Does The Name On The Headstock Affect Tone?

[kenfxj]

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

The final, true, sensible answer. The answer is yes. Well done.

 

[Nev375]

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

Of course! That's why I never do any setups on my bass when travelling through China or Korea. My workmanship is just not as good.

 

[superdick2112]

Does The Name On The Headstock Affect Tone?

Well, I have multiple basses, but the three that say "Rickenbacker" on the headstock always sound the best to me.

 

[Govier966]

it does effect tone, why do you think so many people put fender logo's on their sx and squier basses.

 

[polyrhythmia]

But what about headless basses?

 

[cnltb]

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?

I think that may very well be so for some people.

 

[Nev375]

But what about headless basses?

There's a difference, but you really have to use your imagination to hear it.

 

[kenfxj]

But what about headless basses?

It depends on the tonal qualities of the air where the headstock should be. Thin mountain air produces bright punchy tones with articulate high mids. Thick, Louisiana air produces a strong low end with a notched high end bite. It's a vital part of the complete tonal equation.

 

[stepswork4me]

it does effect tone, why do you think so many people put fender logo's on their sx and squier basses.

This is part of what I'm speaking to. Same with Warmoth or other "parts" builds. I've read of people having issues at studios, on gigs, or with band leaders when not having Fender on the headstock.

Also, when some folks see a name like B.C. Rich or ESP they automaticly think, "bad tone".

 

[Avalon]

I have found the perfect answer to all these problems...

"GOOrrrrrnnn..."
My new guitar brand will be "Gorn", but I think Rickenbacker sounds a bit tinny....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3-51DhOzHE&feature=fvst

 

[RBrownBass]

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?

Nothing silly about it. I think it's not so much the name, but the letters that spell out the country of manufacture. Conventional wisdom says "Built by Asians or non-American Latinos, not so great. Built by American Latinos or white people (in Europe or America), fine bass with great tone..."

 

[johnk_10]

IMO, the name on the headstock only would only effect the tone if it was made some material that would make it weigh 3-4 oz or more.

 

[mongo2]

But what about headless basses?

Sorry, but they have no tone.

 

[johnk_10]

Sorry, but they have no tone.

 

[JimiLL]

joke?

 

[Chris K]

I sanded the name off the headstock of my bass and the tone has improved dramatically. It is also no longer suffering from neck dive.

LOL

 

[meatwad]

Not getting where we disagree...

After re-reading your posts, I agree that we aren't really disagreeing about anything. Sorry, it was late for me...

 

[WoodyG3]

...How many of us listen with our eyes or preconceived notions of specific brands?

It happens all the time. In these very forums, even. The times that it really makes me laugh are when an opinion is given on the "signature" tone from a manufacturer that produces basses with a wide variety of models and pickups.

 

[avvie]

Which name on the headstock is best for metal?

Love it!

 

[arsie]

... I've read of people having issues at studios, on gigs, or with band leaders when not having Fender on the headstock...

Then the band leader better be ready to pay for my MIA Fenders .

The general view about the brand is partly due to the reassurance that the QC is better. There are just less lemons coming out the factory gates of the major brands.

The same distinction appears to occur even within a brand: Squier CV and VM are perceived and perhaps in fact, have better QC and less lemons than Affinities.

We do hear good stories about the occasional awesome Affinity. An good Fender American Standard is not a story, its a given.