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differences in basses built using the same wood?

Discussion in 'Luthier's Corner' started by draginon, Dec 4, 2005.

  1. Dec 4, 2005 #1
    draginon

    draginon Guest

    Oct 4, 2004
    What I don't understand is... why an alder body\maple neck\rosewood fretboard on a lakland or some other boutique brand would result in a different tone than it would on a fender. If all the electronics and woods used are the same, the bass should in fact sound similar? I understand that no two pieces of woods are identical thus I said "similar" instead of "same".

    I understand contruction may be a little more flawed on an SX than it would a ZON, meaning the neck might not fit perfectly in the pocket that is on the body. SO what I have concluded (correct me if I am wrong) is that tone comes from construction or.... Some companies know how to distinguish the perfect piece of alder, maple, etc...


    This leads me to the big question. Is alder truly alder? Is maple truly maple? If so then they should all give similar results if they are constructed the same?
    OR
    THere are good pieces and bad pieces of a particular type of wood?
     
  2. Dec 5, 2005 #2
    Hookus

    Hookus Guest

    Oct 2, 2005
    Austin, TX
    Quality of all the other components for one. There is a difference between a 150 dollar bridge and a 15 dollar bridge, for example...
     
  3. Dec 5, 2005 #3
    teej

    teej Venmo @teej1986 Gold Supporting Member

    Aug 19, 2004
    Sheffield, AL 35660
    Wood density would have an effect.
     
  4. Dec 5, 2005 #4
    Geoff St. Germaine

    Geoff St. Germaine Commercial User

    Aug 31, 2001
    Halifax, Canada
    Owner - St. Germaine Guitars
    Yes, and there are also different good pieces of that same wood species.
     
  5. Dec 5, 2005 #5
    basstruck

    basstruck Guest

    Nov 25, 2005
    Sudbury
    That's why wood is graded
    Check this site:
    www.lmii.com
    click on "mostly wood" and "top" and go to "additionel information on grading"
    This is for acoustic guitars but it is the same kind of grading for wood for electric guitars or basses.
    This is the way to judge or find out the quality of the stringed instrument.