10 Bass Guitars That Are OPTIMIZED For Slapping! (2023)

When it comes to playing the bass guitar, there are various ways and techniques you can use to get some more life out of your playing. One of these amazing techniques happens to be slapping the bass guitar. 

When you slap the bass, it gives a blend of percussive and rhythmic tones that makes the bass guitar stand out and cut through even the busiest of mixes.

For most bass guitarists, this is a moment of glory and they can’t afford to joke about it. 

The slap bass tone is truly unique and it takes a lot to achieve just the perfect slap tone. Aside from developing great techniques, there are several other physical factors that contribute to getting a great slap bass tone. 

Although you can slap any bass guitar, the truth is, not every bass guitar is constructed to optimize and support the slap technique. 

A bass having a hot pickup, steel strings and just being made of high-quality wood with great ergonomic setups allows for a better slap tone and experience.

On the other hand, bass guitars with high actions and old/rusty strings are not always the best options for slapping.

As a matter of fact, such bass guitars won’t just “slap.” A great slap tone does not just start and end with the player—-it has a lot to do with the bass. 

The overall guitar design and electronics play such an important role in the resultant slap tone a bassist would get from their bass.

This is why it is important to get the right bass if your style and technique lean more towards or occasionally incorporate slapping. 

Getting the best bass for slap will set you miles ahead of many other slap or wannabe slap players who are with the wrong bass guitars. In this article, we will discuss some of the amazing bass guitars we feel are the best bass for slap. 

We will discuss them in depth. It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner slap player or a seasoned pro looking to upgrade or research some more, there will be a bass or even basses for you. All you have to do is read on. 

Best Bass for Slap

1. Fender Marcus Miller
2. Fender Player Jazz Bass
3. Squier Classic Vibe ‘70s Jazz Bass
4. Squier Contemporary Active
5. Warwick Rockbass Corvette 5
6. Schecter Stiletto Extreme 4
7. Ibanez Standard SR400EQM Bass
8. Jackson Spectra JS3
9. Yamaha TRBX304

Review of Best Bass for Slap

Fender Marcus Miller

Marcus Miller is one of the first musicians to come up when discussing the slapping technique. The Fender Marcus Miller Jazz Bass is a high-end guitar with a violin ash body, one-piece maple neck, and two vintage-style Jazz Bass single-coil pickups.

It also features active/passive electronic controls. It is based on Marcus Miller’s renowned 1975 Jazz Bass. This is a fantastic bass all around, but it shines when played in a jazzy, funky, slap-pop style.

The Fender Marcus Miller Jazz Bass features a sleek and modern appearance ideal for slap bass performance. The neck is wider than some other basses, giving the strings more room to vibrate and allowing for greater finger spacing, making slapping a lot simpler. 

The neck also has a slim profile, which might help you move your hand rapidly when playing slap. The ash body creates a bright and powerful tone that can cut through a mix. The curved body design is extremely easy to play, offering easy access to the upper frets.

The Fender Marcus Miller Jazz Bass’s mechanics are built to support the slap technique. The bridge has four saddles that can be altered for intonation and motion and have a vintage-style design. 

This makes it possible to fine-tune the intonation and string height, which is advantageous when playing slap. A preamp with three-band EQ settings and two active pickups are also included on the bass. 

This configuration offers a lot of output with a crisp, clean tone crucial for playing slap bass. The pickups are also placed close to the bridge, which can aid in bringing out the brightness and aggressiveness of the notes.

The Fender Marcus Miller Jazz Bass’s electronics are designed to provide maximum versatility and control. The preamp contains three EQ bands (bass, mid, and treble) plus a mid-range frequency control. 

This allows you to dial in a wide spectrum of tones, from deep and pounding to bright and loud. The pickups are also active, meaning they have a higher output level and greater clarity than passive ones. 

This is especially effective when playing slap since it allows for more articulation and definition.

Pros	Cons
Aesthetically appealing to the eyes	Not that versatile
Comes with a passive EQ	A bit heavy
Excellent pickups

Here’s a youtube demo link:

Fender Player Jazz Bass

The Fender Jazz Bass is Leo Fender’s second type of electric bass. Its tone is brighter and richer in the mids and highs than the Precision Bass—with less emphasis on the fundamental frequency.

The Fender Player Jazz Bass has a classic design that has been utilized for decades in various musical genres. The narrow, comfy neck lets you move your hand fast when playing slap. 

The body is made of alder, which gives the instrument a balanced tone with outstanding sustain. The double-cutaway body structure also allows easy access to the top frets, which is excellent for playing more complicated slap bass lines.

