The Last One

Brent Norton · #1 09-06-2006, 01:45 PM

A while back, I'd mentioned we were working on a custom bass that was to feature all hand-mage cocobolo fittings. Alas, it's finally done, and though it doesn't sport the highest serial number of my customs, it is the last one I will work on. I know at least a couple of you were interested in seeing how it'd turn out, so have a look:

http://www.nortoncustoms.com/mini_galleries/vlad.htm

Also, here's a page used to update the client (commentary removed) but gives you a basic idea of the bass' journey from setup to completion (sorry, don't have the nitty-gritty fabrication pics)...

http://www.nortoncustoms.com/client_pages/zacula.htm

hdiddy · #2 09-06-2006, 02:46 PM

Holy cow! I wish my Chrissy Bussetto looked like that! But then again, I prob don't cuz I'm such a clutz and I'd cry every time I banged it up against something. Beautiful job tho Brent. Those pegs are killer and the gothic/sinister f-holes remind me of WARMBOTTOCK's Bohmann. We'll definitely miss seeing more of your beautiful work. Hopefully you'll be doing little things on the side and showing us, yes?

ZuluFunk · #3 09-06-2006, 06:52 PM

Sweet Fancy Moses!!!

Jake deVilliers · #4 09-06-2006, 07:52 PM

That's a beautiful bass Brent!

Jake

Tritonis · #5 09-06-2006, 08:31 PM

Wow, I usually don't care for Busettos that much, but that one is undeniably beautiful. Great work.

5stringDNA · #6 09-06-2006, 10:36 PM

Sweet stuff- thanks for posting that Brent! Love the busetto!! Still bummed that I waited to long to order.. haha.

nicklloyd · #7 09-06-2006, 10:40 PM

Beautiful shading... great job, man.

Paul Warburton · #8 09-07-2006, 04:04 AM

Brent...my Man! I happen to have some PM communication with this basses owner.....Do you consider this your Masterpiece? A couple questions....what's with the false nut? What's with the singe hole below the F's?
As Nnick says, the shading is beautiful, and it's very clever, the way you had the Vienese style tuning plates done!!!

Wil de Sola · #9 09-07-2006, 08:49 AM

Brent,

Beautiful work. I love the shading. My hat's off to you for your artistry.

Please don't leave us.

Wil

Brent Norton · #10 09-07-2006, 09:07 AM

Thanks for the compliments on the finish, guys. I had a few tips for the ground from Nick that really helped pop the grain under the spirit.

Paul, the false nut and movement of the bridge and soundpost were to achieve a 40" string length, at the client's request. Everything else as well, including the "feel" of the cheek plates, the satellite soundholes, the hat pegs, etc. were also the client's ideas; he basically approached me with an overall look already in mind, though we made minor adjustments here and there as not to have elements fighting each other, and not to have the overall look go over the top.

Wil, 5string, Tritonis, Jake, Zulu and Diddy: Thanks for the kind words, guys.

**Chris Fitzgerald** · #11 09-07-2006, 10:14 AM

[drescher]Goo-uh-juss. Absolutely goouhjuss![/drescher]

Andy Allen · #12 09-07-2006, 10:46 AM

Beautiful!

Although the pointy hatpeg tuners wouldn't work for me. Whenever I've tried a bass with hatpegs I've banged my head on them as I played. With that bass I'd have holes in my head, and I need that like I need a hol.....oh......nevermind.

I hope you get to do more of this work - perhaps part-time in the future. Otherwise it's such a waste of outstanding talent.

Andy

**Chris Fitzgerald** · #13 09-07-2006, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by airbass

I hope you get to do more of this work - perhaps part-time in the future. Otherwise it's such a waste of outstanding talent.

Seconded.

James Hart · #14 09-07-2006, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Fitzgerald

Seconded.

Thirded

Amazing work as always!

bribass · #15 09-07-2006, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Fitzgerald

[drescher]Goo-uh-juss. Absolutely goouhjuss![/drescher]

It is a masterful execution of theme. "like buttah"

Congrats, bri

Bob Branstetter · #16 09-07-2006, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by airbass

Beautiful!

Although the pointy hatpeg tuners wouldn't work for me. Whenever I've tried a bass with hatpegs I've banged my head on them as I played. With that bass I'd have holes in my head, and I need that like I need a hol.....oh......nevermind.

I hope you get to do more of this work - perhaps part-time in the future. Otherwise it's such a waste of outstanding talent.

Andy

There are lots of things to like about that bass, and from an artistic standpoint, the hat pegs are beautiful. However, the points on the hatpegs and the sharp points on the metal plates extending in front of the peg box worry me. I don't like idea of anything sharp or pointed at eye level. It is an accident waiting to happen.

And - I Fourth that!

jfv · #17 09-07-2006, 12:51 PM

With a piece of art like this its a crime that you
should do no more Brent. Its just too beautiful
for words. BRAVO!

hdiddy · #18 09-07-2006, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Branstetter

However, the points on the hatpegs and the sharp points on the metal plates extending in front of the peg box worry me. I don't like idea of anything sharp or pointed at eye level. It is an accident waiting to happen.

Uhhh.... Maybe that's why it was named "The Impaler".

Ale · #19 09-07-2006, 01:47 PM

Very nice Brent....
What a beautiful fretboard ..

5stringDNA · #20 09-07-2006, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hdiddy

Uhhh.... Maybe that's why it was named "The Impaler".

Haha.. that may be closer to the truth than we know. Those pointy hat pegs could be lethal indeed.

The f-holes are just wicked... I love unique f-hole designs.

+4 on the loss of talent thing.. it would really be a shame as Brent's ability to execute great themes is true artistry.