Little things you like for no reason

[Hobobob]

I generally prefer tuners like the Hipshot Ultralites to the more classic cloverleaf or lollipop shapes. Don't know why, just looks sleeker.
Im super picky about gold hardware. So far, I've only liked gold hardware on the white Nathan East Yamaha and a number of Foderas. Definitely prefer matte black or black nickel.
I always prefer satin finished necks. Gloss feels sticky to me.
It may be odd, but I like the sound of P basses until it's me playing them. I can always hear a tonal difference between the low strings and high strings, and it drives me nuts. Normal or reverse, doesn't matter. It may very well be psychoacoustic, but it still bugs me. I wonder if someone somewhere makes an inline split single coil, with the same dimensions as a P pup - like a split coil jazz pup but with a larger aperture...
Also dislike black pickguards on sunburst or cherryburst finishes.

 

[dabbler]

I like a clean fretboard without dots or inlays.

When it comes to headstocks, I like 2+2, and the smaller the better.

When it comes to bodies, the smaller the better. I like the idea of having a Jazz Bass, but in person they're just too big. Don't want to feel like a tuba player.

So I'm guessing you like these headstocks?

 

[wednesdayagain]

I like clover shaped tuners.

 

[Mystic Michael]

For me, I like bolt-on necks. I don't know why. Again, it's not a deal-breaker, but something about a bolt-on appeals to me.

Also, basses that have two very different pickups appeal to me; for example, how MM basses can have a humbucker and a single coil pickup. It gives a vibe of greater tonal diversity to me, though two similar pickups in different positions can create similar diversity, and it's sort of case-by-case, I guess.

How can you consider these "little" things? They are by no means "little" in my book. Neck construction type and pickup type(s) are major features...

MM

 

[Kmonk]

For me, it comes down to four things: quality, feel, tone and looks. I really don't consider anything else.

 

[Joe Nerve]

I like basses that look "different".

My 3 main basses right now are a Bongo, a Big Al, and an antigua Jazz bass.

Got meeself, according to some peeps here, a toiled seat, a snotburst jazz, and a jetson bass.

 

[bassdude51]

In the past, everything HAD TO HAVE rounded edges. Still, to this day I prefer that the pups have "rounded" edges,as opposed to sharp edges ( Does that make sense to you people?lol). And, the body edges ABSOLUTELY have to be rounded, still. Come to think of it, I truly think that's why I don't have a Ric in my arsenal.

Damn!! I'm as picky about my basses as my ex-wife (a.k.a. "Satan") use to be about how my breathing pattern was.......

Not related to this thread but your "ex", a.k.a Satan remark caused me to snork coffee out of my nose!!!!!!! Now my PC screen is a mess!

I'd love to see the finished sentence about your breathing pattern. ?????????????

OK...........the thread. If I'm buying a Fender Bass, it has to have those long and tall vintage re-issue tuners. It's a make or break issue with me!

 

[pklima]

I like basses that look "different".

My 3 main basses right now are a Bongo, a Big Al, and an antigua Jazz bass.

Got meeself, according to some peeps here, a toiled seat, a snotburst jazz, and a jetson bass.

Whoa, whoa there! How can you consider looks to be a "little" thing? Looks is so big it covers the whole length and width of the bass!

 

[bassteban]

I see very few *likes for NO reason*-most posts seem to state why the poster does or doesn't like something. I think I have a reason for all my pref's but will post if I think of something that fits.

 

[Count Bassie]

I see very few *likes for NO reason*-most posts seem to state why the poster does or doesn't like something. I think I have a reason for all my pref's but will post if I think of something that fits.

'No reason' just indicates it's not a fit, style, tone or construction preference... just a 'niggle' that either sparks favor or puts one off in a small way. Personal quirkiness... small agents of personal inspiration, perhaps...

 

[ericdanger13]

Maple fret board and one volume knob.

 

[bigsnaketex]

I like painted headstocks. I paint the headstocks on my fenders to match the bodies. It has nothing to do with function but I also ride custom motorcycles so I think each of my instruments should have a little customization to show you care!

 

[two fingers]

natural finish on my instrument.
Colours will start to get on my nerves with time.
5 in-line tuners. Because I'm used to it and feel it is comfortable.

Not for no reason tho...

I love how different we all are. I was going to say that 5 in-line tuners get on my nerves for some reason. I guess the head just looks too long for me. I had a '97 American Deluxe J that was set up that way and it got on my nerves every time I tuned it. My current Roscoe Beck V is 4 and 1 and I like it a lot. Strange.

But to the OP I guess that would be it. If I had to choose between a J with 5 in-line and one with 4 and 1 I would grab the 4 and 1 every time.

 

[bassdude51]

I have serious problems playing a perfect, pristine instrument. I buy used 90% of the time because of this. I like at least a little rust on the saddles, or some buckle scratch on the back. Doesn't have to be destroyed, but just something to make it not 'minty'. I can't stand getting into a sale/trade with a 'it must be in perfect condition' nit-picker. No patience for it at all.

+1

Playing a spotless brand new bass is like wearing a pair of brand new leather dress shoes for the very first time............or like driving a brand new car off the show room floor!

A less than perfect used bass is a joy to play!

 

[mambo4]

I have come to appreciate 'maintenance useability' touches to an instrument, as experienced on my Lull MV4:

-truss rod and intonation settings are easily accessible with a phillips screwdriver
without removing any covers or strings. no hexwrenches = win!
-Slotted bridge and tuning pegs with those holes under the slots make the strings easy to change
-accessible battery compartment, while very snug, is better than unscrewing 4+ tiny screws

 

[mixtapelove]

I love the Fender headstock, in particular the ones with the larger "JAZZ BASS" and "PRECISION BASS" curving around the bottom.

A big reason why I want a Hwy 1 or an Am Special.

 

[P. Aaron]

Fender styled basses...as much as I like the exotic woods some basses are constructed with. I am a sucker for the classic, traditional look.

 

[P. Aaron]

+1

Playing a spotless brand new bass is like wearing a pair of brand new leather dress shoes for the very first time............or like driving a brand new car off the show room floor!

A less than perfect used bass is a joy to play!

Whereas I like 'em new. Clean, even frets, no neck issues, tags w/The case candy...an instrument that wasn't some one else's 1st bass.

 

[Psychbunny]

Even though I have a Fender I prefer American Made non Fender basses. Peavy, Gibson, GandL, MM, Godin (I know it's Canadian) I just hate feeling like part of the heard.

 

[bikeplate]

Hi

Says Sadowsky on the headstock

Rob