. Modern
the outset, clarify that these categories - classic, modern - not intended to be accurate or precise, but are terms used by the bearish enough to differentiate both construction and design approaches instrumento.Quizás our most useful in clarifying and somehow know de qué estamos hablando sea ejemplificar: en el lado de los bajos “clásicos” tenemos primero que nada los Fender, sobretodo los modelos presentados en el artículo anterior, pero también otros de inspiración similar como los Ernie Ball Music Man, modelos Les Paul y SG de la Gibson (sí, existe el bajo Les Paul, y suena de maravillas), sin dejar de mencionar, por supuesto, el inmortal Rickenbacker. Del otro lado, el de los “modernos”, tenemos marcas y modelos como Ibanez, Warwick, Spector y otras afines. Nuevamente, el listado anterior de ninguna manera agota los modelos y marcas de uno y otro tipo, ya que el universo actual de los bajos eléctricos es vasto e infinito.
De acuerdo ya en as to what we mean by each category, let's concentrate on its main features:
"classic":
The classic basses first, although it seems obvious, are the oldest brands and therefore, the models are all very directly related to the first electric bass (Fender precission, above). The exception is Rickenbaker, a mark of character quite unique in its design, how to produce (to this day most of the process under which each is hand made, so that while the orders are delayed rather, it is guaranteed in any way the quality of the finish, finishing, and electronics of each piece). However, even this strange "big brother" shares certain characteristics with others, so we will specify:
- The scale (distance between the nut and bridge) is long, between 34 and 35 inches, which provides great sustain and heavy bass, powerful and very present, since the string tension is higher.
- The bodies of the classic low tend to be large and heavy, very solid wood, which, apart from giving a very characteristic strength to the construction of classical models, helps the fat sound of them.
- While all brands mentioned in the classics have their lower models with active electronics, bass classics are passive electronics and capsules, that is, they use the action of the magnets of the capsule only to produce volume and tone. This underlines, above all, the sound of the woods, though the latter is debatable.
- Low mast classics are usually wide and four strings, true to their heritage of traditional bass that, better or for worse, it emulates. This makes them very favorite tools of bass passed to the world of electric bass, for example, because the differences are smaller in size and position of the strings.
Models "Modern"
Again, it is clear that the category of "modern low" corresponds to newer brands on the market, at least newer than the classics, such as Warwick, Ibanez, Schecter, Spector and ESP, to name a few. Eye, the distinction is only temporary or historical (as Music Man, for example, is a brand that dates back to the 50's as Fender, but it is modern contemporary), but mainly on design. That said, we can plant the modern low differ substantially in their design and electronics, which are separated radically classic models:
- The scale is maintained in most cases, but there are models that this reduces from 34 to 32 inches, and in some modern low takes up 30 inches short ranges, in the style of old classics as a Hofner violin bass (the Mc Cartney) or the Fender Mustang Bass. This decrease in length scale mainly leads to greater comfort for the interpretation, especially for bassists with smaller hands.
- The bodies presented a major innovation for the classic models, they are lighter, more stylish and comfortable for the performer. This also has an effect on the tone of the instrument, which EINSTALL somewhat more defined, but you lose the extreme depth of the classics. In contrast, the low for this feature, are more delicate
- Another important innovation is in the neck, thinner and action (string height on the fingerboard) faster, with dishes usually a little smaller, which aid at the speed of interpretation, again, for the sake of convenience. Moreover, these models begin to appear options 5, 6, 7, 8 and 12 strings, no octaves, which provides an extended range of the instrument.
- electronics plays an important role here, with mostly electronic active, ie a system of equalization and even on more expensive models, pre-amp specifically dedicated for that purpose, whose characteristics require the use of an independent power source, usually one and even two 9v batteries, depending on system. These circuits can control the pitch in various frequency bands (bass, mid and high), giving more power and presence to the instrument signal, and even act as a pre amplifier built in (making it necessary, theoretically, only one amplifier able to ring, without pre-amplification stage of a traditional bass amp, could you direct connect PA system and play a room without an amplifier, for example). Some purists say that these circuits dress too natrual tone of wood and strings, making them more "artificial." Again, this is a matter of discussion.
As final words, that as long as the ears and not what you send "read". Probably in an indie rock or classical inspiration, perfect bass is a Fender or a Rickenbacker, while a metal band is the most appropriate hipertécnico low ESP or Schecter, which by its versatility and lower neck width allows implemented more neatly. Much can be said about it and there is no absolute truth: John Myung, Ibanez user recognized for its swift action thin neck, active electronics and precise tone, all modern features, radically changed their sound and now uses a Music Man Bongo 5-String, not 6 as before, that while a modern bass, it has the neck and body characteristics more related to a classic. And John Paul Jones, Led Zeppelin bassist, came not with a Jazz Bass or Bass precission on stage for the return of the legendary band: in his hands is a modern bass, active electronics and thin neck, playing classics such as "dazed and confused "without losing an ounce of weight. Everything is possible in the vineyard of the electric bass, My friends Jaclk Bruce, bassist for Cream, he played in the golden era of the band with a Gibson SG, under heavy by definition. In the reunion tour, a few years ago in his hands was a modern, comfortable, active and Warwick ...
P-Bass v / s J-bass
These are 2 powers created by Don Leo Fender Precision Bass and Jazz from Bass.Para worth mentioning that the Precision Bass was the first electric bass guitar created in history, while the Jazz Bass, the model is conceived as "deluxe" from below Precision.A I will present a table with some characteristics of the P-bass and J-can bass.Como see, the differences are not as noticeable in construction and hardware environment (in fact assumes that the J-bass is the evolution of Precision) but the results are remarkably different. Let us describe the sound of each bass.
