What is the point of this?

[Shovel]

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Is it aesthetic? Wouldn't it restrict the ability to play higher up the neck?

 

[Thomas Kievit]

Bigger body, so that means a bigger wood surface, increased sustain, better balance when you play bass standing up, a different design of the bass in general

 

[Dave W]

I think the point is that people like it.

Why would that restrict you from playing higher up the neck? It's got a pretty good cutaway on the bottom side. As for the top, your hand or arm shouldn't come in any contact with it if you're playing with good technique.

 

[two fingers]

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Is it aesthetic? Wouldn't it restrict the ability to play higher up the neck?

Sooooooooooooo I'm assuming you wrap your thumb around the neck when you play.

Don't do it!

 

[bass12]

I believe the point is to deter theft.

 

[hasbeen]

It doesn't restrict access at all. The players thumb should be on the back of the neck. The upper horn/bout still be connected to the neck gives the neck stability and it adds mass. In theory, that is all good for sustain.

 

[Treadstone71]

Beyond the things already said by others (hasbeen for example), I bet the added wood improves balance.

Not an aesthetic choice I'd make, but I understand the intention.

 

[FretNoMore]

More weight and bigger surface area makes it more effective as a defensive shield at those rowdy bar gigs.

 

[Turnaround]

It's not principally about more sustain. It's more about the resonant frequency of the instrument as a whole. It has significantly more mass than a double cut, and thus a lower resonant frequency. As well the upper part of the body gives more rigidity to the neck.

Is it better? Maybe, depending on your criteria for measurement. But it is certainly different from a single cut. Anthony Jackson popularized the single cut - to him it was better for what he was trying to achieve.

 

[hasbeen]

More weight and bigger surface area makes it more effective as a defensive shield at those rowdy bar gigs.

hmm....hadn't thought of that.

 

[Shovel]

Sooooooooooooo I'm assuming you wrap your thumb around the neck when you play.

Don't do it!

I do and I need to stop... Hell maybe this body style would prevent me from doing that!

Sorry, this body style is just plan butt-ugly

I was trying so hard to refrain from saying that

 

[two fingers]

I do and I need to stop... Hell maybe this body style would prevent me from doing that!

I actually knew a guy who said his teacher put double sided tape along the top of his fret and stuck NEEDLES to it facing in the direction of his thumb.

Yes, there have been several successful musicians (particularly guitar players) who do/did this. But I promise you will be able to get around the fret board better if you teach yourself how to stick the thumb on the BACK of the neck. It is a much more efficient way to move around.

So, if a single-cut is not your thing, it's time for the tape and needles. If you don't have enough needles, just break some glass and stick it up there. Problem solved.

 

[Shedua511]

I actually knew a guy who said his teacher put double sided tape along the top of his fret and stuck NEEDLES to it facing in the direction of his thumb.

A fan of Clockwork Orange I suppose

This might actually be the only Thumb bass that positively doesn't neck dive!

 

[orangejulius3]

Sucks for any left handed players trying to use it.

 

[Spirit of Ox]

Isn't Anthony Jackson's bass shaped like that?

 

[Deleted member 264575]

Why play a single cut bass? threads: Here and Here.
Hope this helps.

 

[jd56hawk]

If Picasso designed basses he'd design something like that...blue, of course.

 

[hillerup]

I do and I need to stop... Hell maybe this body style would prevent me from doing that!



I was trying so hard to refrain from saying that

Thankfully someone did...

 

[Rooster009]

The extra wood allows for a place to screw a cup holder to so your beer is within reach at all times. Pretty nifty I must say

 

[wmhill]

The extra wood allows for a place to screw a cup holder to so your beer is within reach at all times. Pretty nifty I must say

Hahahahahahahahahaahaaa!