Does body shape and size affect the sound and tone?

[aussietc]

So I'm putting together a med scale bass and was wondering if the tone would be different from a single cut G4 compared to a jazz, the latter being a larger and potentially heavier body. Could you hear a difference with all the same parts, electronics and neck but a smaller or larger body?

 

[nexrex]

I think...Here's your answer (love this version)    :laughing7:

[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uv5odGKCHbk[/youtube]

 

[Jusatele]

OK........ Next

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

So I'm putting together a med scale bass and was wondering if the tone would be different from a single cut G4 compared to a jazz, the latter being a larger and potentially heavier body. Could you hear a difference with all the same parts, electronics and neck but a smaller or larger body?

If you go drastically different, like the difference between a Steinberger and an Explorer, I think it would have to.  Don't know if it would be better or worse or even how much different.  Keep in mind that 2 bodies of the same wood and the same shape techinically sound different, not that I could ever tell.  I wouldn't entertain the notion much, just get the shape you want.

 

[nexrex]

Yeah, I would be more worried about electronics and pickups. Apologies for the video, but there are so many theories about the sonic values of wood types and body size that I would rather not get into a conversation like that again. A debate like that can go on forever.    :laughing7:

 

[Alfang]

I dont think the shape matters at all, you could make a square quitar play it record it whatever, then cut it into a shape and it will sound the same.

 

[line6man]

To be honest, I thought this thread was going to be a troll post.

No, body shape does not matter unless there is a serious difference in the amount of wood used.

I believe the tone of Geddy Lee's teardrop P bass changed when he cut the horns off.

 

[clewnii]

I dont think the shape matters at all, you could make a square quitar play it record it whatever, then cut it into a shape and it will sound the same.

Well this is the correct forum to get this sorted out, anyone about to buy a body blank ?

All you'd need to do would be to cut it enough to fit your neck, put your pickups and stuff on. and go record (?) Maybe you should try a bunch of different pickups as well before and after you cut it into the shape you want.


Anyone with lots of spare time and cash that wants to do this for us? =)

 

[AndyG]

It does make a huge difference with acoustic instruments ... for example, a violin, viola, and cello made out of the exact same materials will obviously sound different.  Part of that difference is the size of their respective "empty space".  (scale length and string length nowithstanding)

As far as solid bodies go, if you tap a large block of wood, and a small block of wood, you will hear different resonances.  Strum the strings of a Steinberger and an Explorer, and acoustically they will sound different.  However, as many have mentioned, once you add the electronics, the difference in tone is negigible (all other things being equal).  Where you may notice the difference is in the amount of sustain.  Prime example here would be to compare something like a Les Paul to an ES335.  Which would sustain longer (without the help of mega-amp cranked tube saturated gain)?

 

[Jusatele]

I would have to say yes it effects things, I do not think the shapes where developed in an electric guitar for sound however, it is just a benefit of functionality.
the horns are thin and extend off the body, they will vibrate different from the main body, as will a neck that has more mass in the head stock than another.
As noted how much this effects a electric guitar as apposed to a acoustic is a study that would be simple to do.

 

[Alfang]

I almost said in my previous post, that the size and shape of an accustic does matter, but I figured that was common sense, and we are talking about solidbody guitars.

 

[OzziePete]

It does make a huge difference with acoustic instruments ... for example, a violin, viola, and cello made out of the exact same materials will obviously sound different.  Part of that difference is the size of their respective "empty space".  (scale length and string length nowithstanding)

As far as solid bodies go, if you tap a large block of wood, and a small block of wood, you will hear different resonances.  Strum the strings of a Steinberger and an Explorer, and acoustically they will sound different.  However, as many have mentioned, once you add the electronics, the difference in tone is negigible (all other things being equal).  Where you may notice the difference is in the amount of sustain. Prime example here would be to compare something like a Les Paul to an ES335.  Which would sustain longer (without the help of mega-amp cranked tube saturated gain)?

To me, there is a slight (very slight) difference in how the guitar sounds between these two guitars.....There is a throaty-ness to the ES335s and the Les paul does sound 'chunky", it does imply that the shape and construction of the body has some effect on the tone that the pickup is taking up through the system. Yet the electrical componentry is almost identical..and I have heard an ES335 sustain better than a Les Paul.. :dontknow:

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

I used to have some Gibson refrigerator magnets of a Koa Explorer, ES-335, SG Standard, and LP Goldtop.  My dad's GF knew enough to just look at them for a few seconds and noted they all the same pickups and bridge and said, "There's no way those sound different."  My dad replied, "Well, they just do."

 

[pabloman]

In my experience the bigger heavier ones tend to moan and grunt but the smaller lighter ones are higher pitched and squeal. Either way I can make them scream.

 

[SustainerPlayer]

In my experience the bigger heavier ones tend to moan and grunt but the smaller lighter ones are higher pitched and squeal. Either way I can make them scream.

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