Tummy elbow contour

[adimanto]

hi there just ordered a balance k without contour,how much important is to have this contour on this body?anyone own a balance k without the contour?thank you!

[pierreyves]

possible to have picture ?

[lembic76450]

Alan,  
 Will it be a sharp or softened edge? Also, are you talking about one or two contours, tummy and/or elbow?
 This might be a little off the mark, but, the best answer may come from one of our 6 string brothers who have both a Strat and a Tele. Better yet, any Tele bass owners out there?

[lbpesq]

As a guitar player, I love the contour.  Not only is it more comfortable, but as an added bonus it helps to display the different body laminates.
 
Bill, tgo

[sonicus]

I have an Essence that has a slight tummy contour and it is very comfortable. I have a couple of Jazz Bass shape basses  ( not Alembic) that have both the tummy & elbow contour and they also are comfortable. I am planing an Alembic Custom in my mind that might have both the tummy&elbow as well .

[bassman10096]

I've generally found contoured bodies more comfortable and easier to keep in a good playing position.  If the body edge will have a small radius (like a tele guitar body might), going without contours can be very uncomfortable.  My Brown Bass is not contoured, but the nature curve of the body and the relatively rounded edge radius makes this pretty much a nonissue.  As Bill pointed out, contours do show off those pretty body laminates in a dramatic way.  Any reason you decided against contours?

[poor_nigel]

In retail speak, there are 200 reasons not to order a bass with optional tummy contour, and 400 reasons for not having tummy and elbow contours.  A small price compared to the bass as a whole, and the added benefits of the contours, in my opinion.  My Europa would be noticably less comfortable to play (especially sitting down) without both contours, and it would not be as snazzy looking.  Either of these reasons are worth the price to me.