Bass

The bass is a musical instrument that can be played by Sims. It was first introduced along with the guitar and drums in The Sims 2: University expansion pack. It isn't available in The Sims 3 base game, but was re-introduced in The Sims 3: Late Night expansion pack.

The Sims 2: University
The bass in The Sims 2: University can be played by Sims aged teen or older. As with other instruments, playing it will boost the creativity skill, and will build enthusiasm for the Music and Dance hobby if FreeTime is installed.

As a Sim's creativity skill improves, the quality of his or her playing improves as well. Highly skilled players may perform tricks or complicated moves while playing. If the Perform... interaction is selected, the bass can be played alongside other musical instruments - the guitar, drums and piano - and performing on the drums can generate tips from other Sims; the higher the creativity skill level of the Sim playing, the higher the tips will be (up to §100 per tip).

Playing alongside other Sims also provides a small boost to the Social motive.

The bass design is based of real life Electric Upright bass guitars, which is similar in sound, and played the same as traditional Upright basses. The brand name Simbic appears to be based popular electric bass brand Alembic.

The Sims 3: Late Night
The bass was not included in The Sims 3 or in its first two expansion packs or stuff packs, but was included in The Sims 3: Late Night, along with a related bass skill. The confirmation was made on July 29, 2010 during a Twitter interview with Grant Rodiek, one of the game's producers; the bass is set to return, along with the piano and drums. Unlike in previous games, the bass that appears in this game is an upright double bass, rather than an electric one.