Any Love for Basswood?

[Top-L]

Re: Any Love for Basswood?

i finally figured out my basswood Ibanez RG sounds good with a Dimarzio D Activator X. It also was ok with a Pearly Gates and Custom 5. Not good with a Distortion and Screaming Demon. The wood is wearing out on this old guitar though. Screw holes and posts are wearing out.

Pull the posts and wood glue them in. Fixt.

 

[vinta9e]

Re: Any Love for Basswood?

For a long time I also thought it was subpar wood, but that is because of all the low grade poo it was used in for years. Seems like cos flagship models were alder or mahog and the less costly model was basswood. Now that I have open eyes, I judge it by the application now.

I was guilty of the same misjudgment. Then I discovered HM Strats, Music Men, Charvels & Jacksons and changed my mind. Solid bah-sswood bodies tend to have a certain tonal quality I'd describe as 'sticky'. I generally like it a lot for lead-oriented superstrats, and a lot less for downtuned rhythm. A thin maple top is enough to give it a whole different vibe. When made just right, it's epic.

 

[75lespaul]

Re: Any Love for Basswood?

I just got a Jackson JS series Rhoads that I think plays and sounds great, which is strange for me because I never heard a Jackson pickup I liked. But it is basswood and sounds great for classic and hard rock.