The Fender Player Jazz Bass is built with excellent playability and tone in mind. The bridge has four saddles that can be altered for intonation and motion and also features a vintage-style design. 

This makes it possible to fine-tune the intonation and string height, which is advantageous when playing slap. 

Additionally, the bass boasts two passive pickups that produce a warm, natural tone that is excellent for slap bass playing. The pickups’ proximity to the bridge increases the notes’ attack and brilliance.

The Fender Player Jazz Bass’s electronics are straightforward but efficient. In addition to two individual tone controls (one for each pickup), the bass includes a master volume control. 

This gives you a good selection of tonal settings to customize the sound of your slap bass performance. Additionally, some musicians may like the passive pickups’ more organic and ‘genuine’ tone.

Pros	Cons
Has a warm feeling that is perfect for slapping	Has weak tuning machines
Beautiful modern look

Here’s a youtube demo link:

Squier Classic Vibe ‘70s Jazz Bass

Pros	Cons
Comes in a unique vintage style.	Limited customization options
produces a wide range of tones
Affordable

Here’s a youtube demo link:

Squier Contemporary Active

The Squier Contemporary Active Jazz Bass HH caters to today’s most discriminating and adventurous players by incorporating contemporary functionality and striking aesthetics into a legendary Fender design. 

A Fender-designed active 9-volt preamp with controls for volume, pickup blend, conventional tone, and stacked boost controls for bass and treble powers a set of Squier ceramic humbucking pickups at the core of this bass.

A sculpted heel design makes reaching higher frets easier, and the roasted maple neck was chosen for its superior tone and stability.

The feature list is complete with a contemporary bridge with extra bulk for enhanced body resonance and a pair of open-gear tuning machines for smooth tuning action. 

For a premium aesthetic, discreet black hardware and a sleek painted headstock with chrome branding are part of its eye-catching stylistic elements.

The Squier Contemporary Active bass can be used for slapping, but it ultimately comes down to personal taste and playing style. 

The bass features an active EQ system and a humbucking pickup, which can provide a bright and powerful sound suitable for slapping methods. The bass also boasts a short C-shaped neck and a 12-inch fretboard radius, allowing rapid and comfortable playing.

Some bassists, however, may choose a different neck shape or pickup setup for slapping. It’s critical to try the bass and experiment with different playing approaches to discover if it fits you well.

Pros	Cons
Heavy built-in material	Expensive
Comes with different configurations

Here’s a youtube dem link:

Warwick Rockbass Corvette 5

The Warwick Rockbass Corvette 5 is popular among bassists who like to smack. Its wider string spacing, bolt-on neck design, and active electronics offer various tone-shaping options, making it ideal for slapping. 

Warwick’s reputation for high-quality craftsmanship also helps the overall playability and sound quality of the Corvette 5. The flat alder body of the Warwick Rockbass Corvette 5 delivers a comfortable playing experience. 

The maple neck is striped with Ekanga veneer, and the wenge fingerboard has a smooth playing surface that can endure slapping. The bolt-on construction adds to the Corvette 5’s stability and resonance.

The active model’s electronic components include active MEC Dynamic Correction J/J pickups and an active EQ with volume, balance, treble, and bass settings.

The passive model has passive MEC “Dynamic Correction” J/J pickups and a passive EQ with settings for volume, balance, the tone of the bridge pickup, and the tone of the neck pickup. 

This enables a variety of tonal variations to accommodate various playing techniques and tastes. Warwick machine heads, a Just-A-Nut III nut, and a 2-piece Warwick bridge are additional characteristics of the Corvette 5 that add stability and tuning accuracy. 

The bass is kept secure during performances thanks to the Warwick security locks and the chrome hardware’s sleek and fashionable appearance.

Pros	Cons
Has a warm sound	Some term EQ as extreme
Has a nicely built body
Lighter hence easy to carry

Here’s the youtube demo link:

Schecter Stiletto Extreme 4

The Schecter Stiletto Extreme 4 bass is a solidly constructed instrument with excellent playability and tone. Schecter has imbued the Stiletto Extreme 4 bass with their distinctive attitude while being better known for their guitars. 

It is a fantastic option for guitarists with smaller hands or those who find larger basses uncomfortable because its body and neck are smaller than those of other basses.

The Stiletto Extreme 4 delivers excellent sound quality. It boasts a strong and energetic tone with a well-balanced frequency range. 

Boomy slaps on the lower strings, and lovely pops on the higher ones are possible because the bottom end is prominent. Players can modify the amount of bottom end and fine-tune their tone with the active 2-b and EQ control.

