Bass Building Cost

[manbearpig97]

Hi all, sorry if this is in the wrong section, but as it's related to bass building, I felt this is the right spot. I've been looking for a new bass, and none of them are really within my price range and have what I want. How much do you find it really costs to build a bass to your exact desires? Would it be cheaper, ore more expensive than buying a bass that's exactly the same?
Thanks in advance

 

[HaMMerHeD]

In terms of parts and materials, it's relatively inexpensive. Should be under $1000 for just about anything within reason.

However...the real cost of building is in the tools and consumables (glue, sandpaper, finishing supplies, etc.). It gets very expensive very fast.

I put about $800 worth of parts and wood into my first build, and about twice that in tools and supplies.

 

[sharp8874]

well do you have all the necessary tools to build one in the first place? a good belt sander, router, table saw, and a jig saw? if yes then you could probably spend about $150 on basic wood like maple for a neck and basswood for a body. and then i find that the other parts usually cost about $250 or more(if you buy cheap or used parts) so in the long run yes it can be cheaper and is often more rewarding than going and buying a bass but on the downside it can take awhile and if you screw up you could end up with some weirdly glued boards.

hope this helps

 

[James Mobius]

I spent $200 on materials for my last build, a 2 string bass with one pickup, split into 2 actually, there was a savings! but I already have a workshop since I'm a carpenter. I have hundreds of dollars worth of gear in my shop, and over a decade of woodworking experience. if you have a buddy with a workshop, buy some band aids and get going! its profoundly satisfying to play an instrument you designed and built yourself.
come to think of it, I think $200 is what I originally spent on materials for the first bass I built back in 84, a fretless, originally a 4 string, now it's a five. and with upgrades it's material costs come to about $350 probably. however, time is money too, if I paid myself to build my last bass, I'd want about 2 grand for it based on hours put in at my carpentry rate. its a labour of love though.