Unraveling the Myth: Why We Call It an Electric Bass Guitar
The confusion around the naming of the electric bass guitar often stems from a gap in knowledge and a lack of wisdom about the precise and exact origin of this specialized instrument. Many musicians and enthusiasts mistakenly refer to it as an electric guitar, which is a highly generic term. This article aims to clarify the distinctions and explore the roots of the term 'electric bass guitar.'
The Differences Between an Electric Guitar and an Electric Bass Guitar
The term 'electric guitar,' while broad, accurately describes an instrument designed to include pickups to convert string vibrations into electrical signals that can be amplified. These instruments come in various types, such as Baritone electric guitars and Standard electric guitars, named for their unique characteristics or design.
The electric bass guitar, on the other hand, is a distinct instrument, particularly in terms of its design, function, and place in musical arrangements. It is essentially a modified version of a standup double bass, adapted into a guitar shape to make it more convenient for live performances and studio recording. The electric bass guitar typically has four strings, E-A-D-G, although variations with five or six strings have become common in recent years, enhancing its versatility and range.
Historical Context and Inventor's Intent
The electric bass guitar was invented by Leo Fender, and it was originally designed with a specific purpose in mind. The instrument was called the 'Precision Bass,' which was patented in 1951. Fender's original design was not referred to as an 'electric guitar,' but rather as the 'Precision Bass.' This naming had more to do with its aspiration to precision and functionality in the low frequencies rather than a generic description like an electric guitar.
It is worth noting that other manufacturers, such as Gibson, called their versions of the electric bass 'Gibson Bass' or 'Rickenbacker Bass,' further emphasizing the distinct nature of these instruments. These brands recognized the difference and named their instruments accordingly to reflect their unique features and purposes.
The Ignorance of Naming
Many people who mistakenly call the electric bass guitar an electric guitar do so out of ignorance. Ignorance, in this context, is a lack of wisdom or knowledge about the true origin and purpose of the instrument. Confusing the electric bass guitar with an electric guitar is not due to a lack of similarities or origins, but rather a misunderstanding of terminology and historical context.
For instance, a viola and a violin are similar and have common origins, yet a viola is not referred to as a 'violin.' Similarly, a geologist would not accept pyrite as gold just because it looks similar and is commonly referred to as such. The electric bass guitar, like pyrite, is a distinct instrument that should not be misnamed.
Expert Opinions and Documentation
Leo Fender, the inventor of the Precision Bass, and his contemporaries provided extensive documentation and confirmed that the precise and exact term for the instrument is 'Precision Bass' or 'Electric Bass.' This naming convention reflects the specialized design and function of the instrument. No credible advertisement or documentation from Fender or other manufacturers ever referred to the electric bass as an 'electric guitar.'
Conclusion: Wisdom Through Knowledge
The confusion around the naming of the electric bass guitar can be resolved by a straightforward appeal to the true and exact meanings of words. Acknowledging the historical context and specific design of the electric bass guitar is essential for musicians, enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the true origin and purpose of this specialized instrument. By avoiding the misuse of terms, we pay homage to the inventors and honor the legacy of this iconic instrument.