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Single cut advantages?

Masher88

Masher88

Believe in absurdities and you commit atrocities
May 7, 2005
1,856
18
53
Cleveland, OH
www.myspace.com
#1
What are the advantages of having a single cut body over a double cut? Is the neck more stable for more string tension or something? Is it just for looks? This post has probably been discussed before, but I couldn't find a thread on it. Thanks! Been thinking about a Benavente for a little bit. They look beautiful!
 
#3
The main advantage (or not) seems to be aesthetics. That's pretty much indisputable... they look different.

As far as anything else, that's all a crapshootL:D. Just like most components of building, the sum of the parts is what counts. There's no guarantee you wouldn't get more sustain from one builder's doublecut over another's single. The same is true with examples from the same builder.
 
#4
Brad is right. I've played singles and doubles, and I find one has no advantage over the other. It really is a crapshootL.

Besides, I personally think a lot of sustain is quite undesirable on a bass, and out of all the qualities I look for when buying a bass, sustain is right up there with what type of strap it comes with.
 
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#5
I think I prefer the A style single cut. Maybe in a maple or buckeye burl....D----Liscious!!! Thanks for your comments. It was something I was wondering about. The single cut shape really makes it look like you mean business! Even if it doesn't do anything structurally...it still makes people go...man, this dude is serious! :bassist:
 
#10
Masher88 said:
What are the advantages of having a single cut body over a double cut? Is the neck more stable for more string tension or something? Is it just for looks? This post has probably been discussed before, but I couldn't find a thread on it. Thanks! Been thinking about a Benavente for a little bit. They look beautiful!
Click to expand...

The disadvantage is that my wife thinks they look ugly and won't let me buy one!
 
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#15
Sustain is a non-issue for me. I have never been in a situation where I felt like I needed more sustain, ever, and I've played everything from oldies to jazz to metal. I don't like a note to ring and ring and ring. I've decided that the amount of sustain you get on an average bolt-on is plenty enough for my tastes, and of all the things people have said to me about my sound, nobody has ever said, "Man, you don't have enough sustain." I have plenty and I don't need or want any more than a standard Fender gives you. When I play one of my neck-throughs, it kind of irritates me how much sustain it has.
 
#17
I like excellent sustain on the basses I own that have it and don't miss it on the ones that don't. Funny how that works;)

Biggest difference for me re: sustain is the way I can pluck the string. More sustain can give a more even attack which is nice if you play with a light touch. Not necessarily "better", just differently.
 

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