Effect of neck width at nut on tone...

Alper Yilmaz · #1 02-03-2013, 09:55 AM

Hi,

I am about to order a P bass to Mike Lull. I am used to the narrower Jazz necks on four string basses in general, but this time I am indetermined between a P and a J neck. Would the neck width affect the tone of the bass, what do you think?

I am after a typical P bass tone, by the way...

Best,

Alper

Mushroo · #2 02-03-2013, 10:00 AM

Wider spacing sounds better for blues/R&B, narrow spacing sounds better for metal.

alembicguy · #3 02-03-2013, 10:03 AM

No it doesn't. 😳^^^^^^^

Stone Soup · #4 02-03-2013, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mushroo

Wider spacing sounds better for blues/R&B, narrow spacing sounds better for metal.

LOL!

electracoyote · #5 02-03-2013, 10:15 AM

Ha, the peanut gallery always delivers here on TB.

Seriously, I think the tonal impact of nut width would be so minimal as to be imperceptible.

**mjac28** · #6 02-03-2013, 10:21 AM

Gentletrolls start your engines!!!

jgroh · #7 02-03-2013, 10:28 AM

No no, bigger nuts sound best for metal!

bassgod0dmw · #8 02-03-2013, 10:49 AM

Just play what you're comfortable with.

Lee Bruton · #9 02-03-2013, 10:57 AM

Bigger nuts sound good for metal?? How you figger?? LOL

Dredmahawkus · #10 02-03-2013, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee Bruton

Bigger nuts sound good for metal?? How you figger?? LOL

makes it easier to hold on to the neck when you are banging your head!

Lee Bruton · #11 02-03-2013, 11:22 AM

Maybe he should hold on to his nut (nuts)

C.Linton · #12 02-03-2013, 01:36 PM

No effect on tone at all.

sven kalmar · #13 02-03-2013, 02:16 PM

the question is What nut?

gottawalk · #14 02-03-2013, 02:20 PM

BRASS nuts for metal...! Seriously; if you're going to order from Lull, you can ask him the differences, and the pros and cons before you order. He ACTUALLY answers his own phone! Talk to him.

mystic38 · #15 02-03-2013, 02:23 PM

the only difference i can see is if the neck is a way more substantial piece of lumber then sustain could potentially improve... but, since playing a 2x4 seriously spoils your chops, i agree with the "no"s

mongo2 · #16 02-03-2013, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alper Yilmaz

Would the neck width affect the tone of the bass, what do you think?

Not IME. For example, I shaved the neck on one of my DIY P basses from 1-3/4" to 1-7/16" at the nut with no ill effect. Same with other basses I've done the same mod on.

steve_rolfeca · #17 02-03-2013, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alper Yilmaz

...I am indetermined between a P and a J neck. Would the neck width affect the tone of the bass, what do you think?

I am after a typical P bass tone, by the way...

I always experience a difference. I used to think it was the extra lumber in the neck. These days, I'm more inclined to think it's just because the wider string spacing lets me play more expressively.

I sound "bigger", and more "P-basslike" when I play basses with bigger necks. It's not just my impression, because other people have commented on it.

That doesn't mean it's going to work that way for everybody. I'm also a big lug with big hands...

electracoyote · #18 02-03-2013, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve_rolfeca

These days, I'm more inclined to think it's just because the wider string spacing lets me play more expressively.

Now, THAT is one of the smarter answers I've heard to this question. Highly subjective and dependant on the player of course, but a good thought nonetheless. I am impervious to string spacing, I can utilize the same range of dynamics regardless, but I don't doubt there are some players who are more sensitive and influenced by this aspect.

I was thinking, in a blind sound test using the same string attack on a P versus J -width neck, there is no discernable tonal difference.

lowphatbass · #19 02-03-2013, 03:29 PM

Surely a chunky 1 3/4" classic P neck is going to have more mass than a modern 1 1/2" Jazz. I do think that the neck mass in relationship to body mass can/does have some effect tone, but comfort is an overriding factor here, IMO.

steve_rolfeca · #20 02-03-2013, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by electracoyote

...I am impervious to string spacing, I can utilize the same range of dynamics regardless, but I don't doubt there are some players who are more sensitive and influenced by this aspect.

For me, it's not about dynamics, it's about the left hand's effect on tone production. Touch, ease of doing string shakes and bends, that sort of thing.

Once again, it's going to be very subjective thing, also dependent on ergonomic issues like the size of your hands, slender vs pudgy fingers, strength, etc.