"Bound" bodies: solid color vs. two-tone?

[BTL]

On an instrument with either plastic binding or taped-off faux-binding, do you prefer a solid color top and a wood-tone back, or do your prefer a single color over the entire instrument?

Examples:

 

[M.R. Ogle]

I voted two-tone, probably because of the Les Paul aesthetic. Many of them (like the goldtops) were that way.

 

[BTL]

I voted two-tone as well, but my opinion has only recently changed.

Seafoam green 4003s were my long-time favorite:

 

[BTL]

Perhaps I should have included a "neither" option...

 

[wvbass]

Depends on the color. With black, either is okay. With a gold, two-tone is better. With red, two-tone is okay unless the wood is too light. With lighter colors, I like one color better.

 

[fretno]

both

 

[red_rhino]

I voted two-tone, but only because I have one. Honestly, as long as it looks good, I don't mind either way.

 

[BTL]

My feelings are that, if the wood is nice, why cover it up?

Because of that I chose to make my "solid" pastel colors translucent, and the "top" colors on two-tones solid because the grain shows nicely on the back.

Still the more I look at the two-tones, I wonder if the pastel colors might look good as two-tone, too.

I guess it's nice to have options.

 

[JACink]

I voted solid, but to be truthful, both can be amazing.

 

[2saddleslab]

Both can be compelling. I currently only own solid.

 

[RedHotFuzz]

I think binding looks great on just about everything. Mine is a natural binding on a burst top with a solid black back (Warmoth):

And ASATMAN's double-binding basses look freaking amazing. I wish Warmoth made a short scale Tele bass body - I'd be all over it.

All your bound basses look incredible as well, Brad. Someday I will have you build me a medium scale. I'm still waiting anxiously to see a finished copy of your Ridler.

 

[RedHotFuzz]

One of my favorite-looking basses is the Gretsch ThunderJet, which is a solid front/wood back:

But honestly I like just about anything with binding. Solid, mixed...they're both awesome.

 

[2saddleslab]

But honestly I like just about anything with binding. Solid, mixed...they're both awesome.

Same here. Throw in an F hole or two and I'm hooked. ;-)

 

[BTL]

Both can be compelling. I currently only own solid.

Quoted for "HOLY CRAP THOSE ARE AMAZING!!!" emphasis...

How do you like the Thunder'Blade in the middle position like that?

I think it's pretty spectacular, myself.

 

[JACink]

Both can be compelling. I currently only own solid.

Everytime I see your T shaped basses, I know it is time to disconnect from TB before I do something silly!

 

[2saddleslab]

Quoted for "HOLY CRAP THOSE ARE AMAZING!!!" emphasis...

How do you like the Thunder'Blade in the middle position like that?

I think it's pretty spectacular, myself.

Thanks, Brad! Your designs and builds are very influential.

Love it. Looks alone it's killer but the tone is everything you'd want.

 

[2saddleslab]

Everytime I see your T shaped basses, I know it is time to disconnect from TB before I do something silly!

Thank you, sir! That's the same for me with many basses here. ;-)

 

[FretNoMore]

I'll vote "both", either can look great. If two-tone it depends on how the two colors/woods work together of course. I've seen some basses where the choice of woods didn't quite work.

From my guitar/bass rack ...

 

[BTL]

I'll vote "both", either can look great. If two-tone it depends on how the two colors/woods work together of course. I've seen some basses where the choice of woods didn't quite work.

From my guitar/bass rack ...

View attachment 521781

Gorgeous!

 

[JIO]