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Assembling a Warmoth bass?

tranceFusion

tranceFusion

Supporting Member
May 15, 2008
1,130
109
Frederick, MD
#1
I am considering buying a finished neck and body from Warmoth so I can build exactly the bass I want. My initial estimate is that it will cost in the same ballpark as a used MIA Fender, but that it will have the exactly hardware/electronics that I want so I will save money on not having to replace anything.

How will the quality of this resulting bass compare to an MIA Fender? Is the fretwork, nut installation, finish, etc. from Warmoth up to par with an MIA Fender?

Is there anything I wouldn't be able to do myself? Like issues with the neck fitting well, etc.? I can solder, use basic tools, and follow instructions, but thats about it.

Any thoughts, suggestions, etc. are appreciated.
 
#2
from what i've read you can expect the parts to be a pretty high quality, though the necks are said to be heavy. A lot of people opt for USA Custom Guitars' necks due to the more manageable weight. I don't have hands on experience, just some collected knowledge since this is a subject i'm always interested in too.

From all that I can tell though, so long as you assemble everything proplerly and set it up well, you'll probably get a helluva bass out of it. The major downside is that resale is pretty abysmal on these things, so I hope you're planning to keep your hand-constructed new bass-baby.
 
#3
I've never assembled one that was both Warmoth body and neck, but I would assume that the 2 pieces for together without any modifications. My current parts bass is a Warmoth body and Allparts neck, and I had to do some trimming of the neck pocket (very slowly and carefully with a proper file) to get the fit right. It wasn't a big deal for me, but just one more task to accomplish during the build-up. The only thing I didn't do myself was slot, shape, and install the nut. I had a local shop that I trust take care of that item for me. The end result was an amazingly nice instrument that plays very nicely and absolutely sings. All told, I'm in for over $1000 in it, but the body itself was more than 1/3 of that.
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#6
I just put together a Jazz using a Warmoth neck and body. I bought them both from eBay. They went together beautifully. The neck is very heavy, but it sounds great. I don't know what kind of wood it is (it's a dark reddish brown).

Before that, I put together a Warmoth Strat (walnut body & all maple neck). The body I got directly from Warmoth, and the neck from eBay. These were also a perfect fit.

I have about four Warmoth necks, but I got them all used. So I really can't comment on the fret-work from the factory. All the ones I own have great frets. Of course I don't know what kind of work the previous owners did.

After you assemble your new Warmoth, a set-up from a good luthier will make it better than anything you can buy from Fender.

I know I'll probably never buy another Fender product again.
 
#8
tranceFusion said:
How will the quality of this resulting bass compare to an MIA Fender? Is the fretwork, nut installation, finish, etc. from Warmoth up to par with an MIA Fender?
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IMO it will blow the pants off a Fender. I haven't bought a pre-finished Warmoth body or neck but I'm told they do very good work in that department. I had them cut me a nut for my wenge neck and they did an excellent job. Their fret work is very good. They don't level the frets but my necks seem fine without it. My only complaint is that the fret ends on my wenge neck (which is my favourite) could be rounded a bit better, but the other necks are fine.

Is there anything I wouldn't be able to do myself? Like issues with the neck fitting well, etc.? I can solder, use basic tools, and follow instructions, but thats about it.
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You should be fine. I'm not particularly handy and my 3 Warmoths all play and sound great. Warmoth necks now have pre-drilled holes and fit nicely in the neck pocket.
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#12
Warmoth makes excellent stuff.The frets on my Warmoth were all perfectly level and didn't need any work.

The only thing was the nut slots weren't deep enough for my taste so I filed then down a bit with a dremel. Now it plays great with low action and no buzzes.
 
#13
I'm sure it will play just fine, as it comes from the factory. Of course, I've only ever had pre-owned Warmoth necks.

But, it will play even better after a nice set-up. Of course this is something you can do yourself.

Dan Erlewine's "The Guitar Player Repair Guide" will show you everything you need to know to get your instrument playing great. Amazon Link
 
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#17
If it were me I'd opt for a Warmoth body and an Allparts or Fender neck, both of which can be found on evilBay for relatively cheap if your timing is right.

And Eric, that is gorgeous! If it plays half as good as it looks then you've got a killer! :hyper:
 
#19
SoonerMatt said:
If it were me I'd opt for a Warmoth body and an Allparts or Fender neck, both of which can be found on evilBay for relatively cheap if your timing is right.

And Eric, that is gorgeous! If it plays half as good as it looks then you've got a killer! :hyper:
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Thanks! It's a great player, for sure. Although I'm generally more of a P-bass guy, my parts-J is just lovely.
 

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