What needs to be tested?

[1958Bassman]

Originally Posted by Cliff Bordwell

I have something in the works that will be able to test pickup placement.

Is it anything like the first Ibanez Iceman guitar, where the pickup could slide from one position to another?

[1958Bassman]

Originally Posted by Cliff Bordwell

I have a build planned that will allow me to A/B test two basses.

Throw out some ideas of what you would like to see tested.
Something like, the effects of a top wood to no top wood?

What is the real goal? Are you looking for minute, specific differences or general sound characteristics? To test really specific sonic differences, I think you would be better off using a test jig that makes changing parts easy, measuring and listening for differences and THEN make an instrument that allows easy part swaps. The problem with making an instrument like this is that it may not "sound" like one that's built conventionally and not as easy to swap.

Too many variables, IMO. If you use MDF or something else with more consistent material density, you can test the top wood/no top wood difference but using lumber will impart differences that can be attributed to the differences inherent in that specie.

[mongo2]

Originally Posted by Cliff Bordwell

I have a build planned that will allow me to A/B test two basses.

Throw out some ideas of what you would like to see tested.
Something like, the effects of a top wood to no top wood?

Be careful of trying to derive any generalizations from such testing. Even for your suggested test there will be two different bodies which is an extra variable that can't be controlled due to variablilty of wood, even if cut from the same plank. That comparison wouldn't really be a "test" of just top wood or no top wood but a comparision of two different bodies, one that happens to have a top and the other that happens not to have a top. Such a comparision doesn't really mean much except for the particular bodies being compared.

[Double E]

Don't do it Cliff, if you dare publish the results of any casual comparisons between two basses you will be vilified by the science police for not conducting a perfectly controlled test with a proper sample of hundreds.

You will be informed that it is irresponsible, and an affront to the community at large, to disseminate any information that would cause any influence of opinion because your test, without adhering to proper scientific standards, is completely useless and ultimately proves nothing.

Just sayin'...be prepared for nuttiness if you intend to go forward with this. Many others including myself will find your contributions fun and intriguing.

[TapyTap]

Originally Posted by Cliff Bordwell

Solid body to semi-hollow can be "The Test"
But I think there would be to many differences doing solid body to "Parallel Chamber".
I think it's best to keep it to a common talked about subject like the ideas mentioned above.

One thing that might be interesting to try as far as tops are concerned is thickness: perhaps a .25" thick Maple top on an Ash body compared to a .5" Maple top on an Ash body.

Here's another idea for you: headless vs headstock - everything else the same. Besides the obvious aesthetic differences, many claim that simply going headless affects an instrument in a number of ways: balance, sustain, ergonomics, how long the instrument stays in tune, and even the feel of the strings when playing.

It will be interesting to know the results of your test whatever direction you decide to take it.

[jasonbraatz]

Originally Posted by Davo-London

Different pickups
Pickup position

Since these are the only things that really, truly matter, I think you should keep them constant. Pair of single coils in 60's position, single P-bass pickup, or maybe PJ, but something that a large amount of basses have been built with.

If you go down the road of pickup type and location you'll overshadow any other changes you make. It'd be better to build a dedicated test instrument with a big open chamber and quick connects to do the location and type tests separately.

[basssalad]

I second the headless comparison! Considering I own one
I think using the large pickup ramp you can also later do different pick up combination, spacing etc. I would go passive! too many combinations!

[Belka]

I would test to see if top wood material made any discernible difference. Identical basses but one with a light, spongy buckeye burl top, and the other with a heavy, dense top like ebony or Purpleheart or cocobolo.

Another interesting one would be to build one bass with one piece ash body, and then another with a six piece ash body a la 70s Fender. No top wood and both painted in solid colours so the look doesn't give the game away. Obviously all the ash for both basses would have to come from the same plank. Would be interesting to see if the one piece is really more resonant and the six piece more 'compressed'.

[Belka]

I'm also intrigued when I go to the Warmoth site and see them offering unusual neck (not fingerboard) woods. How about one bass with a maple neck, and the other with something you don't associate with neck woods; ebony, rosewood, Purpleheart. Would weigh a tone but be interesting. How about an oak neck? I remember seeing one of those on a fretless Fodera and wondering what it would sound like / weigh.

[77stingray]

Everything identical except scale. 34" vs 32" 5 or 6 strings !