Bass wood

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tilinmyowngrave

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Do different types of wood give bass guitars different sounds? My friend wants to make a bass out of a really tough wood, but if basses are anything like drums, then he might have to look at how the wood would affect the sound. BTW im talking electric, not accoustic.
 
Different woods do give different tones, and they're relatively noticable. The main difference between woods is the weight. I believe that harder woods give more sustain and a fuller sound, but they also cost more. I could be wrong, I'm not an expert on it.
 
IronFlippy said:
Different woods do give different tones, and they're relatively noticable. The main difference between woods is the weight. I believe that harder woods give more sustain and a fuller sound, but they also cost more. I could be wrong, I'm not an expert on it.
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weight and density are not the same thing...

this is a really subjective topic. no wingle specie of wood is better than the other; they're all have different characteristics, and one shouldn't judge a wood purely based on the cost or weight.
 
Something I've noticed is, open grain woods (like mahogany) seem to have a more mellow tone; whereas tight grain woods (hardrock maple) tend to have more of a crisp tone. The grain pattern is also important, not just for looks, the more parallel the grain the better the sustain, and avoid knotholes, they create "dead spots" and are hard to work with. Also be sure whatever wood you choose is propperly cured, it takes years to cure and season wood for use in musical instruments, some more than others.
 
Kinda ironic, but I saw a Strat made outta Basswood :p the other day and I was wondering what kinda sound basswood would give off.


PS does anyone know what kind of neck joint (set, neck-thru, bolt) a Les Paul Melody Maker has?
Thanks!
 
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