Okay, so i want to get a passive backup bass in addition to my mim deluxe active p. I'm torn between the 2 squier VM jazz bass models, but i only got to try the maple one, the black one has an agathis body. What is the sound difference between maple and agathis?
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What is the difference between these 2 body woods?
- Thread starter shookiedookiema
- Start date
The great wood debate, pt 3976.
There are no absolutes, but there are tendancies - say, 7 out of 10. The first question is what kind of maple? Hard or soft? Hard maple will tend to be heavy with a bright aggressive sound. If I'm remembering my woods correctly, agathis is of the mahogany family. In general, this would make for a darker, less aggresive sound. Soft maple? Probably closer to the agathis than hard maple. But these are generalities. There's a good chance it won't apply to a specific piece of wood. Me? I'd go with the maple.
There are no absolutes, but there are tendancies - say, 7 out of 10. The first question is what kind of maple? Hard or soft? Hard maple will tend to be heavy with a bright aggressive sound. If I'm remembering my woods correctly, agathis is of the mahogany family. In general, this would make for a darker, less aggresive sound. Soft maple? Probably closer to the agathis than hard maple. But these are generalities. There's a good chance it won't apply to a specific piece of wood. Me? I'd go with the maple.
Generaly maple is going to be brighter then agathis and also a bit heavier weight wise. Not a fan of maple bodies myself.
Wood shmood. I think the pickups make the sound. I'm prolly old (well, ok I'm old) and mostly deaf, but I can't really hear a difference in solid body wood types.
Scott in Dallas
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No definitive answers BUT: Agathis is a low-priced alternative to Alder or Mahogany which has characteristics of both. Maple, if it's medium to hard, will be brighter and "Pingier" than Agathis. Soft maple has more warmth but it's an expensive wood and usually reserved for higher-end basses. I have played the Squier VM maple that you mentioned and I think it sounds better than any Squier made of Agathis. It has a liveliness and response that works well as a passive, but without sacrifice to low-end. Pickups have a lot to do with the sound, nut even the pickup manufacturers will admit that tone begins with the body material (I'll refrain from specifying "wood" here), and that pickups will enhance, attenuate or complement that tone.
Thanks for defining the tonal differences for me. Another question-how are th following 3 models comparable in tone and feel
Fender 70s MIM jazz bass
Fender Geddy Lee jazz bass
Squier VM jazz bass
Fender 70s MIM jazz bass
Fender Geddy Lee jazz bass
Squier VM jazz bass
thanks, another question-how to these 4 j basses differ and compare in terms of feel and tone:
Fender American vintage 75 jazz bass
Fender MIM 70s jazz bass
Fender Geddy lee jazz bass
Squier VM jazz bass
which one in your opinion is the best?
Fender American vintage 75 jazz bass
Fender MIM 70s jazz bass
Fender Geddy lee jazz bass
Squier VM jazz bass
which one in your opinion is the best?
The Geddy Lee is my first choice for it's unique tone & power. But, the neck is VERY narrow. Not good 4 me but maybe OK 4 you. It has a better bridge and the best sounding P/U's
Correct, neither have I. For a few bucks more per Board/Ft., higher-end bass builders will spring for Alder or Mahogany. Agathis has qualities of both, but not the GOOD qualities.
I own/have owned basses with both agathis and soft maple bodies. In my case, the soft maple was a little brighter, but not tremendously so.
I feel both of these woods are more durable than pine (carolina for Warwick owners) or basswood, although I like the sound of basswood instruments.
I think soft maple is typically a more attractive wood than agathis (why it's used on the Squier 70's VM instruments and agathis is used on the black Squier VM Jazz 77).
Either will work well for you and best of luck with your decision!
Bob
I feel both of these woods are more durable than pine (carolina for Warwick owners) or basswood, although I like the sound of basswood instruments.
I think soft maple is typically a more attractive wood than agathis (why it's used on the Squier 70's VM instruments and agathis is used on the black Squier VM Jazz 77).
Either will work well for you and best of luck with your decision!
Bob
Of the ones I've played, the Squier seemed a little "hotter" and punchier than the MIM or the Am Vintage. The MIM 70's is closest to the American V 75, but there is a difference. The Am 75 has more complexity to its tone and harmonic presence.
