Tops...figured maple or bubinga?

2 Steps Behind · #1 11-17-2012, 12:18 AM

Hey Guys,

I have an opportunity to choose between two gorgeous basses. They are identical in every way with one exception. One has a quilted maple top, and the other is bubinga. The maple has an oil finish (or glossy) while the bubinga is satin. Otherwise, they are exactly the same guitar. (Make, model, body and neck woods used, hardware etc.)

Are there any differences in the actual tonal qualities of a given wood when it comes to the top, or is that simply a cosmetic thing that renders no real advantage either way, considering the main body is mahogany? Should there be a significant difference in price between the two woods? I would expect the bubinga to be worth more given it's from Africa and maple is from North America...but I would love any opinions on this subject.

Thanks in advance!

iwearpumas · #2 11-17-2012, 01:15 AM

What kind of tone do you want?

2 Steps Behind · #3 11-17-2012, 01:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iwearpumas

What kind of tone do you want?

I would have to say that I enjoy midrange without being edgy. Nothing biting or hissy, just enough attack to cut through a two rhythm guitar mix. I guess I prefer "punch" over "growl", and mellow over grind.
These are fivers with 3 band active EQ, so tone shaping shouldn't be a problem.

Rockin Mike · #4 11-17-2012, 01:28 AM

Get the one that you like better.

iwearpumas · #5 11-17-2012, 01:35 AM

Maple is round punchy. Bubinga is low with mid growl. Ken Smith does a great job explaining the woods on his page.

2 Steps Behind · #6 11-17-2012, 01:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockin Mike

Get the one that you like better.

I wish it were that easy! The maple is nearby and can be played. The bubinga is a two hour drive to test. They are equally beautiful in their appearance, so only tone and selling price have any real weight in the decision, except maybe for the visual impact imparted on the discriminating masses. I should mention that the cost factor is really a non-issue, as only $50 separates these two from each other.

2 Steps Behind · #7 11-17-2012, 01:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iwearpumas

Maple is round punchy. Bubinga is low with mid growl. Ken Smith does a great job explaining the woods on his page.

Thank you for the reference...I will go check that out immediately.

iwearpumas · #8 11-17-2012, 01:49 AM

Flip a coin, and let fate decide. That's what I do.

2 Steps Behind · #9 11-17-2012, 01:51 AM

Or...I could just buy both for bragging rights!

Turxile · #10 11-17-2012, 07:08 AM

Maple would be brighter and punchier. Bubinga would have stronger lows and low mids.
Looks wise, both should be gorgeous, even though I find lighter basses look better on stage, personal opinion..
Also I have seen some very heavy bubinga bodies, might be relevant..

hgiles · #11 11-17-2012, 07:13 AM

Bragging is done by what comes out of the BASS --.anyone with a few dollars can 'buy' a bass.

**WoodyG3** · #12 11-17-2012, 07:19 AM

If the maple is nearby and can be played, you know what you are getting. If you really like that bass, a bass you can actually pick up and play, I would not hesitate to get it over a bass that you've never seen in person or played. Just my dos centavos.

josiah goldfish · #13 11-17-2012, 07:35 AM

Here's an idea: flip a coin, whilst that coin is mid-air you will be wanting it to land on one side or the other. Whilst that coin is mid air, you'll make your decision

mongo2 · #14 11-17-2012, 07:39 AM

IME, the neck has much more influence on the tone than a thin laminated top on the body.

So, if I wanted a bass to sound like maple or bubinga, I'd start with a maple or bubinga neck.

chuck norriss · #15 11-17-2012, 07:59 AM

Active electronics? It may not matter in the end. The vibration of the strings get so adulterated anyway. I'd get the prettier one.

ericdanger13 · #16 11-17-2012, 08:01 AM

I loved my bubinga body i had. It sounded great with active pickups and it to had a 3 way equalizer.

inate_hex · #17 11-17-2012, 08:05 AM

if it is only the top then the sound difference will be negligible. go for the one you like the look of most.

bassgod0dmw · #18 11-17-2012, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuck norriss

I'd get the prettier one.

Exactly this.

2 Steps Behind · #19 11-17-2012, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inate_hex

if it is only the top then the sound difference will be negligible. go for the one you like the look of most.

Thanks to all for your input. I think the above response has answered my question. I am going to call the manufacturer on Monday just to see if they concur that the top does not have a significant affect on the tone. If so, I guess it will come down to a decision based on which is prettier.

I love the open grain and spontaneous/disorganized look of the bubinga, but I also cannot deny the elegant look of the almost perfect symmetrical quilting of the maple. Either way, after looking at Ken Smith's website, I have a new respect for the incredible beauty that can be harvested from nature. What these custom luthiers can do with a piece of wood is a high level of artwork in my opinion.

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuck norriss

Active electronics? It may not matter in the end. The vibration of the strings get so adulterated anyway. I'd get the prettier one.

Yes, EMG 40HZ's, 3 eq's, 18v system.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mongo2

IME, the neck has much more influence on the tone than a thin laminated top on the body.

So, if I wanted a bass to sound like maple or bubinga, I'd start with a maple or bubinga neck.

That does have a ring of truth to it (pun intended). Both axes have maple/walnut necks, with maple being the primary wood.

chadds · #20 11-17-2012, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuck norriss

Active electronics? It may not matter in the end. The vibration of the strings get so adulterated anyway. I'd get the prettier one.

I wish he could play them both next to each other. So I think if he likes the one he can play, this is a known entity. He could order the other on approval. Then choose. They really could sound different being different instruments. They could feel different as well. The top could have little effect.

I chose between two BMT Elite Gs. One felt more right. They were both beautiful.

About the electronics, some are so neutral as to have little effect. The Demeter comes to mind. The EMGs do have a distinct sound. Without playing the bass it's hard to say. I know some pres are very dominant and others transparent. I've played those that are so perfect for my needs that the bass sounds unplugged. A little cut or boost of the eq actually reproduces the unplugged sound that the flat setting doesn't.

I love the choices we have. I like that we can get the maker's choice of custom winds of pickups that are not the over the counter versions. That being said I swapped some OEM custom Barts for some CBs and they made a bass just perfect.