Bass Player (magazine)

Bass Player (magazine). It is a prominent American periodical dedicated to the electric bass and double bass, serving as a central resource for musicians, enthusiasts, and the music industry. Launched in the late 1980s, the publication has consistently focused on bass guitar technique, gear reviews, artist interviews, and music theory. Owned by the British media conglomerate Future plc, it remains a leading voice in its niche, influencing generations of players and the development of bass amplification and instrument manufacturing.

History and founding

The magazine was founded in 1989 by GPI Publications, a company also responsible for launching the influential Guitar Player (magazine). Its creation responded to the growing prominence of bassists in rock music, funk, and jazz fusion during the 1970s and 1980s. The inaugural editor was Jim Roberts, who helped establish its editorial vision of combining in-depth artist profiles with practical educational content. Early issues featured pioneering figures like Jaco Pastorius, Stanley Clarke, and Carol Kaye, cementing its credibility within the music industry. The publication was later acquired by Miller Freeman, Inc., before becoming part of the Future plc portfolio in the 21st century, reflecting broader consolidation trends in specialist media.

Content and features

Each issue typically contains detailed interviews with prominent bassists from genres like progressive rock, R&B, and heavy metal music. Regular columns and features cover music theory applications for bass, exercises for improving fingerstyle and slap bass techniques, and analyses of iconic basslines. A significant portion is devoted to product reviews of new bass guitars, effects pedals, recording equipment, and amplifiers from companies like Fender, Music Man, and Ampeg. The magazine also includes transcriptions of famous songs, lessons from noted educators, and coverage of major events like the Winter NAMM Show and the Bass Player Live! awards ceremony.

Notable contributors and editors

Over the decades, the magazine has been shaped by influential editors including Karl Coryat and Chris Jisi, who expanded its coverage of underground music and world music scenes. Renowned bassists and columnists such as John Patitucci, Victor Wooten, and Marcus Miller have contributed educational articles and masterclasses. Notable music journalists like Bill Milkowski and Tom Mulhern have provided extensive artist interviews and gear analyses. The editorial staff has frequently collaborated with photographers like Paul Haggard and designers from Future plc to produce its visually distinctive layouts, featuring artists from The Beatles to Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Impact and legacy

The publication has profoundly influenced bass education and the perception of the instrument within popular culture. It played a key role in legitimizing the bass guitar as a solo instrument, highlighting the virtuosity of players like Les Claypool and Geddy Lee. Its annual Bass Player Live! event and associated awards have become significant fixtures in the music community, recognizing achievements in performance and craftsmanship. The magazine’s archives serve as a valuable historical record of trends in bass instrument construction, recording technology, and the evolution of genres from disco to grunge. Its enduring presence has supported the careers of countless musicians and informed the product development strategies of major manufacturers like Gibson and Ibanez.

Publication details

Originally published monthly, the magazine has adjusted its frequency at times, including bi-monthly periods, under the management of Future plc. It is headquartered in San Jose, California, with its parent company operating from London. The publication produces special edition issues, such as annual gear guides and commemorative editions focusing on icons like James Jamerson or Flea. It maintains a significant digital presence through online articles, video content, and its affiliation with the MusicRadar website, adapting to changes in the publishing industry while continuing to serve a global readership of professional and amateur musicians.