There are many resources for the beginner bassist, but most are geared towards male bass players. Female bassists have different needs when it comes to buying and playing bass guitar. Choosing the right bass guitar, strings, amps, and accessories is essential to having a comfortable and progressive playing experience.
Choosing the right bass
When buying a bass guitar there are the standard things to check, such as a straight neck and good tone, but if you’re a female bassist, there are other things to consider as well. Bass guitars tend to be heavier than electric and acoustic guitars, depending on the wood used in the construction of the bass. Buying a weighty bass can cause neck and back problems for many female players. And while certain woods are desired for their tonal qualities (mahogany, for instance), these woods can cause the bass to weigh over ten pounds. Ten pounds can seem like fifty pounds after a few hours of playing, and with all of the weight bearing down on one shoulder, it is easy to understand the neck and back strain caused from playing.
The weight distribution of a bass can also be a deciding factor when buying a bass. A Fender Jazz bass weighs around 9.5 pounds, with the weight mostly evenly distributed between the neck and body (which is constructed of Alder or Ash in most models). An evenly distributed weight tends to make for more comfortable playing. Many of the Ibanez Soundgear models (SR500 series and up) attract female players because of their fast, slim necks. These basses seem extremely heavy because of the mahogany construction of the body, even though they weigh the same as the Fender Standard Jazz basses. For females with smaller upper bodies, a lighter bass is the most logical choice.
For those female bassists who choose a heavier bass because of tonal preference, a three to four inch leather strap is necessary to help better distribute the weight of the bass, making it more comfortable to play for longer periods of time. Levy’s brand makes an excellent three inch leather strap that is perfect for those with a slighter frame or smaller shoulder span.
Another point of consideration when purchasing a bass is the neck of the bass. While there are some women who have long fingers, most women’s hands tend to be smaller than men’s. A thin, fast neck is perfect for female hands. Ibanez soundgears are known for this quality and make great first basses for beginner female bassists. No player wants a bass guitar neck that feels like a 2 x 4 piece of wood. Chunky bass necks can be a downer when first learning to play. Cheap basses tend to have chunky necks (with some exceptions) and a female player should always test the neck out before buying a bass guitar.
Strings
While some players don’t have a particular preference for the type of bass strings they use, many female bassists lean towards flat wound strings because of their smooth playability. Flat wounds tend to be easier on the fingers, leaving less blistering and calluses. Flat wounds come in a light gauge, medium gauge and heavy gauge. When first learning to play, it is usually best to stick with a light to medium gauge, whether using round wound or flat wound strings.
Amplification
As with choosing a bass guitar, the weight of a bass amp is an important factor that should be considered. Most bass combos (amp and cabinet in one) tend to weigh 30-100 pounds or more, while bass cabinets can weigh 100 pounds alone. There are many light weight options on the market today, such as Genz Benz and Mark Bass. These companies build amps that put out a higher wattage, but weigh thirty pounds or less. Portability should always be a determining factor when purchasing a bass amp set up, especially if the player has to haul her own gear around.
Accessories
As mentioned before, a wide (3-4 inch) leather bass strap is a good way to go when playing bass guitar. The width and strength of the leather helps distribute the weight of the bass, allowing for more comfort during playing. A gig bag is also a good idea for female players. Hard shell cases can sometimes weigh almost as much as the bass guitar itself.
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