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Another "Does Wood Matter" thread (with different trajectory).
- Thread starter keyofnight
- Start date
I didn't read Dan posting anything about "always".
His posting of the "Placebo" pill indicates otherwise.
That and his stand that nobody can hear the differences under his specified range of conditions.
I've listened to sound samples of basses where the only differences was the body wood, and ones where the only difference was the fingerboard wood, and I could hear differences.
Whether my mind made those up or those differences were actually there, that was enough to lead me to believe that wood does affect tone, enough to notice in a recording.
In a live situation? There are so many factors that affect tone that it's impossible to isolate. Live band tone is a crap shoot (not saying it can't be good, obviously it can be, but predicting what it will sound like by selecting the right woods for your bass is pointless compared to your amp, the room, the rest of the band, the sound equipment and operator, etc, etc...).
Whether my mind made those up or those differences were actually there, that was enough to lead me to believe that wood does affect tone, enough to notice in a recording.
In a live situation? There are so many factors that affect tone that it's impossible to isolate. Live band tone is a crap shoot (not saying it can't be good, obviously it can be, but predicting what it will sound like by selecting the right woods for your bass is pointless compared to your amp, the room, the rest of the band, the sound equipment and operator, etc, etc...).
I guess I can't leave this thread after all. As soon as I do, you start putting words in my mouth.
I never once said the placebo effect "always applied". That would be an absurd claim.
And I never made a "stand" on anything, except that I believe the tonewood thing is exaggerated, and too many of us waste time/money obsessing over it, when we'd get better tone results by practicing more or buying the sound guy a beer.
Why does this simple opinion of mine upset you so much?
I think it matters.
There must be a reason why people are willing to pay $12,000 or more for vintage instruments.
There must be a reason why people are willing to pay $12,000 or more for vintage instruments.
After all the "test" threads you've posted trying to prove your point I find it ironic that you accuse anyone of obsesssing.
Just because you can't hear the differences as easily as others doesn't mean it's "exaggerated" by any means.
Maybe you've just convinced yourself that there are no differences to be heard and your brain fulfills that expectancy...that's also part of the placebo effect.
Never tried to prove anything. My goal was to test a theory. I had a hunch the wood tone thing was exaggerated, I posted several different blind tests, and the results overwhelmingly supported my theory. The majority of bassists cannot audibly detect the tone differences between wood species.
Does that mean wood doesn't matter? No. Does that mean some people can't hear wood tone? No. For Pete's sake, I even stated in the fretboard test that I could easily hear the difference.
Not sure why this brings forth so much drama. It's actually comical.
Yes, you have contradicted yourself quite a bit.
It's actually you creating all the drama. And yes, it is comical, I've been laughing at it since your first test was posted.
Cmon really?
You offer plenty of drama in these threads. Its like a never ending last word thing...Cmon really?
Adding your contribution to the drama?
Here's a nice soundclip session that really sums things up for me.. some variation in woods and pickups...close your eyes..can you tell me distinct differences?
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f192/roscoe-6-string-shootout-611958/
Im not affiliated with Roscoe or Rocketmusic...just using this thread for reference purposes.
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f192/roscoe-6-string-shootout-611958/
Im not affiliated with Roscoe or Rocketmusic...just using this thread for reference purposes.
- Feb 16, 2008
- 21,240
- 23,633
- Disclosures
- John K Custom Basses
I wonder if drama affects the tone of wood?
it definitely effects the tone of voice.
I can't believe it, but I actually agree with Mongo on all of this.
And beyond all the tone debates regarding various body materials....there is always the simple one for me. Good wood, especially good looking wood, makes for an ascetically pleasing experience in not just owning, but playing a bass.
In all types of music, and with all instruments, builders strive to create something beautiful and artistically pleasing to the eye. You spend a lot of time with your instrument. it becomes your friend after a while. I want mine to look good.
And beyond all the tone debates regarding various body materials....there is always the simple one for me. Good wood, especially good looking wood, makes for an ascetically pleasing experience in not just owning, but playing a bass.
In all types of music, and with all instruments, builders strive to create something beautiful and artistically pleasing to the eye. You spend a lot of time with your instrument. it becomes your friend after a while. I want mine to look good.
