Hello

I am trying to find out some information on what is currently being done to advance the science of bass guitars. Company websites aren't good for that, since I guess they think they are keeping secrets, but I am interested in what work is being done. I am a mechanical engineering student, and I am trying to find something to write a mock research proposal on. If you have any suggestions on the advancement of musical technology, they will be greatly appreciated. Or if you have a random topic to suggest, I'll chase after those too. I am truely just looking for a place to start. This is a subject that interests me, and I really want to learn more. I have only been playing bass for a year now, but don't be afraid to use technical terms. I'll look them up.

Thanks
Chris

Here's a summary of a paper someone did - FWIW - on analysis of neck dead spots. A good paper. And good english from a German university, too.

http://www.unibw-muenchen.de/campus/LRT/work/we4/hauptdoc.html

There's the Lightwave pickup.

www.lightwave-systems.com

Check out basslabs, they've got some inovative stuff going on.

Other than that, the previously stated lightwave, there are piezo pickups, graphite necks, synthetic bodies (graphite, luthite, etc.), Wishnevsky, extended range basses, Buzz Feiten tuning system, fanned frets, scale lengths, alternate tuning,


But as far as the science of the bass guitar, there really isn't a whole lot that can be done to the bass guitar before it becomes something other than a bass guitar. I saw someone merge a bass guitar with a didgeridoo, and while it was interesting, it wasn't a bass, even though it had pickups, a fretboard, and 4 strings tuned EADG. Anyway, just my opinion.

Originally posted by ChaosGwar
Check out basslabs, they've got some inovative stuff going on.

Other than that, the previously stated lightwave, there are piezo pickups, graphite necks, synthetic bodies (graphite, luthite, etc.), Wishnevsky, extended range basses, Buzz Feiten tuning system, fanned frets, scale lengths, alternate tuning,


But as far as the science of the bass guitar, there really isn't a whole lot that can be done to the bass guitar before it becomes something other than a bass guitar. I saw someone merge a bass guitar with a didgeridoo, and while it was interesting, it wasn't a bass, even though it had pickups, a fretboard, and 4 strings tuned EADG. Anyway, just my opinion. Please don't include Wi... under "bass advancement and research." Please! ;)

You could look at Bunker guitar necks. He uses an original construction method, and makes claims that are not only unsubstantiated, but which I believe some research would prove false.

Originally posted by pilotjones
Please don't include Wi... under "bass advancement and research." Please! ;)

Hehe, I couldn't resist. :D :p