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Am I crazy???

#21
I totally get where you're coming from. I purposely avoided Fender for almost 22 years because everybody played them and they all looked the same. Got a ridiculous deal on a Lakland DJ5 (which is killer) about 6 yeaars ago and the passive jazz thing started to get it's hooks in me. I have since converted over to all Jazz basses. Problem for me.....I want mine to be unique and Fender makes like 4 colors unless you want to spend ridiculous money. I went through several Jazz basses and finally found a good deal on a used Custom Shop Jazz. I upgraded the pickups and pre and I finally have a bass that truly feels like home to me (doesn't hurt that it plays extremely well either). It's custom color (bing cherry), shell inlays, vintage PG, custom pickups (aero JB type 1) and custom pre (Nordstrand 3B-4A) are very different than anything I've seen out there - or at least that's what I'm telling myself.

The important thing is that you're playing a bass that you enjoy. I have bought several basses that I just couldn't bond with and after a year of forcing myself to like it, I ended up moving them all along. If you know with certainty what you like, then you're miles ahead of most of us.
 
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#23
image.jpeg
I should clarify... the custom is not yet in my hands... It's awesome based on pics and sound samples... Here are some pics I've posted before...
 
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#29
Gbass75 said:
...seeing my vision realized has made me want more!!!

Maybe I just need to learn how to build my own.
Now THAT sounds mid-life crisis-ey!!!
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A big yes. It is not that difficult, and a lot less expensive. I build my '51P clone for under $700, and that was all made in US and/or Fender parts, with a good pup. Of course, I did all the wood finishing myself, but still not that tough. Talk to your local shop. Hopefully there is someone there who can help you out if you have issues (he's got to be paid for his time, but good for both of you).
 
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#30
The only difficult part about building a parts bass is the finish, which is no issue if you are buying a pre-finished body. If you like clear or stained finishes, and want to try your hand, I'd suggest Watco Danish oil or Tru-Oil wipe-on finish. It's absurdly easy to get a nice looking finish with zero experience. Watco only ever gets to a satin finish, Tru-Oil gets glossier the more you put on. Be warned! Building parts basses is addictive, and can only lead to that dreaded hobby: Amateur Luthiery!
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#34
FlatwoundFunk said:
Man that's sexy!!! Who's your builder? That thang is sex-eee. Did I say that already?
FF
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It's built by Gareth Ishmael of Slab66 fame (Link Removed).

It has been an amazing experience... Gaz is very attentive, and is truly passionate about his craft. I have absolutely no regrets about choosing him, and would totally have him build another! ...and, I may, indeed!!! :woot::hyper::woot:
 
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#35
bassbenj said:
Amen. Good news is that custom P-bass is cheaper than the traditional little red sports car and WAY cheaper than the usual younger hot babes.
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The even better news is that the "usual younger hot babes" are, oftentimes, part of the P-bass package*.

*Provided you are not just sitting around, playing your bass in your parents' basement.
 
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#36
Gbass75 said:
It's built by Gareth Ishmael of Slab66 fame (Link Removed).

It has been an amazing experience... Gaz is very attentive, and is truly passionate about his craft. I have absolutely no regrets about choosing him, and would totally have him build another! ...and, I may, indeed!!! :woot::hyper::woot:
Click to expand...

Nah - is time to build (or try to build) on your own. Bolt on basses are not exactly rocket science.

Plus, you get to come up with your own logo. Think of the possibilities...
 
#37
buldog5151bass said:
Nah - is time to build (or try to build) on your own. Bolt on basses are not exactly rocket science.

Plus, you get to come up with your own logo. Think of the possibilities...
Click to expand...

Ooh... my own LOGO!!! You're RIGHT!!!

I think I know what parts I would assemble... I might opt to have the neck and body finished before finding their ways to me...

Is there such thing as a definitive manual on assembling ones own bass? On line tutorial?
 
#40
I totally get it. After struggling with trying to find the look I wanted, I started building my own, either by designing my own and buying from Warmoth or buying neck & body fender parts via Stratosphere. And now, it's pretty much all I want. Additionally, you can put in the pups and bridge you like. Have fun!
 

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