4 String Bass Guitars

4 String Bass Guitars were instrumental in the development of popular music as we know it today and are still as relevant and important as when they were first invented. When acoustic basses weren't keeping up with the volume of rock bands the electric bass guitar took over as the main bass instrument in popular music. Tuned an octave lower than electric guitar the 4 string bass guitar also plays beautifully compared to the difficult double bass. Some of the earliest 4 string bass designs are still revered today; 1951's Fender Precision Bass or 'P Bass' is considered by many to be the perfect 4 string bass guitar, it has appeared on countless classic tracks. Leo Fender shortly followed this up with the Jazz Bass or 'J Bass' in the 1960's, adding a bridge pickup for a total of two single coil pickups, and a slimmer neck. Both the Jazz Bass and Precision Bass have been made available as fretless instruments (a firm favourite of jazz players) and have covered a huge range of musical styles for decades. Modern music has seen the rise of many extended-range basses, such as 5 string basses with an extra low b string or even more additional strings such as a high c string. The four-string bass has never been replaced by these instruments though, and many players prefer the simplicity of four strings.

There are several very important things to consider when buying a 4 string electric bass. The first is scale length, which determines the playable length of the strings. Long scale basses are the most common at 34", with medium scale basses at 32" and short scale basses measuring only 30". This is all personal preference, while short-scale basses are great for smaller hands they also offer a different sound. Other key considerations are whether you want a fretless or fretted bass and what sort of pickups you want. A neck pickup can really empahasise low notes, while a bridge pickup can help bring out the higher overtones. Many basses have both pickups allowing you to blend your ideal tone.

Here at guitarguitar we are very enthusiastic about 4 string bass guitars. We keep a full range of 4 string basses by Ibanez, Fender and Music Man and many more. From the most affordable Squier model to the most exquisite Master Built Relic bass, we have what you are looking for!

Why Should I Choose a 4 String Bass Guitar?

• The most popular type of bass
• Easier to play than a bass with more strings
• Massive range of styles, shapes and colours
• A long-time standard used by the majority of bassists
• Available in a wide selection of styles and configurations
• Models available from almost every brand, with a selection to suit all styles of music