Hi, does any one know any custom bass luthiers that won't charge you over $2000 for a 4-string bass? I'm looking to have a headless bass custom build for me but so far I think Tom Clement is my only option, his 4 string starts at $1450. Do you guys know any other luthiers that can make me a headless bass under $2000? Thank you so much!
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Bass Builders that won't you cost over $2000
- Thread starter Gare Boo
- Start date
Thanks, but the headless Frog bass starts at 1590 euros, it goes easily over my $2000 USD budget with additional options
godofthunder59
Life is short, buy the bass.
- Feb 19, 2006
- 9,060
- 38,448
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- Endorsing Cataldo Basses, Whirlwind products, Thunderbucker pickups
Depending on how your Luthier goes about building costs can vary greatly. Many custom basses are built from ordered parts and pre finished necks and bodies. Others shops build and finish in house. Some shops are one man operations others have numerous employees and overhead. Imho 2k is about entry level for a custom built bass. You get what you pay for, choose wisley.
Hey guys, I'm also open to used gears. Checked out some old American made Steinbergers but not really into that look and they're not quite cheap, either. The Hohner jack, imho, doesn't look quite integrated to me, it's like a bass with its head chopped off. Used Maru Frogs are also beyond my price range. The headless Bunker basses are great, but I just don't like them that much. The Washburn S1000 is rare, I gotta keep waiting until one pops out. The Tune Zi and Bacchus HL are cool but they are so rare here in the U.S.. I guess it's a sin to be picky with no money lol.
I think the Serek Midwestern II starts at around 1800. Even leaving out price as an issue, I’ve been looking at his instruments largely because he designs and winds his own pickups. Not everyone likes the styling, but that’s something I don’t care about. Also, his sound samples, of which there are more than a few on YouTube, are to my ear, compelling. Listening, I keep thinking that this guy could probably nail the sound of a Ric sans its problems. Check him out.
Depending on how wild you want to go with woods etc, Keith Holland can get you there
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I LOVE Serek basses and I think the design is so modern and beautiful. Do they make headless basses tho?
Custom headless? Welcome to my world. I think Kiesel is the only option within your price range. And they come with an issue. You can get them to build anything you want (that can go WELL over 2k, hell, it can go over 5k) but unless you get one of the Vader/Osiris/Zeus headless models using JUST the options on their online "Bass Builder" tool (there are a lot of them) you can't return it even if you hate it. And I've played some recent basses out in their showroom that were really awesome, and a couple that were really not, so you want that 10-day trial/return option.
Because they do have a track record of making occasional duds, I would not get something from them I could not return.
Call them. The phone sales guys have been super-helpful with me (they may be a bit pressed for time this time of year, so have your questions ready and use their time wisely). If you tell 'em up front that you want a bass you can return if you don't like it, they'll be able to help with that.
Because they do have a track record of making occasional duds, I would not get something from them I could not return.
Call them. The phone sales guys have been super-helpful with me (they may be a bit pressed for time this time of year, so have your questions ready and use their time wisely). If you tell 'em up front that you want a bass you can return if you don't like it, they'll be able to help with that.
This is super helpful and thanks a lot! Are they able to put any pickups I like into the bass or they only use their stock pups even it's a custom project?
They apparently can, but I think that's a $500 charge (as are quite a few of their super-custom options, woods like palemoon ebony, custom finishes, etc.) and you won't be able to return it if you don't like it.
Some of the folks who have them here have reported that Nordstrand Bart-sized pickups fit just fine. I would not take that as gospel. Kiesel's stock pickups are just a tiny bit smaller than Bart soapbars. So, they'll probably fit, but I wouldn't bet money on it.
I'll say this: their stock pickups are pretty damn good.
The Kiesel Vader, Osiris and Zeus are sure good - looking.... No idea how they play or sound, so it could be a shot in the dark to order one. As stated above, make sure the return policy is completely understood … good luck!!
I've had Mark Garza build me many basses over the years. Some of the best out there. Won't break the bank, either. He is the custom shop for Wilcox Lightwave, as well. I even have a model named after my initials because I ordered a few in different versions. - Mike
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