JeezyMcNuggles
Inactive
- Feb 23, 2018
- 14,723
- 20,970
- Disclosures
- I suck, but nobody really notices
Actually, the harder the substrate, the easier the finish chips. It hits back.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Why basswood???
- Thread starter stringthrough
- Start date
I hear you. My point is it's not a problem if you ding it. The problem is when people blame the wood instead of taking the blame.A chance encounter with a cymbal. My bass lost.
I guess you know that it was you who were too close to the drumkit or your drummer hit the wrong crash.
And it wasn't the bass who wanted to be a drumstick. Some people just don't want to take responsibility and it's easier to find some excuses.
I was too lazy to see if this was posted already, so sorry if this is a repeat.
Since basswood is often brought up in threads about lighter weight instruments, here is a link that someone else on TalkBass pointed me to:
Basswood - Does it Suck?
This was a concise yet informative read. We do typically associate basswood with cheap guitars because inferior pieces of it can be procured on the cheap. But the really good pieces of basswood are less plentiful and require sommelier levels of discretion to pick out. The fact that good quality basswood is lightweight should certainly have appeal, especially here on TB when we're always asking about the weight of an instrument.
Then again, wood is a living thing so there is plenty of variability. I'm sure people have played swamp ash instruments that were lightweight and resonant and others that were heavier, less resonant, and not that "magical" wood they were expecting.
Since basswood is often brought up in threads about lighter weight instruments, here is a link that someone else on TalkBass pointed me to:
Basswood - Does it Suck?
This was a concise yet informative read. We do typically associate basswood with cheap guitars because inferior pieces of it can be procured on the cheap. But the really good pieces of basswood are less plentiful and require sommelier levels of discretion to pick out. The fact that good quality basswood is lightweight should certainly have appeal, especially here on TB when we're always asking about the weight of an instrument.
Then again, wood is a living thing so there is plenty of variability. I'm sure people have played swamp ash instruments that were lightweight and resonant and others that were heavier, less resonant, and not that "magical" wood they were expecting.
I thought that dented, beat-up basses were all the rage these days. 
because guitarwood would be so, so wrong
I'll see myself out
(But srsly, in answer to OP's question: because it's cheap. If you don't like it, spend a little more and get something else. /thread)
I'll see myself out
(But srsly, in answer to OP's question: because it's cheap. If you don't like it, spend a little more and get something else. /thread)
I used to own a stealth Bongo 4HH made out of basswood. Now I own a Bongo 4HSp made out of mahogany. They were both great basses and I never found the basswood to be more fragile than ash or alder. Particularly in an active bass, I think the preamp has a lot more to do with the sound than the body wood. Basswood is plentiful and light. If it's good enough for EBMM, it's good enough for me.
Just like these. Basswood heaven. 
BurningSkies
CRAZY BALDHEAD
- Feb 20, 2005
- 27,956
- 20,348
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist: Dingwall Guitars
They're doing whatever they can to try to sell pine...about the least desirable wood for electric guitars of any kind.
devnulljp
Supporting Member
BurningSkies
CRAZY BALDHEAD
- Feb 20, 2005
- 27,956
- 20,348
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist: Dingwall Guitars
I liked Wendy better with flowerpots and shaving cream. Don't tell my wife.
I wouldn't sweat it. Basswood or no is a choice. I've had one or two basswood bodies with no complaints.
Bases as described above are made every day, they just don’t make as many out of harder wood because they cost more than the same thing made of basswood or alder.
I prefer ash because screw holes don’t punk out as easy as they do in softer wood. TBH I’d rather softer bodies used threaded inserts and machine screws, but that also requires more up front cost.
