What factors contribute to clear harmonics on a Bass?

[svt1233]

What components of a bass give certain basses a clear and lasting harmonic ringing? Is it like the neck, or electronics, or other?

[Figjam]

Resonance of wood as well as having pickups in enough locations to pick up the harmonics. Usually multiple pickup basses have better harmonics.

[cdef]

Roundwound strings.

[zortation]

Good intonation and a bridge pickup.

[TolerancEJ]

Originally Posted by cdef

Roundwound strings.

+1 - A new set of strings always sounds great. When they're new, you can pull harmonics from pretty much anywhere. Older/dull strings will lose some harmonic qualities over time.

[svt1233]

Reason being is because everytime I play a geddy lee sig I get very little and dead harmonics that are practically not existent yet I can make every other fender jazz sing

[JimmyM]

Good playing.

[IronLung1986]

I used to think it was all about pickup location until my p bass completely schooled my warwick $$ at harmonics. I mean with the bridge pickup solo'd and treble knob boosted the warwick can produce some great harmonics but that's not a good tone for playing in a band. The P cranks em out clear as a bell while fitting perfectly in the mix. Even with dead strings they still sound strong. I can't say I have any idea why. Just one of those bass mysteries I guess.