What makes a bass better?

[spade2you]

I've owned 2 CB's (still have one)...here's my pet peeve: re-think your truss rod configuration. I'm not too fond of the dual-expanding jobby with 3 mm nut...too easy to strip out and cannot be replaced without removing the fretboard. Go with either a MusicMan-esque wheel or Fender-esque slotted nut

Riis

Mine new one has a bigger truss rod nut. Not sure on the size, but way bigger than my first CB.

 

[FCB]

i;ll throw in. the price tag doesnt matter if you like a cheap bass there nothing wrong with it. just means you have more money for upgrades

 

[rob_thebassman]

a limiter enhancer, good strings, good pick ups, good amp, good leads.....

 

[Red Rover]

some lemon juice and maybe a bit of tartar sauce.

 

[WoodyG3]

The neck, the neck, the neck and the neck. Did I mention the neck? I'm not stuck on a particular width or thickness, just well constructed, reasonably stable, and with a nice finish. I like both gloss and oil, doesn't matter as long as it's smooth and even. I tend to like a 12" or so fingerboard radius, but I realize that this is an individual thing. One thing I like is when a builder offers a variety of radius choices.

That said, a bass is a sum of a bunch of parts, and every one feels and sounds different. I haven't come close to figuring out why two outwardly identical basses can sound so different and feel so different in the hands.

 

[Thrill-House]

When i am looking to buy a new bass or guitar i usually look for:

- Good balance. Neck dive is basically a deal breaker for me, which is the reason i dislike many of the wierder shapes.

- Good upperfret access. Whats the point of having those high frets if its such a bitch to use them?

- Quality electronics and pickups. This defers from person to person, but well made pickups, whatever their design, are important to getting a good sound.

- A nice finish. May seem superficial, but i like my instruments to look good!

 

[lowendblues]

OK, "user friendly" basses. Easily adjustable truss rods, easy access to intonation adjustment, good tuners, good pickups and preamps. Just like buying a car, when I plunk down the cash, I dont want to go out and buy "better" tires and wheels, and some kind of pricey add on to get better gas mileage.

And for Gods sake,,, an adjustable nut.

 

[darkstorm]

Besides the basics of great playability and sound. Plus great construction qaulity and body resonance. Theres also fit. I often like to let rear of body rest against inside if leg. Rear cutouts like BC Rich Warlock and Bich, or flatter rear curve like BC Rich Eagle or Gibson/Epi SG guitar helps that. Whereas the odd curve like Gibson Thunderbird or BC Rich Mockingbird, dont work well for that. Beyond that theres also visual asthetic appeal. Wether just the color, or that plus shape. For the latter refer back to above for fit. Nice looking doesnt allways fit as well. Lol. Just couple things that can make a great bass even better to me.

 

[JimmyM]

light(ish) weight is important to me since i have a chronic sore shoulder. balance, of course is important. good fretwork also helps. everything else is optional.

 

[Craigster]

For me it has to have a neck that fits my hand. The Fender jazz necks feel great to me. Also it has to have good balance. I hate always having to pull the neck back up to play it. Looks are obviously important (which you have NAILED!) Good pups and a good preamp (again you have mastered this) Also ease of adjusting the tuners. It may sound like a little thing but if you don't have long arms some tuners are a pain to reach!

 

[zachoff]

Tone, playability, and looks. I'm not one who needs versatility but I'm sure others will mention that as well.

 

[Neon Scribe]

No electronic humming or buzzing. (No fret buzzing either, but that's a different matter.) Not even a little bit, unless it's a single coil pickup by itself. Not when you touch the strings, when you stop touching the strings, when you stand next to a fluorescent light or a dimmer, when you are next door to a radio transmitter. Absolute quiet.