[quote name='drTStingray' timestamp='1413723133' post='2581195']
I have a brand new MM Sabre with a mahogany body and roasted maple neck. As it may be the only one in existence there's unlikely to be anyone to back up my view on the sound.
I'm told by gig listeners who are bass players it sounds very focussed (more so than the ash bodied variant), nicely bassy sounding, but still sounds recognisably Musicman. It has phenomenal sustain - probably the best of all my Musicman basses. I've also noticed it can be more bassy. And another thing, in a hot, sweaty gig, the neck gives off a fine maple syrup smell.
So yes, I believe the wood of both the neck and body makes more than an aesthetic difference.
Pete, you could email EBMM for details of your solid coloured MMs. However unless trans red, they're likely to be ash if post late 90s.
People always say good things about the 2003-2005 ish USA Sub Rays - these have poplar bodies. I have a 93 blueburst Ray which is either poplar or alder but most likely poplar. It sounds different from the ash bodied ones also. And particularly in the upper register.
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IF bodywood matters in this way, the finish and treatment of parts matter too. Your example can in no way be connected to solely the wood genus. You may believe what you want ofcourse, but feedback from punters at a live band situation on a limited run specimen is unscientific.
Cool to get positive comments on a collector's item like that though