Bass kits? Suggestions?

Howdy.

Long, long time ago, I remember seeing this guy rock out this bass that had a telecaster style body. Basically looked almost like a P bass but was only a single cutaway.

I've wanted one ever since.

So, been considering buying a kit, but everyone I know that's bought one that didn't cost them an arm said they were very unhappy with the neck, the quality of the frets, and just generally felt that it was sub standard work. The body, however, was sturdy.

I don't know anything about wiring pickups, so I'll have to get advice from a buddy of mine.

But, what I'm curious about is, would it be a good or bad idea to simply find a cheap bass at a pawn shop that has a decent neck, frets, and feels good, and to simply use that neck instead of buying one from a source that may not be reliable?

While I'm on the subject, are there any do's or don'ts that you would suggest I keep in mind?

Or are there any relatively affordable luthiers that you could recommend? I found one about a year ago and spoke with him. He had several pictures of what I wanted, but maybe I didn't offer him enough cash, cause he never got back to me.

EDIT

Whoops. Didn't see the Luthier's Corner. Apologies.

 

I actually just got an eMail letting me know that G&L have a single cutaway Tele style bass!

EDIT

At the cost of 1500$

!!!