The EQ controls are also responsive and devoid of audible dead spots or jumps. This function is especially helpful for live performances where various settings and sound systems may impact the overall sound. 

Additionally, guitarists may easily get their preferred tone using the responsive EQ settings without difficulty or guesswork. Even though the controls aren’t labelled, it simply takes a minute or two to figure out which knob controls which setting. 

The Schecter Stiletto Extreme 4 is an excellent bass for players seeking a comfortable, well-built instrument with excellent tone and sensitive EQ adjustments. 

It also comes properly set up right out of the box, making it an easy option for beginners and more experienced players.

Pros	Cons
Comfortable neck	Expensive
Has a beautiful finish	Heavy
Has an efficient EQ
Has a unique sound

Here’s the youtube demo link:

Ibanez Standard SR400EQM Bass

The Ibanez Standard SR400EQM bass guitar is popular for bassists due to its versatility and low price. Regarding the bass slap technique, the SR400EQM has a few essential aspects that make it a good instrument for this playing style.

The SR400EQM has a slender, fast-playing maple neck for simple finger movement. This is vital for bass slaps since the percussion slapping and popping methods need a lot of rapid-fire finger motions.

The bass has a mahogany body with a quilted maple top that is vital for bass slap because the sustain emphasizes the percussive quality of the sound.

Two Ibanez PowerSpan Dual Coil pickups provide a wide frequency range and tremendous power on the SR400EQM. This produces a rich, powerful tone suitable for bass slap.

The bass also includes an active EQ system for fine-tuning the tone. This is especially handy for bass slap since it allows you to fine-tune the mix of low-end wallop and high-end clarity.

The Ibanez Standard SR400EQM bass guitar is ideal for slap technique. Its fast-playing neck, warm and resonant tone, high-output pickups, and active EQ system contribute to its versatility and ability to handle various playing styles.

Pros	Cons
Light	Thin, hence not suitable for players with bigger arms.
Comes with a 3band EQ

Jackson Spectra JS3

Every time Jackson’s guitars take the stage or reach the studio, they perform incredibly because are built from the ground up for massive tone, incredible playability, and rock-solid reliability. Of course, they also look fantastic. 

The JS3 Spectra Bass is one of many JS series instruments showcasing Jackson’s greatest 30 years of axe-making expertise.

Although the JS series basses are entry-level models, they have every characteristic of a Jacksonian bass. Excellent materials and flawless artistry were used in this instance.

Poplar is used to make the body of this design for 2019. The maple neck is attached to the body and is ideal for quick play. 

This is mirrored by the 24-fret Jumbo fretboard in fig wood, which has a combined radius and flattens towards the body. Pearl position dots help you find your way around the fingerboard. The instrument’s gauge is 864 mm, and the breadth of the zero frets is 38.1 mm.

Thanks to the poplar body and maple neck combination, slapping and popping skills have a firm and responsive base. A clean, articulate tone can be produced by Poplar while yet having a powerful low-end presence thanks to its balanced tonal properties. 

Due to its solidity and quick reaction, maple is also a well-liked material for bass necks, which is especially useful for fast-paced playing styles like slapping.

You have lots of freedom for your fingers to move on the 24-fret Jumbo fretboard made of fig wood, making it simple to achieve high notes. Additionally, the fingerboard’s combined radius and flattening toward the body can aid in the wrist motion needed for slapping.

It’s also important to note the JS3 Spectra bass’s zero frets width. The zero frets’ 38.1 mm length offers enough room for slapping and popping without being constricting or uncomfortable. 

The bass’s total gauge of 864 mm makes it reasonably simple to play, which is advantageous for performing intricate slapping techniques.

Pros	Cons
Has a comfortable neck	High-end basses can compete with their tone range.
Beautiful look
Has a great sound.

Yamaha TRBX304

The Yamaha TRBX304 is based on a simple premise: your performance. The perfectly balanced, ultra-comfortable solid mahogany body provides the ideal tonal foundation. 

At the same time, the Performance EQ active circuitry allows fast access to finely dialled-in, stage-ready tones while also providing the expressive control you require.

The TRBX304 has a carved solid mahogany body with a mass-optimized 3D design for the best combination of tone, comfort, and optimal weight distribution.

The Yamaha TRBX304 bass guitar is a fantastic choice for bassists who like to play slap bass. The solid mahogany body, neck, and YGD-designed M3 pickups with massive polepieces and ceramic magnets produce a crystal clear, strong, incredibly defined, and deep tone.

Furthermore, the Performance EQ active circuitry’s five performance-tuned full spectrum EQ curves and strong 2-band master equalization enable quick access to key tones and the shaping and defining of tone, making it simpler to create the ideal slap bass sound.

