Parts of the Bass Guitar

bass buying guide : parts of the bass guitar

Virtually every part of the bass guitar affects the way it sounds. In this section I will explain all the common options and features related to each part of the bass guitar. Then you will know what they are talking about when you read a bass guitar’s description online, or when you talk to Chuck, the guitar dude, at your local music store.

Bass Guitar Woods and Materials

• Bass Guitar Tone Woods
• Decorative Bass Guitar Woods
• Synthetic Bass Guitar Materials

Bass Guitar Neck

• The Bass Neck -- Neck Pieces -- Neck-Thru and Bolt-On
• Truss Rod -- Nut -- Neck Shape -- Other Neck Terminology

Fingerboard / Fretboard

• Parts of the Bass Guitar Fretboard/Fingerboard

Bass Body

• Parts and Features of the Bass Guitar Body

Bass Guitar Hardware

• Hardware -- Bridge
• Tuners -- Knobs

Bass Guitar Electronics

• Electronics -- What Are Pickups?
• The Difference Between Active and Passive Pickups
• Types of Bass Guitar Pickups - Single-Coil, Double-Coil, Split-Coil, etc.
• Pickup Placement -- The Number of Pickups
• Knobs - Volume and Tone Knobs

Bass Guitar Strings

• Bass Strings

Bass Guitar Cases

• Hardshell and Softshell Cases