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Best custom built basses?
- Thread starter Kristian
- Start date
Mike Kinal. Best bass for the $$$
Zon if you want fretless
Zon if you want fretless
i mean...
yeah, no one answer.
carvin/ kiesel is made to order, not exactly a true "custom," but if they fit your needs i recommend them. exceptional build quality, good prices.
fodera definitely exists, google and decide for yourself.
there are literally countless other excellent builders out there. my favorite that is still in buisiness is adamovic, expensive but impeccable.
yeah, no one answer.
carvin/ kiesel is made to order, not exactly a true "custom," but if they fit your needs i recommend them. exceptional build quality, good prices.
fodera definitely exists, google and decide for yourself.
there are literally countless other excellent builders out there. my favorite that is still in buisiness is adamovic, expensive but impeccable.
There are so many excellent luthiers out there, it's crazy.
I played a Devon bass once. Several years ago, back when Bass Specialties in Bensalem PA was a brick-and-mortar store, I was in the market for a good 5-string. The best one I played there was this preowned Devon 5-string on consignment for about $1600. That thing looked, felt, played, and sounded like a million bucks. I even had a twinge of "my meager skills are not worthy of such an exquisite instrument." However, it was about $600 more than I had to spend so I ended up going for a floor model Zon Mosaic Standard 5-string instead. The Zon was a fine instrument, but I wish I had splurged on that Devon. To me, that's the one bass that got away.
Along with the names others have mentioned, I've heard good things about Pete Skjold's work Home
Of course, there are some folks to avoid due to people having problems with very long build times and complete lack of communication. Bee basses (by luthier Fred Bolton) look incredible and players who have them think they're amazing, but I've heard that dealing with Fred is a nightmare.
I played a Devon bass once. Several years ago, back when Bass Specialties in Bensalem PA was a brick-and-mortar store, I was in the market for a good 5-string. The best one I played there was this preowned Devon 5-string on consignment for about $1600. That thing looked, felt, played, and sounded like a million bucks. I even had a twinge of "my meager skills are not worthy of such an exquisite instrument." However, it was about $600 more than I had to spend so I ended up going for a floor model Zon Mosaic Standard 5-string instead. The Zon was a fine instrument, but I wish I had splurged on that Devon. To me, that's the one bass that got away.
Along with the names others have mentioned, I've heard good things about Pete Skjold's work Home
Of course, there are some folks to avoid due to people having problems with very long build times and complete lack of communication. Bee basses (by luthier Fred Bolton) look incredible and players who have them think they're amazing, but I've heard that dealing with Fred is a nightmare.
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What a great time to be in the custom build market! In addition to those mentioned also check out LeCompte and Muckelroy for domestic options, Marleaux and Lairat for Euro. Luthiers Access Group and The Low End are great sources for pre-built custom basses.
...if you were slumming.
I had a Devon for a while. Bought it from Mr. Majestic when he got his Callowhill. Awesome bass. Sold it because I had too many 5-strings and it wasn’t getting enough play time. It was too good to just sit. Other customs I have had and would recommend the OP to check out would be Hanewinckel and Roscoe. I am, of course, very much partial to Alembic, but they are a tad bit pricey for a first custom
May as well start at the top.... [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
Here’s some of mine...
And a link to one that is close to what I would order if I were to order another.
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Be more specific. Which world?
Surprised no one has mentioned Maruszczyk yet. Not the most well known - I have ordered two and both showed up perfect, and they weren't savage priced. Well under $3k, and I got exactly what I wanted. Their online configurators might be the best out there, and Adrian was easy to work with, if not the best at communicating.
Here are some pics of my Hanewinckels. I only have the blue one now. Hannies can be ordered new from mid $2,000 - high $5,000 range, depending on how you option them. All of my Hannies were purchased used, but I wouldn’t hesitate to order new from Pete
I played a Beardly Customs recently at a guitar show that I won't soon forget.
Beardly Customs (weblog)
He has a couple available he is clearing out a couple stock pieces from his Reverb shop right now.
Beardly Customs (Reverb Page)
Beardly Customs (weblog)
He has a couple available he is clearing out a couple stock pieces from his Reverb shop right now.
Beardly Customs (Reverb Page)
I recommend Valenti basses if you’re after a boutique J-style instrument and Skjold basses if you want to go high end.
I’ve been playing both for as long as some members on this forum have been alive. Here’s a feature I recorded lately using both of my Skjold basses.
I’ve been playing both for as long as some members on this forum have been alive. Here’s a feature I recorded lately using both of my Skjold basses.
@Kristian Let’s start with a budget that you have in mind. What type of music do you play? What sort of sound are you looking for? How many strings?
