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What makes a bass better?

Cliff Bordwell

Cliff Bordwell

Commercial User
Jan 6, 2004
1,496
174
53
USA , Orlando , Florida
www.cbbasses.com
Disclosures
Owner of CB BASSES
#1
Let's hear it, anything that you think makes a bass better.

I know when I set out to make the best bass for myself I had certain things that
I wanted to achieve. There were a lot of different areas to address and I just want
to get other players opinions on the this subject.

It can be concerning feel, comfort, playability, tone, looks etc...
 
#6
Ok. Builder is asking what can be done to make a better bass. I've seen the instruments on your website. It looks like you're already doing a great job.

Here's a fairly recent thread where many people provided input on issues common with basses. It might be a good place for you to start.

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=676860

As a consultation fee, do I get a discount on a custom design? Or I could be an endorser of your fine products. j/k. :)
 
#7
Since I started doing my own setups, I noticed the height of strings to pups is important in tone development.

Finishing details are important when looking at the instrument up close. Things should line up nicely, bevels smooth, etc. All signs that someone has gone through the instrument in detail before putting it out for sale.
 
#11
Specific attention to ergonomics goes a long way with me. There's something to be said about an instrument that feels like it was sculpted with care. The more comfortable and inviting the curves, bevels, scoops, etc... The more "at home" I'll feel with it, which means I'll want to spend more time playing it. :smug:

Also, if it makes me smile every time I open the case... Yeah. It's what I would put in the "better" category. :D
 
#12
For those who don't know, Cliff is a respected luthier who makes top of the line basses already, and is probably looking for more serious comments that might improve his already impressive designs (rather than comments like "whatever makes you happy").

I'll include balance, access to upper frets, options for different neck shapes to accommodate different players, good fretwork, good woods that will withstand the test of time. I have a personal preference for curved/radiused tops. Look and color options are important for players who need to fit certain images, so I'll put that in there too, even though it doesn't actually make the bass itself better.
 
#13
I gravitate towards a more lively unplugged bass.
I've played basses that felt like they were just an assembly of wood and metal, and some that were very alive feeling.
Sure, pups and preamps can make up for a stiff feeling and sounding bass, but starting with something that feels like it almost plays itself is a huge head start.

Aside from that, the right neck profile makes a big difference in feel.
When I had basses that were the wrong profile for me, I played them more as a workout for my hands, and played others that felt better to me for the pleasure of it.
 
#16
Easy truss rod access (think MusicMan) and very adjustable nuts and bridges (think Warwick). Pickup configuration, neck width, number of frets, and many other things simply just come down to personal taste, but I think most everyone would like more "accessibility" to their basses regardless of the other factors because then you can really fine tweak your bass to match you as a player.
 
#17
Good point on the trussrod. My two main players have very easy access to the trussrod without needing tools, removing parts, etc. I can tweak the rod on the fly at a show or in practice and be playing again in seconds.

Same thing about the battery compartment...magnetic so that I don't need to unclip, unscrew, etc. to change the batteries.
 

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