Single Cutaway vs Double Cutaway Basses: Which Fits?

What are single and double cutaway basses?

A cutaway is the notch carved into the upper part of the bass body, near the neck joint. On a single cutaway bass, there is one notch on the treble side, which allows your hand to reach higher frets more easily than on a non-cutaway instrument. A double cutaway adds a second notch on the bass side as well, creating a symmetrical shape that often extends the upper bout further into the neck area. For a broader look at how cutaways affect playability on any instrument, see our article on single versus double cutaway guitars.

Guitar makers like Martin point out that body shape and size directly affect volume, tone, and how the instrument responds to the player. Although Martin's guide focuses on acoustic guitars, the same principle applies to electric basses: the silhouette influences ergonomics and weight distribution, and even the resonance of the body can change slightly as mass is removed.

Both styles have been used extensively since the 1960s. Many classic funk and rock basses use a single cutaway, while modern jazz and solo-focused models often feature a double cutaway. Your choice should depend on where your fretting hand spends most of its time and how the instrument hangs on a strap.

• Single cutaway: one notch on the treble side, often a larger lower bout, classic look.
• Double cutaway: two notches, more symmetrical silhouette, often allows thumb to reach lower frets.
• Cutaway shape does not change the string scale or pickup positioning, but it does affect how the neck pocket is shaped.

Upper fret access

The main reason players choose a double cutaway is the easier access to the upper frets. Because the notch on the back side of the body is deeper, your thumb can slide up behind the neck without hitting the body. On a single cutaway, that thumb may be blocked at about the 14th or 15th fret depending on the body thickness and heel shape. Compare models with extended access in our best 4-string bass guide.

This is especially important for bass lines that move above the 12th fret. If you play chords, melodies, or solo sections above that register, a double cutaway keeps your hand in a more natural position. It also reduces strain when you shift quickly from low to high notes.

That said, many single cutaway basses have a contoured heel or a smooth neck joint that offsets the lack of a second notch. Some players find they can reach just as high with a single cutaway if the heel is well sculpted. Try both while sitting and standing to see what feels comfortable for your hand size and playing style.

• Double cutaway: thumb can ride on the back of the neck up to the 17th–19th fret on many models.
• Single cutaway: access typically stops around the 14th–16th fret unless the heel is slim.
• Your thumb position and wrist angle may matter more than the cutaway geometry itself.

Balance and neck dive

Balance refers to how the bass sits when you play it with a strap. A body-heavy design may cause the neck to tilt upward (neck dive), which forces your fretting hand to support the instrument. A well-balanced bass stays where you put it, freeing your hands for playing. For a deeper look at strap balance, see our guide on neck dive and balance.

Double cutaway basses often have a more symmetrical distribution of mass because the extra horn adds wood on the upper side, which can counterbalance the neck. This is not a universal rule: some single cutaway basses use dense woods or a thicker lower bout to shift weight downward, while some double cutaway models still dive if the neck is heavy or the body is thin.

Body wood plays a big role here. Denser woods like ash or maple add weight, while lighter woods like basswood or poplar keep the instrument light. As Martin's wood guide explains, denser back and sides produce a more focused sound with longer sustain, but they also add heft. When you shop, look at the overall weight rating and try the bass on a strap to feel how it hangs.

Body resonance and tone

Cutaways remove a small amount of wood from the upper bout, which can slightly change where the body resonates. However, the effect is subtle compared to the top wood, bracing, and overall construction. Martin's guides emphasize that the top and back–sides materials shape the voice of an acoustic guitar; the same materials matter for electric basses, whether the body is solid or hollow. Learn more about tonewoods and their sound.

In a solid-body electric bass, the pickups and strings produce the electrical signal, and the body wood shapes the acoustic character that the pickups sense. A denser wood like mahogany may add warmth and sustain, while a lighter wood like alder gives a more balanced, clear response. The cutaway itself removes maybe 10–15% of the upper bout area, but the effect on the resonant peaks is often noticeable only in the way high-frequency sparkle is diffused.

For a hollow or semi-hollow bass, the cutaway can affect the air chamber and feedback characteristics. A double cutaway might reduce the air volume slightly, making the instrument a bit less boomy but more controlled at high volumes. If you play jazz or rockabilly with a hollowbody, try both styles to hear how the cutaway alters the feedback threshold.

How to choose

Start with the music you play most. If you are a bassist who stays in the lower registers and plays mostly root notes, a single cutaway is perfectly adequate and offers a classic, balanced look. If you like to add melodic fills above the 12th fret, a double cutaway will give you the ergonomic freedom to move.

Consider your stage and studio setup. A heavier double cutaway may be less comfortable for a three-hour gig. The balance and weight are as important as the cutaway shape itself. Use the best bass guitar guide to compare overall weight and materials across models, and check our best 5-string bass guide if you need that extra low string.

Finally, trust your hands. Play each type while sitting and standing, run your fingers up the neck, and notice where your thumb hits the body. The right choice is the one that feels natural and lets you play without tension.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Does a single cutaway bass have less upper fret access than a double cutaway?

Generally yes, because the extra notch on the bass side lets your thumb slide higher. But a well-contoured heel on a single cutaway can sometimes offer nearly the same access.

Which cutaway style is better for neck dive?

Double cutaway basses usually have a more symmetrical weight distribution, which reduces the chance of neck dive. However, the overall weight of the body and the wood choices still matter a lot. See our guide on neck dive for more tips.

Do double cutaway basses sound brighter?

Removing more wood from the upper bout can reduce the low-frequency emphasis slightly, but the effect is subtle. The pickups, wood type, and amp settings have a much larger impact on the final tone.

Can I play slap bass on a single cutaway?

Yes. Slap bass usually stays below the 12th fret, so the cutaway makes little difference. If you also play chords higher up, a double cutaway helps.

Are there solid-body double cutaway basses that are heavy?

Yes, some double cutaway models use dense woods like ash or maple and can be quite heavy. Check the weight spec and always try the instrument on a strap. Compare lightweight options in our best 4-string bass guide.

Does the cutaway affect pickup placement?

The cutaway determines the shape of the upper bout, but pickups are usually mounted in the middle or lower bout, so placement is unaffected by whether you have one or two cutaways.