Factory vs. Custom prices

[Pills Are Yummy]

Hey all,

Ever since I was a kid, I've had a serious case of GAS for either a Spector NS or a EURO 5LX. After exploring the luthiers corner and "wood porn" thread, I'm in love with the idea of a custom bass. Just wondering, could it possibly be cheaper to make something similar to a Spector, only more tailored to my liking, or to just buy the Spector and get over it. Just some hypothetical requirements that need to be met:

Hypothetical bass 1:
5 string
Maple neck
Neck through
Hazlab pre
EMG 40DC's
35' scale
Graphite fingerboard
Quality hardware
Cool body shape
Exotic top?? But I'm down with just a straight ahead paint job
Needs to be under $1700
Hypothetical bass 2:

4 string
35 scale
Maple neck
Neck through
Graphite fingerboard
Quality hardware
Any body shape BUT a p-bass
A cool headstock maybe?
EMG P/J's
Needs to be under $1200

I know I sound 1000 percent noobish right now, but I'm just wondering if its possible to one a bass meeting these requirements for a equal or lesser price than a Spector.

Thanks,

Pills

[JoeWPgh]

You're neck deep into voodoo. When you build your own bass, you have no idea how it turns out until it does. This is quite different than playing a bunch and picking the one you like best. For a Spector type bass, you'll largely be trailblazing your own path.
Also, as you get into it and apply so much thought and energy, you'll find yourself less willing to cut corners on hardware, electronics, etc. This adds up FAST.
I don't want to discourage you from rolling your own, as it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. But I would recommend you start with baby steps, should you decide to go there. Start with unfinished J bass parts. Learn to level and dress your own frets and apply a great finish. This is good stuff to have under your belt before attempting a neck through from scratch.

[pringlw]

Well you know "custom bass" is kind of like "custom painting" or "custom novel". It could be a masterpiece, or it could be garage. It also may or may not be your style.

Generally with custom instruments you get what you pay for and that usually means more $$$ than a factory instrument - again, unless its a POS or you get lucky enough to find the next Vinny Fodera that just getting started and hasn't made a name for himself yet.

[Pills Are Yummy]

Originally Posted by JoeWPgh

You're neck deep into voodoo. When you build your own bass, you have no idea how it turns out until it does. This is quite different than playing a bunch and picking the one you like best. For a Spector type bass, you'll largely be trailblazing your own path.
Also, as you get into it and apply so much thought and energy, you'll find yourself less willing to cut corners on hardware, electronics, etc. This adds up FAST.
I don't want to discourage you from rolling your own, as it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. But I would recommend you start with baby steps, should you decide to go there. Start with unfinished J bass parts. Learn to level and dress your own frets and apply a great finish. This is good stuff to have under your belt before attempting a neck through from scratch.

I meant have a custom builder doing it for me, but very helpful info, thanks

[phillybass101]

If you crave that spector tone and mojo, you will still want one even if you have a custom made for you. You should just get it over with and get yourself a very nice top of the line spector. Euro or USA according to your budget. You'll be happier sooner.

[WoodyG3]

Get what you really want instead of rolling the dice, IMO. Save up, sell stuff you don't need, and get the dream bass.