A Very Short History of the Bass Guitar

The Bass Guitar Didn’t Start as a Guitar at All
Before the 1950s, bassists used massive upright double basses to hold down the low end. These acoustic beasts were hard to transport, tough to mic, and even harder to play with precision — especially on loud stages.

Enter Leo Fender — and a Game-Changer
In 1951, Leo Fender introduced the world to the Precision Bass — or P-Bass — the world’s first mass-produced electric bass guitar. It had frets for more accurate playing, a solid body for better durability, and a design that worked perfectly with guitar amps.

Musicians finally had a way to deliver deep, punchy low-end without the backbreaking size of an upright. The P-Bass revolutionized live music, recording, and band dynamics overnight.

From Funk to Metal: The Bass Is the Backbone
Since then, the bass guitar has evolved into all kinds of styles — from smooth jazz and slap-funk to heavy metal and indie rock. But no matter the genre, it’s still the instrument that glues the rhythm together.

Whether you’re looking at a Squier Jazz Bass or an Ibanez 5-string, you’re playing a piece of that musical legacy.

Ready to Pick Up the Bass?
If you’re a beginner or a guitarist making the jump, we’ve got some of the best deals on used and refurbished bass guitars in the country.