Purchasing a left handed bass guitar used to be a significant hurdle for aspiring musicians. In the past, left-handed players often had to resort to flipping right-handed basses and restringing them, an imperfect solution that could discourage many beginners. Thankfully, those days are long gone. Today, the market offers a wide array of left handed electric bass guitars, making it easier than ever for left-handed individuals to find the instrument that perfectly suits their needs.
When you’re in the market for a new bass, understanding your preferences regarding features is crucial. Ask any experienced luthier, and they will emphasize the vital role of tonewood in shaping your instrument’s sound. Different woods inherently produce different tonal qualities. For example, an ash wood bass is known for its bright and airy character, delivering rich harmonic overtones. In contrast, a mahogany bass will offer a warmer, punchier tone with excellent sustain, often described as a powerful growl. The “best” wood is entirely subjective and depends on the individual player’s sonic taste and the style of music they play. There’s no universally right or wrong choice – it’s all about what resonates best with your ear.
Equally important to tonewood selection is the decision between active or passive pickup systems. Passive pickups are celebrated for their classic, warm, and full tone. This sound has been a cornerstone of electric bass music since its inception and remains incredibly popular across genres. Active pickups, on the other hand, are designed to produce a brighter, clearer, and often more aggressive tone, gaining prominence over time, particularly in modern music styles. If you’re drawn to thick, punchy basslines reminiscent of vintage recordings, passive pickups might be your ideal choice. Conversely, if you seek a percussive, articulate sound with a higher output signal perfect for cutting through a mix, active pickups could be more suitable.
From iconic figures like Sir Paul McCartney to contemporary indie artists such as Kathy Foster of the Thermals, and even metal bassists like the late Paul Gray of Slipknot, left handed bass players have made, and continue to make, significant contributions to music across all genres. This widespread presence is a major reason why left handed electric bass guitars are now so readily available. Whether you are a novice picking up your first instrument or a seasoned professional bassist seeking a reliable new companion for touring and recording, you can be confident that there is a left handed bass guitar out there perfectly tailored to meet your musical aspirations.
