I only have three requirements that aren't negotiable:
1) It's got to be reasonably easy to tune, and it must stay in tune. 'Jumpy' tuning keys (or an incorrectly slotted nut), a half-ass bridge, etc., not gonna happen. Before tone or anything else, if it won't play/stay in tune, what's the point?
2) Regardless of what kind of pickups and pots, active or passive, it's got to be quiet electronically. I've long since gotten over the thrill of listening to 'The Grand Ole Opry' thru my bass and amp. I don't want to stand and point in one direction like a scarecrow to eliminate a hum. The easy answer for me is usually all-EMG: There are corpses that make more noise than an all-EMG axe. Passive Single coil or side x side humbuckers in the same shell? This is a question?
3) It needs to be reasonably comfortable. I'm not one of these 'only 8.5 lbs or less' or '19mm spacing, period' guys. But they can get too heavy, and usually they're too heavy and a 'different' shape (unless they're late 70's Fenders . . . .). I prefer a flatter than a rounder neck. I hate bridges with sharp edges. I like a thinner than a thicker body. Ergonomics are a seemingly unknown concept to a lot of designers. Play an original 4-string NS Spector: Most things seem like planks in comparison. Some shapes just work better for me than others, and like a racing driver, I far prefer curves to straight edges.
After that, I like colors instead of clear or oil finishes, and PRS-like tints over interesting wood is right up my alley. And fortunately, the three things I mentioned do not require spending huge sums on hand-built axes to achieve. There are more well-built bargains, new and used, than I can ever remember.
