Many attribute the creation of the electric bass to Leo Fender. This assumption is not completely accurate. Fender was, in fact very important in the popularization of the instrument, but cannot be completely credited with its invention. Leo Fender was, however, the first major distributor of the instrument. During the 1950's, Fender started mass-producing and marketing this new style of guitar. Ironically he didn't even know how to play one, but was intregal in the instrument's success.
The original
creation
of the electric bass was the design of Paul H. Tutmarc, a
musician/teacher/instrument & amplifier maker, who worked for
the Audiovox Manufacturing Company. The first model of this instrument
was listed in the Audiovox sales catalogue around 1935, and was
designed much after the electric guitar. The perfection of the design,
later on down the road by Fender, allowed for a successful product that
is now a staple in modern music.