choosing a custom builder

[Josh Pelican]

I wish I could recommend Dan Atkinson.

There are two problems with me doing so. One is that he no longer does custom builds, the second is the fact it will turn into a huge **** storm.

[ezstep]

Lefty, of course. Stacked vol/tone knobs, passive, P/J Nordstrands, ebony f/b with dust pore-filled into body, which is mahogany, maple/carbon fiber neck, asymetrical body for added strength. Cavity pre-routed for additional pre-, pup covers for changing pup styles. This was the first bolt-on that he had produced, which is what I wanted. Great fit.

Skip is found here at TB, usually in the strings (Circle K), but he has an ancient, non-updated website at Knuckle Guitar Works.

EDIT: I perform twice monthly at two old theaters on the "Historical Sight" registry, and both soundmen love this bass. They actually run it flat with the lows rolled off just a touch. It records quite well.

[Art Araya]

Back in the day I had Jack Read create a custom body for my Modulus Q5 (The bass I'm playing in my avatar). I chose him for this work after observing him on a bass user group for a long period of time. He clearly demonstrated himself as a master of his craft, he was always very helpful, everyone raved about his work, etc... These were the factors that went into my choosing Jack for my job.

[Meatrus]

Originally Posted by phillybass101

I'll answer the OP's question without making any recommendations. Please remember this is for me. I choose to play on Brubakers. .

Is that not a recommendation?

[SoVeryTired]

Originally Posted by Meatrus

Is that not a recommendation?

I've been very careful to not give recommendations, as this thread would just turn into a list of everyone's favourite luthier. It doesn't take much detective work to find out though!

[lfmn16]

Originally Posted by SoVeryTired

I've been very careful to not give recommendations, as this thread would just turn into a list of everyone's favourite luthier.

I don't see anything wrong with that. If you can tell why you like your builder without running down someone else's, that will probably tell the OP what your criteria for choosing someone was.

[SoVeryTired]

Originally Posted by lfmn16

I don't see anything wrong with that. If you can tell why you like your builder without running down someone else's, that will probably tell the OP what your criteria for choosing someone was.

True, but it'd end up as a list of 100 custom builders that are all apparently equally brilliant, just like when someone asks 'what bass should I buy?'. The OP has asked a more intelligent question than many, seeking to understand the thought process rather than jumping to the end result.