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Paul Tutmarc is credited as the first inventor of the electric bass in the mid-1930s, and Leo Fender was the first to mass-produce it in 1951. As of today, more than 100 brands have their own model with slightly different characteristics. In this blog, we will be taking a look at some of the most popular bass models ever made since the 1950s.

1. Fender Precision

A black American Vintage II 1960s Precision Guitar

American Vintage II 1960s Precision

The American Vintage II 1960 Precision is arguably one of the most popular, best-selling and most imitated electric basses of all time. It was the first mass-produced bass introduced by Leo Fender in 1951. Known for its rich, punchy low-frequency response, this is a classic among players.

Interesting fact: there was also an early prototype with a pickguard placement closer to the top of the body, rather than the standard type that came after, as in the picture above.

2. Fender Jazz

A Fender Jazz Standard Series Bass in Aqua Marine Metallic

Fender Jazz Standard Series

In 1960, Leo Fender introduced his 2nd bass model, inspired by the Jazzmaster guitar. The Fender Jazz Standard Series guitar has a more mid-range/treble sound compared to the Precision. The main goal of this bass guitar was to accommodate Jazz musicians.

However, over time, this model gained significant attention in rock, funk, and disco music for its treble attack! Nowadays, it is widely used across different forms of music and remains a popular jazz option.

3. Rickenbacker 4001-4003

A Rickenbacker 4003 Series Electric Bass in Fireglow colour

Rickenbacker 4003 Fireglow

Another classic among the basses is the 4000 series from Rickenbacker. The brand itself got a lot of attention when “The Beatles” started performing with the brand. The style, sound and design make this one of a kind. The bass also features stereo jack inputs (named “Rick-O-Sound”), which are rarely found on a bass, but let the player split their signal into 2 separate signals, either into effects or even another amplifier!

4. Music Man Stingray

A Ray4 Stingray Bass in a Walnut Satin finish

Ernie Ball Music Man Stringray 4

Designed by Leo Fender and Tom Walker in 1976, the Stingray series is said to be the first mass-produced bass with onboard active electronics. At first glance, notice this bass’s oversized humbucker pickups that catch the eye and give it its classic tone.

5. Yamaha TRBX Series

A TRBX304 4-String Bass Guitar in Candy Apple Red

Yamaha TRBX304

The TRBX Series by Yamaha was introduced in 2013, combining 2 previous Yamaha models, and gained popularity for its affordable quality. Alongside versatility, more premium models, such as the 500 and 600 models, offer active/passive options and a flame maple finish! The TRBX series is also pretty lightweight compared to other bass models on the market today, making it great for smaller musicians.

6. The Thunderbird

A Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird Bass in Silver

Gibson Thunderbird

The Thunderbird series was introduced by Gibson in 1963 in direct response to Fender’s success in the market. The instrument’s unique shape and sound also varied across body types, introducing reverse and non-reverse models in which the upper and lower ‘‘horns’’ of the body were longer than the other, with tuning pegs on the other side of the headstock for the non-reverse models. Epiphone also has a replica version of the Thunderbird.

7. Ibanez SR series

An Ibanez SR Standard Series guitar in Brown

SR Standard 5-string

Introduced in 1987, the SR series by Ibanez entered the market as one of the most versatile bass lines, largely thanks to its onboard active electronics (with some models also offering a switchable passive mode). It’s also known for its striking body finishes and colours, a distinctive hallmark of the brand.

8. Spector NS Series

Spector NS Icon Bolt-on Bass in Gloss White

NS Icon 4-string

Some people may not be familiar with this series compared to the rest on this list, but the NS series began in 1977 and was created by Stuart Spector and Ned Steinberger (the same Steinberger behind the Steinberger brand). This neck-through bass became especially popular in rock and metal, even after a brief period of inactivity. It has also been performed by notable musicians such as Sting and Gene Simmons.

Shop Bass Guitars at Long & McQuade

And that’s a wrap on some of the most popular bass models out there. There are hundreds of bass guitars not mentioned in this blog, so swing by your local Long & McQuade or check out our wide selection of bass guitars online if you’re curious to learn more.

The advantage of shopping at Long & McQuade is that we are 100% Canadian-owned, offer local pickup or free shipping across the country for orders over $99, 30-day returns, and financing options available. Each one of our stores has a wall of guitars where you can get your hands on a new or used bass and see which ones you vibe with!