NOT the DEFINITIVE wood does/doesn't matter thread!

[birminghambass]

Hey TB, just wanted to start a new subject, something that's never been brought up before (kidding). I know, this thread is actually NOT intended for debate, fighting, name-calling, or insults. This thread is for fellow TBers to vote, that's it. So vote for your opinion, experiences, etc.
Multiple votes encouraged, if you have constructive suggestion for the poll I'll be happy to add it.

 

[bholder]

Wood is like a quantum particle. It both does and doesn't matter at the same time, depending on who's listening. Wood is sneaky that way.

 

[Bryan R. Tyler]

The definitive one, huh?

You've been here for 15 years. You should know better

 

[birminghambass]

The definitive one, huh?

You've been here for 15 years. You should know better

A boy can dream...

 

[Bryan R. Tyler]

And FWIW, I think wood makes a difference based on my anecdotal experience. I by no means know it though. I'm fully aware that decades of personal experience does not equal truth, and there's really been little to no real verified testing on the subject, so I'm fully open to changing my mind.

I also can't say with certainty if the differences that I currently attribute to wood species has more to do with the species itself or the density, weight, or structure of the wood used in an instrument.

 

[Bryan R. Tyler]

Wood is like a quantum particle. It both does and doesn't matter at the same time, depending on who's listening. Wood is sneaky that way.

You totally need a quark fingerboard if you really want your fretless to sing. With neutrino fretlines of course so the audience won't see them.

 

[two fingers]

I have played basses that were identical except for body woods and heard little or no difference (one alder one ash).

I have played basses that were identical except one had a rosewood board and the other maple. I actually did hear a difference there. Slightly brighter on the maple board.

Just my anecdotal experiences.

I guess if you want to include me in the poll there needs to be an option like this.....
"I hear some slight differences but they are not different enough to sway my purchases toward or away from any particular material."

 

[BioWeapon]

Definitive? Right. Hmm. Unlikely.

The only thing to be said is that nobody has properly studied the effects of wood in an electric instrument to the extent that a definitive conclusion can be made. What people will say in this thread is more than likely based on speculation.

A quick analysis - strings vibrate the body wood, the body wood vibrates, and these vibrations modulate each other. This leads to addition and subtraction at certain frequencies, hence the tone is changed.
How much, you ask? Again, nobody knows for sure, and this is hardly a quantifiable measure without a very detailed study. The effect is very likely to be much more pronounced in acoustic instruments, however.

 

[mapleglo]

Yeah, I have to agree with two fingers. Wood may make a difference, but it's not a deal breaker. I find that pickups/electronics, strings, and the structure of the instrument have a greater impact on its sound. The specific type of wood may have an impact on the instrument's structure, but it's not because of the wood, but rather the build.

And the poll has no "carrots" option, so it's invalid.

 

[birminghambass]

Added another option.

 

[NullPorch]

Wood is by no means the largest influence on tone when it comes to electrics, but the vibrational energy from each note played does propagate throughout the whole instrument meaning that technically every individual wire and screw in the instrument effects tone somewhat. Typically speaking, harder woods will dampen vibrational energy the least making the tone brighter and sustain longer while softer woods will work to dampen the tone somewhat making the tone a little darker. This effect is much more drastic with bridge or headstock (nut, tuners, and everything else involved in anchoring that end of the string) construction as they are what are most involved in securing the string and either dampening or retaining its vibrational energy. That's all assuming everything aside from the construction of the bass is the same because of course strings, pickups, pickup placement, method of playing, etcetera all affect tone far more than the wood.

 

[roller]

I believe wood choices matter most when posting, bragging and arguing on TalkBass...

... but not nearly as much in real-world applications.

 

[micguy]

My degree is in Acoustical Physics. I also play bass. My vote is that neck wood is where it matters most.

Quick demo that supports this:
crank the gain on your rig, tap on the back of the body. Tap on tge back of the neck. What do your ears tell you?

 

[Uncle Hanky]

I can't claim any advanced degrees, or even claim to be halfway intelligent, but I'm of the opinion that electronics matter much more than tonewoods in an electric instrument. ::ducks::

 

[gln1955]

And the poll has no "carrots" option, so it's invalid.

I'm pretty sure I could tell a bass made of carrots from one made of wood.

 

[J-Bassomatic]

And FWIW, I think wood makes a difference based on my anecdotal experience. I by no means know it though. I'm fully aware that decades of personal experience does not equal truth, and there's really been little to no real verified testing on the subject, so I'm fully open to changing my mind.

I also can't say with certainty if the differences that I currently attribute to wood species has more to do with the species itself or the density, weight, or structure of the wood used in an instrument.

Hey man, I don't know what tech you are using and bass stuff be damned, I am "trained" in the visual arts and what I saw on your site is quite nice. Tell me more, PM if necessary. I am intrigued.

 

[Matt Liebenau]

It seems that tonewood makes almost precisely the difference the listener (bass player, purchaser, whatever) wants it to make.

I should go now....

 

[J-Bassomatic]

Never mind. It's late Sat. night and I didn't win the Powerball.

 

[shodan]

FWIW. Same neck, controls, pickup, hardware. Different bodies. Can you pick out the MDF?
Invalid Link Removed

 

[Gizmot]

In my experience the types of wood used absolutely makes a difference.

Although instruments don't appear to be all that complex, you can hear and feel subtle differences in them. And you can point to the wood used, the strings, pickups, the type of wire used, capacitors in the EQ etc.