Single Cut Basses Love or Hate?

[Maxi Funkl]

I have seen some very cool looking single cut basses.
But thought the big horn for lack of a better term would get in the way of fretting below the 12th fret. It's been years since I tried one so not sure that is a true statement or just felt different because it wasn't what I was use to. (Like going from a 4 to 5 type of a thing.)
What is the theory behind the design of these basses?
More wood provides a deeper tone?

Please Feel free to educate away and show your cool basses.

 

[fourstringdrums]

I personally don't like how they look. They look unfinished to me.

 

[aproud1]

I usually think they are cool but not for me. I’m a simple man I guess?

 

[eastcoasteddie]

The “whale hump” and lower bout have to have a certain shape for me to like it.

Like:

Dislike:

but that’s just me…

 

[Reedt2000]

I think the concept is more body-to-neck contact having some sort of tonal benefit (I have no idea if it does or not). I've never had one, but visually I don't hate the look.

 

[Hundred proof]

Let me think … NO

 

[Outbush]

I think the concept is more body-to-neck contact having some sort of tonal benefit (I have no idea if it does or not). I've never had one, but visually I don't hate the look.

I also thought this was the point of them. For me weight is important and the cutaway design looks lighter, so... Ultimately though, I'm a pretty conservative sort of person so I'd be more likely to buy something that isn't so different and I suspect there are a lot of people like me in that regard.

 

[spade2you]

I played a few owned by a local TBer. They were extremely nice basses. One of the last things on my GAS list is a fretted 6 string. I would consider ordering a single cut.

 

[StevieMac]

I'm not a fan of the look but to each their own.

 

[jd56hawk]

 

[Killing Floor]

Like any bass some are a fit for you and some aren’t. Your hand position that far up the neck isn’t affected, you’re not really going to death grip the big end of a 5-string. And I can’t tell the difference with my forearm but maybe someone else can. If you play up range there’s less in your way. If not, I don’t suppose it matters. For me the most important thing is neck shape, the body just holds the paint on.

There’s no best bass.

 

[ole Jason]

I'm a big fan of them. It's really just an aesthetic thing, doesn't really affect how I approach playing. Both of mine are very comfortable sitting or standing.

 

[nonohmic]

Into them.

 

[Dr. Keebs]

I like

 

[bassaholic5]

Not my thing.

 

[LowWay]

I love them. I am so n the middle of doing 5 30” custom Bordwell single cuts. Here’s the 2 that are finished, and one in progress:

 

[monsterthompson]

I’ve got an 18” scale single cut. I love the look. However I find the lack of the upper cutaway causes me some fretting issues. Take note, I’ve got some muscle and nerve issues that are uncommon in bassists, so my technique is my own quirky issue. That said, I found I like being able to hook or rest my thumb in neck positions that I can’t get to with the single cut.

For full scale basses, I’ve seen good and bad looking single cuts. I don’t universally hate the look but I don’t universally love it either. It’s very much a case by case, or bass by bass kind of thing.

 

[Jugghaid]

Some are better than others.

This is the only one I have and it is more conservative than most.

 

[Mickey666]

I’ve got an 18” scale single cut. I love the look. However I find the lack of the upper cutaway causes me some fretting issues. Take note, I’ve got some muscle and nerve issues that are uncommon in bassists, so my technique is my own quirky issue. That said, I found I like being able to hook or rest my thumb in neck positions that I can’t get to with the single cut.

For full scale basses, I’ve seen good and bad looking single cuts. I don’t universally hate the look but I don’t universally love it either. It’s very much a case by case, or bass by bass kind of thing.

View attachment 4992914

That's very kool, who makes it?

 

[31HZ]

The ones I have played definitely feel more "solid," due (I suppose) to the extended connection to the neck.

FWIW, I'd hate to hear what upright players thought of the first electric basses in the 1950s.