Seems to me that Basses 'speak' to me through their neck dimensions.
Anything too small and it just feels wrong to me.
It's not just about nut width either, the only Jazz bass I've retained is my 1975. Obviously it has the 1.5" nut, but having the U shape neck makes it feel substantial in the hand, so it works for me.
I've also got wider nut Basses, which have deep necks (Yamaha Attitudes), and shallower necks (Fender RW Precision).
Seems as long as the neck has enough wood, then I'm happy.