Single Cut Basses

[Cornwall Steve]

Firstly I apologise if this topic has been repeatedly covered over the years. i'm contemplating buying an Ibanez BTB single cut and I just happened to find myself reading several BC posts stretching back to 15 years ago when various members - including Kiwi - gave their candid opinions for and against the single cut design (I wouldn't mind betting the whole Headless bass thing was debated similaly decades ago 😂).

I wouldn't mind hearing from anyone who owns or has played one, what they think of it, and especially whether they feel the dynamics of the bass actually add anything of value when it comes down to tone and playability.

Your input would help me tremendously 

With regard aesthetics, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so not wanting to get into a debate as to whether members feel they look ugly or attractive.

Thanks in anticipation 🙏👍 

P.S. For the sake of clarity I just want to state that I meant Single Cut basses in general - not just Ibanez BTB Single Cut - sorry if I didn't make that clear ☺️

Edited 7 hours ago by Cornwall Steve
Expressing gratitude

[Bolo]

Imo single cut basses sound more stern, less frivolous than double cut basses. As if they heard their retirement age has been pushed back. On one hand they exude an atmosphere of business acumen and accountability, in the other the give the impression of a lesser lust for life, of not letting go at parties.

Single cut basses are a lot like a greengrocer's hammer: beware when one is applied in earnest.

[Cornwall Steve]

3 hours ago, Bolo said:

Imo single cut basses sound more stern, less frivolous than double cut basses. As if they heard their retirement age has been pushed back. On one hand they exude an atmosphere of business acumen and accountability, in the other the give the impression of a lesser lust for life, of not letting go at parties.

Single cut basses are a lot like a greengrocer's hammer: beware when one is applied in earnest.

Thank you. Very entertaining analogy and a great read !😂

[Bassassin]

In an ideal world, I'd have a half-cut bass.

[Gizmo]

I Love Single Cuts but TBH i can't tell you that plugged in they sound any different than any other bass with the same pickup+placement/hardware/string combo (i also do not do the "tonewood" myth) I've seen some people will argue the extra "mass" add to Tone/Sustain...but again i can't say i ever noticed (also check out BASStheworlds YT Hollow body HB review that has a HB in the MM sweetspot...yep you guessed it it sounds like a MM...)  i do feel a bit more rumble/sound/tone in my chest due to the way they sit against your torso which i think is nice, this might be what people think is enhancing their tone (is this a bit like Bone induction earphones?)

 

I've built/building a few Singlecuts myself and im also looking at a BTB SC 5 the "BTB865SC" (wow ibby have such memorable Names don't they!)  

 

 

Make sure you order a WIDE strap if you do get one as even the lighter ones are still quite heavy, So SC basses ....are (still) Marmite ?

[oldslapper]

I have a single cut Wishbass. First single cut I’ve owned.

Looks weird. Gets a lot of attention from visitors. 
Plays great, sounds great, looks bonkers. 
That’s my in depth review.