Since it sounds like you have access to quite a few different basses, what's your take in Elricks?
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Botique bass regret?
- Thread starter AndyW83
- Start date
Since it sounds like you have access to quite a few different basses, what's your take in Elricks?
Looking back at 1977 when I ordered my Doug Irwin I had no idea I would have possibly the last bass he would ever make.
I was 21 and $2500 was a lot of money at the time.
The only drawback was the wait time (2 years) as well as it needing a proper setup once I took possession of it. Doug could build an exceptional instrument but didn't set them up well.
Along side of my build, my brother also contracted Doug to build a guitar.
I would have never thought at the time that the value of our instruments could have reached six figure status, but that is what I have been told by a few collectors. It often makes me consider parting with it but I still have so much fun playing it.
There is no other bass with a solid ebony neck that I know of and it sounds deeper and sustains more that any other bass I have ever owned or played.
Still smiling after all these years....
No regrets
I was 21 and $2500 was a lot of money at the time.
The only drawback was the wait time (2 years) as well as it needing a proper setup once I took possession of it. Doug could build an exceptional instrument but didn't set them up well.
Along side of my build, my brother also contracted Doug to build a guitar.
I would have never thought at the time that the value of our instruments could have reached six figure status, but that is what I have been told by a few collectors. It often makes me consider parting with it but I still have so much fun playing it.
There is no other bass with a solid ebony neck that I know of and it sounds deeper and sustains more that any other bass I have ever owned or played.
Still smiling after all these years....
No regrets
Not hard to find pics in his profile.
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=397121&d=1393614280
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=397121&d=1393614280
- Dec 21, 2007
- 15,227
- 45,062
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- Lark in the Morning Instructional Videos; Audix Microphones
I've bought two boutique basses from builders - from Mike Tobias back in 1988 and from Joe Zon 2 years ago.
In both cases I had a really good idea of what I wanted, was familiar with their work, and was willing to listen to their input for my tonal goals.
Where I see people have problems is when they think they want X and actually don't. When you order a custom bass, what you get is (usually, hopefully) going to be what you order/spec, and if that doesn't really map to what you like/want (or what you like/want is changing) you may be disappointed.
In both cases I had a really good idea of what I wanted, was familiar with their work, and was willing to listen to their input for my tonal goals.
Where I see people have problems is when they think they want X and actually don't. When you order a custom bass, what you get is (usually, hopefully) going to be what you order/spec, and if that doesn't really map to what you like/want (or what you like/want is changing) you may be disappointed.
Just Thumpin'
Commercial User
- Mar 7, 2008
- 4,534
- 1,664
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- Manager and Partner, Fodera Guitars (10/14/09 - 12/16/19)
Please understand that we routinely build basses for people that want them to have a fair amount of mass. Last year we built several basses where the customers wanted finished weights of OVER 11 pounds. Yes, that was by request.
So, what happens if an instrument like that gets sold and someone who doesn't like heavy basses picks it up in a store? Naturally (and correctly) they will feel that it a boat anchor -- but this is only their personal opinion of it. Remember, London Bass Gallery is not a Fodera Dealer, so the bass that you played was not built for them originally...
I guess what I am trying to say is that it is vitally important when playing and/or contemplating the purchase of a second-hand custom instrument to try it before you buy it. Would any of us buy a custom tailored suit that was made for someone else without first trying it on?
I hope this makes sense.
Kindest regards,
Jason
So, what happens if an instrument like that gets sold and someone who doesn't like heavy basses picks it up in a store? Naturally (and correctly) they will feel that it a boat anchor -- but this is only their personal opinion of it. Remember, London Bass Gallery is not a Fodera Dealer, so the bass that you played was not built for them originally...
I guess what I am trying to say is that it is vitally important when playing and/or contemplating the purchase of a second-hand custom instrument to try it before you buy it. Would any of us buy a custom tailored suit that was made for someone else without first trying it on?
I hope this makes sense.
Kindest regards,
Jason
My only quasi-boutique bass purchase was a custom order Modulus Q5. Having played a few instruments in local stores, I fell in love with the neck, string spacing and focused low-end. Similarly spec'd Modulus basses do sound very similar, but there was something about the combination of a different bridge, pickups and body woods that made mine sound a little different from what I was *expecting*.
The "sound in my head" at the time was not going to be coaxed out of that particular bass using the exact same touch, plucking contact points and damping techniques that I used on my Ibanez SR800. I was going to have to spend some time with her to figure out how to make it work...I did, and it was worth it!!!
There are times when instruments possess such a strong voice, that they are not going to allow you to get close enough to your sound. That's when I would decide to move on.
The "sound in my head" at the time was not going to be coaxed out of that particular bass using the exact same touch, plucking contact points and damping techniques that I used on my Ibanez SR800. I was going to have to spend some time with her to figure out how to make it work...I did, and it was worth it!!!
