Bass guitars

Introducing our bass guitar range

Chamberlain Music stocks a broad selection of electric bass guitars and bass guitar packs. We find that these beginner packs are an excellent place to start, as you get everything you need in one box! Whether your school music department needs a new instrument for the music cupboard or your budding teenage rockstar is ready to start learning their craft please contact our sales team today to find the best instrument or pack for you.

Originally invented to overcome the difficulties and limitations of the double bass (also known as string bass or upright bass), the bass guitar has since become an instrument in its own right. Many contemporary music styles are defined by the tone, playing style and techniques of the bass lines in their ensemble which is reflected in the range of instruments available. The most played bass guitars have 4 strings and are still tuned to the same pitch as a double bass, but you can find instruments with varying numbers of strings or designed to accommodate different tunings.

What to look for:
Different pick up options including split pick-ups, jazz single coil and humbucker styles
Packages including the bass, an amplifier stand and all the necessary accessories – the perfect gift for any budding musician
Amplifiers suitable for 10w bedroom practice, mid-range rehearsal and performance through to floor shaking 500w power
Effects pedals can expand the possible tones and styles for hours of musical fun
Hang your bass guitar on the wall or keep it out on a stand for easy access whenever you feel inspired
A change of strings can give a completely new voice to your trusty bass
Gig bag or hard case options depending on your instrument, needs and modes of transport

About the bass guitar

The bass guitar came about in the 1930’s as a more practical and portable alternative to the double bass, designed to be played horizontally. The double bass is the largest member of the viol family of instruments, which can be too quiet for certain genres of contemporary music as well as being huge to transport!

The bass guitar as we know it today was popularised by Leo Fender in the 1950’s, and Fender remains prominent in the bass market to this day along with Ibanez, Yamaha, Sterling and many more.

As an electric instrument, along with your bass guitar you will need to consider an amplifier. We can guide you towards the right choice for your needs, with models by Fender, Laney and Boss as well as touring favourites Ashdown, Hartke and Ampeg.

There are some instantly recognisable iconic instruments in the world of bass guitar including Paul McCartney’s Hofner Violin Bass made popular during The Beatles era and ever since, Steve Harris of Iron Maiden with his use of Fender Precision Bass models, and Michael “Flea” Balzary of Red Hot Chilli Peppers who has used both Music Man and Fender instruments over his career.