Laurus Blog

To begin learning the instrument, a 4-string bass is sufficient—preferably new rather than used, even if inexpensive.

For a more experienced bassist, it’s like buying a car: the better it is, the better the performance.

It’s clear that the instrument must first appeal visually—color, design, choice of woods, etc.—and then comes the practical test: trying it both sitting and standing. When playing standing up, the bass must be comfortable: the neck’s weight should not strain the shoulder, otherwise after an hour of playing, fatigue will reduce performance. Laurus basses have been designed with a strong focus on ergonomics, an aspect often neglected in most electric basses from large or small manufacturers—but it remains a fundamental feature.

In recent years, more and more electric basses have appeared with reverse tuners.

Regarding tone: for standard rock, a single split-coil pickup in the middle of the body (like a Fender Precision, passive) is sufficient, though basses with two pickups—preferably humbuckers—are better. For basses with more demanding tonal requirements: two single-coil pickups like a Fender Jazz (passive or active), or basses with more advanced electronics offering greater EQ control.

However, having too many tonal options is not always ideal: it can dilute the instrument’s personality and make it difficult for the musician to choose the right sound at the right moment. Laurus basses are designed with ultra-sensitive pickups and EQ settings that preserve the instrument’s personality while remaining easy and intuitive for anyone to use.

The electric bass was originally created with 4 strings: E (the lowest), A, D, and G — following the international musical notation. This instrument, conceived as a practical alternative to the double bass, soon proved capable of fulfilling its role in every musical genre.

In the early 1980s, the 5-string electric bass appeared, typically adding a low B string to extend its range into deeper notes than the 4-string version. The 5-string bass can also be used in all musical styles, though it is slightly more demanding to play.

Today, the 5-string bass—especially in higher-end models—is increasingly popular for its fuller sound. However, to make it stand out clearly in a band mix, the player must refine their technique. The fifth string (low B) doesn’t always “sound” as good as the other four, so it’s important to rely on instruments built with high-quality lutherie.

The extensive research by Laurus on the performance of the fifth string provides musicians with an exceptionally resonant and balanced low B, as confirmed by those who have played or heard their instruments.

Some players, though less commonly, choose instead to add a high C string (placed above the G string) rather than a low B, resulting in a brighter, more mid-focused tone—ideal for solos or chordal playing.

Changing the strings on an electric bass is closely related to the musician’s perspiration. Moreover, those who need brighter tones will have to replace them more frequently. To extend the life of strings that are due for replacement, some musicians boil them in water and baking soda. This trick can prolong their lifespan slightly, restoring some of their brightness. However, the sound will never be quite the same as new, and the strings will also lose elasticity and tuning precision — but for less demanding players, it may still be acceptable.

For a warm and rich sound, a humbucker is recommended — used in series if you want a more complex and penetrating tone, or in parallel if you prefer a more relaxed and smooth sound.

For a more open and clear tone, a single coil is preferred. The quality of the pickups is very important.

Normally, this is achieved by using both pickups with the treble rolled off and the bass frequencies boosted. If your bass has a mid-frequency equalizer, like Laurus instruments do, you can slightly reduce the mids to make the tone even warmer.

If you’re playing a passive bass, you’ll need to adjust the equalizer on your amplifier instead, boosting the bass control. However, for those seeking truly warm tones, it’s essential to use speakers capable of handling low frequencies effectively.

Finally, don’t forget the role of your plucking hand: moving it closer to the neck greatly helps soften and warm up the sound.

The electric bass was invented by Paul Tutmarc in Seattle (Washington) in 1935, although only a few dozen units were ever produced. In 1951, Leo Fender designed the electric bass model known as the “Precision” — named for its fretted neck, which allowed players to produce more precise notes compared to a fretless double bass. Leo Fender soon began serial production, pairing this new instrument with other bass and guitar models that have since become legendary.