American Basses profiles the leading builders of bass guitars in the U.S. and illustrates the tremendous range of instruments currently available, as well as providing invaluable playing and maintenance tips from top builders. It begins with an introductory essay covering the invention and development of the bass guitar, focusing on such milestones as the introduction of the Fender bass, the proliferation of bass guitars in the 1960s, the development of the first Alembic bass, and the ongoing refinement of the instrument, as expressed in extended-range basses and high-end custom instruments. The main body of the book is a series of alphabetical listings, from A Basses to Zon, each offering essential information about the work of a bass builder or manufacturer, plus tips on set-up and playing for each instrument. Each profile is illustrated by colour photos.