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Bass Guitar Kits Under $500

christw

christw

Get low!
May 11, 2008
6,417
518
Dayton OH
Disclosures
THE MADDEST SCIENTIST
#1
So, these are what I know of:

Carvin - I have no doubt that these are quality. I have two Carvins and love 'em. It's just that I bought both of my basses for less than the cost of a kit. ;) ([Invalid or Expired Link Removed])
GFS (Guitar Fetish) - These are new and it's hard to find a review for them. I'm interested. (http://www.guitarfetish.com/Guitar-And-Bass-Kits_c_74.html)
Ed Roman - I haven't heard anything good or bad, just seen the kits mentioned. (http://www.edroman.com/parts/kits.htm)
Saga - I've heard a lot of bad things and a few good things. Seems like they're a crapshoot. Twice as much as their low cost competition. (http://www.sagamusic.com/catalog/products.aspx?CategoryID=4&FamilyID=2&BrandID=77)

So, what names do I not know? What should I know? I've built parts basses from scrappers before but I want to do a kit build for the fun of it. I'm willing to sacrifice some quality for cost, but not too much.

If it can't beat an SX that comes ready to play and the same cost, I don't want it. Suggestions?
 
#2
I built a custom made J bass to my specs for just over $500. I'd say it was comparable to a Japanese J that would be modded and wind up costing around $1500. No surprise, since most of the parts are MIJ Fender parts bought separately and the modding I did myself. You have ALLPARTS, endo, Warmoth, and of course, ebay. It wasn't hard at all and proves that there's no need to pay for someone else's carpentry hobby.
 
#4
How did I forget Warmoth! Duh!

I recall seeing Grizzly mentioned, I just couldn't seem to find the kit on their webpage...

Thanks guys. Just trying to figure out what I want to do. :D
 
#8
I'm not sure you could, without scrimping too much on hardware, build a bass from warmoth stuff for 500 or less - the lowest for the body is like 155 I think, and for a neck I think was 160. That makes up about 315, not leaving too much for pickguard, tuners, pickups, screws, tuners, strap buttons, strings, and finishing supplies. I think in terms of pure quality of parts and fittings you're best bet is with either warmoth or carvin. since you want cheap, it'd be either the Guitarfetish, and risk it, or just get a saga.
 
#9
christw said:
If it can't beat an SX that comes ready to play and the same cost, I don't want it. Suggestions?
Click to expand...

Buy an SX, take it apart and put it back together?

Oh, the same cost...

Buy 3 SXs, take them apart and put them back together?

On a serious note:
If you want a project bass, get an SX and upgrade it extensively. It sounds like you have ~$500 to spend, which will allow you to do an extensive upgrade, which could include: a complete re-wire with new pots and jack, shielding, new pickups, high mass bridge, and maybe even have some left over for a light weight tuning key replacement. You could throw on a tort guard for looks, if that's your thing.
 
#10
Originally Posted by christw
If it can't beat an SX that comes ready to play and the same cost, I don't want it. Suggestions?
Click to expand...

The point to building your own instrument is not that you're going to get the bass for cheaper than a mass-production facility will make it. Just that you're paying retail on parts and the factory pays wholesale on them will prevent that happening. The point to building your own instrument... is to build your own instrument.
 
#11
hrodbert696 said:
The point to building your own instrument is not that you're going to get the bass for cheaper than a mass-production facility will make it. Just that you're paying retail on parts and the factory pays wholesale on them will prevent that happening. The point to building your own instrument... is to build your own instrument.
Click to expand...

I just don't like this part of it. I want to do it for fun but the idea of modding the crap out of an already there budget bass also appeals to me. Heh, maybe I should do both and stop being cheap?
 

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