The Electric Bass (also called a bass guitar) first became widely used during the 1950s at the beginning of the Rock & Roll era. Although first viewed as a novelty, the electric bass quickly became popular. As more musicians used amplified guitars, acoustic bass players had a hard time keeping their sound levels up to that of the much louder electric guitars. So, one advantage the electric bass provided was louder sound.

The smaller size of an electric bass made it easier to transport and to play. The solid wood construction of most basses also meant less risk of damage when traveling from gig to gig. Unlike the acoustic bass, most electric basses have frets - metal place markers which divide the neck into steps - making it easier for guitarists to double on the bass when no bass player is available.

In fact, although the ensemble role of the electric bass is essentially the same as the upright (acoustic) bass, its construction has much more in common with the electric guitar. There are some differences, however - the electric bass is usually about ten inches longer than the electric guitar and has four strings instead of six - tuned an octave lower than the guitar.

Today, Electric Basses come in all shapes and sizes and play a role in many styles of music. A variety of models are now available in five-string and six-string versions. Since the 1970s the "fretless" electric bass has risen in popularity, especially with Jazz musicians.

Bass Pickups

Like the Electric Guitar, the Electric Bass relies on an electromagnetic transducer commonly referred to as a "pickup" to create its distinctive sound. The pickup converts the vibration of the strings into electrical energy. This energy may be amplified, distorted or changed in a number of ways and then converted back into sound waves by the amplifier. The two most common pickups for electric bass are called Single Coil and Split Coil.

Single Coil - Traditionally this pickup is really just an electron magnet. It is composed of a magnetic object called a pole-piece, with a thin copper wire wrapped around it many times. The most common bass single coil pickup has two pole-pieces per string seated in a "bobbin" which holds them in place on either side of the string. Copper wire is wrapped around the bobbin, and then wired to the volume and tone control knobs on the bass. These, in turn, are wired to the bass' output jack.

Split Coil - This pick-up consists of two bobbins, one for the top two strings, the other for the bottom two. The set of pole-pieces in each bobbin is then wired with opposite polarities. This technique helps eliminate any interfering hum caused by AM radios, florescent lights, microwave ovens, television sets etc. which might also be picked up.

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