The Bassist’s Library
Essential Reading & Gear History
There is something uniquely inspiring about holding a heavy, hard-copy book in your hands while a bass rests against your lap. In an age of digital scrolling, these volumes offer more than just specs – they provide a tangible connection to the history, the wood, and the weirdness of the instruments we love.
Basses in Strange Places, allow me to obsess over these instruments and where they have been and where they’re going. The following curated collection represents my personal library of essential reading. These aren’t just coffee table decorations… they are deep dives into the craftsmanship of Fender and Gibson, the personal vaults of legends like Geddy Lee and Johnny Marr, and the beautiful, strange stories behind the gear that shaped music history. These are my favorites and my personal must-read recommendation to you – Have fun!
The artist’s perspective
Geddy Lee’s Big Beautiful Book of Bass By Geddy Lee
Geddy Lee’s Big Beautiful Book of Bass profiles over 250 classic basses from Geddy’s extensive collection. It might be the holy grail of must-read bass books.
Representing every tone in the bass palette, this one-of-a-kind collection features so-called beauty queens, as well as road warriors – well-worn, sweat-soaked basses that proudly show their scars.
For obvious reasons this book holds a clear reference to my Rickenbacker 4003 bass
Marr’s Guitars By Johnny Marr
Tracing Marr’s career from his teenage years to his recent work on the Bond soundtrack, Marr’s Guitars showcases the most significant of Marr’s superb collection of electric and acoustic guitars, revealing through them the evolution of his iconic sound and style of playing.
Though it’s mainly guitars – as disclosed in the book title, two awesome 1965 Fender Precision basses also got a page.
The definitive brand histories
The Gibson Bass Book: An illustrated tribute By Rob van den Broek
The book features over 80 different Gibson bass models, prototypes, one-offs, custom shop creations and ugly ducklings that rarely made it onto stages or shops. A one of a kind book with more than 400 unique photographs, specifications, history, anecdotes, trivia and… of course Epiphones are included too.
A true passion project and great work, that also features information on a Gibson “V Bass” Flying V Bass similar to my Silverburst 1981 model.
Make sure to get your copy of the The Gibson Bass Book: An illustrated tribute
Fender 75 Years By Dave Hunter
Authoritatively written and lavishly illustrated, Fender 75 Years is the officially licensed anniversary celebration of the company and its legendary instruments… Hunter examines Fender’s legendary offset guitars and that includes the original to my Fiesta Red Fender Japan Fender Mustang Bass (MB98 CIJ). The Jazz Bass and Precision Bass also feature.
Les Paul – 70 Years: The definitive history By Julien Bitoun
Featuring the greatest Les Paul models, iconic players, songs, albums and concerts, and other treasures from the Gibson vaults. Produced in collaboration with Gibson, this is the ultimate history of rock’s greatest guitar.
No basses found their way to the book – but it’s all about my favorite guitar of all times, the Gibson Les Paul. Don’t worry I have a few Gibson basses in my Bass Vault, for you to explore.
The definitive brand histories
Superstar Guitars By Eleanor Jane
A collection that has to be seen to be believed, Superstar Guitars showcases the most famous six-strings in the history of music, in exquisite detail. Photographer Eleanor Jane has travelled the world, documenting the legendary guitars used to create some of the greatest music ever heard.
One of the most aesthetic, behind-the-walls, photography delightful guitar books to experience.
The Guitar & Amp Sourcebook By Mike Abbott
Loaded with hundreds upon hundreds of rocking guitars and electrifying amps, you’ll get the skinny on the most popular models, vintage pieces, and rare beauties. This illustrated history contains the most important guitars and amps – those that have rocked our world and changed history. Featuring equipment from centuries ago right up through today, plus details of the music and musicians playing at the time when the piece was at its height of popularity.
Not a lot of basses, but a great reference and a small nod to my Fender Bassman ’67 (AB165).
What’s in your bass library? My goal is to make this the ultimate reference list for bass historians and gear nerds alike. I know there are some rare, out-of-print, or niche gear books tucked away on your shelves that I haven’t uncovered yet. If there is a book that belongs on this page, get in touch and let me know – so I can hunt it down and add it to the list!