Additionally, the TRBX304’s integrated thumb rest offers unmatched playability and enhances the comfort of using slap bass techniques.

The TRBX304 is a bass guitar made to improve your playing, whether you’re a professional or a beginner.

Pros	Cons
Has a powerful and clear tone	Expensive
Has a stable and comfortable feel while playing	Heavy
Has an excellent integral thumb rest

What Characteristics Should the Best Bass Guitars for Slap Have?

Weight

A heavier bass will have more low-end frequencies, although playing one will be more challenging. It is recommended to pick a lighter instrument if you are starting. 

Budget

Before selecting a bass guitar, think about your budget. The best option to select if you are starting is reasonably priced. However, you might spend more money on bass if you are more skilled.

Action

The distance between the strings and the fretboard is called the action. A low-action bass is preferred for slap bass. The lower action makes slapping and popping methods simpler and faster.

If the action is too high, playing may become more challenging, and the fingers may tire.

Pickup

The type of pickup can significantly influence the bass guitar’s tone. A pickup with a punchy, bright tone is suggested for slap bass. 

Single-coil pickups like those found on Fender Jazz Basses are preferred for slap bass because they generate a clear, crisp sound. Humbucker pickups, which offer a warmer and richer sound, are also preferred by some bassists.

Wood

Slap bass is typically played on bass guitars with maple or ash bodies because they provide a bright, clear tone. A maple neck can also make playing faster and more comfortable.

Design

The bass guitar’s design also affects whether it suits slap bass. For instance, slapping and popping can be simpler on a bass with a thin and narrow neck. Having a light physique can also help you play longer without getting tired.

String spacing 

The gap between the strings is referred to as string spacing. For players with larger hands, a wider string spacing can simplify slapping and popping. Nevertheless, a thinner string spacing is perfect for a more precise sound. 

Does Slapping the Bass Guitar Damage Your Bass?

Yes, slapping can damage your guitar. Slapping a bass guitar may cause harm to the fretboard and wear out the coating. 

This can be avoided by avoiding playing too hard, utilizing flat-wound strings, covering the instrument with epoxy, and inserting a slap bar. With the proper setup, slapping a fretless bass will rarely cause significant harm.

Depending on your playstyle and bass, you can slap a fretless without causing greater wear. However, if you expect to slap your fretless for years, adopting preventative measures to reduce the chance of destroying your instrument is a wise idea.

Can you Use Any Bass Guitar for Slapping?

YES and NO.

Any bass can be used to play slap. But certain basses, such as those with hot pickups, steel strings, and a body made of high-quality wood and configured for optimal playability, are best for the sound of a slap. Technique and amp EQ settings are two other crucial elements.

What Bass Guitars Do the Pros Use for Slapping?

Pop, rock, and funk are just a few of the musical genres that frequently use the slap bass style. As a result, there are numerous bass guitars that renowned performers and professional bassists prefer for slapping.

Here are a few instances:

Due to its punchy, bright tone and comfy neck, the Fender Jazz Bass is a traditional choice for slap bass. Marcus Miller, one of the most well-known bassists, developed his distinctive slapping technique on a Fender Jazz Bass. 

His use of the slap bass in the song “Power” is excellent.

Ibanez SR Series – Because of its small neck and quick playability, it is a favourite among many slap bassists. Victor Wooten, a well-known slap bassist, has used Ibanez SR basses in his performances, and his song “Amazing Grace” showcases his outstanding slap bass technique.

The Warwick Thumb Bass is a high-quality instrument many slap bassists choose due to its powerful and articulate tone. 

Another well-known bassist, Stuart Hamm, has used a Warwick Thumb Bass in his concerts, and his song “Flow My Tears” showcases his exceptional slap bass style.

Best Slap Bass Songs to Rehearse With

• Fender Jazz Bass: “Mr Pink” by Level 42 features Mark King’s iconic slap bass playing on his Fender Jazz Bass.
• Music Man StingRay: “You Can’t Hold No Groove” by Victor Wooten showcases his virtuosic slap bass playing on his Music Man StingRay bass.
• Fodera Yin Yang: Pow by Graham Central Station features Larry Graham’s legendary slap bass playing on his Fodera Yin Yang bass.
• Ibanez SR Series: “Higher Ground” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers features Flea’s signature slap bass playing on his Ibanez SR bass.

Conclusion

All of the bases listed above can provide a nice, or even great, slap tone depending on the model you prefer.

Although, the technique, speaker cabinet, strings and amp, you use will all have a significant impact on the final tone, collaborating them with the best bass guitar will bring out the excellent performance