I recently replaced my Engelhardt Swingmaster with a Shen 80. I was told that the thin neck of the Engelhardt was not good for my CTS. My question is, when I am slapping the Shen, the G string doesn’t sound as “tight” or defined as the Engelhardt did. I had the same luthier set up both basses (he always does a great job) , and both basses sound great when playing straight pizz. The only thing I can think of is that the Engelhardt fingerboard was flat, were as the Shen is more curved. Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated.

This most likely has more to do with your strings (and tension) than the particular bass. I too have a Shen SB80, and find it rather easy to slap (and will be easier when I get some Superflexible Solos).

Although, I do have a little more trouble on the G as well, so you could be onto something. But again, I think it's more the strings.

if it is really a problem for you, you could use some compression or could consider switching your pickup from the E side of the bridge to the G side. many pickups sound thinner when playing the G string for reasons unbeknownst to many.

I use an underwood with only one element connected, and there is a little bit of lack to the G string, so I have to play it a little harder. I am using plain guts (lezner). when the other element is connected the sound is fuller, but I prefer the sound of the element closest to the adaptor when under the wing of the E string. sounds better.

/miles