Am I crazy???

[JKB1957]

If you don't mind spending the money on a custom made bass, with the knowledge that there's very little chance you will get that money back I say do what you want. If you want the best of both worlds go with Midak's suggestion and go with a Fender Custom shop bass. You have a dilemma, but it's a good dilemma. Have fun and keep the groove.

 

[AdamK]

Well that's sort of like my situation. I know that I love P-basses, but there happens to be one bass which is the one and only I own now that is P-like, gives the sound I love, and looks really freakin' sweet. The Epihone Jack Casady. But, I am currently in the market for a Fender P now as a bass to replace it as primary.

 

[twinjet]

P bass?

Actually, the question was if he (OP) was crazy.

And no, OP, all these G&L, Lakland, and Ric basses are lovely. But I have reached a point where a custom bass is necessary. I feel ya on the desire for an original.

 

[firechariot]

"BUURRRRP" (pats belly)
Whew.....now I'm full.

 

[Bajo Clarkko]

I'm with the other TBers who believe you should put together your own parts Bass. Warmoth, USA Custom Guitars, whatever.
It will likely be a bit cheaper, but more importantly, you have the satisfaction of having done it yourself. I still have the Warmoth J Bass my buddy and I put together back in '91. She's a keeper. Amazing Bass.

 

[boristhespider9]

Within the last year-and-a-half I have gone from four basses to one (for the time being)...

I've parted ways with my Epiphone Elite Thunderbird, my Rickenbacker 4001v63, and most recently my Fender AVRI Sonic Blue '63 Precision.

I'm currently left with my CIJ '62 P-Bass; which is a fantastically built bass, and sounds sweet.

Here's my thing...

I recently got it in my head that I'm tired of playing "run-of-the-mill" basses; meaning the same P-Bass that thousands of other players have. I want to play something unique... my own "signature" model. But, that's quite the conundrum when your bass of choice is the Fender Precision.

Oh... and that reminds me... that's the other thing I forgot to mention... I'm just a P-Bass guy. After so many years and so many basses... this is where I've arrived.

I loved my past Rics and T-Bird... and, my JPJ inspired Jazz Bass was my mainstay for years. But, in the end, I've realized that the P-Bass is where I belong. So, it's a bit of a problem if you want instruments that stand out from the crowd, but you can't see yourself playing anything other than a Precision Bass.

With all of that said, I recently ordered a custom built P-Bass from a small builder; and it's awesome... a thing of beauty... and now I've got the bug! I want to commission another build! Is this crazy? Is it crazy to only want to play custom builds and end the cycle of flipping my basses? ...because it occurs to me; these instruments, awesome (to me, anyway) and rare as they are, will never be flipped for what was paid for them. These will be my basses till I die. The ones that go to my boy when I'm gone... and, actually, I think that's kinda cool.

What do you think... am I crazy to bail on the Fender made instrument for my own "signature" basses? Do you think it's a mistake? ...a sign of maturity? ...a mid-life crisis?!?!?

How about a middle ground...try the Fender American Design Experience P-Bass...your specs and build...and get the custom message option on the neck plate to put the "personal" element on it. That way you get the "genuine" Fender P to your specs and it's got a special touch that's all yours. The neck plate message could be something that your kid will really think is cool. Here's mine:

Ending the cycle of flipping basses is not crazy by the way. Not ending it is crazy.

 

[Bajo Clarkko]

How about a middle ground...try the Fender American Design Experience P-Bass...your specs and build...and get the custom message option on the neck plate to put the "personal" element on it. That way you get the "genuine" Fender P to your specs and it's got a special touch that's all yours. The neck plate message could be something that your kid will really think is cool. Here's mine:

Ending the cycle of flipping basses is not crazy by the way. Not ending it is crazy.

You seem to have nailed the perfect Trifecta: It's a P Bass, Tort, and it's Blonde!

 

[Son of Wobble]

^^^^^^
Gorgeous!

 

[boristhespider9]

You seem to have nailed the perfect Trifecta: It's a P Bass, Tort, and it's Blonde!

Thanks. Note that it's also an American Standard Jazz neck (with genuine Precision logo). It's Trans Blonde on Ash with the 63' pickups. Probably 8 Lbs or slightly under. Straight from the Fender factory and a lot less than a Custom Shop.

 

[Bajo Clarkko]

Thanks. Note that it's also an American Standard Jazz neck (with genuine Precision logo). It's Trans Blonde on Ash with the 63' pickups. Probably 8 Lbs or slightly under. Straight from the Fender factory and a lot less than a Custom Shop.

Well, the wood grain is spectacular, it has a Jazz Bass width neck, AND it weighs in at 8 lbs?
Looks as if you managed to score a 2nd Trifecta, as well! Nice...

 

[Gbass75]

Here's more of the one that's coming...

 

[JimmyM]

Hey, have fun. That's all I can tell you.

 

[Metalbasspro]

I was once playing professionally, but an injury caused me to stop; and that's about 16 years ago. I think I've not totally be able to let go of my obsession with the gear!

I have bought more then my share of expensive gear but I stop myself at pricy basses. Still want a USA custom Jackson and a Steve Harris Signature bass but like my dad used to ask me how's it feel to want? LOL

At least with the bass gear I have mostly bought used.

 

[FlatwoundFunk]

Seems like you understand yourself, so I will refrain from offering a prescription.

There's a fellow here on TB who traded a bunch of Fender CS basses for an original 59 Precision, his DREAM BASS -- perhaps you saw his thread? I was rather dismayed to see him back posting a week later, the shipping tape still not cold on the box the 59 arrived in, and he's already obsessed with his new deal on a Ric (or whatever it was). I thought his example illustrative of the way one can use shopping as a distraction from the deeper questions (even a relatively simple one, like, what song should I write now that I have this superior music-making tool?).

Man that's deep.

Thanks. Note that it's also an American Standard Jazz neck (with genuine Precision logo). It's Trans Blonde on Ash with the 63' pickups. Probably 8 Lbs or slightly under. Straight from the Fender factory and a lot less than a Custom Shop.

Never knew this existed. Thanks for that. I'll look that up.
FF

 

[Gbass75]

Pics or it didn't happen.

I think it is quite sane to find or fund the building of the best specimen(s) of basses that 'work' for you. I've spent a good chunk of change doing it, but ended up with three of the most perfect (for me) basses on the planet. This approach saves time & money as it completely killed GAS. A resounding NO - you are not crazy!

No pics=No sympathy

Well... here's the bass that I got in the end! The previous pics I'd posted in the thread were of the first build... which, in the end, weighed 11.3 lbs!!! I told the builder there was no way I was going to be able to play a bass that heavy for any extended period of time... and, to his credit, he said "well then, we'll just have to build you another!" And... he did!

It's everything I wanted... it's built beautifully, plays like a dream, perfect weight (9.4 lbs) and balance, and it's one of a kind! I think the only bass I'll ever GAS for is another one of these!!!

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and input!!!

 

[Midak]

Truly beautiful and unique! I hope you enjoy it for long, long time!