Double Bass Cushion in a bass' sound: What does it mean?

[bassmanchu]

So we all have ways we describe our favorite sounds coming out of the double bass: that a bass "moves air", "sounds chocolatey", "makes my teeth rattle", or sounds "buttery" are some of my favorites, and they are all attached to other sensations - taste, feel, etc. - but the most elusive, ambiguous adjective (IMO) is a bass' "cushion".

I'm curious, what exactly do YOU mean when you say "this bass has a lot of cushion"?

 

[Jake deVilliers]

'Cushion' is that big, fat, supportive, soft bottom that gently spreads out to encompass everything that's nearby...

Haven't you seen 'Spinal Tap'?!

 

[bassmanchu]

Hahaha. It's been a while. Maybe I'll have to rewatch it so that I can finish the sentence "The bigger the cushion..."

 

[Jake deVilliers]

Hahaha. It's been a while. Maybe I'll have to rewatch it so that I can finish the sentence "The bigger the cushion..."

"...the better the bass!"

 

[calypsocoral302]

'Cushion' is that big, fat, supportive, soft bottom that gently spreads out to encompass everything that's nearby...

...nah, too easy...

 

[Anonymatt]

I always think of cushion when I hear Jay Anderson play.

 

[bassmanchu]

Anonymatt, that's really interesting. I think of cushion when it comes to the sound of a bass itself, not necessarily how it's played (though you can bring out the cushion it with technique).