To bead or not to bead?

[ctregan]

Some bass makers leave a heavy bead around the edges or their tops. Any thoughts on this type of treatment?

Does it protect the top better?Does it look good? Is it harder to carve? does it effect the sound? French? German? English? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[toman]

I don't know about any practical issues, having never owned a bass carved like that. But, I must say I like the way it looks. When (if?) I get around to making a bass, I'll be tempted to go with that kind of deep carving around the edges. Of course, it goes better with some types of basses than others. Some would look pretty strange...