The electric bass guitar’s body is no different from a regular guitar. The body still maintains the shape for comfortability, but it is much larger and heavier than a guitar. The only difference are the four thick strings (in some basses 5 or 6 strings), the electric pickup configuration, the tuning pegs, and the neck size. The neck is long and houses spacious frets, either 19-24 frets, for the bassist to utilize. A four string bass guitar usually has a thin and maneuverable neck, while basses with more strings have thicker necks to house the strings. The bass strings are ordered as E-A-D-G, just like a regular guitar, minus the high e and high B. A five string bass would have the low B string above the E string, while some six string basses will have additional high strings.
The pickups are responsible for receiving the sound input from the strings and converting it into sound output. The sound output can be adjusted by the knobs found near the pickups. Basses usually have a volume and tone knob, while some might have a blend knob for adjustment. The tuning pegs help tune the strings and the bridge is where the strings are first inserted through. Some models have the option to string the bass through a bridge, or through the body. The nut is a small piece attached to the first fret of the bass. It helps keep the strings aligned and suspended from the frets. The trust rod is a metal rod located within the neck. This is an important piece of the bass, since it determines the bend of the neck. If the neck is bent too much, the strings have low action, meaning they are closer to the fret. However, if the neck is bent too much, in the other direction, then the strings will have high action, meaning they are too far from the fret. Adjusting the trust rod to its playability is a tedious process but it assures the best experience for playing. The trust rod can be adjusted at the top of the neck or at the bottom.
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