question about back graduations

[Arnold Schnitzer]

Ken, I hope you are not comparing flat-backs to round-backs, because the bracing on flat-backs makes them a whole different animal. I assume the O.P. was discussing rounds. Am I mistaken? My experience as a maker tells me that harder wood on the back and sides usually relates to a brighter sound, softer wood to a more mellow sound. I don't notice a difference in projection.

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Arnold Schnitzer

Ken, I hope you are not comparing flat-backs to round-backs, because the bracing on flat-backs makes them a whole different animal. I assume the O.P. was discussing rounds. Am I mistaken? My experience as a maker tells me that harder wood on the back and sides usually relates to a brighter sound, softer wood to a more mellow sound. I don't notice a difference in projection.

Yes Arnold, Round Back on the Graduation think but again, some basses even with Flatbacks that seem to heavy feel like the sound is held back. Some Roundbacks with softer wood seem deeper and more of a spread sound then the harder Backs that have more punch or long range penetration.

There are so many variables here so I will step aside here as this is just my experience from the basses I mainly use and have owned. That's a lot of basses actually in comparison but still, it's something I've noticed.