How to Choose a Bass Guitar? 4-String, 5-String, Active and Passive Bass
A practical guide to scale, pickups, electronics, and amplifiers, from beginners to stage performers.
The bass guitar is the bridge between a band’s rhythm and harmony. Royal store offers original, guaranteed bass guitars based on official partnerships with brands like Cort, Fender, Squier, Ibanez, Gibson, Epiphone, Jackson, Washburn, and others. Check out our bass guitar catalog for current selections.
4 strings or 5 strings?
4-string bass
Standard E–A–D–G tuning, a narrower and more comfortable neck, a universal choice for classic rock, pop, blues, funk, and learning.
5-string bass
An additional low B string, wider register, providing convenience for metal, gospel, fusion, R&B, and modern arrangements.
A 5-string is not necessarily an advantage for your first instrument. The extra string increases the neck width and the requirement for right-hand muting. If your music does not require the low B register, a 4-string is simpler for developing technique.
Active and passive electronics
A passive bass works without a battery, offering simple volume/tone control and a dynamic, natural sound. An active bass uses a battery-powered preamp to provide bass, mid, and treble adjustment, higher output, and flexibility on stage. Models with active/passive switching can combine both approaches.
P and J pickup differences
Precision-style split-coil pickups provide a thick, focused tone that sits easily in a mix. Jazz-style dual single-coils offer a more open, detailed sound with articulation from the bridge pickup. A PJ system combines the power of a Precision with the versatility of a Jazz. Humbucker-style bass pickups can create high output and a modern, full tone.
Scale length and comfort
A 34-inch long scale is the standard. A short-scale bass can offer lower string tension, closer fret spacing, and comfort for smaller hands. For 5-string basses, a longer scale might be used for the clarity of the low B string. Testing the instrument while standing with a strap reveals its balance and potential neck-dive issues.
Overview of brands
Fender and Squier are the leading names in the Precision and Jazz Bass tradition. Cort provides a strong price-to-quality balance with 4/5 string, PJ, and active options in the Action and other series. Ibanez is widely popular for thin necks, modern ergonomics, and active electronics. Epiphone and Gibson offer classic rock character, Jackson provides a more aggressive modern tone, and Washburn presents alternatives for various skill levels.
Browse Cort guitars and our general guitar catalog.
Choosing a bass amplifier
Plugging a bass guitar into a regular guitar amplifier at high volume is not recommended; a bass amplifier designed for low frequencies should be chosen. For home practice, a combo amp with a headphone and aux input is sufficient, while for a band, you need power that can compete with drums and appropriate speaker area. A DI output is a major advantage on stage. View the amplifier catalog.
Starter kit for beginners
- A comfortable 4-string bass;
- A combo amplifier for bass;
- A quality cable and a wide strap;
- A tuner, gig bag, and stand;
- Spare strings and a cleaning cloth;
- Proper setup and intonation.
What to check in the store?
Check for consistent volume across every string and fret, fret buzz, tuning stability, potentiometer and jack noise, pickup balance, and the weight of the instrument. On an active bass, check the battery compartment and active/passive modes. A bass guitar should feel comfortable even before it is played.
Compare bass guitars
Choose 4 and 5-string, active and passive models with an official warranty.
Bass guitar catalog
