Building a Warmoth bass...good idea?

[LotusCarsLtd52]

I've been saving for a new bass and wanted to do an Atkinson-style P bass (burst finish, no tone control, no pickguard). Problem is that the only solution would be to buy a custom Warmoth body made to these specs.

The only issues for me aside from cost would be the actual assembly itself. While I think I could easily attach the hardware, wiring, etc. I'd have issues with drilling for the strap buttons and pickup mounts. I could certainly pay someone to take care of that for me but who knows what that'll cost. As for the neck I was considering buying a used MIA neck.

So that's what I'm thinking. I'm hoping someone can provide advice on this (or that Mr. Atkinson can help *wink wink*). I know it can be tough but I can't think of another solution for something unique like this. Any advice is appreciated!

 

[TC2112]

Why not just have Dan build you one? - He's a great dude to work with and his finishes are excellent.

 

[LotusCarsLtd52]

Why not just have Dan build you one? - He's a great dude to work with and his finishes are excellent.

I would love to but I thought I read that he's not doing the custom Fender basses anymore.

 

[Unrepresented]

~$200 or less seems a fairly common quote for Warmoth assembly in my research, assuming you provide parts and paint.

 

[SlingBass4]

Warmoth will handle pup routing and bridge drilling. Mounting them, and drilling for your strap buttons shouldn't prove too difficult. I learned very early on how to disassemble and reassemble Fender style basses, with consideration to their nuances. Part of the fun (and frustration) is learning to perform any work yourself. There's amazing support and threads to assist you on the Warmoth site. Warmoth bass necks pop up on this site, Warmoth's site, and eBay fairly frequently, as well

 

[kful]

Assembling a parts instrument is very easy, in my experience.

Drilling's not difficult at all. Make sure you drill a small pilot hole first, so you don't split the wood. I've had good luck using a Dremel Tool for this.

The Warmoth forums have lots of good info on assembling instruments.

The most critical thing is a good set-up. Get The Guitar Player Repair Guide by Dan Erlewine. This should tell you everything you need to know. Of course it's got all kinds of other good info for a bass or guitar build.

http://www.amazon.com/Guitar-Player...9210/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1295715700&sr=8-1