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Alder or Ash bass??

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by lo-end, Oct 12, 2001.

  1. Oct 12, 2001 #1
    lo-end

    lo-end

    Jun 15, 2001
    PA
    I am trying to decide on a new bass. I am thinking about a Fender MIA P Bass, but I want to know if an Alder or Ash body makes any difference in tone. I know the ash costs like $100 more, but is there a real difference? Im probably going to be refinishing the bass, since I dont like any of the colors MIA Fender basses come in.

    So what is the difference in tone for Ash and Alder?
     
  2. Oct 12, 2001 #2
    ESP-LTD

    ESP-LTD

    Sep 9, 2001
    Idaho
    If you want to refinish in clear, get Ash.

    If you want something lighter so you can play longer get Alder.

    Theoretically, you might get longer sustain from Ash and it's sturdier.
     
  3. Oct 12, 2001 #3
    lo-end

    lo-end

    Jun 15, 2001
    PA
    well, weight isnt really an issue with me. I have a squier P bass that actually weighs 11 pounds. :eek: It was heavy to begin with, and then I put in a badass2 bridge.

    And I want to refinish it in Daphne Blue. So I guess Ill go with Ash because of the sustain. And its nicer wood, so Itll make me sleep well knowing that under all that paint is a fine piece of solid ash. :cool:
     
  4. Oct 13, 2001 #4
    Wicca

    Wicca

    Oct 13, 2001
    Maryland
    I don't know, under my finish is alder and I sleep very well.:D
     
  5. Oct 13, 2001 #5
    fat-bottom

    fat-bottom

    Apr 2, 2001
    Portland, Oregon
    I've owned many of each body type and to me, alder is a bit "softer" sounding but has more "charactor" than ash.
    Ash has more sustain and low-mid punch but can sound "colder".
    I really value articulation, and both woods can be very clear sounding.
    I hope that makes sense.
     
  6. Oct 13, 2001 #6
    rickbass

    rickbass

    Nov 9, 2000
    The land of chicken fried funk
    If you're going to paint it, I don't think it will make all that much difference.

    If not, the alder can have pronounced, deep lows and singing, sweet, highs.

    As for the ash, I don't know which kind they're using these days. Northern hard ash can be bright and have exceptional sustain. Southern soft ash or "swamp ash" can also be bright but has warmth and punch as it brings out the mids.

    If you're doing the refinishing yourself, the ash is open grain and takes a lot of finish to fill up. The alder is closed grain.
     
  7. Oct 13, 2001 #7
    lo-end

    lo-end

    Jun 15, 2001
    PA
    I dont know whether to laugh or be angry.
     
  8. Oct 13, 2001 #8
    grooveguru

    grooveguru

    Sep 14, 2000
    Central PA
    I think I'd be worried about getting my punk-ass friend out of Talk Bass:mad:
     
  9. Oct 13, 2001 #9
    Gabu

    Gabu

    Jan 2, 2001
    Lake Elsinore, CA
    bump
     
  10. Oct 13, 2001 #10
    lo-end

    lo-end

    Jun 15, 2001
    PA
    Bump!