I have two to recommend. My work horse for the past 6 years is my MTD Andrew Gouche. Recently I purchased a New York Bass Works Reference Series 5. Top to bottom flawless in every way. Tone, playability, appearance, you name it, it's all there.
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Best Build Quality in your opinion
- Thread starter GeorgeBassPlay
- Start date
My Rob Allen MB-2 fretless is a work of art in koa. Exceptional quality overall. I'll add high marks for Ken Smith and a 1963 Gibson EB-2.
I don't recall having seen anyone in this thread quoting the Marleaux basses.
I own a Consat Custom 4 and it's an exceptionally well built instrument
Yet my Ken Smith BSR TSE4 Tiger Elite neckthrough
outstands among the basses i've seen.
I own a Consat Custom 4 and it's an exceptionally well built instrument
Yet my Ken Smith BSR TSE4 Tiger Elite neckthrough
I would say build quality speaks to consistent quality workmanship, top notch materials and attention to details like fit and finish. What particular brand or instrument works for each individual is a slightly nuanced but different subject.
A super reputable custom builder will scrap an instrument anywhere in the production if they detect a flaw or imperfection that can't be corrected. I believe Fodera has done this on occasion.
That should be the process for any high dollar build. I will say that the most expensive bass I've ever purchased and had built was my Last Warrior. It was supposed to be my dream bass and was almost a $6500 Build. I received it and let's just say I've had under $1000 basses that blowed it away as far as quality and build. I sent back 3 times to fix crazy mistakes and poor craftsmanship and each time was sent back in same condition. I finally washed my hands and eat a huge loss and sold my other Warriors. Don't get me wrong, I've had amazing Basses from them before that, but that experience made me sick.
Understandably so. I had a very nice Warrior 5 a few years ago but it was not a custom build.
But "the tone woods don't resonate quite like I anticipated" isn't a flaw or imperfection in a custom order instrument. A specific weird harmonic probably would be. Everyone has their parameters and no one is perfect.
When I hear about people's harrowing custom order incidents, it makes me think it's better to buy even though I like various uncommon specs (medium scale, narrow necks, etc.) Of course, it's entirely hypothetical to me at this point for financial reasons.
Anything Japanese these days is pretty spectacular build wise. Musicman has always been super consistent. I think American Fenders are as good and consistent as they've ever been. The new Pros, Elites, and American Originals are magic. When you get above a certain price point it's a toss up. A NYC Sadowsky is a perfectly built instrument but I'd argue that there are many Japanese builders that are every bit as good for half the price. I love Valenti's.
Chris Benavente is probably my favorite overall builder as a guy who can build the craziest hippie sandwich to a simple Fender style bass and everything is just spot on. Does his own finishing in house and nothing outsourced except pickups and hardware. Just a super talented guy.
Chris Benavente is probably my favorite overall builder as a guy who can build the craziest hippie sandwich to a simple Fender style bass and everything is just spot on. Does his own finishing in house and nothing outsourced except pickups and hardware. Just a super talented guy.
As far as tone woods and resonance; sometimes finding the right string, gauge, material and core type can make a big difference.
The attention to detail on my Ristola is incredible. Brian really did impeccable work. I hope one day he starts building basses again.
Of the basses I own, I also give high marks to:
Alembic
Mike Lull
Roscoe
EBMM
Of the basses I own, I also give high marks to:
Alembic
Mike Lull
Roscoe
EBMM
I owned a Ristola myself and they are incredible basses.
What is the definition of a "Builder"? It's a question I always wonder here when reading the forum.
I remember my dad telling my brother and I a long time ago "when you decide to sell something the first question you need to figure out is do you make it or buy it"
I only read part of this thread but I sew names for assemblers and manufacturers.
I remember my dad telling my brother and I a long time ago "when you decide to sell something the first question you need to figure out is do you make it or buy it"
I only read part of this thread but I sew names for assemblers and manufacturers.
I understand your question, Scott. Some companies subcontract their parts, then assemble them, while other companies manufacture the majority of their parts in-house.
I personally judge the quality a company's instrument in it's completed form. Tone, quality of construction, assembly, fit, finish, etc.
Like in the case of Alembic. I believe they do everything in-house, outside of tuning gears and strap locks. I believe Spector is similar with their U.S. handcrafted basses, although they do offer bridges manufactured by Hipshot as an option, and I believe they subcontract out their high gloss body/neck finishes.
As in the case of Mike Lull. He buys his parts from established companies, and has his bodies and necks finished by an outside company. He still does the final assembly which I believe involves skilled hands, to ensure proper neck to body fit, etc. The end result is really all that matters to me personally, and the Lull I own is literally flawless in these regards. It sounds fantastic and it's playability is incredible.
Thank you, Scott!
BTW, Kudos to you, and everyone at EBMM. IMHO EBMM's quality is second to none. I proudly own a 2000 or 2001 Sterling that's amongst the finest made and best sounding basses that I've ever owned or played.
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I just watched a David Segal vid because of your NYBW recommendation... wow. If you don't mind me asking, what's the price range on the reference series? They have no listings in their Reverb store.
I have to agree. My Rob Allen MB-2 five-string fretless is just superb.
stevieg
stevieg
