Bass Players are like most any group of people who have a passion about something they love.  Each has their favorite influence, favorite song, favorite venue, and of course favorite bass guitar.  If you ask any bass player what they feel is the best bass guitar available you will get as many answers as there are makes and models of guitars.

First off I want to say that I'm not a big guy. I'm not a little guy either, I'm 5'11" and in my active gigging days I weighed about 175lbs.  I feel I have fairly small hands so I tend to gravitate toward basses that have smaller necks.  I also like the speed of a smaller neck so most of my guitars I like are those with smaller necks. So what I feel is the best bass guitar will no doubt be different from what you feel is the best bass guitar.

Since there are so many choices I want to give you my personal favorites and recommendations. (I am in no way affiliated with any of the manufacturers nor am I given any incentive to influence my opinion) My hope is that this may help you find the best bass guitar for you.

IBANEZ - I love Ibanez guitars and basses.  I've always felt that Ibanez made quality instruments at decent prices. The Sound Gear series of bass guitars has been a main part of my gear since I first started playing.  They feature thinner necks and thinner nuts but still maintain a nicely balanced body. They feature active pickups which tend to give a sharper punch for heavy styles of music. Most of the lower lines have bolt-on necks, however I've never notice any problem with sustain or resonance.  These guys are number one in my book!

Spector - Spector is another bass I've always looked at longingly, though they're a bit more expensive and priced for the professional. This bass is fantastic in all respects. Natural finishes and silk natural necks allow the wood to breath and resonate properly.  If you can afford a Spector - get one. It will last you a lifetime.

Yamaha - A lot of people really love Yamaha basses.  I've tried many times to love and even like these basses. They look great, but to me they are just too big and heavy. I have a lot of friends who swear by them though and really love them.

Fender - Fender is THE classic bass company. Fender Precision and Jazz basses have been in just about every professional bass players guitar line up. I had picked up a cool new Fender bass many years ago called the Fender Prescision Lyte. This was very similar to the Ibanez with a smaller neck and nut and was extremely well balanced.  I think Fender has since stopped making those basses quite a while ago.  Of the best Fender Precision basses, it's my opinion that the American Classic Deluxe and  the Road Worn '50's Precision (new for 2009) are two sweet axes to grind.

All in all, when you need to find out what the best bass guitars are to you, simply visit your local music store and try out as many basses as possible.  Don't let the sales guys intimidate you. Play each bass as much as you can for as long as you can.  Even the expensive ones.  Play as many different basses and play different basses that are the same model. Each and every guitar will play just a little different and feel just a little different in your hands.  You will know when you've found the best bass guitar for you. It will just sing to you!

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