Does The Name On The Headstock Affect Tone?

[kenfxj]

Does a Ric, Fender P and Stingray sound the same when played by the same player? No, but you could still tell it's the same player. I sound like me no matter what I play. It's very annoying. I should sound like Chris Squire when I play a Ric.

Now, does the OP mean this thread in a humorous manner, like does putting a US "Fender" decal on a crap imitation make it sound like a US Fender? To some people yes. Doesn't mean they're right.

 

[StonewallValent]

Depends if people can see the bass in question being played, and whether or not they know a few different brands. A lot of people hear with their eyes.

 

[Batmensch]

Yes, generally a Ric, say, will sound different than a Fender, because they are two inherently different in their overall construction. On the other hand, in a blind test, I'd be willing to bet most would not be able to tell my two Squiers (VM J and VM P) apart from "real" Fenders. Ed Friedland did an A/B test between the Squier Classic Vibe basses and their Fender counterparts, and except for the CV 60's Jazz compared to a Custom Shop Fender 60's RI Jazz (IMO, the Squier had a more authentic 60's Fender sound), you couldn't tell the difference.

 

[countrybass007]

Of course, the more expensive basses use a special tone-producing ink.

 

[plankspanker13]

Absolutely not. One of thw sweetest J tones that I ever conjured up came out of a Squier Classic Vibe.

 

[Laurent]

Pick ups and strings matter as much if not more than the design of the bass.

In the end all components of the sonic chain matter and do make a difference.

The fingers and the brain powering the fingers are part of that chain as well.

Most musicians sound the same when playing different instruments. That being said there are exceptions Jean-Jacques Burnel (Stranglers) switched from a Fender P bass to a John Shuker and his tone change rather dramatically. I liked his Fender tone better.

There is no rule I guess.

 

[cjmodulus]

yes, everyone knows that the material in the headstock Decal absorbs some of the vibrations caused by playing the bass, thus slightly changing the tone of the bass and making it better or worse for metal.

or it has nothing to do with it. I could be wring.

 

[mongo2]

Depends if people can see the bass in question being played, and whether or not they know a few different brands. A lot of people hear with their eyes.

+1

 

[countrybass007]

cjmodulus has got the problem nailed, vibration absorption.

 

[bassguitar808]

its more affected by the tiny letters underneath that say Made in USA

 

[SlingBass4]

Does The Name On The Headstock Affect Tone?

No more or less than the name on a case

 

[Zeb Norris]

It may affect the tone of the guitarist's voice

 

[madmatt]

I know, it seems like a silly question. Although, I've seen lots of discussions concerning what affects tone and many more concerning "value" of different brands. So, do you think that the name on the headstock changes peoples perception of "tone" or "sound"? How many of us listen with our eyes or preconceived notions of specific brands?

Well I don't know about all that stuff, but all I know is when I look at the name it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.

 

[mongo2]

Well I don't know about all that stuff, but all I know is when I look at the name it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.

I call that the "pride of brand" effect.

 

[M.R. Ogle]

I can't hear the decal, no.

 

[Nev375]

I prefer passive logos rather than active ones.

 

[Ric5]

Does The Name On The Headstock Affect Tone?

The name on the headstock does effect the price.

 

[M.R. Ogle]

Oh, good one... it effects the amount of money you have left over to buy a good amp, so..... YES!!!!

 

[conqr]

Definitely, and for that matter so does country of construction and price - no question.

 

[maches]

Not to me. My 93 Squier P-Bass with a PLYWOOD body resonates better than and plays just as well as some more expensive Fender basses that I have tried out.