There are times when instruments possess such a strong voice, that they are not going to allow you to get close enough to your sound. That's when I would decide to move on.
this is what people need to hear. if you buy a second hand custom, you are getting someones else's ideal bass. if someone orders their "ideal" bass with their own exact specs, and they don't like it, it's probably their own fault (assuming it is a good builder). I own one custom bass and another being delivered next week (custom, probably not boutique). The first is the best sounding bass I've ever played, primarily because I designed it exactly how I like. I don't expect every person to find their ideal tone in my customs instrument. But I do, and since I'm keeping it, that is all that matters.
Apolicious and Mt Jam... Here you go..
And like Just Thumpin replied, my bass was specifically built for the way I play and the string spacing is set up primarily for pic use. I can easily play it with fingers but it is not ideal for slappers.
So not too many bass players would like my bass though many have commented on the rich tone and uniqueness of a one-of-a-kind bass that will never be duplicated again.
It has served me very well and has been played for thousands of hours. It has been refretted once and is on it's second preamp.
I can't tell you how fortunate I feel to have been in the right place in the right time to acquire such a beautiful instrument.
Attachments
My 5 string was 11 lbs…if it was lighter I might have held onto it …. but after a few shows standing with that bass digging into my shoulder - I decided to sell it.
Again... Fodera was very clear about this and they did an amazing job on this bass and with their communication..Jason called me a few times to discuss the weight...
It looks pretty, but it also looks like it would have ridiculous neck dive! How does it balance on a strap?
I met with Jason last week to spec out a bass. I really wanted a walnut body (non chambered) and I really wanted it to be about 9lbs. Immediately I was told that my bass with a walnut body will be in the 10lb range for sure and I should look at another body wood if I wanted light. 10lbs is ok for me, but 11lbs+ is much harder on my back on a gig. I went walnut and I know it will be on the heavy side (asked for the lightest walnut possible.
) but it won't be crazy or unexpectedly heavy.I really can't see Fodera or other top builders selling an 11-12lb bass when the customer expectation is 8-9.
It is quite neck heavy but I have endured many three hour/2 set gigs with it as the primary rig (90%). The longest single set I ever did with it was a little over 2 hours and even with a cushioned 3-1/2" strap, I sure felt it.
I have a feeling if I knew then what I know now about weight distribution, I would have moved the bridge to the end of the body and designed a different body shape. If I could get a solid 4' chunk of ebony like that, I wouldn't hesitate to have another built.
Time will tell...
I don't use my boutiques much anymore but I was happy with both for a while. Wouldn't buy them now but I don't regret getting them.
Sure thing,Jason. It wasnt my intention to say that Fodera makes bad instruments, that would be silly statement. Only that particular bass would be out of MY considerations.
- Mar 8, 2011
- 12,232
- 51,187
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- Authorized greenboy designs builder/Owner of BNA Audio
Not super expensive boutique, but I recently had a bass made by Andrew Drake and I couldn't be happier for my rock gigs
We collaborated on the design, woods and pickups (TV Jones Thunderblades).
Not long after, I got a Dingwall Super J/P for my country gigs. Best J bass I've ever played. Sounds and plays like a dream. So far, no regrets
We collaborated on the design, woods and pickups (TV Jones Thunderblades).
Not long after, I got a Dingwall Super J/P for my country gigs. Best J bass I've ever played. Sounds and plays like a dream. So far, no regrets
Just Thumpin'
Commercial User
- Mar 7, 2008
- 4,534
- 1,664
- Disclosures
- Manager and Partner, Fodera Guitars (10/14/09 - 12/16/19)
If we did (build a bass that was far heavier than promised), and it was a problem with the customer, we'd take it back and either recarve it or rebuild it to ensure that the customer got what we promised. Of course it's a different story if we say it is going to be heavy and the customer says "okay" and then later regrets that decision. It's just important that both the player and builder are communicating well and setting reasonable expectations for what can and cannot be done.
The other thing that I cannot emphasize enough is to communicate honestly and directly with your builder. If we build something and someone doesn't dig it and decides to suffer silently we cannot possibly make things right for them. At least at Fodera we are hear to make YOU think your instrument is great, not ourselves and if we ever blow it, we want you to tell us.
Cheers,
J
The other thing that I cannot emphasize enough is to communicate honestly and directly with your builder. If we build something and someone doesn't dig it and decides to suffer silently we cannot possibly make things right for them. At least at Fodera we are hear to make YOU think your instrument is great, not ourselves and if we ever blow it, we want you to tell us.
Cheers,
J
I met with Jason last week to spec out a bass. I really wanted a walnut body (non chambered) and I really wanted it to be about 9lbs. Immediately I was told that my bass with a walnut body will be in the 10lb range for sure and I should look at another body wood if I wanted light. 10lbs is ok for me, but 11lbs+ is much harder on my back on a gig. I went walnut and I know it will be on the heavy side (asked for the lightest walnut possible.
I really can't see Fodera or other top builders selling an 11-12lb bass when the customer expectation is 8-9.
