Adrián Joel Rodríguez Rivera (a.k.a. “AJ”) had his first experiences with the electric bass at 14 years old.

He began formal studies at the Antonio S. Paoli Specialized Music School in Caguas, Puerto Rico, that culminated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music in Jazz & Afrocaribbean Music Execution with a major in Electric Bass from The Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico.

Throughout his career, he has played and recorded with musical groups in diverse music genres, e.g. reggae, rock, jazz, urban and tropical music.

He’s had the pleasure of collaborating with artists like Calma Carmona, Yaire, Auudi, Brytiago, Raquel Sofía, Jean Carlos Canela, Galé, among others.

Presently works from Puerto Rico and has performed in the United States, Colombia, and Ecuador.

The History of the Electric Bass

The history of the electric bass is intrinsically linked to the need for a more practical and amplified alternative to the bulky double bass, especially as musical bands grew larger and louder.

The Early Steps and Paul Tutmarc (1930s)

Although there were some earlier experiments, the first functional electric bass is considered to have been developed by Paul Tutmarc in the 1930s. In 1936, his company, Audiovox, launched the Model 736 Bass Fiddle.

This instrument featured a guitar-like design, with a solid body, frets, and an electromagnetic pickup, making it easier to transport and play compared to the double bass. However, Tutmarc’s invention was not a great commercial success at the time.

Leo Fender’s Revolution (1950s)

It wasn’t until the early 1950s that the electric bass truly took off, thanks to Leo Fender. Seeking to solve the problems of size, volume, and tuning of the double bass, Fender applied his expertise in electric guitar manufacturing to create an innovative instrument.

In 1951, Fender launched the Precision Bass, the first mass-produced and commercially successful electric bass. Its design was robust, with a solid body and frets (hence the name “Precision,” for the tuning accuracy the frets offered). This bass quickly became a standard, used in a wide variety of musical genres, from soul and R&B to rock.

Later, in 1960, Fender introduced the Jazz Bass, which offered a slimmer neck and two pickups (one near the bridge and one near the neck), providing greater tonal versatility and a sound that many jazz musicians found closer to the acoustic double bass.

Expansion and Evolution (1960s Onward)

Throughout the 1960s, other brands like Gibson, Höfner, and Rickenbacker also began manufacturing their own electric bass models, flooding the market with new options. The popularity of the electric bass grew exponentially, solidifying its place as a fundamental element in modern music.

The 1970s saw further experimentation. Preamplifiers began to be integrated into instruments to expand the tonal range, and multi-string basses emerged. In 1974, bassist Anthony Jackson and luthier Carl Thompson collaborated to create the first six-string bass, with the goal of expanding the instrument’s sonic range.

From the 1980s onward, innovation continued. 5 and 6-string basses became popular, as did active circuits and “boutique” basses from specialized luthiers. Designers like Ned Steinberger introduced headless basses and experimented with materials like carbon fiber. Influential musicians like Jaco Pastorius brought the fretless bass to the forefront, and techniques like “slap” and “double thumb” were developed and popularized.

Today, the electric bass continues to evolve, with a vast range of designs, configurations, and sounds, adapting to the needs of the most diverse musical genres and the creativity of bassists worldwide.

Also Read: Charlie Haden was an extraordinary double bassist and composer who was a key figure in the history of modern jazz