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A few detail problems with custom bass, what would you do?

lordradish

lordradish

Supporting Member
Jul 20, 2006
4,523
8,769
Vermont
#1
Not sharing many details here as I still have to discuss with the luthier, but just got my custom today...
Side and fingerboard dots aren't a straight line (it's fretless, and also has the tiny dots on the FB like an F Bass).
Pickup is not centered with neck (pole pieces aren't centered under strings, obv), and I did measure, it's almost an 1/8" off the centerline of the neck.
The carve of the butt is not very smooth, and thus, the veneer layer doesn't look great and straight.

I didn't see a return policy (obv it's custom), just something about defects in workmanship. He did everything to my specs, but not at an acceptable level of quality. I'm kinda surprised, as I've heard lots of good things about this particular guy. The guy's been great to work with, I don't want to insult him, but these aren't little cosmetic things... I can see it every time I play the bass. Thing sounds and plays great, but for a 2.8k bass, I feel like this is disappointing . If this were a 1000 dollar bass, I wouldn't be so disappointed.

Is this being too nitpicky? Anyone ever get a custom and not happy with some element? How did you make it right? I've been so happy with all my other customs that cost about the same with none of these issues, so I just don't know what to think. I'm going to get in touch with him tomorrow and want to approach it respectfully and clear-headed.

Any suggestions?
(Update - I played the bass for about three or four hours tonight. It does sound and play really good. Just wondering whether to not worry about it.)
 
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#5
I recently had a custom bass uke made for only $850 by a new person, which is the same amount as I've paid for other custom bass ukes by two other people. This one did not come up to par of the others, first, the bridge was not positioned properly, too far to the tail, the headstock had no break at all, it is exactly level with the fretboard, the binding did not sit smoothly all the way around, the finish had small bubbles. He didn't pack it very well because the strap button on the tail was pushed in, must have hit something. I took it to my luthier, who repositioned the bridge and fixed the strap button, but all else he could was was add a string tree bar to hold down the strings. With those fixes, it's fine, but since then I had another bass uke made by one of my previous guys that came out great for $850.
 
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#6
Most of my instruments are customs and it most often took several people and several tries to get them perfect, refine ideas, correct imperfections and stuff.
However I tend to start with inexpensive projects. Less than 2000 isn't that much for a custom bass. Now I agree with OP that a 2.8k bass ought to be very well finished and receive great attention to details.
 
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#7
Do you have prior experience with the luthier's work, or is this your first time playing one of his instruments? I ask because I wonder if this lack of attention to detail is something that runs throughout his work.

Anecdote:
I find that a good productive relationship with a luthier is best established by having some experience and familiarity with the that luthier's work. Often they will gladly loan an instrument to test the waters if that means they end up with a dedicated customer. I have three Skjold basses, my first being a 2006 model that I used as my only bass for almost a decade. I was beyond comfortable on that bass and over time I got to try other newer models such that I developed a pretty good idea of the quality, feel, and in some cases idiosyncrasies of Pete's instruments overall. When finances finally allowed, I commissioned a new build to celebrate a decade of playing Skjold exclusively, and it ended up far exceeded my every expectation. When Pete and I worked out a second build that began nonchalantly through nothing more than impromptu texts and phone calls and a single piece of incredible Katalox, I knew exactly what to expect and actually let him pick everything as he knew my preferences and I trusted his judgement. I can't imagine being as laid back about this kind of decision and allocation of funds if I didn't feel confident in what I would be getting.
 
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#9
That's a lot of coin to be left feeling any less than totally ecstatic.

Talk it through and see what your options are.

Personally, I'd want symmetricity and near perfection for that kinda cash but if it's a custom builder without CNC machines, there will always be degrees of tolerances.
 
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#13
No matter what, you will need to discuss these issues with him. He needs to know. Very curious to hear what he has to say.

That said, he either didn't see these issues or didn't see them as issues. I received a bass in trade from a well known builder. Similar price range to yours. It played and sounded great but the build was sloppy. I couldn't live with it. Many people seem to be able to live with it.
 
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#16
Mr. Jiggy Fly said:
Do you have prior experience with the luthier's work, or is this your first time playing one of his instruments? I ask because I wonder if this lack of attention to detail is something that runs throughout his work.

Anecdote:
I find that a good productive relationship with a luthier is best established by having some experience and familiarity with the that luthier's work. Often they will gladly loan an instrument to test the waters if that means they end up with a dedicated customer. I have three Skjold basses, my first being a 2006 model that I used as my only bass for almost a decade. I was beyond comfortable on that bass and over time I got to try other newer models such that I developed a pretty good idea of the quality, feel, and in some cases idiosyncrasies of Pete's instruments overall. When finances finally allowed, I commissioned a new build to celebrate a decade of playing Skjold exclusively, and it ended up far exceeded my every expectation. When Pete and I worked out a second build that began nonchalantly through nothing more than impromptu texts and phone calls and a single piece of incredible Katalox, I knew exactly what to expect and actually let him pick everything as he knew my preferences and I trusted his judgement. I can't imagine being as laid back about this kind of decision and allocation of funds if I didn't feel confident in what I would be getting.
Click to expand...
I don't, unfortunately, and I've read some really good reviews from many people.
 
#19
I'd have to see the pics to see HOW BAD it is. But if it bothers you now, it'll probably always be a slight disappointment. Not what you'd expect for a custom order. I imagine that I would be upset and I know that I'd always know/see those flaws. I'd have to call him up and ask for a repair or refund. I cannot accept a bass in my collection with these issues. Leave your emotions out of the conversation, just be professional and state facts. Hopefully, he'll respond in the same fashion. But be of the mindset that you are willing to return it and walk away from it.
 

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