Why can't I play neck-through basses? w/ Poll

[Timmy-Watts]

I have owned a few... I do think it makes a difference, but I'm not opposed. In my experience, the difference is generally what the stereotype is: more compressed, more sustain, more mids...

I love my Peavey Cirrus. Extremely high quality at any price point. But I also love my Precision basses. My main bass, a Clement bolt on PJ, nails both the classic vibe and modern. It is a chameleon as far as tone goes, with modern styling and ergonomics.

Each bass has its own individual vibe, and the neck construction and attachment is just one piece of the puzzle. A small part of me like a bolt on just in case something happens with the neck it can be replaced. But any quality neck through I'd rock it out if I connected with it. Besides the cost, that option is very low on my list of make or break.

 

[WaynerBass]

I’ll make a bet if you were to play a neck through bass that had the back of the neck not painted that you’d have no problem.. I’m inclined to think it’s the painted neck with the “sticky” factor causing your problem. I used to have a problem with painted necks but now a days I take a scotchbrite and buff off the top layer of the poly finish and it makes it not sticky.. good luck

 

[Brother Goose]

These three agree with me just fine.

View attachment 2944917 View attachment 2944918 View attachment 2944919

I will say that one downside to neck through construction is that repairs can be hairy to impossible, if something goes wrong with the neck.

I agree with these basses

 

[Siggy]

Personally, I love them. The only drawback I can see is the higher cost to repair a bad neck.

 

[sonic 7]

I like both.

 

[pigpen1]

My Ibanez Portamento has the lowest action of any bass I own.

That's awesome. What I meant is that, if you have a bass with a bolt on neck and you lower the bridge saddles as low as they can go and it is still too high, you can shim the neck. Can't do it with a neck though. I've owned quite a few basses, including a brand new American Standard Jazz that needed shimmed right out of the box.

 

[Craig4003]

On the other hand, that means that makers of neck-through basses need to get it right at the factory so that you don't need to shim it later.

 

[petrus61]

I have owned and enjoyed them, but I don’t think I’d allow myself to fall in love with a neck through at this stage. Bolt on necks can be replaced should something happen. Neck through can be a costly nightmare if they happen to be one of the unlucky few that develops issues down the road. I just sleep better at night with a bolt on. I have no opinion on their sonic traits or playability. I’ve played some that sounded and felt amazing.

 

[ll Rip ll]

Pedulla MVP 5. Neck through. Mic dropView attachment 2945000

I have a Thunderbuzz 5. Can't say enough about its playability.

 

[NecroticImbecil]

This is like how I can't imagine what people see in silver cars. Every silver car I have owned has been underpowered and unreliable.

 

[guitarflinger]

That upper horn.......never mind

Excellent balance, and a handy way to carry it on and off stage

 

[madbass6]

I've been playing bass for 12 years now, and started on cello 17 years ago. I mention the cello, because that's a set neck, and you wanna talk about tone wood... BUT every neck-through electric bass I've ever picked up has really and I mean REALLY disagreed with me. This is no matter what the headstock or price tag said. I'd appreciate your thoughts and/or anecdotes! Cheers!
[/QUOTE

Why not just pick up a set neck Bass?!

 

[ThuzzleFump]

Massive upper horn - Much respect

They say it's an indication.

 

[ll Rip ll]

I love neckthru basses, but never had a problem with other types. I think it is because the first bass i fell in love with was neckthru. Me and my father n law just ordered 'boutique' basses, and when i was asking him about his choice of options, he said he was ordering his as a bolt-on. I was taken back. "Why?" I said. "Easier to repair" he said. Until he explained, i thought he was just being cheap, especially when he said it might be an upcharge-he wasn't sure. I had never even considered having a custom bass built with what i thought was a budget option. I think I've been educated.

 

[ll Rip ll]

 

[Kirk Bryant]

I'll never understand some people so I don't waste time trying. I started on String Bass, To ME, a bass either feels and sounds good, to ME, or it doesn't. I don't care (in general), what it's made out of, what it looks like, what construction methods are used. I've played many nt basses I thought were fantastic, most I could not afford. So I can't generalize and say I don't like one type of construction.

 

[mtdkingstonheir]

I bought a used neck-thru a little over 2 years ago and don't find any appreciable difference between it and my bolt-ons.

 

[Kirk Bryant]

OH, and hey @II Rip II, that bass you guys are having built looks to be a wicked rippa'! Do tell what the body woods and the inlays are? That's going to be beautiful. Who's the builder? And do you have a build thread?

 

[BassGtrMic]

Once you play a modulus or G Gould you really don't have to play a neck thru. But many things with sound are psychological and psycho-acoustical. So ultimately, let your instincts prevail.

 

[BassholeKI]

All 3 of mine are bolt on, I've played a couple NT and if I found one that I liked (and could afford) I'd buy it.