The Bastard Instrument: A Cultural History of the Electric Bass
Published by the University of Michigan Press, The Bastard Instrument chronicles the history of the electric bass and the musicians who played it, from the instrument’s invention through its widespread acceptance at the end of the 1960s. Although their contributions have often gone unsung, electric bassists helped shape the sound of a wide range of genres, including jazz, rhythm & blues, rock, country, soul, funk, and more. Their innovations are preserved in performances from artists as diverse as Lionel Hampton, Liberace, Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline, the Supremes, the Beatles, James Brown, Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, Jefferson Airplane, and Sly and the Family Stone.
At long last, The Bastard Instrument gives these early electric bassists credit for the significance of their accomplishments and demonstrates how they fundamentally altered the trajectory of popular music.
Advance praise for The Bastard Instrument:
“The Bastard Instrument is a major work that provides a needed corrective to popular music scholarship on this most essential—but too often overlooked—instrument. Wright's work recovers so many stories of electric bassists who have rarely, if ever, been granted recognition in existing histories of popular music. This is not a ‘great man’ version of electric bass history, but one that also utilizes ‘bottom up’ storytelling, enabled by Wright’s tireless research strategies.” - Steve Waksman, author of Instruments of Desire: The Electric Guitar and the Shaping of Musical Experience
“Solid detective work chronicling the early days of the electric bass, written by someone who knows what he is talking about. A must read for all bass players!” - Stuart Hamm, bassist
“In-depth, informative, and surprising.” - Ed Friedland, bassist and former writer for Bass Player magazine
“The Bastard Instrument is a fascinating history of the bass guitar and how its sound became indispensable to popular music in all forms. Especially relevant to me is its inclusion of women players and the important role we played in the instrument’s history.” - Kathy Valentine, musician and bassist for the Go-Go’s
“I have been a bassist for the past 65 years, and this book gave me new insight into the joy of my life. Informative and thought provoking, it is a must for those wishing to broaden their knowledge of bass history.” - Leland Sklar, bassist for James Taylor and Phil Collins
Listen to Dr. Wright discuss The Bastard Instrument on the Groove: The No Treble Podcast
Listen to Dr. Wright discuss The Bastard Instrument on the Four Strings and the Truth Podcast
Reviews:
“The Bastard Instrument presents an extraordinary amount of fine details about the instrument itself, the development of the amplification to handle its output, the pioneers that dared play it, the rapidly evolving music that flourished because of its presence and so much more… All in all, [it] is a must-read for all of us who play electric bass and understand its essential place in music.” - Raul Amador, Bass Musician Magazine
“In bass player and music scholar Wright’s ingenious twist on contemporary pop musicology, he deftly explains the influence of a new propulsive low end and the technological advances that made it possible… This work teams scholarship with detailed examples and specificity, expertly intertwining the tools of the trade with analyses of significant songs across pop, country, and rock.” - Dan McClure, Library Journal
“Wright analyzes the cultural and musical significance of the bass guitar… The result is an enthusiastic portrait of the instrument that gave Motown, rock ’n’ roll, and funk their distinctive sounds.” - Publishers Weekly
“Wright tackles his subject from the ground up, detailing the background that led to the invention of the Fender Precision in 1951, freeing us from having to lug a massive double bass around. He then examines how the electric bass flourished in the 60s and 70s music landscape and how it transformed funk, disco and soul, with contributions from celeb bassists from the era… [Y]ou’ll be spoilt for choice if it’s classic rock, pop, jazz and Motown/Stax you’re after, all detailed in a style that is academic but highly enjoyable. ★★★★” - Record Collector Magazine, August 2024
“While the dawn of plugged-in bass is often forgotten next to its flashy guitar brethren, The Bastard Instrument reminds us there was more to the solidbody revolution than Strats, Teles, and Les Pauls." – Vintage Guitar Magazine, September 2024
"In short: this is how the world functions, according to the bass players. Or pure bass history. Approached from their point of view, a number of new perspectives may enlighten music collectors and critics alike." - Dr. A. Ebert, popcultureshelf.com
“If you are a serious bassist and don’t own a copy of this book, you are at a huge disadvantage in understanding the true history of the instrument, to the detriment of your own playing.” - Buddy Magazine