Single Cutaways - love the look / hate the look?

[Brad Johnson]

WHOA...what the heck are these basses?? Especially that first one?? drool

The first two are Brubakers... and mine. Thanks, Jared.

 

[Brad Johnson]

Depends. The right shape/wood combo can look striking. Others look like whales.

This. I have a lot of singlecuts... one of the benefits of being around a long time and an early adopter. But I've seen plenty that I don't care for.

Then again the same is true for doublecuts, semihollowbodies, etc. I like a bass that looks nice to me. I know what that is when I see it. but if it doesn't play and sound on the same level as its looks... 'bye.

 

[gregmon79]

I don't much like it. If I had to choose, I'd pick double cutaway. But, if it sounds and plays good, I don't really care what it looks like I guess.

 

[Doner Designs]

Not a fan in general but some look good.

Seems like wasted weight unless its needed for balance...like maybe in a 6 string.

 

[David Jayne]

Ibanez has brought Single Cut bass Terra Firma and Cerro to mass product for the last few years.

The 5 string Terra Firma is my current gigging bass. It doesn't use exactly exotic woods, but still love the look...

 

[eban3]

not particularly appealing to me though ergonomics and tone weigh far more heavily than appearance

 

[devnulljp]

Those are indeed F-holes above a chambered upper bout. When I did some experimenting, the added weight and pull on the upper strap without the chambering would have been just too much otherwise. I tried to hollow out as much as I could while still maintaining structural rigidity along the neck join (these are bolt-ons) and around the perimeter of the body.

That's a cool idea. makes me want one with a big f-hole along the top

 

[Johno Dunn]

Love mine.Benabente SCD4 Standard. Nordy Big Singles, no preamp.

And it sounds as good as it looks!

 

[Ellery]

After further reflection, and I would say if I did get one it would be due to my attraction to their weird ugliness.

 

[Neon Blues]

I love them, but I'd never own one. I think the tonal differences offered by the SC would only be noticeable to a handful so I don't really buy into that side of it.

 

[SteveCS]

Until now I couldn't see the whale. Now I do see the whale, I think it would give me nightmares if I actually had one in the house. I bit like one of those gnarly trees in horror movies...

 

[Dynacord]

I love this design:

Having a right handed one built (but not 3 string...)

 

[interp]

Dude...incredible

I've had the Marleaux Contra five pictured in my earlier post since last year. Best bass I've ever laid hands on in 48 years of playing.

 

[Aidil]

the BTB686sc in Terra Firma you mentioned in your post

I'm confused... I thought you don't like the Terra Firma 6 string (since you mentioned that you don't like the second picture on my earlier post). Or you don't like maple fingerboard version...?

Looks like a whale with its mouth open

View attachment 898512

hahaha.... Couldn't agree more myself... but the Ibanez whale turns cool when played.

 

[BassHappy]

PSYCHOLOGY 101?

This is such a great subject for a book on psychology. I guess I have some pretty major personality flaws when it comes to body shapes. As previously mentioned, to me it all depends. I certainly don't mind single cutaways in these shapes, these are the ones I own. They appeal to me and of course, make the basses infinitely more playable up top:

But for whatever reason - only known in my DNA and the way my brain is wired - I have a strong aversion to what I call the "extended" single cutaway. I wouldn't go near any of these. Nope, wouldn't even pick em up. Personality flaw perhaps - but also what makes the world go round. If we all loved the same things this would be the most boring place imaginable. Why do we gravitate to blondes, brunettes or redheads? Big mystery, who knows? Something rooted pretty deep inside, I would guess.

No offense intended to anyone here. One person's jewel is another person's yawn after all. I think the Fedora below ranks up there as one of the ugliest basses I have ever seen. But hey, folks love 'em so what do I know? In most of the others, I do see and appreciate the art, and the design flow - especially on the Sadowsky and the Ritter - but they simply aren't for me.

 

[Korladis]

PSYCHOLOGY 101?

This is such a great subject for a book on psychology. I guess I have some pretty major personality flaws when it comes to body shapes. As previously mentioned, to me it all depends. I certainly don't mind single cutaways in these shapes, these are the ones I own. They appeal to me and of course, make the basses infinitely more playable up top:

View attachment 898586

View attachment 898587

View attachment 898584

View attachment 898589

View attachment 898585

Those are all really nice. Especially the one that's also in your avatar.

 

[spade2you]

This. I have a lot of singlecuts... one of the benefits of being around a long time and an early adopter. But I've seen plenty that I don't care for.

Then again the same is true for doublecuts, semihollowbodies, etc. I like a bass that looks nice to me. I know what that is when I see it. but if it doesn't play and sound on the same level as its looks... 'bye.

Other than my Mouse 30, which is more of a Tele shape than the boutique singlecut, I still don't own a singlecut bass. There's a strong chance my next bass will be a singlecut (and headless).

Oddly enough, my main guitars these days are non-cutaway acoustics. I love cutaway access, but not the bass it removes from the overall tone.

 

[McTred]

I love the look. Brubaker single cuts are the best looking basses out there.

 

[McTred]

When I play, to the high end of the neck, I don't wrap my thumb over the top, but sometimes I get up to the thinnest point.

You are correct. It doesn't change the way I play bass.

 

[el murdoque]

I'm confused... I thought you don't like the Terra Firma 6 string (since you mentioned that you don't like the second picture on my earlier post). Or you don't like maple fingerboard version...?

i don't like the SR single cut. i totally love the BTB.