Bolt- on vs Neck-thru?

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Michael Wilson

Hey Guys,

Need some input on the sound difference of a bolt-on vs neck-thru. I know wood plays a part, but all total whats the feedback.

Mike

Like the difference between the ride of a car and a truck. Depends on the car or truck. Too many variables involved for an accurate answer. Do you mean the both basses compared would be built exactly the same except for the 4 screws? Or, one with a simple neck and body bolt model and the NT have 59 laminates? If so, you are comparing way way more than the neck joint difference.

To answer this question fairly, both basses must be made exactly the same with the exception of the neck joint. The problem with that is that on our basses, the bolt model neck has a slight pitch in the neck of 1 degree to reach the bridge height with the neck set above the body. The NT sits flush and has a 3 degree pitch to reach the same bridge height. So, even with the exact build specs (if that's your query), the tension design but angle is different between the two. Any other differences in the build and you might as well ask the guy in Tools at Home Depot. No telling what is doing exactly what!