Body/Top Woods

[SOA_bassist]

from my understanding the woods used in the construction of an instrument is a huge variable in the instruments sound. From what i have seen certain top woods are chosen to go with certain body woods because they compliment each other ( i may be wrong here though ). I dont know how much a top wood effects tone compared to a body wood but would using a top wood that is known for its highs ( quilted/flamed maple ) on a body wood known for warmth and a ton of low-end ( walnut ) or vice-versa be a good idea? Would it really make much of a difference in the tone?

what would a flamed maple top - walnut body combination sound like?

thanks for the help

[wRaith]

A lot of people disagree on how much effect wood has on tone. I personally think that technique, electronics and pickup choices have a greater effect. Also, top pieces are usually quite thin (in comparison to the rest of the body), so don't have a great effect on tone. Unfortunately, other than that, I can't help too much.

My advice is to not place too much emphasis on wood choices at the expense of considering the electronic setup.

[SOA_bassist]

alright thanks for the info man, im looking into getting a new bass, IDK if i want a custom or not, and i have always been interested instrument building, so i was just wondering about this.

again, thanks


=-p =-)

[wRaith]

Don't shy away from building over buying man. For ages I was GASsing for a 6-string bass. Here in Australia, the cheapest 6-string you can get starts at about 1200 bucks. The one I am currently building should only cost about 600 bucks in materials (imported from the USA), and time. Which is great, because I'm unemployed at the moment, and time is the one thing I have in abundance . Just read, read, read then read some more before you start. Everything you need to know is out there, and the guys here are awesome with any questions I've had.

Sorry to get off the actual question, but a bit of encouragement never goes astray .

[SOA_bassist]

thanks for the encouragement. If only i had the funds to do it i would in a heartbeat, but i cant afford tools and instrument supplies atm. By the end of the summer ill barely be able to afford a new bass lol, but i will keep reading about making bass guitars until i can finally make one lol.

[FBB Custom]

Unless you're the type who thinks "this ovangkol Warwick sounds great, but this bubinga Warwick sounds like crap", then I would devote more energy to picking out woods that you like the looks of and will contribute to a comfortable bass.

Obviously, my opinion is that the effects on tone are subtle and hard to pin down. Walnut and flame maple is a nice combo.

[Musiclogic]

just a note.......Top woods will have more effect on a bolt on than on a neck through, as the central core of the through neck has more effetc than the top wood on a neck through. IMHO

[SOA_bassist]

ill keep that in mind music logic, thank you all for the information


=-p =-)