body wood question, expert opinions wanted..

SamJ · #1 06-08-2006, 10:50 PM

I have a theoretical question..

assuming the body wood is of the same quality, is it ever bad or inferior to have a single piece body vs 2 or 3 piece body on a Fender style j or p bass? I am genuinely curious what the experts have to say.

**Rodent** · #2 06-08-2006, 11:10 PM

depends on the specific piece(s) of wood being used. things like grain size and orientation play a key role in the suitibility of a specific piece of wood for a one-piece body. there's more to proper selection than just wood species, size, and moisture content.

generally, a two-piece body will tend to be more stable overall than a one-piece, and a three-piece more so than a two-piece. HOWEVER ... proper wood selection and gluing techniques will render properly chosen wood pieces as relatively equal - all else being equal

all the best,

r

Musiclogic · #3 06-08-2006, 11:12 PM

Just think of it this way. you can have 2 instruments made out of the exact same materials, and they can sound audibly different. As for a 1 versus 2 versus 3 piece body, I think whichever way you decide to go, it will sound good. The only thing I can think of is that a single piece body will resonate a little more evenly as the body has the same characteristics across the board, where as 2 or 3 pieces will resonate slightly differently because each piece has it's own resonant voice.

SamJ · #4 06-08-2006, 11:16 PM

I ask because I ordered two Fender CS basses, both with requests for 1 piece body wood.. I did this "assuming" that it was a better way to go, and there is a small additional cost to doing it.. but I am being told by some that it's not as good as 2 or 3.. and I guess I just wanted to know if that was true... I am sure that the quality of the wood is the ultimate factor.. which is why I want to assume identical qualities of wood for this question... i.e. I want the only variable to be the quantity of wood pieces, not the quality, or workmanship, as I assume Fender's CS Luthiers know how to pick a good piece of wood, or at least I hope so!

FBB Custom · #5 06-09-2006, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SamJ

I want the only variable to be the quantity of wood pieces, not the quality, or workmanship, as I assume Fender's CS Luthiers know how to pick a good piece of wood, or at least I hope so!

No advantages under your assumptions to use more pieces of wood except cost and availability of wide lumber.

nateo · #6 06-09-2006, 12:06 PM

I'm sure no expert but it seems to me the only real difference will be esthetic. Generally they use 2 and 3 pieces because there's only a limited number of boards big enough for one piece bodies, hence the extra cost. From there it becomes a wood / glue joint / tone argument that I want no part of.

My personal take on the subject is if it looks good do it.

-Nate

SamJ · #7 06-09-2006, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FBB Custom

No advantages under your assumptions to use more pieces of wood except cost and availability of wide lumber.

thanks for the answer..

is it really that hard to find a wide enough, quality single piece of ash or alder? What would you charge for an "upcharge" to do that vs 2 or 3 piece?