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The reasons someone would choose bolt-on are purely subjetive...
Neck through is stiffer in general. More solid construction. No question about it...
Nothing about neck through is inherently stiffer.
I've had 5 piece laminate bolt ons that are far stiffer than single piece neck through basses.
Of course laminate neck construction is more common on neck through instruments, so the two often get confused.
Neither of my set neck and neck thru basses have painted necks.The main reason I prefer a bolt on is the neck throughs are painted. If I could get a custom job with the neck and portion of the back of the body not painted, that would be different. I guess you could get Carvin or someone to do it. I've never seen one though. I'm not saying they don't exist but seem to be very hard to come by.
Neither of my set neck and neck thru basses have painted necks.
Maybe painted was the wrong word
Don't neck thru's usually have the same finish as the body?
Neck through for slap, bolt on for funk. In my ears, the bolt on has a thicker sound than the neck through.
There is a difference but it's not so great to warrant much thought.
Either is good. Don't fret it.
Davo
I have a 1987 Alembic and a 2000 Alembic. Both NT and both straight as an arrow.Neck-through seems too risky, especially since they are mostly on more expensive instruments. Is the neck really going to stay straight over the years?
You all realize he's not actually asking about neck through vs bolt on, right?
He's trying to ask if he will prefer the look of a doubleneck with a continuous top or one with laminate stripes from the neck pocket to heel on each side. He's going to use bolt on necks.
The answer to his question is that nobody else can tell him what he likes to look at.
Bottom line: neck through sounds better.
Tone wise, through necks sound warmer and have more sustain than bolt-ons.
With my ears
You all realize he's not actually asking about neck through vs bolt on, right?
He's trying to ask if he will prefer the look of a doubleneck with a continuous top or one with laminate stripes from the neck pocket to heel on each side. He's going to use bolt on necks.
The answer to his question is that nobody else can tell him what he likes to look at.