on sweetwater i am comparing some basses and many times two 100% identical basses will be as much as a pound apart in weight. does the weight have an effect on the tone of the instrument, and if so what effect does it have?
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does weight affect tone?
- Thread starter Traynor
- Start date
I tend to think not, at least not directly like "heavier basses sound better, deeper" etc. Some of the best sounding basses are light, some are heavy. Others will disagree.
I believe the answer is "yes."
The result though is very subjective. For me, I have decided to err on the side of more dense/heavy. So if I'm looking at multiple basses or guitars that are the same in every other respect, I'll buy the heavier of the two. It may be purely psychological (although I have heard what I consider a preference between two identical guitars of different weights). If nothing else, it gives me peace of mind.
BTW, for this reason, I love shopping places like Sweetwater and Wildwood. The weight of instruments varies pretty widely sometimes, and if you're sensitive to this for any reason, it is very helpful.
The result though is very subjective. For me, I have decided to err on the side of more dense/heavy. So if I'm looking at multiple basses or guitars that are the same in every other respect, I'll buy the heavier of the two. It may be purely psychological (although I have heard what I consider a preference between two identical guitars of different weights). If nothing else, it gives me peace of mind.
BTW, for this reason, I love shopping places like Sweetwater and Wildwood. The weight of instruments varies pretty widely sometimes, and if you're sensitive to this for any reason, it is very helpful.
Lighter weight instruments can be easier for the strings to vibrate which then can suck away some energy from the vibrating strings. This can lead to heavier intruments having more sustain. Build quality is WAY more important though.
Nearly everything has some kind of effect, but how much of a difference it makes overall is the real question. I think strings, pickups/electronics, and build quality make the biggest differences IME.
"heavy bass = heavy thunderous tone!" is etched in most peoples minds (including my own). It certainly sounds logical...!!
That being said, I have scratched 'weight' off my list of important factors when shopping for a bass because I have experienced great tone from both light and heavy basses.
That being said, I have scratched 'weight' off my list of important factors when shopping for a bass because I have experienced great tone from both light and heavy basses.
If I could lose about 15 pounds, I'm sure my tone would improve. 
Wocka wocka!!
Wocka wocka!!
Yes, but it's impossible to predict precisely due to the many other variables involved. That being said I find lighter instruments in general to sound more "open" and "alive" but I'm talking about instruments that weigh in the 4.5-7 lb range. My current favorite is a shortscale DIY of mine with a body built up from pieces of light pine shelving. That bass weighs 4 lbs. 15 oz.
Last edited:
SirMjac28
Patiently Waiting For The Next British Invasion
I like my P's heavy for that thumpy humpy low end rumble I can't seem to find a light bass that thumps like a heavy one and I'm not talking about that Hofner thump.
Chef
In Memoriam
Yes.
No.
Maybe.
That about sums it up
No.
Maybe.
That about sums it up
- Jun 30, 2010
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- musician/artist/owner - Gildaxe
"On Sweetwater" means not sitting w/both and A/B-ing them. So same bass w/a pound difference? I'll take the lighter one and if I like it I won't send it back.
But, what is the percentage that each component & factor plays in the tone/sustain/playability of an instrument? We'll never have a consensus. lol
Doug Parent
Supporting Member
Yes.
No.
Maybe.
That about sums it up
Nailed it! Discussion closed.
I have played terrible and great sounding 13lb basses as well as terrible and great 7lb basses. Also I have played great chambered basses and crappy ones.
I don't think anyone can say that a heavier (or lighter) bass sounds better across the board. Some may have preferences, but I don't agree with any of it.
DIfferent KINDS of wood? That is a valid discussion.
Just my $0.02.