The P-BASS is characterized by a sound more responsive in terms of means-serious and serious. It is less bright than the Jazz Bass, and larger mast makes it ideal for those who prefer a classic bass with a more slowly than the Jazz. Your pills are much less noisy than a Jazz. This bass is ideal for rock, since it has a lot of punch, is ideal for use with a chisel, and even to be "slap." Perhaps Precision great but the capsule is that its only split coil hum-canceling, gives little versatility of tones.
On the other hand, J-BASS has a warmer sound "heavy" and less aggressive than a Precision Bass, which makes it ideal for performers who played with the fingers, is much more versatile the Precision, since it was incorporated an additional pickup near the bridge, thus increasing its resources from one type sounds "bright" to more "thick." Cons that could be this low is that your pills are something ruidosas.En end, much has been written on the subject and could talk much more about these 2 powers in the world electric bass, but in a nutshell we have the most relevant. In conclusion, we could say that the P-bass is the low rocker par excellence, while the J-bass is the low of modern jazz. Notable Users
Precision Bass: Steve Harris (Iron Maiden), Duff McKagan (Guns N 'Roses / Velvet Revolver), Nick Oliveri (Queens of the Stone Age), Zeta Bosio (Soda Stereo / Catupecu Machu), Sting (The Police / Soloist), Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath), Cliff Burton (Metallica) and many others.
Jazz Bass: Jaco Pastorius (Weather Report / Soloist), Marcus Miller (Soloist), Geddy Lee (Rush), Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Tim Commerford (Rage Against the Machine / Audioslave), John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin), Dirk Lance (Incubus), Juan Alderete 8The Mars Volta), John Entwistle (The Who).
As can be seen, both basses are very present in the history of popular music and especially in the rock world. Both sound like instant classic, and despite its high price and features at times uncomfortable for many bass players, is an investment, either, that any serious bass player should do at some point in their life as a journey to Mecca for a Muslim or the Vatican for a Catholic, a matter of historical value, but also to obtain a sound and character that no other instrument can imitate. Many say that the "majority" of the bass is achieved only with a Fender in his hands. It is an object of discusión.Saludos.
Parts of electric bass
As we see, under construction is quite similar to that of an electric guitar, below give a brief description of the parties:
socket: this part of the low helps us to refine our bass guitar, for example if we raise the note of the string, headstock move clockwise to raise the tension of the string and so the note goes up, so instead, giving you less stress, get a low in the note of the string.
socket blade, as you can see, the function of this piece is to hold the sockets, also usually printed with the brand and model of low cuestion.Mástil: The mast can be bolted to the body (bolt-on), or be of the neck-thru body (where the neck and body are made from a single piece of wood). The advantage of the latter is that it allows the sound vibration is transmitted evenly and without changes in body neck, there to be picked up by the pads the same way.
Frets: A fret is the gap that exists on the fingerboard of the neck of many stringed instruments, in most modern instruments the frets are thin metal strips embedded in the fingerboard. The most common is that the frets divide the fingerboard into semitone, a contrast equivalent to one semitone.
Pickups: are electromagnetic coils that capture the string vibration and turn it into a signal that can play the amp. Basically we can differentiate these types of pills that are most used in the low : - Single-coil : pills are most common and distinctive sound and classic. Shines through his means very stuck, in fact it says it has sound too "nasal". This type of pills found primarily in the most the Jazz Bass and some precission. Against these pills are likely to make a lot of buzz that makes them very noisy and annoying for the bass player who chooses to use .- Humbucker: are two single-coil attached to the coils in opposite directions and one of the two magnets invested. They get a much more powerful and with the improvement compared to the single no longer hum of any kind, are very quiet pills and can be found for example in the Music Man or some Warwick .- Stacked humbucker : Seems a single-coil, but in reality are two, one mounted on the other to eliminate hum. Do not take a sound as thick as a typical humbucker, but their sound is still great and retains many qualities of this .- Soapbar: English Literally, bar soap, because the rectangular shape of the plastic. Below this may be any type of pickup. This leaves more space for active preamp or larger magnets for powerful sound inside the case.
Strings: There are four basic types of string bass "roundwound : they are the most common, of 'twisted' or circular wound around a core of resilient material, usually steel. They give a bright sound that is sustained for longer after the string down (sustain).
-flatwound : are twisted plane and deliver a sound off and with less "sustain"
-halfwound : not used as frequently as the two previous types are a hybrid, since they have the upper half of the twisted cord and the lower level of normal twisted.
There are other less commonly used types of rope, as groundwound , circular twisted ropes which have been sanding it until it was flat, or tapewound , twisted ropes generally circular coated nylon, which contributes to give a darker tone and feel more pleasant, like the strings of twisted plane.
Body: The body of a bass usually made of wood and the choice of it is very important in the sound of the instrument (It should be noted that there are bodies and necks of graphite - Steinberger, Modulus Graphite - and some acrylic or plastic composites). Currently used (by limiting the list to wood), especially poplar, alder, maple (in English, "maple") and basswood for the body and maple, rosewood and ebony wood rail for the mast, among other several American woods, and a wide range of African woods such as bubinga and wenge.
Potentiometers: are what we generally help regulate the tone and volume.
Bridge: is where you place the bass strings, usually in low economic, real murderers are usually strings.
