Forget wood, does anything matter?

[steve_rolfeca]

Here on TB, we tend to focus on audio clips as the litmus test for the impact of a pickup swap, fingerboard wood, Ash vs Pine, etc., and whether these things make a discernable difference.

But this video has me wondering about other "intangibles" like feel and heft.

I mean, we all know that a Lakland or a Fender Custom Shop axe is going to at least feel more expensive compared to lesser models, right?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCEdT2d43jU

[3234718]

Those are those terrible 6 string piccolo basses that attention-seeking bassist wannabes play.

[steve_rolfeca]

Couldn't agree more.

But I've always felt that subtle differences were easier to feel with guitars, because of the smaller scale, lighter weight, etc.

The guy with the headband is an extremely proficient player, and he set some of those instruments up, which makes it even more interesting...

[Bongolation]

Forget wood, does anything matter?

SETUP.

You're welcome!

[EagleMoon]

That just goes to show how much Squier has really stepped up their game the past few years.

[nukes_da_bass]

The whole test is bollocks!
If they had been allowed to run the guitars through their paces they could have figured it out.

[RED J]

Everything matters. Sum greater than individual parts.

[mongo2]

What you think about the instrument you're playing is all that matters in this regard.

[dtripoli]

Wood - Schmood, you want zero resonance?
Pick up an aluminum guitar

These have been on sale for months on craigslist...wonder why?

Ad 1

Ad 2

[mystic38]

seriously?.. this again?..

anyone who thinks a squire is as good as a MIA or a custom is either delusionally justifying their lack of finances or tone discernment, or worse, has never once picked up a better guitar and seen where the money goes... components, fit & finish.

It is great that with modern production techniques that cheap guitars are playable..certainly was not the case when i was a teen, and its better to be playing than not playing.. but quality counts as much in guitars & basses as in anything else, and if you can only afford a Squire then play and enjoy.. but there is a legion of better axes out there

[pacojas]

Originally Posted by EagleMoon

That just goes to show how much Squier has really stepped up their game the past few years.

we did the same test with four basses and passed easily. those guys are trippin'!

[bassbully]

I have been in the its all in your head camp for years. Give me a good Squier anyday and I wont miss an MIA or CS..Squiers rule!

[awilkie84]

Originally Posted by mystic38

seriously?.. this again?..

anyone who thinks a squire is as good as a MIA or a custom is either delusionally justifying their lack of finances or tone discernment, or worse, has never once picked up a better guitar and seen where the money goes... components, fit & finish.

It is great that with modern production techniques that cheap guitars are playable..certainly was not the case when i was a teen, and its better to be playing than not playing.. but quality counts as much in guitars & basses as in anything else, and if you can only afford a Squire then play and enjoy.. but there is a legion of better axes out there

I challenge you to a blind test.
In my experience, anyone who claims one brand is better than another solely based off where it's made and whether it's a productions vs custom model is out to lunch.

I've picked up many Squiers that easily outshine the MIAs I've played. I've also picked up many MIMs that are better than the custom shops I've picked up.

[Fair Warning]

in response to the OP......."everything matters" a little bit, and every combination of materials, technique and environmental conditions.

[chadds]

Originally Posted by Fair Warning

in response to the OP......."everything matters" a little bit, and every combination of materials, technique and environmental conditions.

Well said.

[dangerouscello]

Nothing really matters.. </madonna>

[Biggbass]

Fingers...it's all in the fingers.

[Gab124]

It depends on the music being played - sometimes you need a sunburst finish to work, other times solid black is needed.

[Fair Warning]

Originally Posted by Gab124

It depends on the music being played - sometimes you need a sunburst finish to work, other times solid black is needed.

Spoken from a guy playing a White Bass in his Avitar...

[Fair Warning]

Originally Posted by dangerouscello

Nothing really matters.. </madonna>

I thought that was Freddie Mercury's quote......