The Fender Bass (Paperback)

by Klaus Blasquiz (Author) "In 1954 when the famous Stratocaster appeared with all its refinements, the Precision Bass Began to undergo some *intermediate* modifications such as a contoured body,..." (more)
Key Phrases: Leo Fender, Precision Bass, Mustang Bass (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The Fender Bass, created 40 years ago by the inventive genius of Leo Fender, still remains today as the definitive electric bass. Before Fender, there was simply no electric bass at all! LeoÕs design was so revolutionary that it rapidly became a Õclassic,Õ an essential element which was responsible for defining the image of modern music. Every new bass is inspired (more or less) from his basic design. The Fender Bass tells the detailed story of the electric bass through the different models and their improvements, from their origins to the present form. Includes hundreds of black & white and color photos of the basses and their most famous players.

Product Details

• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Mediapresse (April 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 079350757X
• ISBN-13: 978-0793507573
• Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 8.7 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #946,279 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Unfulfilled potential!, October 7, 2000

By	Eamon O'Regan "Eamonn O'Regan" (Galway, Co.Galway ,Ireland) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Klaus Blasquiz'"The Fender Bass" purports to give a history of this important family of instruments, and is full of information. It is not exhaustive - hence its compact dimensions and reasonable price. Clearly,corners were cut here.Written in English, one gets the impression that either (a) Mr Blasquiz is ill at ease with the English language as mistakes in grammar and idiom are quite numerous,or (b) more seriously, that it was very badly proof-read.Some details: the very cover features two of the short-lived Precision Pluses from the early 90's-hardly the model that springs to most minds when considering this revolutionary instrument. As regards the text, it is compacted into frames on the page which make for difficult reading.There is little if any continuity in the text. The whole thing resembles a high-school project rather than the serious work that this important subject had called for,and which is yet to appear.This is a pity, as clearly a lot of work went into the research, and and for the sake of a few dollars extra per copy, "The Fender Bass" could have been an attractive and interesting work as there is clearly a lot of information at hand.It cannot be considered to rank with Duchossoir's works on the Stratocaster and Telecaster guitars. Mr Blasquiz at least attempted such a work-for that he is to be commended. It is a pity that the whole thing doesn't quite hang together.This is a story that will have to be retold.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Good Primer on Fender Basses, January 4, 2000

By	Tom Campbell (Sweetwater, Texas) - See all my reviews

The 50th anniversary of the first Fender Precision Bass is closely approaching. Klaus Blasquiz has detailed the first 40 years of development of the two principal electric basses -- the Precision Bass and the Jazz Bass -- and has included ample information about other basses produced by Fender. Abundantly illustrated (including four solid pages of color photos), both common and unusual models are displayed in catalog shots, detail closeups and in the hands of bassists who have favored Fender. If you are looking for production lists, this is not your book. However, if you are looking for a thorough history of Fender basses, this book will leave you well satisfied.

8 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars GREAT book for the price!!, September 18, 1999

By	Danny T (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Will be well used. More than a reference book. Lots of pictures and a short serial number section.