Is this a knot, and does it matter?? (Also black/maple or SB/RW?)

[turf3]

Are you serious? The function of the body on a solid body bass is to provide an anchor for the strings and a mounting point for the neck, bridge, and pickups. And you're worried about some kind of wee minor deviation in the wood grain?

I think some review of cause and effect is in order.

 

[fjbass78]

I like the black/maple P bass as well, but you might have to change the pickguard

 

[mdogs]

If I never see another 3TSB bass again in my life, I will be extremely happy. Black and maple, classy and cool.

 

[MegaSwing]

The upside to that little kink in the grain is that you'll always know which one is yours.

FWIW, I think they both look excellent.

 

[bigdaddybass12]

It’s some odd grain in the wood. It’s fine for a body.

Odd grain on a body is OK, not on a neck. You want plain and straight the grain on the neck,

 

[mikewalker]

BLACK AND MAPLE FOR THE WIN....

 

[Jay2U]

No problem at all. Even a plywood body works fine.

 

[Lance Bunyon]

It is knot™

 

[ebo]

Go black, never go back.

 

[retslock]

There's nothing wrong with the wood. I prefer the sunburst one with dark fretboard but which one do you like?

 

[rockinrayduke]

Black and maple, for sure.

Right on.

 

[james condino]

Look at the two(!!!) giant knots in the back of the Tullaye Stradivarius violin and you'll never worry about it again......

 

[LowEndOperative]

This is a knot.

 

[singlemalt]

Black and maple, TI flats.

 

[burgerdj]

That’s totally fine…but buy the black one!

 

[Ostie]

Honestly, if that kind of figure was all over the back of that bass, I would would love it. In the mandolin world people pay extra for tone wood with figuring like that.

 

[Malak the Mad]

I could make some kind of joke, but the Peanut Gallery has taken all of the best ones, so I'll simply say it shouldn't be a problem. Go with whichever is your preference. If you can try them before buying, go with the one that feels better in your own, two hands.

 

[matt82]

My 12 year old son likes the SB, while I’m leaning toward the black/maple. It would ultimately be his as he’s learning, but I’m paying for it and it’s mine for now LOL

So we’re at an impasse