Best Luthier For a 7 string ER Bass Guitar?

[ebannist]

DM sent.

 

[NRguitaresearch]

Currently looking into an extended range 7 string fretless and wondering if anyone has any recommendations for a suitable luthier, I'm based in Europe, budget is less of an object over weight and tone, but I'm not looking to spend Fodera pricing unless that's really my only option for something that's going to be giggable for hours on end. I love my Warwick Thumb 6, but it's over 15lbs and wrecks my shoulder after a few hours, I know they can be lighter, mine is on the heavy end, but I can't imagine a 7 string from them being any better, so I've discounted them, otherwise they'd be my first choice. ACG's Über line look fantastic and the acrylic impregnated wood is a really interesting technology I've not seen before. I've also heard great things about some of Carl Thompson's successors such as Hilton guitars and Kelvin Daly. A friend also recommended Stambaugh but I believe he's had issues as of late with delivery, not a entirely sure if he's even taking new orders as of now.

Maybe this one? Surely i can build you 7/8 extended range

 

[NRguitaresearch]

Maybe this one? Surely i can build you 7/8 extended range

Oh yeah that is ebonol fingerboard

 

[spade2you]

Cliff Bordwell has built some 7 strings. I had a nice 32" scale fretless 7 for a few years. Slightly big for my VERY small hands. Sounded and the weight was very reasonable. You can see it in the gallery page. Gallery of basses-1 - CB Basses

 

[Watchootognbout]

How on earth do you play that?? It's gorgeous, but good grief it looks like a wrist-breaking exercise to me.

Angle it up about 50 degrees and thrust your fretting arm out so that it is virtually straight.
And rest your thumb on the lower edge of the fretboard.

 

[edham]

Tom Clement.
I own two 7's that I ordered from him. Both killer.
I wanted a single cut but 34" scale bolt on so at its core its just a great J bass.
Both are.
Beautiful too.

 

[who]

Tom Clement.
I own two 7's that I ordered from him. Both killer.
I wanted a single cut but 34" scale bolt on so at its core its just a great J bass.
Both are.
Beautiful too.

Clement is unfortunately no longer building: https://www.talkbass.com/threads/cl...your-basses-here.982464/page-51#post-29273127

 

[crazycloud]

Have you check edout an Ibanez BTB7?
https://reverb.com/item/6157670-ibanez-btb7-limited-edition-7-string-bass-guitar

(The one in the ad is sold,but you can look at the "Check out similar gear"tab.

I'd love a BTB7, but they never show up anywhere near me, especially when I have any spare cash, and it would also be my recommendation. A BTB747 isn't a bad option either.

If the OP is in the EU, or I was, a BZ7000 would be my choice.

I still want a BZ6000, but have absolutely no need for it in the current stable.

 

[tjclem]

Tom Clement.
I own two 7's that I ordered from him. Both killer.
I wanted a single cut but 34" scale bolt on so at its core its just a great J bass.
Both are.
Beautiful too.

Thanks boss very glad to hear you are still enjoying them.

 

[WouldULikeSomeE]

Ended up getting in touch with Egilegor, will see what they respond to the quote form, I really like the Bidai body, so we'll see what happens, however ultimately none of these builders caught my eye quite like Warwick does, so I might just suck it up and pay the price for master reserve woods and request a lightweight cut, but with them charging basically the same as Fodera, I'm more than happy to keep exploring other options.

Thanks to everyone who replied, your responses were all very useful

 

[tjclem]

Clement is unfortunately no longer building: https://www.talkbass.com/threads/cl...your-basses-here.982464/page-51#post-29273127

I did take a break but am back in business now.

 

[Why Nautilus‽]

I did take a break but am back in business now.

That’s great to hear! Glad to know you’re back at work!

 

[tjclem]

That’s great to hear! Glad to know you’re back at work!

Thanks ...Tom