Leo Fender used many parts for the bass guitar that are similar to the parts of an electric guitar . Leo Fender called the instrument the `` Fender Precision Bass '' . The `` Fender Bass was a revolutionary new instrument , one that could easily be played by an electric guitarist , could be easily transported to a gig , and could be amplified to just about any volume without feeding back '' Monk Montgomery was the first bass player to tour with the Fender bass guitar , with Lionel Hampton 's postwar big band .