How the Fender Bass Changed the World

by Jim Roberts

(Book). This book by the founding editor and former publisher of Bass Player magazine not only celebrates the 50-year history of Fender's revolutionary Precision Bass, it also for the first time illuminates the full scope of its profound impact on music and society. Focusing on the bass' artistic influence, it details the technical milestones that gave the bass its musical power. This book also describes the impact of the bass in the hands of such visionaries as James Jamerson; cheers the innovations of rockers like Jack Bruce, Paul McCartney, John Entwistle and Sting; and honors the inspired work of such virtuosos as Jaco Pastorius. Loaded with black & white and 100 stunning color photos.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, History

192 pages, Paperback

First published May 11, 2001

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Reviews

[Joe Richards · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comprehensive introduction to the electric bass guitar which, despite its title, isn't just an advert for Fender. Whilst focus often rightfully returns to the significance of the Precision Bass, the journey begins hundreds of years ago as the author marks the innovations which paved the way to the first 1951 P-Bass. Coverage also continues to the present day, marking the technical advancements, design variations and the impact and innovations of dozens of companies besides Fender.

Also featured are most of the notable bassists who either adopted the Fender early or made an impact on the development of the instrument's vocabulary. It'll be no surprise to bass enthusiasts that the playing style and historical significance of Montgomery, Jamerson, McCartney, Jones, Pastorius, Clarke, Graham, Kaye, Osborn, Bruce, Miller, Lee, Squire and Collins (plus many more) are examined, but the book also explores more modern innovators such as Manring, Wooten and Hamm. Most featured players have the spotlight shone on their instrument of choice (of course not just limited to Fender), and the styles of music covered range from jazz, rock, reggae, funk, soul, pop, prog and the avant-garde.

The primary thing holding this book back from a 5* rating is that it could have been ten times the length and I'd have still enjoyed it; some players, basses or companies only get a fleeting mention while others have chapters dedicated to them. However, it serves as a comprehensive introduction for any aspiring bass history nerds (such as myself) and will certainly serve to whet the appetite for further reading.

[Michael Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Starts of good with the history of the instrument and the key players that used Fender. Then, the book veers away to other manufacturers and devolves at the end with a laundry list of artists. I know the author was attempting to tie the evolution of the bass guitar back to the Fender, but this book should have been pitched/marketed as a history of the bass guitar itself.

[Tom Armbruster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining history of the Bass guitar. Includes technical innovations and noteworthy players.

[Johann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprisingly well written, accompanied by beautiful, crisp pictures of electric basses and their players. What more could you want?

[Geoff Sheehan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read, really interesting history of the instrument (not quite as old as I had expected) and good introduction to a lot of fascinating bass players I had never really considered.