Best Bass for Rock
Now that rock & roll is pushing 60, it’s good to remember the primary rule of being a good rock & roll bass player: There are no rules. Listen to players like John Entwhistle, Paul McCartney, Chris Squire, Larry Graham, Tina Weymouth, Ronnie Lane and J. J. Burnel—all had very distinctive sounds and styles, and demonstrated just a few of the many approaches a bassist can take. These days, the variety of quality instruments is now broad enough that you can find just the sound you’re looking for, giving your style its own unique voice. Here are my recommendations.
Why it's best:
If any bass was ever designed for rock, it’s the Thunderbird, especially these days. Gibson has updated their most popular bass, switching from a mahogany neck to a 9-piece maple and walnut neck. It still runs through the length of the mahogany body, giving it superior... read full review
Price Range:
$1,499.00 - $1,499.00
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zZounds $1,499.00
Same Day Music $1,499.00
Why it's a best pick:
The company that introduced the electric bass guitar has updated it’s flagship model with a graphite-reinforced neck, lightweight tuning machines, improved bridge, and a lighter finish that gives it a “woodier” tone. The industry standard of electric basses...
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$1,299.99 - $1,299.99
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Musicians Friend $1,299.99
American Musical Supply $1,299.99
Why it's a best pick:
G&L is yet another Leo Fender venture, with a line of instruments similar in appearance to the original Fenders while incorporating electronic innovations along the lines of Music Man, and at very competitive prices. The L-2000 resembles a Precision and has an active ele...
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American Musical Supply $699.99
Why it's a best pick:
Italia’s designs not only draw from the past, they improve on it. The Rimini Bass bears a resemblance to the long-defunct Rickenbacker 4005, particularly the distinctive body design and set long-scale maple neck, but with a few worthwhile changes, like a pair of Wilkin...
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Musicians Friend $659.00
Why it's a best pick:
Modeled on another forgotten classic, the Airline “Map” guitars of the early ’60s (the name comes from the body’s vague resemblance to a map of the continental U.S.), this short-scale bass produces a fat, punchy tone, due in part to its chambered maho...
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