Book excerpt: This is the right-hand man for players who live and breathe bass or for beginners who want an all-in-one guide to the instrument that shakes the low end of rock pop jazz and more. This handbook details the ins and outs of buying basses and equipment; provides set-up and electronics tips; and explores unique characteristics of landmark bass models. Chapters on technique cover bass basics theory fretless playing acoustic bass the essentials of various music styles recording gigging and more. Seminal interviews with great bassists include Jeff Berlin Stanley Clarke John Pattitucci Bill Wyman and many others.